Anna Vaughn Jones is a self-taught illustrator from Latvia, now based in the USA

Anna Vaughn Jones is a self-taught illustrator from Latvia, now based in the USA. She works digitally using Procreate, and her work is inspired by nature, fantasy, and people. She loves lush colours and rich textures. Her previous illustrations include Tabatha Hull's picture book, Mercy Gift: A Kingdom Tale of Redemption, and promotional illustrations for Sarah Hogle's book, Old Flames and New Fortunes.

Please stay tuned,  as there are some incredible insights below.  We’re very grateful that Anna is happy to share all of this,  along with her wanting to bring aspects of this into her work ….

What would you say is your best piece of work/collaboration to date, and why?

One of my favourite collaborations was with Trevell Puzzles, where I had the opportunity to create a 1,000-piece puzzle featuring a plant shop. I especially enjoyed adding small, intricate details for puzzlers to discover.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I find a lot of inspiration in nature, taking walks and snapping photos of whatever catches my eye. Sometimes I bring my sketchbook along and draw what I see on the spot. I also love drawing inspiration from other artists and my own life experiences.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so. 

As an adoptee, I think I would be a good advocate for adopted children.  Even though my adoption has been overall amazing, there were a lot of internal struggles that I had to overcome. Therapy and my family’s support helped me a lot. I still struggle from time to time, but I am able to better manage what I am feeling because of the help that I received. I would love to be able to share the emotional and practical realities of adoption and the importance of stable, loving families.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

I bring versatility and wholehearted dedication to every project I take on. Whether I’m illustrating a complex narrative or experimenting with a new medium, I fully immerse myself in the process. This commitment allows me to adapt my style to suit a wide range of stories and clients, while still delivering work that feels intentional, personal, and alive.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Clients often come to me for whimsical, cozy illustrations that feel warm and inviting. I’ve been told my work has a comforting quality, which seems to really resonate with people. I think that sense of warmth, combined with my storytelling style, is what keeps clients coming back.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as warm and nostalgic with some gentle whimsy.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you

I would love to work on a project that helps young readers navigate complex feelings like anxiety, sadness, or confusion in a gentle and approachable way. Through whimsical illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, I would love to be able to provide children with tools to understand and express their emotions, while also showing them they’re not alone in facing challenges. I hope to create a resource that both comforts and empowers kids, offering them a sense of resilience and self-worth.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Lately, I’ve been enjoying exploring creative outlets like ceramics and crochet in my free time. Each year, I set a goal to learn a new skill, and these have quickly become favourites. Engaging in these hobbies has really helped me manage burnout and stay balanced.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real-life person, who would that be?

I would love to illustrate a book inspired by my mom, who is one of my favourite people in the world. Her influence and warmth have had such a profound impact on me, and I would be thrilled to create something that reflects her spirit.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.