Jillian Tamaki

Jillian Tamaki (born April 17, 1980) is a Canadian American illustrator and cartoonist whose work bridges the worlds of editorial art and graphic novels. She is best known for her contributions to *The New York Times* and *The New Yorker*, as well as her acclaimed graphic novels. Tamaki’s path into comics began with illustration, but she quickly made her mark in the medium through collaborations with her cousin, writer Mariko Tamaki. Together, they co-created the celebrated young adult graphic novels *Skim* and *This One Summer*, the latter of which earned a Caldecott Honor and became a landmark in the genre. Tamaki also wrote and drew the graphic novel *Boundless* and the webcomic-turned-book *SuperMutant Magic Academy*, showcasing her sharp, observational humor and fluid, expressive linework. Her style is defined by a clean, emotive draftsmanship and a keen sense of atmosphere, often exploring themes of adolescence, identity, and the uncanny. Over a career spanning from 2005 to 2023, she has been credited as artist, colorist, inker, letterer, and writer on over twenty issues. Tamaki’s later work continues to push the boundaries of the medium, and she remains a vital voice in contemporary comics, with her books widely taught and studied for their nuanced storytelling and visual sophistication.