Jamie Ann is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, but has been managing to stay (mostly) hydrated in Arizona for over 15 years.

They expect to graduate from the Academy of Art University with a BFA in Illustration in Spring of 2026. In 2022, they were the recipient of the “Emerging Artist” Scholarship and while attending AAU, Jamie had their work featured in the 2024 and 2025 Annual Spring Show, receiving the 2024 Illustration Department’s “Director’s Choice” award for their piece “Anne with an “E”.

Jamie’s years of wrangling children as an elementary school art and theater teacher inspires their work as a children’s book illustrator and author. Listening and working with kids has given Jamie a unique insight into the types of stories and illustrations that draw kids in and keep them engaged (even in the a room of 25 first graders right after recess).

As an avid reader since childhood, Jamie believes that the book cover acts as the window into the world of the story, creating a first impression that can draw readers in before reading a single line.

Their love of fantasy worlds inspires Jamie’s environment designs, focusing on lighting, movement, and color to create distinct moods and atmospheres to each piece.

When they aren’t teaching, writing or working on projects, Jamie enjoys spending time with their partner and three cats, knitting, and grumbling about the good ol’ days like a wizened old crone.