Rachael Smith is a highly regarded comic artist and writer who has gained recognition for her autobiographical and other graphic novels. Some of her notable works include Quarantine Comix, Snippets, Glass Half Empty, Wired Up Wrong, Stand in Your Power, The Queen’s Favorite Witch, Artificial Flowers, and The Rabbit. In addition to her own projects, Rachael has also contributed to Titan Comics’ Doctor Who series and is currently working on her new book, Isabella & Blodwen, as well as the Flimsy Kitten comic series.
Rachael Smith is set to appear at the upcoming London Film & Comic Con, making it a must-attend event for fans. She will be joined by myself, Rich Johnston, at the convention. We recently caught up with Rachael to discuss her latest projects and what fans can expect to see from her in the future.
Rich Johnston: Last time we spoke, you were pregnant and had just announced the release of Glass Half Empty volume. Now, both Glass Half Empty and Isabella & Blodwen have been released. Can you tell us what you have in store for the London Film and Comic Con, or any other upcoming events such as the Lakes or Thought Bubble?
Rachael Smith: My next project in the pipeline is The Queen’s Favorite Witch vol. 3. As soon as my little boy starts nursery, I’ll be diving into it. I’m thrilled to be able to spend more time with Daisy Sparrow and her rat familiar, Nathaniel. They are such vibrant characters that I’ve missed working with. After that, I have a few ideas brewing, but they are top secret for now *wink*.
Rich Johnston: It’s impressive how you manage to continue creating despite being a new parent. How do you find the time and energy? Is this a mystery revealed in Glass Half Empty?
Rachael Smith: I was fortunate to have completed most of my work before my due date, so both Snippets and Glass Half Empty were ready to go once my son arrived. While I haven’t had much time for drawing since then, I have found that writing comes more easily. As a writer, a lot of the work involves thinking, and I’ve had plenty of time for that while breastfeeding.
Rich Johnston: Many people struggle with their online persona and how it differs from their real-life self. How do you navigate the line between what you share with your audience and what remains private, especially with your autobiographical comics and mental health themes?
Rachael Smith: It’s a challenging question, and one I’ve faced before. There isn’t a clear-cut answer. With Quarantine Comix, for example, each comic was a case-by-case decision. Sometimes I would finish a comic and realize it wasn’t something I wanted to share. This could be because other people were involved, and I felt like I was telling their story instead of mine. Other times, it was because I hadn’t fully processed my thoughts and emotions and didn’t feel comfortable sharing them yet. Overall, I strive to be as genuine and honest as possible with my readers. The purpose of sharing these personal stories is to help others feel less alone, so honesty is crucial.
Rich Johnston: It’s great to see that you have three new books out, including Snippets, which encourages readers to create their own comics. Is this daily habit of creation what contributes to your impressive output? And how did becoming a parent affect your creative flow?
Rachael Smith: I actually address this topic in Snippets! Making comics has always been a way for me to make sense of the world and process my thoughts and experiences. Creating daily snippets became a habit that helped me unpack and reflect on each day. During my pregnancy, I didn’t have as much time for diary comics, but I have plenty of written material waiting to be turned into comics. I just need to determine if there is enough interest from readers to justify creating them.
Rich Johnston: I’ve noticed that you are also part of the judging panel for the Caliburn Prize for new UK Comics Creators. Is supporting and encouraging new talent as important to you as creating your own comics? What impact would such a prize have had on you when you were starting out?
Rachael Smith: Absolutely! It is crucial to get new voices into the industry. Some people view comics as an intimidating field, as if success can only be achieved through getting picked up by major publishers like DC or Marvel. But the truth is, all you need to do to be a comic creator is to make comics! My advice to newcomers is always to start small and start now. Diary comics are a fantastic way to begin, and in Snippets, I offer a step-by-step guide on how to start creating. When it comes to the Caliburn Prize, I was thrilled to be asked to be a judge. It’s the kind of opportunity I would have loved to have had when I was just starting out.
Rich Johnston: Your work often delves into your own childhood experiences, as seen in Glass Half Empty. How did becoming a parent and bringing new life into the world affect your writing about your own childhood trauma?
Rachael Smith: I had already written the script for Glass Half Empty before my husband and I started trying to have a baby. I chose to keep the script as it was while I was illustrating it because it felt like the most honest representation of my thoughts and feelings at the time. Going through pregnancy made me realize just how fortunate I am and how grateful I am for the choices my past self made to be where I am today.
Rich Johnston: On a lighter note, I recently adopted a beautiful ragdoll cat named Pandorica. Any advice for a new cat owner?
Rachael Smith: Pandorica sounds adorable! My advice would be to shower her with love and affection. Additionally, I highly recommend getting pet insurance. Enjoy the journey!
Rich Johnston: And lastly, how often do people mistake you for fellow Doctor Who comic creator Rachael Stott?
Rachael Smith: Haha, what a great question! I actually think Rachael Stott is fantastic, and we are good friends. However, I don’t get mistaken for her very often these days. Perhaps I am finally establishing my own unique identity in the world of comics.
Don’t miss the chance to meet Rachael Smith at the London Film & Comic Con, taking place from July 7th to 9th at London Olympia. To explore more of her work, visit her official website. Remember to share this article on social media and stay updated by following Bleeding Cool on Google News!
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