Tune Out All But the Essential

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!

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

All Of This Is Okay

I've had an eventful few weeks and am having to pause and regroup. It's a season of change and I'm along for the ride, hopeful that it will take me where I need to grow. Thanks for your patience and stay tuned <3

Connie on Ko-fi

[5-panel full-color comic page with a motivational message titled, "All of this is okay." Panel 1 shows a cartoon girl with a bun wearing a backpack, running frantically to get somewhere; text reads, "It's okay to slow down." Panel 2: She pauses to look at her phone, a worried expression on her face; text reads, "It's okay to stop and just be lost." Panel 3: She reroutes directions on her phone. Panel 4: She turns her head purposefully in another direction, course-correcting. Text reads: "You can regroup and find your way...as many times as you need." Panel 5, borderless: She walks in the opposite direction she was running and guesses matter-of-factly, "I think it's that way," as the frame pans out to show her companion, an elephant, turning to follow. Original comic illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Lifelong Lessons in Love and Belonging

Still learning! Life's work.

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

Birdsong of Spring

I don't know what they're saying, but I imagine high drama :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[Single-panel comic illustration of a girl walking through Central Park, enjoying the melodic sounds of birds. There are musical notes in the background, along with colorful pink and white tree blossoms, yellow daffodils. She has a serene expression on her face, thinks to herself, "Ah...is there anything as relaxing as birdsong??" Meanwhile, there's bold text in yellow speech bubbles with translations of what the birds appear to be saying: "Get your feathers OFF my man, Susan! / Frank, you dirty, LYING CHEAT!! / Baby, just give me a chance - / Look, I can bench 3 bagels! / This next one goes out to all the lonely, broken-hearted birds out there..." Cartoon titled "Birdsong of Spring." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

More Okay

When I am okay versus when I am not okay. Thanks for sticking with me <3

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

Life Without Love

Without you, it would be pointless to go on <3

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

Just Enough Delusion

When the going gets tough, I need just enough self-delusion to keep going :')

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

Instant Hugs

I foolishly went without even regular pillows for 6 years -- what was I thinking? Pillows are an amazing invention.

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.] 

Is That Yoga?

It's my mantra these days :')

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.]

Drawing a Safe Place

Wishing you a safe place, too, whenever you need it.

Connie on Ko-fi

[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.] 

Art in Progress (Part 2)

The creative process is going "well."

Connie on Ko-fi

[2- panel comic illustration of a cartoon girl with a bun, throwing a bucket of colorful paint at an artist's easel. Titled "Art in Progress, Part 2." Panel 1: Bright globs of paint hit the canvas with a "SPLAT!!" Panel 2: Artist inspects her work, an incoherent messy of paint splattered everywhere. Elephant character observes the scene, asking "What is it about?" Girl responds, "It's too early to tell," as a plushy cartoon heart character squirms around happily in the paint on the floor. Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Art in Progress

*paint coming out of my ears lol* 

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic of a cartoon girl with a bun, pouring out the colorful contents of her head into a paint bucket, titled "Art in Progress." Black and white, except for the multicolor accent. Panel 1: Girl's head is tipped over a bucket, with color paint coming out of her ears. Caption with an arrow: "Artist mining the contents of her soul." Panel 2: Girl drags a sloshing bucket purposely toward an easel and empty canvas that is embossed with the instructions, "Place content here." Cartoon illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.] 

The Boss Of You

Part 10 of a series of plushy heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel borderless comic of a girl with a bun, holding a plushy cartoon in her arms, titled "The Boss Of You." Panel 1: Plushy heart looks up at girl and says cheerfully, "You're not the boss of me - I'm the boss of you." Girl looks quizzical: "Huh?" Panel 2: Girl holds the heart at arms length now and Heart goes on to say, "No matter how hard you try to stop me..." Panel 3: Heart continues, "-- I'm here to turn your life upside down." Girl drops the heart and recoils in apprehension: "What? No!" Part 10 of a series of plushy heart comics, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Trust Backfire

