Jo Rioux

I'm Jo Rioux— I'm an author, an illustrator, and a lifelong space cadet who flies by the seat of her rocket pants. I've illustrated picture books and novels, but my favorite medium remains comics.

Have you always been creative and artistic?

I think so! I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil. If I have a pencil and paper in front of me, I will start drawing— I can't help myself!

How would you describe the style of your work?

Sketchy and intuitive. I'm never quite sure what a drawing will look like once I start. I like to let the lines guide me.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

Hmm (empties pencil case) Let's see, there's pencils, pens, Easter stickers from four years ago and copic markers I never end up using but keep meaning to. My favorite tools are my colerase pencils in Terra Cotta and black, and prismacolor premier pens size 005.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Since I grew up reading mostly French comics, I never really got into superhero comics. I'm gonna have to go with Stupendous Man from Calvin and Hobbes.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

The power to reveal the deep unknowable truths of the Universe. Like where that spelling assignment I lost in fifth grade ended up.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I've got a good collection of art that I like and I go through it often. Some is online on Pinterest and Instagram and the rest is on my book shelves. It runs the gamut from the old masters to the latest graphic novel.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

Isabella Mazzanti and Matt Rockefeller are two of my favorite illustrators and huge inspirations. Posy Simmonds, Rumiko Takahashi and Los Bros Hernandez are some of my favorite comic creators. Check them all out!