Accepting my assignment
uncovering a lost piece of my artistic origin story
HALMAIL is free to everyone! But you can go paid if you want to show support – it’ll go toward art supplies and childcare. You may also support my work by liking, reposting, forwarding this email to a friend, buying my books and prints, screaming my name on a street corner, saying ‘nice’ out loud to yourself, etc. Up to you!!!
Today is my birthday! 🎉
I drew this over the last few days with a Kuretake ZIG pen, gouache, colored pencils, and water soluble graphite on a yellow legal pad.
“Ole Hal” (the way I signed this newsletter) is a silly private nickname I have for myself that felt appropriate in the context. Do you have a nickname for yourself?
The wonderful Mrs. Gjerde passed away in 2021. She was always so kind to me and I am so thankful to have had her as my teacher.
Something big that informed this comic: my husband Jack was very suddenly laid off from his art directing job two weeks ago. His job paid our main bills and enabled me to work exclusively on books the last three years, during which time we also had twins. Jack is an amazing artist and partner, and I know we will figure this out, but I can’t help it – I feel incredibly shaken and scared on an animal, physical level. I’m struggling to sleep, to function, to feel okay. Making this comic felt cathartic and important, and I wept while drawing it. I have no idea what will happen next, but I am going to do everything I can to keep following my assignment. I want to keep making art here, for you, and keep making books with words and images. I wish I could say “send me your freelance work!” but I’m on a book deadline through September. If you want to go paid, or shop my prints, etc., it would mean a lot. But this newsletter will remain free as long as I have time to make it & I am so grateful to you – yes, you! – for reading ❤️
A comic I made about Trichotillomania back in 2021, when I had managed to go for years without pulling. I’d been pull-free for 6 years when postpartum hormonal changes caused a bunch of my hair to fall out, which triggered a relapse into pulling. It bums me out a lot and I’ve drawn a lot about it but haven’t felt ready to share any of that yet.
I see the Cosmic Art Director saw your potential as a Change Agent early, Ms. Bateman. They have such excellent taste). I also see that the Cosmic Art Director has you down for a regular delivery of insecurity. Ah, insecurity, the lifeskill that keeps us reaching. Consider it a blessing in disguise.
Side note for your partner. I, too am excited to see what happens next. I know (as an Art Director served many layoffs) that he’ll do just fine. Think of it not as a layoff, but as a reassignment to a new client.
This was a beautiful story, it reminded me of how important it is to accept the signs we receive & trust them. Off to buy a print - I wish the best of luck to your family & your husband's job search!