I don’t know if it’s because I go to VCU where the art scene is really big or if it’s because any insight I have into art is from Tumblr where everything beautiful (and scandalous) is posted, but I’ve started to really notice different types of creations. They could range from media designs, poetry, tattoos, song lyrics, post-modern architecture, or just funny, good-natured (or politically driven) cartoons. I am an avid user of the social media blogging website Tumblr, and on what they call one’s dashboard I would notice people reblogging comics with the same particular style that portrayed different animals that are really cute and sometimes hilariously sarcastic. The comics ocasionally have a mix of slight dark humor. The grown-up dinosaur playing with the kid dinosaur seems to be one of the more popular ones.
The brilliant artist who is behind these uplifiting comics is a woman by the name of Liz Climo, an animator for a little show called The Simpsons. She is currently represented by Kathleen Ortiz at New Leaf Literary. Her fame and success seems to know no bounds as she has made a book with a compliation of her comics! There are translated versions of the comics in French and Italian as well! I had the honor of being able to interview her via email. She was gracious enough to answer a few questions even though she is expecting a baby girl soon!
Have any of your projects kept you up at night? In the sense, that they drove you crazy because you didn’t know how to finish? If so, what was it and how did you overcome that particular obstacle?
This happened to me a lot when I started working on The Simpsons. I always felt behind and never really seemed to “leave” work, even once I’d left the studio. I was always concerned about how much I was getting done and the quality of the work I was doing. It was really stressful. But over time I sort of just got a handle on it, and learned the importance of downtime. I found that stepping away from work, especially when you’re stuck, is the only way to move forward sometimes.
What are some inspirations that help you create?
I am most inspired by mundane stuff that happens to me throughout the day that I find funny. It’s usually stuff I just see all around me and the way people respond to things. I almost always get my ideas for comics in social situations.
*Star Wars YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH (inner nerd is extremely pleased)
Have your fans ever helped you with your designs?
No, the designs all come from me- but my fans (emails from fans, etc) are the reason I keep working! They are so encouraging :)
What are some of your goals for the future?
I would love to just continue doing more of my own work and continue to grow as an artist. I hope to make stuff that I’m proud of!
Liz Climo is exceptionally popular on Tumblr, with her work gathering thousands upon thousands of likes and reblogs. I strongly suggest you check out more of her comics. They are bound to put a smile on your face! I know that’s what they do to me.
*All pictures are credited to Liz Climo