Talks By The Firelight 2.5: Slice of Life
Amidst the numerous colourful comic pages on Instagram, sandserifcomics stands out with its subdued, mouthless protagonist trying to handle daily life in a predominantly greyscale world. Over the past two years, the artist, who goes by the name Sandy, has become a voice for a community that is often stigmatized by society. His webcomics deal with mental health in a frank but humorous tone. In this interview, Sandy talks about the need to be more open and the work that goes into a comic.
Where and when did you get the inspiration to start drawing comics? What were the challenges you faced when you started out?
I was inspired by an artist I follow. His name is Hector Janse aka shittywatercolour. His comics were not just jokes but pieces of his life and how he dealt with his sadness. I thought, Hey, I can do that, and just started. You don’t face any challenge if you’re enjoying what you make.
What does it take to get noticed in the large pool of content-creators that currently exists?
I didn’t start off to get noticed so I think that’s the worst way to go about it. I suppose if you just create good original content, people will share it, and you can share it on websites on social media so that hopefully it’ll be seen by a large audience!
Do you ever base your comics on real-life people or incidents? And do you intend your comics to be an escape from reality or a parallel take on our living?
It’s based on real-life situations and stories sometimes, more than people or incidents. My comics aren’t an escape from reality because they talk about very real things. It’s more of an expression of feelings and an outlet for me.
Your webcomics deal with otherwise serious issues with a touch of dark humour. How important is it to see the funny side of things in real life?
Comedy is just another way people deal with real-life issues. It is extremely important to release and talk about these feelings, rather than keep them inside.
As an artist, what do you do when you face a creative block?
Take a break and do other things. Creative blocks aren’t a bad thing. Give your brain some rest.
With a following as large as yours, how do you deal with the pressure of expectations and any negativity that comes with it?
I don’t care about it too much anymore. I suppose you get used to it after a while and people are generally nice.
Do you have any plans of making offline comics in the future?
I do want to make books and smaller zines, I think that’ll be cool.
If you hadn’t started drawing comics, what would you be doing now?
Probably just freelancing as an illustrator and graphic designer as I already do.
What is one message you would give to college students everywhere?
Enjoy yourself. There are tougher things to come past college and you might miss it someday. So take it in and make good memories, even if it might annoy you sometimes.
In addition to sandserifcomics, Sandy runs an Instagram page that showcases his work as a graphic designer. He has also teamed up with Threadless to sell merchandise. Check them out!
This interview was taken in collaboration with Kumaraguruparan R, Antony Terence and Abhishek Ramachandran.
