Just like last time, Bored Panda reached out to Gabs H., the creator behind "Buga Boo Monkey Comics" on Instagram.
The artist started by describing the therapeutic impact of her work: "Drawing these comics has been a cathartic act for me. They have been a mirror that reflects my thoughts and transform something overwhelming into a fun-sized challenge I can tackle." She recalled a specific instance from June 23, 2021, explaining, "I hand my brain a teeny-weeny thought, and my brain – being the adorable drama queen it is – escalates it to a Broadway-level production. Sketching out the scene made me realize I am the director of this comedy, which allowed me to better understand my thoughts and laugh along with my imaginative plots."
Gabs shared her approach to blending humor with heavy themes: "I hate feeling sad and anxious, so whenever I feel sadness creeping in, I try to find the silliness of the situation." She added, "These comics are my happy brainchild, born from all those times I turned, ‘Hmm, that’s hard to explain’ into ‘Aha! Got it!’ They’re the colorful chronicles of a lifetime spent bridging the gap between anxious and relaxed thoughts, all with a smile and a punchline."
Reflecting on the evolution of her art, the artist noted, "The character that represents me in my comics is constantly changing. She may have one look today and debut a new one tomorrow." She emphasized the consistency of her brain's representation in the comics and her adaptive approach to evolving challenges: "My brain remains the same for the most part, a testament to its consistency in its anxious habits. I, however, must keep constantly changing to better adapt to the new and creative challenges my brain throws my way."
She also explained the origin and meaning behind the comic's name: "‘Bugaboo’ is one of my favorite words of the English language—it’s as playful as a word can get and resonates with me deeply, representing those pesky fears that have been familiar shadows throughout my life." She added, "Then there's ‘monkey,’ inspired by the Buddhist concept of a 'monkey mind,' capturing that lively, sometimes unruly inner chatter that jumps from branch to branch. When I mix these two together, it paints an accurate portrait of my daily mental adventures -- a blend of playful mischief and moments of unease, all part of this wonderful, wild ride."
Gabs offered advice to others looking to use art as therapy: "Art, even in its simplest form of doodling, is like a mental massage—it helps us shift our view and spot our worries in a different light. It transforms our fears into less intimidating bits and pieces." She encouraged exploring art as a means of expression and coping, saying, "Sketching out different angles of a situation doesn't just give us new coping strategies. It also opens a door to innovative solutions. If you're ever caught in an anxious whirl, I’d say grab a pen and let those feelings spill out, even if it’s just scribbles or tangles."
