Jane Porter
As a child
I was born in London and have lived here ever since.
As an adult
I started off studying geography, and was even geography editor of the Geographical Magazine for a while … and I still like drawing maps. Later I went to study for an MA in illustration and animation at Kingston University, and started illustrating and writing after that – though I did spend a lot of my teenage years making comic books.
As an illustrator
I work in a small room at the top of my house, with a big planchest for my desk so I can draw standing up, which I find easier. It’s crammed with all sorts of art materials, including some ink I made myself out of oak galls. I like experimenting!
Ten things we didn’t know about Jane Porter
- I have built my own coracle (and Iron Age boat made of hazel and cow hide) and occasionally take it out on the Thames.
- I have made a silver spoon.
- I have touched a rhinoceros on the nose (surprisingly soft!).
- I love swimming in rivers.
- I have a husband, two grown-up children and a cat.
- I keep a diary where I make a one-page comic about things that happen to me nearly every day.
- I am learning to play folk music on my great grandfather’s violin.
- My favourite animals are frogs and giant anteaters.
- I wish I could do some magic tricks.
- I hate motor boats and fast cars.