A Conversation with Erin Nations

I had just finished watching Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, a series based on the best-selling dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, when I came across Erin Nations. Like most people who have either read the novels or seen the show, I quickly became obsessed! It’s a show that will literally suck you in. In the midst of my mild obsession, I saw this illustration on Instagram (seen below). It spoke to me because come on… that’s what we were all saying to ourselves while we anxiously saw every minute of the show — You’re a mother f*cking monster.

I followed Erin shortly after and the rest is history! This random Instagram post opened me up to Erin’s work– a collection of personal, relatable, beautifully drawn illustrations. Check Erin out on Instagram @ElNations.

Please introduce yourself. What do you do and where are you based out of?

I’m a cartoonist and illustrator based out of Portland, Oregon.

What initially peaked your interest in becoming an illustrator? Was it something you knew you wanted to do from a young age?

From a very early age, I was drawn to linework, especially in cartoons. I basically taught myself how to draw by drawing characters from The Simpsons. As a child, I wanted to be an animator. However, as I got older, I lost interest in animation. I became more interested in comics and illustration in published media.

On your website, it states that you graduated from Southern Oregon University. What was your major? Did you study illustration there?
I received a BA in Art. I wanted to study illustration. Instead, I settled on graphic design because there wasn’t a program for it. Looking back, I sometimes wish I would have transferred to a school that did offer an illustration program. However, during my senior year, I took a comic book class at SOU, which changed everything. That’s when I realized I wanted to make comics.

In your opinion, how much of illustration is based on natural talent vs learned?
I think it’s a little bit of both. I think everyone is capable of drawing. What’s considered good or bad is subjective. One can really hone a style with practice. It feels natural to me because I’ve been drawing since I was able to pick up a pencil. As I’ve evolved over the years, I’ve also learned new techniques, and I continue to be inspired by other illustrators and cartoonists.

The illustration that made me follow you a few months back was the one based on The Handmaid’s Tale. Now I’m sure that one was a one-off but in general, how would you describe your work?

When I drew that, I was binge-watching the show. It was just a quick doodle I shared on social media.

Visually, my style is candy-colored and a bit angular. This past year, I’ve shifted my style to incorporate more curves. I’ve also been playing around with watercolor. As far as content, my work mostly consists of autobiographical comics. I’m queer, trans, and have a lot of social anxiety, so my comics tend to deal with gender, sexuality, and mental health.

When you’re looking to start a new graphic novel, what is your usual procedure?
I have a history of creating short comics and vignettes, which is what my book Gumballs consist of. Short stories come more naturally to me. Currently, I’m working on a longer formatted book. The process is a bit daunting. Anytime I create a comic, I start off by writing a script. After the story has been written, I draw thumbnails. Then I pencil the comics, ink them, and edit them in photoshop.

Which Gumballs novel out of the series would you say is your favorite? How did this concept come about? (When will Gumballs #1 come back in stock in top shelf?)
I like issue 3 the best. Some of my favorite comics from the series are within that issue.

Brett Warnock, the co-founder (and former publisher) at Top Shelf, was a big help in the creation of Gumballs. One day he was looking through all the zines I had made, and he suggested I create a comic book series based on them. At the time, I was also sharing comics on social media about my experience as a trans person. I included those comics as well. Essentially, Gumballs is a collection of various comics and illustrations.

I’m not sure if Gumballs #1 will be reprinted again. Maybe if there was high demand. However, there is a trade paperback of Gumballs, which includes all 4 issues and an additional 32 pages of new content.

What does your gear consist of?
I feel like my gear is archaic because so many folks use tablets nowadays. I’m still a fan of pencil and paper.

I use a Pentel mechanical pencil, micron pens, and bristol paper. I edit and color my comics in photoshop.

When you’re not working on a new project, how do you tend to spend your free time?
I like to get out of the house. Oregon is beautiful, so there’s a lot of places to bike to, hike, and explore. Going on an adventure with friends is my idea of a chill time.

If you had any words of wisdom to new illustrators what would they be?

Something I wish someone would have told me was don’t let self-doubt stand in your way. I didn’t become proactive until I was 30. I had so much doubt in my 20s. I never thought I was good enough. Also, don’t compare your work to the work of other people. That’ll bring you down. Be proud of your unique style. Own it. You’ll get farther with confidence.

Last words? Any new projects coming this year?

So far, I don’t have anything new to offer this year, but that can always change. I just started working on a new comic book, so I’ll be spending all of 2020 on that.

Check out Erin’s website here.

A Conversation With, Artist Corner

A Conversation with Erin Nations

Lucia Castaneda, Corduroy Soul

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