"Remember who you are today. Write it down for tomorrow. Draw yourself into existence daily."
These are creative mantras I build my art practice on. Sharing them here in case they are useful for you too. - Connie
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After some time offline, I've started sharing updates again, on my blog and Ko-fi page. I'll be back on Instagram selectively. You can also sign up to hear from me directly on my portfolio site.
This week's cartoon: I've done what I can do today and, tomorrow, I will also do what I can do.
Life seems to test our courage constantly, in big and small ways. It would be nice if it were easier, but maybe the practice makes us stronger in the long run.
I definitely struggled to come back to cartooning, but I'm glad I convinced myself to be braver than I felt in this instance. Often, all we can do is be a little bit brave, everyday.
Wishing you daily courage, wherever you need it most. - Connie
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(After some time offline, I've started sharing updates again, on my blog and Ko-fi page. I'll be back on Instagram selectively. You can also sign up to hear from me directly on my portfolio website. Thanks for reading!)
After over a year offline, I’m having to change my relationship to blogging and social media. Not easy to start up again, but I’m glad to reconnect with friends and readers.
Does art need an audience? I’m not sure yet. I’ve been filling private sketchbooks and journals, which has been great for developing ideas and techniques. But there is something about sharing work with you all that forces me to “translate” and clarify ideas a step further.
Thanks for reading and for your patience as I get my blog up and running again. Lots of new work to share in the coming weeks! - Connie
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(Starting this month, I'll resume sharing updates and artwork regularly, on my blog and Ko-fi page. I'll be back on Instagram selectively. You can also sign up to hear from me directly on my portfolio website.)
I've been navigating some life changes and feeling a bit overwhelmed, but am trying to tune out the noise and focus on what's most important. Thanks for reading. More artwork to come!
[2-panel comic illustration about focusing on what's important when feeling overwhelmed. Panel 1 shows a cartoon girl with a bun, covering her ears and surrounded by noisy, jagged, crackly lines. In panel 2, she focuses on the beating of her heart, which is shown thumping over her chest. The text caption reads, "When overwhelmed, tune out - all but the essential." The words "tune out" are drawn with emphasis in bubble letters. Original illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
Still learning! Life's work.
[Full-color comic page about learning lessons in love, belonging, and self-worth. The comic page is divided into 3 sections, like a visual poem. The first part is captioned, "Searching for love vs I AM LOVED." The second is captioned, "Belonging nowhere vs I AM HERE." The last reads, "Proving your worth vs I KNOW IT." After each caption, there are 2 side-by-side drawings of a girl with a bun. The drawings on the left are anxious, sad, tense, and grayed out, while the drawings on the right are in bright colors, showing the girl affirming her sense of worth with self-hugs. Original illustrated comics page titled "Lifelong Lessons," by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
When I am okay versus when I am not okay. Thanks for sticking with me <3
[2-panel comic illustration of a cartoon girl with a bun, drawn in bright solid colors. She is standing next to another version of herself, sitting hunched over a desk, looking sad, and rendered in duller, more scribbly color. In panel 1, the caption reads, "Me, when I am okay, to me, when I am not okay." In panel 2, the girl puts her hand on the seated girl's shoulder and says, "You and me - we're okay no matter what." Cartoon titled "More Okay." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
Without you, it would be pointless to go on <3
[2-panel comic of a cartoon girl with a bun talking to a plushy red cartoon heart. Panel 1: Girl says to heart, "I can't promise it'll all be okay..." Heart looks looks at her warily. Panel 2: midshot of girl hugging the heart with affection. Caption reads, "-- but it would be pointless to go on without you." Cartoon titled, "Life Without Love," by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
When the going gets tough, I need just enough self-delusion to keep going :')
[3-panel borderless comic about being your own toughest critic. Panel 1: Girl with a bun looks at her reflection in a bathroom mirror, discouraged, while her reflection gives the opposite of a pep talk - "You're not good enough and never will be...maybe you should just give up." Panel 2: Girl reacts defensively, pointing at the reflection with emphasis - "I'll have you know, it's going JUST FINE!" Panel 3: Girl walks off-frame with an indignant "Hmph." Heading in bold text: "When you are your own toughest critic, but self-delusion is still strong." By Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
I foolishly went without even regular pillows for 6 years -- what was I thinking? Pillows are an amazing invention.
[2-panel monochrome comic illustration of a girl with a bun, sitting at a cluttered desk, under clouds of worry. In panel 1, she looks burdened and heavy clouds loom over her head, enclosing the word "WORRIES" in bold handwritten text. Panel 2 shows her in a medium shot, hugging a large pillow for comfort. In a lighter bubble, the text reads, "Learning that body pillows are really a necessary part of life," as she gives the pillow a light "squeeze." Comic titled "Instant Hugs." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
It's my mantra these days :')
[3-panel comic illustration of a cartoon girl with a bun on a yoga mat. Text heading: "A New Practice." Panel 1: Girl stands and raises hands over her head, as she breathes in. Panel 2, side view: Girl bends over, touching the floor and breathing out. Panel 3: An elephant enters the frame, as the girl is splayed on her back in rest. Elephant: "Is that yoga?" Girl: "It's 'don't panic." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
Wishing you a safe place, too, whenever you need it.
[Single-panel cartoon illustration of a girl with a bun, drawing a circle around herself in the sand with a twig, under a full moon. Caption reads, "Just out here / drawing myself / a safe place / in the world / to make art." Original artwork titled "Drawing a Safe Place," by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]
