Tight Pencils
76 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsTight Pencils is a podcast about the creative process. Host Kevin Budnik sits down with a friends, strangers, creators established and aspiring to talk about how they got where they are and where they want to go. We are all artists, storytellers, makers in our own right.
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Episodes
Episode Thirty: Kazimir Lee Iskander
May 27, 2016 17:25 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBThis episode’s guest is Kazimir Lee Iskander, cartoonist, illustrator, and current graduate student at the Center for Cartoon Studies. Kazimir’s comics could be considered to fit into several genres, from horror to journalism to erotic fiction. In this conversation, we explore the common themes in all of Kazimir’s work. We also learn a little bit about what it’s like to collaborate so closely within the small art program offered by the Center for Cartoon Studies. Show Notes: Kazim...
Episode Twenty-Nine: Hannah Stockdale
May 27, 2016 17:23 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBHannah Lee Stockdale talks to us about what it was like growing up with a learning disability and how that influences her process as an artist. Also recently diagnosed with ADHD, Hannah explains how she has to work around these problems to continue to make art. – The Shrine / An Argument music video – A decent brief summary of Dyscalculia – main website – tumblr, twitter, & instagram
Episode Twenty-Seven: MariNaomi
May 27, 2016 17:19 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBOur guest this time is MariNaomi, author of the graphic memoirs Dragon’s Breath (2dCloud) and Kiss and Tell (Harper Perennial), among others. In this episode Kevin and Mari discuss the conversation between culture and experience, and how that relates to the comics they make. MariNamoi’s work: http://marinaomi.com/comics.html This episode is sponsored by Basecamp, in partnership with the Chicago Podcast Cooperative Mari sent us photos of her workspace with an incredible walkthroug...
Episode Twenty-Eight: Sarah Ferrick
May 27, 2016 17:17 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBSarah Ferrick’s comics are visually striking. In this episode she reveals a bit about her influences ranging from R&B to Medieval manuscripts. Her upcoming release “Sec” from is the last in a series of comic love-notes and is a prominent part of the 2d Winter Collection, currently running on Kickstarter Sarah’s work 2dcloud Winter Collection
Episode Twenty-Six: Liz Prince
May 27, 2016 16:28 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBLiz Prince is the award winning author of Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir (Zest Books, 2014), as well as copious other honest and funny autobiographical comics. In this episode, Kevin sits down with Liz to talk about the perception of memory, collaborating with writers, moving on from large projects, and gender in comics. Also, cats. Lots of cat talk in this one. Liz’s Website: http://lizprincepower.com/ Show notes: Nicole Georges Evan Palmer (Clarence is a cartoon created by Skyler P...
Episode Twenty-Five: Laurie Piña
May 27, 2016 16:26 - 43 minutes - 40 MBIn this episode, Kevin talks to comic artist Laurie Piña about her work. The two discuss making art about adolescence as well as the emotional significance of The Wonder Years. Laurie’s work: http://crushedpeanut.com/ Laurie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crushedpeanut This episode is sponsored by Basecamp Visit the Chicago Podcast Co-op to find out more about our family of podcasts chicagopodcastcoop.com
Episode Twenty-Four: Onsmith
May 27, 2016 16:22 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBIn this episode, Kevin sits down with Onsmith, the pen-name of chicago-based cartoonist Jeremy Smith. Jeremy shares his insights on comics, the working class, and the way his upbringing in Oklahoma influences his work. Jeremy’s Tumblr Jeremy is a contributor to many comic anthologies including the upcoming Black Eye 3 from Rotland Press notes: Onsmith & Nudd Paul Nudd Linework Comics Anthology This episode is sponsored by Busy Beaver Buttons Tight Pencils is a proud member o...
Episode Twenty-Two: Laura Knetzger
May 27, 2016 12:35 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode we had a chat with Seattle-based Cartoonist and Illustrator, Laura Knetzger! We talked with Laura about how she got started, the struggle to be proactive, the joy of holding your own book for the first time, her comic book series Bug Boys (pre-order it now on Czap Books!!!), and about her process and materials. A huge thanks to Jackbox Games and the Chicago Podcast Coop for sponsoring this episode!
Episode Twenty-One: Hallie Bateman
May 26, 2016 23:33 - 52 minutes - 23.9 MBOur guest for this episode is Brooklyn-based Hallie Bateman, an Illustrator and Writer who is a contributor at The Awl, The New Yorker, and Buzzfeed, and who’s work has been published all over the place! We spoke with Hallie over Skype about pen-pals, sketching habits, her drawing style, and about what she has been working on lately. Bonus: we took a couple of minutes to each do a quick sketch (see them below!). A big “thank you” to Emporium Arcade Bar, and The Chicago Coop for sp...