Part 9 of a series of plushy heart and elephant comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[Single-page comic drawing of a girl with a bun, holding on tightly to a plushy cartoon heart. Heading, in all caps: "Is it healthy to never trust anyone?" Panel 1, interior scene: Elephant says to the girl, "Careful, that might backfire..." Girl, cradling the heart protectively, asks, "What are you talking about?" Panel 2, close-up of the heart in the girl's arms: Heart, looking innocent, but thinks to itself, "Just waiting for my big moment [to wreak havoc]." Part 9 of a series of plushy heart and elephant comics, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Trust Exercise

Part 8 in a series of plushy heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic of a girl with a bun, holding a plushy cartoon heart in her arms, titled "Trust Exercise." Panel 1: Girl looks guarded, while the heart looks up at the girl with a soft, guileless expression, like a puppy. Text pointing to heart: "Trusts everyone." Text pointing to girl: "Trusts NO ONE." Panel 2: Girl scans environs with even greater suspicion, holds heart tighter, and says, "Don't worry - I will protect you." Part 8 in a series of plushy heart comics by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Memory Foam Pillows

I got new pillows and am breaking them in :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel autobio comic of a cartoon girl with a bun, sleeping on memory foam pillows. Panel 1: Overhead view of the girl, laying on her side, with her head on one pillow and hugging another pillow, like it's a teddy bear. Panel 2: Overhead view of the bed, with just the pillows, one with the indentation of her profile, the other misshapen from being squeezed. Cartoon illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Rest Before Worry

Naps can be good therapy :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel illustration of a napping elephant and a cartoon girl with a bun, leaning against it. In panel 1, the girl asks, "Do you think things will be okay?" The elephant responds, "Ask me after my nap." In panel 2, the girl and the elephant both close their eyes on a rug, while the caption reads, "REST BEFORE WORRY." Original comic illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Single-Identifying Brownies

Part 7 in a series of plushy heart and elephant comics, Valentine's edition :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic strip of a girl making brownies with an elephant and cartoon heart, titled " Single-Identifying Brownies." In panel 2, the girl is mixing batter in a bowl, as an elephant asks with interest, "ARE YOU MAKING BROWNIES??" The girl replies, "Yep!" and the heart says, "Ooh I wanna lick the bowl." In panel 2, the girl and heart are eating brownies contentedly on a couch, as an elephant trunk reaches for the platter of brownies from off-frame. Caption reads: "For my single-identifying friends." Cartoon by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, published Feb 14th, 2023.]

The Nature of Open Hearts

Part 6 in a series of plushy heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic strip about the nature of being open-hearted, part 6 in a series. In panel 1, an elephant greets a girl with a bun, saying "You're back," as she walks into the door of her apartment and takes off her shoes. A peppy red cartoon heart leaps in the door too and says, "We saw a puppy!" In panel 2, Elephant remarks that the heart is "Easily excitable." The girl hangs up her coat and says, "I'm being set up for heartache, aren't I?" Cartoon heading: "The Nature of Open Hearts." By Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Gross PDA

Part 5 of a series of plushy heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel comic strip of a girl negotiating PDA with a plushy red cartoon heart. Panel 1: Girl stands by a door with an open backpack at her feet, putting on a coat. Heart demands her to "HOLD ME." Not heeding the request, she says, "Don't be embarrassing. PDA is gross." Panel 2: Girl in an elevator with coat and backpack on; sees a small cute dog wagging its tail and says "Oh, hi!" The dog owner is partly in the frame and disengaged, while heart is in the backpack, looking out through the top. Panel 3: Small dog jumps up on the girl's leg, affectionately wagging its tail. The girl sniffs, smiles, and her face softens, as a thought bubble reads, "Aww...gross." The heart sticks it's head out of the backpack and says knowingly, "See? What did I tell you?" Comic titled "Gross PDA" by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Forgetful Heart

Part 4 of a series of plushy cartoon heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[5-panel comic strip of a girl with a bun talking to her plushy cartoon heart, titled "Forgetful Heart." In panel 1, hands on her hips, she says to the heart, "Don't you remember what happened last time??" In panel 2, with heightened emotion, she says in all caps, "You practically left us for dead!" Innocently, heart says, "Did I?" Panel 3 is a close-up of the heart suggesting, "Maybe you should thank me..." In panel 4, the girl exclaims in exasperation, "FOR WHAT?!" In panel 5, heart responds matter-of-factly, "For making you stronger." The girl walks off and mutters, "I hate you." Comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Accidentally Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve

