Jane Mount

Jane Mount is an acclaimed illustrator, author, and designer celebrated for her vibrant depictions of books and the joy of reading. She is best known as the creator of Ideal Bookshelf, an art series in which she paints collections of people’s favorite books, turning personal reading histories into beautiful, meaningful portraits. Her distinctive style—bright colors, clean lines, and an unmistakable warmth—has captured the hearts of book lovers around the world.

Mount’s passion for literature and design led her to collaborate with Chronicle Books, where she created several beloved titles including Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, Bibliophile Reader’s Journal, Bibliophile Banned Books Puzzle, and Books Make Good Friends. Each work celebrates the written word and the culture of reading through artful illustrations, clever details, and literary whimsy. Her pieces often include cozy reading spaces, classic novels, and curated bookshelves that evoke both nostalgia and inspiration for readers of all kinds.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Jane Mount studied anthropology at Davidson College before pursuing design and illustration. She later founded Ideal Bookshelf, which grew from a small Etsy shop into an internationally recognized brand featured in major publications such as The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Oprah Daily. Through her work, Mount encourages people to reflect on the stories that shape their lives and to celebrate the power of books as companions and cultural touchstones.

Today, Jane Mount continues to live and work in Maui, Hawaii, where she draws, paints, and writes surrounded by her own extensive library. Her art is more than visual—it’s an ode to curiosity, imagination, and the magic of storytelling. Whether in a gallery, on a bookshelf, or as part of a beloved puzzle, her creations remind us that books make the world more beautiful.