Jen gubicza is an author/
illustrator. she uses her
skills in design, toy making,
drawing and writing to tell
stories, create charming
characters & build ridiculous
worlds for them to play in.
Jen graduated with a BFA in graphic design from MICA in 2001. From 1997-2008, she worked as a Graphic Designer & then Creative Director at the design studio Big Blue Dot (clients there included Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, NFPA, National Geographic, VIZ media, and MoMA).
In 2004, Jen started making handmade toys as a hobby. With the evolution of online selling tools like Etsy & the growth of the Maker movement, Jen made the decision to go full time with her handmade toy & decor business Zooguu in 2008. Together with her husband Brian, who is also an illustrator, Jen sells her work at fine art + craft shows, conventions, online, and in small shops throughout the United States. The Zooguu Studio is a 1200 sq. ft. space located on the island of Nahant, MA. Zooguu was awarded the 2021 Artist in Residence position for Beverly, MA.
Jen has also designed and fabricated the Lockheed the dragon puppets for the X-Men New Mutants film, contributed soft sculpture to gallery shows, and created custom toys and soft sculptures for corporate clients (Etsy.com, Facebook, Hasbro and Burr! Productions).
Her design and work experience in the kid’s entertainment industry and running her own handmade toy business has led to her next adventure in the picture book industry. She has taken illustration courses with Lilla Rogers Studio and the Make Art That Sells team, writing courses at Storyteller Academy and The Writer’s Loft, and is a member of IlloGuild, an international children’s writing & illustrating critique group. She’s looking forward to collaborating with a fantastic editorial team on her debut book.