Author-Illustrator Spotlight: J.C. McKee

Sept. 24, 2021

We are pleased to feature illustrator J.C. McKee and his recent picture book, OH LOOK, A CAKE (Clarion Books 2021). Enter to win a copy!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to write and illustrate for children.

I’m Northern Irish (and more recently, an honorary Londoner). Professionally speaking, I’m from a graphic design and animation background. That covered many skillsets – from typography to character design to storyboarding. I also briefly studied advertising and loved the copywriting and clever wordplay involved.

For a while, I was involved in projects that covered one or two of those areas, but it wasn’t until I experimented in picture books that I realized I could combine them all. Making books was just such a natural fit for me.

Congrats on your recent picture book Oh Look a Cake! Tell us about it and what inspired you.

Thanks! This is a book about two friends who find a delicious looking cake. However, there’s one critical question – should they share it with their friends or keep it for themselves?

I think the core inspiration for this book was simply human nature. I liked the dilemma of two people being tempted by greed but not wanting to look too mean. So they make up lots of weak (but clever) arguments to rationalize their actions. That situation had the right mix of absurdity and humour to capture my imagination and turn it into a story.

Was your initial road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

Something in between. I sent my first manuscript off in 2012 but then moved to London and got distracted by life. I sent another script off in 2015 but got distracted by travelling. Then in 2018 I made a dummy of Oh Look, A Cake! and it was third time lucky! Given that I only pitched two books before success, I would consider the publication road relatively short and sweet – just with lots of detours on the journey.

What projects are you working on now?

I’m working on my second book right now! It wasn’t exactly easy to develop a kids book in the depths of a five-month winter lockdown here in the UK but it’s starting to come together now. I’m afraid the only nuggets I can share with you are that 1) it involves food and 2) it will be funny (in my humble opinion). Anyone who liked Cake should be happy with what’s coming next!

What is your favorite illustration medium/process?

My answer would probably be: ‘the next one that comes along’. I try to not get too comfortable with one particular medium or process and I’m always looking at new methods to use in future projects.

However, my favorite mediums from the past would have to include oil pastels and inks. They create a spontaneity and energy in your work that’s hard to beat. Cake itself was made digitally because I wanted a very clean look and I like the flexibility that digital brings.

What advice would you give to other aspiring author-illustrators

Firstly, publishing is a very subjective world. One agent or publisher may love a story, while another might pass on it. So you’re never going to please everyone and you shouldn’t try because it will lead to a bland outcome. Lean into what makes you unique because that will help you stand out.

Secondly, remember publishing is a business. Your book is a product and you’re asking people to invest their time and money into it. Your agents and publishers will effectively be your business partners, so it’s important to find people who genuinely love your work and want to see you succeed. But selling yourself to those people requires a healthy balance of determination and realism. Be proud of your work but also don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself and ask if something is really working. Seek feedback, learn and iterate! That way lies success.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I’m really good at making cakes. So it’s no surprise my first book was about them.

Where can people find you online?

Twitter - twitter.com/_jcmckee

Instagram - instagram.com/_jcmckee

Website - jcmckee.com/

J.C. McKee is an author and award-winning graphic artist. During his career, Jonathan has worked on a range of projects for the likes of Disney, Microsoft and the BBC. His distinctive work has also been exhibited at venues like the Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Advertising Museum and on London Underground. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Jonathan now works in London.

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