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!
What a bizarre situation for little Hallie (Why would she send you to the principal’s office? And did he just have that certificate with your name on it ready to go??) but a miraculous “call to adventure” as Andy J Pizza would say!
Something similar happened to me: This guy Alan in middle school would spend every free minute drawing battleships.
Realistic battleships on the back of quizzes, when our teacher stepped out, when we should have been getting a head start on homework.
Everyone knew he drew them and I honestly expected him to grow up and become an architect or something.
Years later, we friended each other on Facebook and I asked Alan if he still drew them. That man said HE NEVER DREW SHIPS AT ALL. EVER.
I’ve never been so confused and I still think about it! How can someone draw something so specific every day and then forget? It’s another middle school mystery for the books!
This made me tear up too 🥹 Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your stories and your art. I recently became a paid subscriber because I’m so grateful for people like you Hallie. I feel encouraged and inspired to make art because of your willingness to be vulnerable and share your stories. 💕
Indeed, a miracle that set forth your future. I love the whimsical and playful nature of drawing on a yellow legal pad. My favorite page is the one with Mrs. Gjerde's astonished face!
I was so moved by this story and comic and the arc you created. Especially the panel at the end where you speak directly to your younger self. Gah, so powerful! Thank you for continuing to put your work into the world. You are making a difference!
So sweet, thank you so much for your art & your story & for being so vulnerable with all of us ❤️ I hope you have a blessed birthday 🌸 There’s ones that become personal milestones for whatever reasons…it’s a good place to stop & listen 🥰 Also hope you can remain in peace while your husband moves on to his next place & you can finish your book: You can do it !! 👍🏼
Hi, I love your comics and your newsletter. I had the same experience as a fourth grader- being pulled into a new school (during parent divorce) and being an outcast with specific “rat nest” hair. Those years were also the worst of my life.
Artist and writer here as well, this one had me weepy. May your family make it through this rough sea, I also struggle with work and time to do my art/calling but somehow I keep doing it.
Happy Birthday Hallie! I am a longtime follower, first time commenter. ☺️ Your art and stories have touched me and so many others. I recently purchased one of your prints (100% dreams) and appreciate your generosity in sharing your art with us. Your husband’s layoff sounds very stressful. I truly believe something good is around the corner for him and your family. Wishing you happy days ahead.
This is amazing, Hallie. Especially the reaching back to your young self (and her reaching forward). I'm almost 65 and this has been a theme for me for a few years. I think that love for who we were helps heal us. Wishing you all the good things.
My childhood was very much like that bullying and all. My 5th grade teacher was the one who showed me kindness. One day, out of the blue, I decided who I wanted to be. I switched schools and started to reinvent myself. I was successful, but still went through hard times, but I cling to who I truly am and I am magnificent!
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.
Hahahaha Kate this is the best comment. The insecurity deliveries just keeep coming, I love seeing it as a blessing ❤️❤️
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!
Thank you Emily ❤️❤️❤️
What a bizarre situation for little Hallie (Why would she send you to the principal’s office? And did he just have that certificate with your name on it ready to go??) but a miraculous “call to adventure” as Andy J Pizza would say!
Something similar happened to me: This guy Alan in middle school would spend every free minute drawing battleships.
Realistic battleships on the back of quizzes, when our teacher stepped out, when we should have been getting a head start on homework.
Everyone knew he drew them and I honestly expected him to grow up and become an architect or something.
Years later, we friended each other on Facebook and I asked Alan if he still drew them. That man said HE NEVER DREW SHIPS AT ALL. EVER.
I’ve never been so confused and I still think about it! How can someone draw something so specific every day and then forget? It’s another middle school mystery for the books!
WHAT!!!! That is so wild!!!!! Omg what is happening in middle school classrooms 🌀🌀🌀
Hallie, your post has me tearing up! 🥹 Happy birthday!!! Thank you for sharing your stories and your tremendously bright light with all of us. 🌈⭐️
This made me tear up too 🥹 Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your stories and your art. I recently became a paid subscriber because I’m so grateful for people like you Hallie. I feel encouraged and inspired to make art because of your willingness to be vulnerable and share your stories. 💕
Gudrun, that is precisely my wish, to inspire your art. Thank you so much for your support ❤️
the weird kid in middle school to artist pipeline is real! this was such a sweet read
Happy Birthday, what a wonderful mom you became to your inner child <3
Indeed, a miracle that set forth your future. I love the whimsical and playful nature of drawing on a yellow legal pad. My favorite page is the one with Mrs. Gjerde's astonished face!
I was so moved by this story and comic and the arc you created. Especially the panel at the end where you speak directly to your younger self. Gah, so powerful! Thank you for continuing to put your work into the world. You are making a difference!
So sweet, thank you so much for your art & your story & for being so vulnerable with all of us ❤️ I hope you have a blessed birthday 🌸 There’s ones that become personal milestones for whatever reasons…it’s a good place to stop & listen 🥰 Also hope you can remain in peace while your husband moves on to his next place & you can finish your book: You can do it !! 👍🏼
Hi, I love your comics and your newsletter. I had the same experience as a fourth grader- being pulled into a new school (during parent divorce) and being an outcast with specific “rat nest” hair. Those years were also the worst of my life.
Artist and writer here as well, this one had me weepy. May your family make it through this rough sea, I also struggle with work and time to do my art/calling but somehow I keep doing it.
Rat nest hair girl solidarity!!!! Thank you Mary 💛
Happy Birthday Hallie! I am a longtime follower, first time commenter. ☺️ Your art and stories have touched me and so many others. I recently purchased one of your prints (100% dreams) and appreciate your generosity in sharing your art with us. Your husband’s layoff sounds very stressful. I truly believe something good is around the corner for him and your family. Wishing you happy days ahead.
Thank you so much Amrita ❤️❤️❤️
This is amazing, Hallie. Especially the reaching back to your young self (and her reaching forward). I'm almost 65 and this has been a theme for me for a few years. I think that love for who we were helps heal us. Wishing you all the good things.
Happy birthday!! I love everything about this comic - and since I’m turning big 4-0 this year 😬 I may try to write one for myself!
My childhood was very much like that bullying and all. My 5th grade teacher was the one who showed me kindness. One day, out of the blue, I decided who I wanted to be. I switched schools and started to reinvent myself. I was successful, but still went through hard times, but I cling to who I truly am and I am magnificent!
You are so talented it’s unrealllll 💗