Here’s how the cartoonist described the series when asked to sum it up in just three words: “The first word I would choose is ‘Fun’. It's obviously up to the reader whether my comics are fun, but I strongly believe that in fiction, whether comics, movies, video games, etc., that it needs to be fun, or the audience will quickly lose interest.
“The second word, which is similar, is ‘Funny’ (again, up to the reader's discretion). I read newspaper comic strips almost daily, and while the artwork itself is important, my very favorites are the ones that get me to laugh the most, even if and when they aren't drawn particularly well. It's important to me therefore to make my comics funny.
“Finally, the third word I like for my work is ‘Observational’. I hope to share my own observations of human nature through my gag-a-day comic strip format. The best comic strips always make readers laugh as well as think about things in a different way, if only momentarily.”
We were curious about what inspired the artist to start her comic, and here’s what the creator of ‘Candace 'n' Company’ shared with us: “I've always enjoyed drawing pictures, as well as writing fictitious stories. I first had the idea to combine the two into comics at about 12 years old when one of my brother's goofy drawings gave me an idea to attempt to make an illustrated story.”
When asked about her creative process and where the ideas for new strips usually come from, the cartoonist responded: “Ideas usually come to me by just letting my mind wander. Often, I can think up an everyday occurrence that could be viewed in a humorous light. I think it's important to try to find humor in these everyday occurrences.”
The author of the series also revealed some of her influences in the world of comedy and humor: “I used to go all in on creating stories with a lot of slapstick humor (still do sometimes). Some of these earlier inspirations came from watching The Three Stooges and, to a lesser extent, Laurel & Hardy. Once I began drawing comics, I was most inspired by Calvin & Hobbes. Even today, more than a few of my comics draw directly from C & H.”
Lastly, we asked which comic is her favorite, but the creator of ‘Candace 'n' Company’ didn’t choose just one—instead, she explained: “I draw lots of comics, so it is difficult to select a favorite. I enjoy poking fun at myself, as each of my recurring characters share at least one trait with me. I also enjoy occasionally giving a character traits and opinions contrary to my own.”
