This time around, Bored Panda reached out to Barmy Chip Witch with some new questions. First, we wanted to know if perhaps the artist was working on some new series or perhaps something similar.
"I have loads of comics ready for my Instagram ‘slice of life’ & ‘couple comics’, so they will be continuing as per usual, and there is always more on the way as I use real-life things which happen in our life to use as inspiration and prompts. Excitingly, Boyfriend and I are also making themed sticker sheets (so far featuring themes inspired by Boyfriend's love of mushrooms, butts, self-care, and our cat) which will be shown in my stories soon. They make me incredibly happy, and I enjoy sticking Boyfriends cartoon butt to things!"
We also wanted to know if the artist had a comic she was proud of, and we thought it was only fair if she'd share her thoughts with us!
"My most favorite comic is one that is currently only on Patreon, but is a longer style of comic about him as a boy in Latvia taking the bus. On Instagram one of my favorites is one where I wake up from a nightmare and am cross that my Boyfriend is still sleeping peacefully. I like the colors and expressions in that one."
Artists go through a few art phases trying to find the art style they could call their own, and the same goes for Barmy Chip Witch too.
"I’m glad you asked this one, because it helps answer why the Latvian Bus comic on Patreon is my favorite! I read the Demon Slayer manga over a school holiday and got so inspired to draw some longer A4 comics, inspired by that and the webcomics I read as a kid. I have begun experimenting more with this style and format on the exclusive comics I offer there- trying to keep my slice of life stories and humor the same, but building more soul, story, movement, and atmosphere into the larger pages."
Starting out with comics (or art in general) isn't easy, so we asked the artist if she had any tips to share.
"My advice to others wanting to make comics is do it! Other comic artists have been so encouraging and kind, it’s a fantastic community you throw yourself into. However, in terms of practical advice, is to draw as much as you can (I improve massively when I can draw every day), and to try out lots of different styles and inspiration, so you can learn as you go."
When it comes to people having opinions on his comics, here's what Barmy Chip Witch hopes to achieve with her work, "I would like people to take away from my comics a little sense of good feeling, nonsense and some solidarity. I like to laugh at how ridiculous life can be and feel. I like to try and immortalize the little nonsense moments which make me laugh, or that I want to remember, with an extra dose of absurd occasionally thrown in. Then, maybe someone else can relate to it and feel connected in a pretty big and stressful world."
For some people, art is not only a hobby, but something way more, and the artist certainly has her own goals she wants to accomplish when it comes to her comics.
"I always wanted to have a webcomic as a teenager, so I guess I have kind of accomplished at least one thing! I would like to keep going in the hopes of maybe one day being able to explore bigger projects, or perhaps part-time support myself through my artwork, instead of teaching full-time and comic-arting on the side. We will see! In the back of my mind, I have some educational comics or long burning graphic novel things that maybe I could try out one day, as well as making all the darn sticker sheets that it is humanly possible to make…"
Artists receive countless comments about their work pretty much every day, but sometimes some of them stand out more so than the others.
"I received a lovely message from someone a few weeks ago, just thanking me for the giggles they got a few times a week by reading my comics, as they have been going through a bit of a hard time recently. That means so much to me, as I was able to help someone a teeny tiny bit. I was really grateful they told me that."
Lastly, we were curious to find out whether this whole art journey Barmy Chip Witch went through has helped her with something in life, and here's what she shared with us.
"Drawing has always been a part of my life, and has helped me process a lot of the things which have happened in my life, as well as being a way for me to record nice moments. It also helps me keep busy and organized, which are healthy for me to practice and maintain!"
