Maya McKibbin Unveils the Process Behind 'Makade Asin / Black Stone'

Maya McKibbin, known for her captivating illustrations, recently discussed her experience working on Makade Asin / Black Stone, written by Darcy Whitecrow and Cail Judy, with translation by Pamela Johnson. The book, which delves into themes of overcoming fears and self-discovery, undertakes a journey that intertwines rich Anishinaabe culture with visual artistry.

About the Story

Following the awakening from a troubling dream, a boy seeks solace from his grandfather, who advises him to find a mystical black stone to confront his fears. This prompts the boy to embark on a vision quest through various landscapes, where he faces dangers and discovers guidance from creatures that once instilled fear. The narrative touches on profound emotions that resonate with readers of all ages, making it a poignant tale of courage and personal growth.

Maya's Journey to Illustrate 'Black Stone'

McKibbin's path to illustrating Makade Asin / Black Stone began when she was introduced to Cail Judy at the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCaf). He subsequently recommended her for the project to Groundwood Books. She shared her initial reaction to the manuscript: "Woah this is really different; it's relying so much on visuals." This unique approach required her to adapt her style, working closely with the text's strong visual directives.

Maya's excitement grew as she realized the vast and fantastical world depicted in the story. The integration of Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language) further fueled her passion, allowing her to contribute as both an artist and a learner.

McKibbin's Creative Process

When embarking on a new project, McKibbin begins by immersing herself in the manuscript. She reads it multiple times, taking notes and sketching ideas that come to mind to visualize the story. "I keep posting notes on my desk, I’ll do little doodles," she explains, referring to her practice of collecting inspiration from various artistic sources, including paintings and photography.

Her sketches evolve into page layouts, which she digitalizes for approval. "I usually make lots of little sketches of each page layout; if I like how they feel, I’ll mock them up bigger digitally," she adds, showcasing her structured yet imaginative approach to illustration.

Challenges and Rewards in the Artistic Journey

Creating a visual narrative for Makade Asin introduced its own set of challenges. McKibbin found it rewarding to develop a visual thread throughout the book by personifying the boy’s anxieties. "I used the child's shadow self as a guide," she notes. This element allowed her to weave together moments of reflection and calm in the story, hoping to connect with readers of all ages.

McKibbin primarily works in digital art, a choice she made due to its accessibility and flexibility. She explained that working digitally allows her to manipulate colors and textures efficiently. "For Makade Asin, I knew I would be on the road a lot while working on it," she recounts, mentioning that she started using Procreate. With new tools gifted from her last employer, she has been experimenting and adapting her techniques.

Looking Ahead: Current Projects

McKibbin is currently diving into her own graphic novel aimed at young adults, set to be published by Alison O'Toole's Balustrade Press. She describes the narrative as chaotic, engaging, and fun, centering on three queer thirty-somethings battling against an artificial intelligence in a surveillance-driven future. "It's my excuse to draw cool trans people turning into cool monsters," she declares enthusiastically.

In addition to her graphic novel, she is involved in various smaller projects, including animation for a friend's film and illustrations for local businesses. Also, she hopes to secure a story of her own with a publisher later this year.

The Inspiration Behind Future Works

When asked about a potential picture book autobiography, McKibbin expressed a deep desire to illustrate the story of her great-great-grandmother, Susan Olivia Poole, the inventor of the Jolly Jumper. She highlights that this story would honor her legacy and the importance of her work within indigenous culture and history. "Working together with family to honor someone's memory feels like a rewarding and illuminating experience," she shares.

Maya McKibbin's artistic journey showcases the importance of storytelling through visuals. As she continues to explore her craft, there is no doubt that her work in Makade Asin / Black Stone will resonate, bringing a blend of imagination and cultural heritage to readers everywhere. This book, published by Groundwood Books this summer, not only reflects her creative energy but also serves as a foundation for her expanding portfolio.

Special thanks to Maya and Groundwood for the images and insights shared in this interview, providing a glimpse into the enriching process that goes behind creating stories that matter.