Sometimes it seems like the more you learn about how to make comics, the longer it takes. While working on Satin and Tat, I’ve changed my habits a bit, placing much more emphasis on preparation. Now, before I even put the final strokes to paper (or screen, since it’s mainly digital work), I’m working onContinue reading “Satin and Tat: study sketches”
Category Archives: pencil crayon
Feminist comics residence, part 2 (the text version)
What does a feminist comics residence involve, anyway? I’ve already covered much of what I found in Helsinki in the comic I shared recently: the unique surroundings; the friendly participants who all had so much in common; the food, for which we didn’t have to raise a finger or pay a cent; and theContinue reading “Feminist comics residence, part 2 (the text version)”
Planning a comic based on the 80s – character design
I wouldn’t have said I was a particular expert on anything, but when I started planning a new comic based on my teenage years, I realised that we’re all extremely knowledgeable about one thing: our own lives. And if you live long enough, that makes you something close to a historian. Yes, it has comeContinue reading “Planning a comic based on the 80s – character design”
2017 – a year in drawing
No matter how much time and energy I put in, I never feel like I’m doing quite enough drawing, so it’s always good to look back over the year and realise quite how much paper (and pixels) I’ve stacked up! Here’s a quick run-through of how 2017 looked. February On the 1st, I took theContinue reading “2017 – a year in drawing”
The Inking Woman
It’s quite an odd feeling to package a picture up and hope that it arrives at its destination safely, but I’m delighted to have been asked to loan a drawing to the forthcoming exhibition ‘The Inking Woman’, at the Cartoon Museum in London. Not least because of its excellent name: extra biscuits to whoever thoughtContinue reading “The Inking Woman”
Draw The Line is live: 120+ artists show positive political actions that anyone can take
As you may remember, back in October, I went for a run and came back with a glimmer of an idea. Remind me not to go running again: that little seed grew into a project that has taken up every spare moment since then. But today, most of the hard work is over. Today weContinue reading “Draw The Line is live: 120+ artists show positive political actions that anyone can take”
My #HourlyComicDay 2017 in full
I’ve been absolutely up to my neck in the Draw The Line project (comic artists drawing positive political actions that anyone can take), but when Hourly Comic Day rolled around, I couldn’t bear the thought of not taking part. I’ve participated for the past three years, and the concept chimes very well with my tendencyContinue reading “My #HourlyComicDay 2017 in full”
Sketches from Kendal
Our trip to the Lakes Festival was so eventful that I plan to make a comic about it — that’s always supposing life quietens down enough to allow for a bit of drawing soon. Meanwhile, here are a few sketches I did from behind our table. Click any of them to see at a largerContinue reading “Sketches from Kendal”
See you at the Lakes – & I’ll have a new comic with me
It’s not long now until my compadre in comics, Zara Slattery, and I hop onto a train to make the long journey to the Lakes International Comics Art Festival. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll come and see us. Here’s a map of the Clocktower building (click to see bigger) — we’ll beContinue reading “See you at the Lakes – & I’ll have a new comic with me”
Scanning pencil crayon drawings
I know I’ve been quiet on here lately, but that’s not because I’m not drawing. In fact I’ve been drawing quite a bit, between a weekly life drawing class, comic stuff, and even a visit to the museum to sketch with my daughter. I just haven’t managed to blog about it. I’ve nearly finished myContinue reading “Scanning pencil crayon drawings”
Totnes and Lyme Regis holiday sketch diary, part 1: one man and his gluestick
So, here it is! Every time we go on holiday I swear I’m not going to bother with a sketch diary — and every time, I end up spending more time and attention on it. I suppose I have to admit that there’s no escape now. This is what I do. So here’s part 1Continue reading “Totnes and Lyme Regis holiday sketch diary, part 1: one man and his gluestick”
Meeting Gudrun and the women who wear her clothes
Yesterday, I had the very singular experience of sitting in the London Gudrun Sjödén shop, sketching away while customers came to greet Gudrun herself, who was in town for a flying visit. As I listened to the women who queued up to speak to Gudrun, and as I chatted to her in between times, itContinue reading “Meeting Gudrun and the women who wear her clothes”