Episode Twenty: Jeremy Tinder
May 26, 2016 23:21 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBJeremy Tinder is a cartoonist, painter, and teacher based in Chicago. We sat down with him in his living room on the North Side and talked to him about how he got started in art, what some of his influences are, and about what he does and what he’s been working on lately. A special thanks to Iron Galaxy (check out their game, Capsule Force!) and The Chicago Podcast Coop for sponsoring this episode. Also, a thanks to Nate Beaty for the photo of Jeremy we used for the episode! Jere...
Episode Nineteen: 2dcloud with Raighne Hogan & Jake Terrell
May 26, 2016 22:41 - 1 hour - 29 MBIn this episode Kevin and I interview two of the fabulous folks behind 2dcloud, a small publisher based out of Minneapolis, MN: Raighne Hogan and Jake Terrell. We talked to Raighne a bit about the inner-workings of 2dcloud, and their new fall collection (and its kickstarter campaign), and to Jake about his work and his newest book Summer Carnival. Thanks to Inventables for sponsoring this episode, and to the Chicago Podcast Coop (while you’re there check out the Making New Friends ...
Episode 18: Miranda Harmon
May 26, 2016 22:21 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode we have a skype chat with Miranda Harmon, a Gainesville, Florida-based cartoonist and illustrator, and talk about how Miranda got started in comics, her experience with education, comic conventions, tools she uses, and a little about D&D too! Big thanks to Cards Against Humanity for sponsoring this episode, and to The Chicago Podcast Coop. Where to find Miranda: MirandaHarmon.com MirandaHarmony.tumblr.com @MirandaMHarmon Show notes: SAW (Sequential Arts Workshop...
Episode 17: Krystal DiFronzo
May 26, 2016 22:20 - 50 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode Kevin interviews Krystal DiFronzo, a Chicago-based artist, performer, and cartoonist. We talk about choosing the right medium to express your ideas, destruction as a form of creation, and not being precious about physical art. Also lighting things on fire. This episode is sponsored by Field Notes, as well as the Chicago Podcast Co-op. Show notes: Krystal’s Tumblr Krystal’s Website Pup House additional links: a write-up of Burnout, an exhibition featuring Kryst...
Episode Fifteen: Rachel Dukes
May 26, 2016 22:02 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBIn this episode we have a chat with comics artist Rachel Dukes, who lives in Los Angeles, over skype, and boy what a fruitful chat it was! Rachel shares with us how she deals the with solitude of being an artist, working from home (and in the dead of night), how she stays productive, some lessons from a successful Kickstarter campaign, and oh so much more! A special thanks to The Lodge Management group and Wingfest.net for sponsoring this episode, as well as The Chicago Podcast Coo...
Episode Fourteen: Gina Wynbrandt
May 26, 2016 18:45 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIn this episode we interviewed the super funny and talented Chicago comics artist Gina Wynbrandt! We hung out with Gina in her room and workspace to talk about her process and what she does, what she’s been working on, and what’s ahead. Today (the day the episode was released) is Gina’s birthday, so happy birthday Gina! Thanks to Knowyourcompany.com for making this episode possible, and to the Chicago Podcast Coop for their support. Gina on the net: ginawyndbrandt.com @gwynbr ‘B...
Episode Thirteen: Nate Beaty
May 26, 2016 18:39 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode we had the pleasure of chatting with cartoonist and man of many talents, Nate Beaty, in his apartment as he prepared a homemade piñata for an upcoming birthday party (happy belated birthday Nate!). Nate talked about how he got into drawing and making comics, even showing us what might have been the first comic he ever made, and shared with us some of his influences and some insights about his process. A big thanks to Emporium Arcade Bar for sponsoring this episode —...
Episode Twelve: Corinne Mucha
May 26, 2016 18:35 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode we sit down with the very fun and talented Corinne Mucha, who is a Teaching Artist, Cartoonist and Illustrator currently based in Chicago. Corinne told us about her newest mini, Fixated: Three Fictional Stories About Obsession, talked a bit about her process and where she gets some of her inspiration, and taught us how to properly pronounce her name (myoo-cha). We’d like to thank IronGalaxy for sponsoring this episode, as well as to the Chicago Podcast Coop for thei...