Part 3 of a series of plushy heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel comic of a cartoon girl with a bun and a plushy red cartoon heart, tied to her arm by a string. Heading reads "Accidentally Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve." Panel 1 is a close-up of the girl, looking down at the string around her wrist. She says, "Oh no," with a concerned expression on her face. Panel 2 is a close-up of plushy heart, radiating unfettered joy. Panel 3 shows both in the same frame. The girl looks at the heart reproachfully and says, "Cut that out." Indifferently, the heart accuses her of being a "Killjoy." Original comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Year of the Rabbit 2023

For anyone who needs more calm and quiet this season, over excitement and ruckus. Lunar New Year well wishes.

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel illustration of a cartoon girl with bun, kneeling on the ground, looking at a floppy-eared rabbit. In panel 1, a string of fire crackers are going off: "Pop pop pow!" Text reads, "Year of the Rabbit!" in bold script. In panel 2, the girl sidles up next to the rabbit and covers its ears in the ruckus. Text reads, "Bring us peace and solace." Illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Trusting Your Heart

Part 2 of a short series of heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[4-panel borderless comic titled "Trusting Your Heart." In panel 1, a close-up of a plushy red heart with a tooth, saying "Just trust me." In panel 2, the heart is perched on a bathroom sink, addressing a cartoon girl with a bun in front of a mirror: "Trust yourself! Trust your feelings!" Panel 3 is another close-up of the heart, as it asks, "What could go wrong?" In panel 4, the heart looks up at the girl, while the girl looks at her reflection in the mirror.  The reflection in the mirror responds independently: "Literally - so many things." Comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Following Your Heart

First of a short series of heart comics :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic titled "Following Your Heart." In panel 1, a cartoon girl with a bun, chasing after a plushy red cartoon heart. She yells, "Wait! I wanna talk to you!" as the heart runs blithely away from her. In panel 2, she has tackled the heart to the ground and gives it a stern look. "Please don't do anything weird," she demands, holding the heart in her hands, as it sticks out its tongue and responds with a "nyeh" sound. Comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.] 

Makeup Monster

Some days, society is a sea monster ;)

Thanks for reading. Connie on Ko-fi

[2-panel comic strip of a cartoon girl in a bathrobe, reflecting on the cosmetics industry and her own self-worth. In panel 1, she's in a bathroom, head in a towel. Caption reads, "Me, hoping to meet someone who likes me without makeup..." In panel 2, a reptilian, mad-eyed, sea monster suddenly reaches out from inside the bathroom mirror and grasps at the girl with taloned claws and hisses, "DON'T TAKE AWAY MY...MAKEUP!!!" She screams in terror. Comic titled "Makeup Monster," by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]

Anything Is Possible (Creative Notes #34)

A comic from my old Tinyview series that is still relevant :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[6-panel comic about fresh starts. Panel 1: Cartoon girl with a bun running outdoors on a path shouts exuberantly, "New year! Fresh start!" Panel 2: She looks directly at the reader and says, "Anything is possible!" Panel 3: Running with more exertion, she goes on resolutely, "I'll get fit! I'll be more productive than ever!" Panel 4: She pauses for breath (huff huff pant), "But first --" Panel 5: "-- a nap." She's back indoors, laid out on a yoga mat. Panel 6: A beat before she sits up groggily and thinks, "Naps should count." Comic illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, from Creative Notes #34, 2022.]

Jar Of Stuff To Deal With Later

Happy new year! Definitely don't try any of this in real life :)

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel comic of a cartoon girl with an elephant at the start of a new year, standing at the edge of a cliff and holding a large jar of folded paper. Panel 1: Girl, hugging jar, says, "I think I actually need two therapists...to process everything that happened last year." Panel 2: Close-up of girl, cradling the jar, with a thought bubble: "Or..." Panel 3: Girl says, "Oopsie daisy" and tosses the jar over the edge of the cliff. Heading reads: "Jar of stuff to deal with later." Comic illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2023.]