Nate Fakes draws inspiration from everyday life, finding humor in ordinary situations that many people can relate to. He explains, “If I can create a humorous take on a circumstance, I will.” From coffee habits to tech quirks to relationships, his comics reflect small moments that often go unnoticed, but are instantly recognizable when seen through his clever lens.
The single-panel format gives Nate freedom to experiment with visuals and text. He says, “Sometimes, I’ll think of a funny visual and write a gag based on that, or I’ll write the comic and have to determine what art works best.” Occasionally, he even creates wordless comics—a challenging feat he admits makes him “a bit giddy” when it succeeds. This mix keeps his work fresh and unpredictable.
Humor isn’t the only focus; Nate also likes to reflect on life and society through his art. “Even if it’s a gag that features an inanimate object that, in reality, can’t communicate, I try to create work that relates in some ways to what we humans have to contend with,” he explains. His ability to make everyday struggles and observations entertaining is what keeps his audience engaged and laughing.
Nate also enjoys seeing how readers interpret his work, often in surprising ways. “There are some interesting takes on the comics that blow me away…some take them out of context completely and get insulted over me drawing a cute teddy bear or something,” he says. These unexpected reactions don’t bother him; they show that his comics spark conversation and thought, even when people see something he didn’t intend. It’s all part of the fun of connecting with his audience.