Episode Eleven: Rj Casey
May 26, 2016 18:29 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode we got on Skype in order to talk to writer, editor and co-founder of YetiPress, RJ Casey, in Seattle, Washington. RJ gave us a little back story about how Yeti was started with Eric Roesner, the origin of the name (you have to listen to find out!), answered some listener questions, and talked mascots (yeah, like sports mascots). If you’re going to be at CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo) this weekend make sure you stop by the YetiPress table and say hi to RJ (men...
Episode Ten: Kat Leyh
May 26, 2016 18:26 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBFor this episode we talked to the multifaceted illustrator and comic book artist Kat Leyh. Kat let us interview her in her work space at her Chicago Apartment (that’s the Red Line passing by in the background), which we discovered would only be her apartment for just a few more days when she moves to San Diego! Anyway, Kat talked to us about the scary and complicated word of full-time freelancing, sharing some very insightful advice for anyone else contemplating making the jump, tal...
Episode Nine: Isabella Rotman
May 26, 2016 18:21 - 52 minutes - 24.2 MBIn this episode Kevin was joined by Isabella Rotman. The Two of them recorded Izzy’s interview in the car on the drive to and from the Toronto Comics Arts Festival. We talk about Izzy’s work, what to expect out of a convention like TCAF, and the world of independent comics in general. Show Links: CAH – https://cardsagainsthumanity.com/ Danielle Chenette Music – http://djchenette.bandcamp.com/ Danielle Chenette Comics – http://daniellechenette.tumblr.com/ CAKE (actually June 6th an...
Episode Eight: Pam Wishbow
May 26, 2016 18:10 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MBThis episode we got to chat with killer illustrator Pam Wishbow in her Seattle apartment (via Skype). After a few minutes of getting a little political we got down to talking about Pam’s process and hearing a little bit about how she works and what influences her. Among many other things Pam shared with us that a Kickstarter project that she’s a part of just launched the day of our recording — check out “Where Is Home” on Kickstarter and show your support if you can! You can find P...
Episode Six: Lauren Jordan
May 26, 2016 17:59 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this episode we took a trip up to the Northwest corner of the city to visit artist and designer Lauren Jordan. Lauren told us about the work she does at Hey Chickadee, her own creative endeavors in the many mediums she creates with, and talks about the Indiegogo campaign for the upcoming release of the Comfort Food Zine, a collection of food-positive illustrations and comics by over 30 artists (definitely check it out and show your support by making a donation to the campagin, he...
Episode Five: Johnny Misfit & Alex Nall at ChiPRC
May 26, 2016 04:45 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBThis was another special episode — we were joined by John Wawrzaszek (aka Johnny Misfit) and Alex Nall, and a group of folks who came out for the monthly Drink and Draw that Alex runs, at ChiPRC (Chicago Publisher’s Resource Center). People drew on a big roll of register tape that Alex brought in while we recorded the episode. We chatted to Johnny about ChiPRC and the many other initiatives he’s a part of, and talked to Alex about his involvement in the project as well as his experi...
Episode Four: Tony Breed
May 26, 2016 02:56 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBhttp://tightpencils.com/ep4 Our February episode features Chicago cartoonist Tony Breed! In this episode, Kevin and Matt visit Tony’s studio to talk a bit about how he writes his comics. We discuss language, discovering and balancing distinct character voices, and sustaining story arcs in ongoing web comics. We also delve into the world of comic conventions like SPX, CAKE, and TCAF. Big thanks to Tony for giving us a tour of his drawing space and letting us in on his process. You...
Episode Two: Matthew Novak
December 08, 2014 00:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBhttp://tightpencils.com/ep2 A special LIVE EPISODE! That’s right, it’s only our second episode, but we had the chance to check the ‘ol live recording off the podcast bucket list. Matthew Novak is our guest this time. Former Linework contributor, cartoonist, and songwriter, Matthew talked to us about his approach to autobiographical songwriting and drawing. We discuss getting back to creating after falling off for a bit. Note: this episode was recorded immediately following a rele...
Episode One: David Alvarado
December 07, 2014 00:00 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MBhttp://tightpencils.com/ep1 The very first (real) episode! We talked with Chicagoland native, cartoonist, and our good friend David Alvarado in Kevin's apartment. David's work has been featured in New City, The Linework Anthology, and Echo Magazine. To see David's work visit his website at http://hello-david.com, and to contact him for work or otherwise, email him at [email protected].