Jillian Tamaki

Jillian Tamaki (born 1980) is a Canadian cartoonist and illustrator whose work — both in collaboration with her cousin Mariko Tamaki and solo — has redefined what young adult graphic fiction can accomplish. Her drawing style is fluid, atmospheric, and emotionally precise, capable of conveying the interior experience of adolescence with rare subtlety.

Life and Career

Tamaki studied illustration at the Alberta College of Art and Design and has worked as a commercial illustrator, editorial illustrator, and comics artist. Her illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and numerous other publications.

Skim (2008, with Mariko Tamaki) was their first graphic novel — a story about a Japanese-Canadian teenager navigating goth identity, a crush on her English teacher, and a classmate’s suicide attempt, all set in a Catholic girls’ school. The book’s muted, ink-wash artwork created an atmosphere of melancholy and longing that was perfectly matched to its subject.

This One Summer (2014, with Mariko Tamaki) was their masterpiece — a coming-of-age story set over a single summer at a lakeside cottage, following two girls on the cusp of adolescence. The book won a Caldecott Honor and a Printz Honor (the only book to receive both simultaneously) and was a critical sensation for its handling of adult themes — unwanted pregnancy, family tension, sexual awakening — within a young adult framework. The watercolor-toned artwork was stunning.

SuperMutant Magic Academy (2015) was Tamaki’s solo graphic novel — a comedic series of strips set in a school for teen mutants and witches that used its fantasy premise to explore identity, friendship, and existential doubt. Roaming (2023, with Mariko Tamaki) followed three friends on a trip to New York.

Key Works

• Skim (2008)
• This One Summer (2014)
• SuperMutant Magic Academy (2015)
• Roaming (2023)

Collecting Tamaki

This One Summer first edition (First Second, 2014) is the most collected title, bringing $20–$40. Skim first edition (Groundwood, 2008) is also sought-after. Signed copies are available at comic conventions and book festivals. The Caldecott/Printz dual honor ensures lasting institutional interest.