My name is Janina and I’m an Aotearoa New Zealand Samoan comic artist and illustrator. I illustrate comics about life with Type 1 Diabetes. I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes for over 25 years.

I love creating and imagining things that come to life on paper and in the digital world. In my spare time, I love binge watching tv shows and exploring the wild West Auckland beaches, markets, and trying out new cafes and food hangouts.

My comics have been featured in Bernie Sanders political campaign, as well as Brut America, The Mighty and I have also been a part of BBC “The Conversation” to talk about my artwork and life with diabetes.

I do graphic design and illustration work for The World Health Organization, and have recently created illustrations and animations for their World Diabetes Day Campaign in 2022 and 2023. 

CURRENT PROJECTS

I’m currently working on a children’s book “It Belongs To The World”, about the co-discoverer of insulin, Frederick Banting, published by Harper Collins which will be out in Fall 2024!

I’m also creating a diabetes graphic novel on Patreon, called “Invisible Battles”.