To Care In Secret

A comic for all the sensitive souls out there. 

Connie on Ko-fi

[Two-panel comic of a girl with a bun holding a melon-sized cartoon heart in one arm. Panel 1 text reads, "In theory, I know we shouldn't care so much what others think of us." In panel 2, the girl and the heart both stare into the distance: "But I think we still do -- in secret." Comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022, titled "To Care In Secret."]

The Force of Internet Memes

Wow, that was intense. If you were anywhere near the American internet for the last 36 hours, you probably felt it too. 

If only, as a species, we could mobilize so efficiently around literally anything else.

Thanks for reading.

[3-panel comic, loosely drawn and colored, illustrating the visual analogy of an internet algorithm as a force of nature, liken to a big, unstoppable wave. In panel 1, a wide shot of a big wave approaching land. Speech text reads, "Get out of the way! Hurry, run!" A small figure is trying to escape the path of the wave, yells, "Nooooo!" Panel 2 is a close up shot of a girl with a bun, eyes bulging and frantic, with the wave looming directly above her. In panel 3, the girl has face-planted on the beach, immobilized, as the first wave temporarily retreats. A beat, then she says, "I'll just wait it out." Title of cartoon reads, "The Crushing, Inescapable Force of Useless Internet Memes." Web comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Seal Core

Trying to get in shape after the winter months is always humbling.

Thanks for reading

[Two-panel simple illustration of a seal, sunbathing on a rock in a boat pose, juxtaposed with a girl on a yoga mat, straining to hold the same position in the same shape as the seal. Panel 1 text: "Seal core." Panel 2 text: "Me, trying to do core after winter." Comic strip drawing by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Sketchbook: Almost-Spring NYC Subway Fashion

I drew a lot of new comics this week, exclusively on https://tinyview.com/connie Check them out and follow the series, if you can. It helps keep the series going. 

I'm feeling a little burned out and am trying to find some balance again by going back to basics of a creative practice. Sharing a recent sketchbook page today. 

Thanks for reading and for your support. 

[Sketchbook illustration of two women on an NYC subway in fashionable streetwear. Scribbled text reads, "Almost-Spring NYC Subway Fashion (seen on the uptown 1 train)." Slice-of-life sketch, drawn from memory by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Hello Diary My Old Friend

Daily journaling has been the cornerstone of my sanity for the last 12 years ;)

Thanks for reading and supporting

[Two-panel comic of a girl with braided hair and a cup of tea at a writing desk, journaling her feelings. A medium-sized elephant looks over her shoulder. Panel 1 text reads, "Hello [Diary], my old friend. I've come to talk with you again..." (the opening lines to the song "Sound of Silence").  In panel 2, a beat, then Elephant says indignantly, "Are you writing about me??" Girl does not acknowledge the elephant and continues scribbling. Comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, titled "Hello Diary My Old Friend," 2022.]

Lonely Worthy Today

Funny how we have to keep reminding ourselves. Too often, society won't. When I forget, I have to write it to myself. 

Thanks for reading.

[Two-panel diary comic of a girl with a braid and cup of tea, writing at her desk. Panel 1, cursive script reads, "I hope everyone who feels lonely today knows that they are worthy of love and belonging, no matter what." In panel 2, an elephant appears in the frame and asks, "Do YOU believe that?" Girl answers, matter-of-factly, "Sometimes, on good days." Autobio webcomic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022, titled "Lonely Worthy Today."]

A Fine Spring Day

It's springtime in New York. Hope you got to enjoy a little life over the weekend. 

Thanks for reading.

[Borderless 3-panel comic illustration of a fine spring day. Panel 1, a cheerful-looking red-breasted robin perches on a low branch. Text reads, "Ah, what a fine spring day!" Panel 2 cuts to the robin, on the ground, extracting a fat worm from the grass. Text reads, "CHOMP!" In smaller text, the worm goes "gak! noooooo!!" Panel 3 pans out and is a full-color illustration of a girl with a bun, enjoying the spring day, placidly observing the first burst of life and flowers in Central Park after winter. Several robins are foraging on the ground. Autobio comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, titled "A Fine Spring Day," 2022.]

Weekend Cat Vibes

Sharing a page from my sketchbook ^ _ ^  

Hope you are safe and refilling your spirit for the week

Connie on Ko-fi

[Sketchbook page of cat drawings by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022. Titled “Weekend Cat Vibes." Humorous illustration of a cat dancing, cat in a red hoodie, cat wielding a knife. Girl with a bun at an art easel sketching a cat and explaining to the viewer what is happening: "Weekend vibes."]

Baby Elephant Hugs

If my cartoons seem sad lately, it's because I am, and this is the best I can do. Trying to cartoon through it. Thanks for your support and encouragement. I hope you have what you need to get through. 

Connie on Ko-fi

[Two-panel comic of a girl with a bun getting a hug from a baby elephant. In panel 1, the girl leans on the elephant and the elephant's trunk is lightly draped on her shoulder. In panel 2, elephant wraps its trunk around the girl's face, so she can't see anything. Text reads, "Imagine a world where we all got the baby elephant hugs we need, exactly when we need them." Original elephant illustration comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Gentle Peace-Loving Soul

We all like to think of ourselves as peace-loving, but when you are in danger and under threat, it's scary and all-consuming. Sadly, Asian Americans are experiencing this threat now. This latest attack is yet another in a relentless onslaught of violence targeting Asians. It's very traumatizing and has changed the entire landscape of my daily life. If you're tired of hearing about it, we're exhausted from living in fear. 

Stay safe and speak out against hate whenever you can. Hoping we can be more of a community than this.

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel comic strip of a short Asian woman with a braid, reflecting on human nature when in danger and under threat. In panel 1, she starts to say, "I am a gentle peace-loving soul..." when an elephant enters the frame in panel 2 and announces, "There's been another violent attack on an Asian person in New York." In panel 3, there is an explosive spread of the same character in war paint and survival gear, yelling a battle cry in bold script, all-caps: "HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY PEOPLE?!?" Webcomic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022, in response to the onslaught of violent hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.]

Peanut Butter Pep Talk

Peanut butter gives such good pep talks though!

Connie on Ko-fi

[3-panel comic strip of a girl with a bun, trying to meditate her way into self-affirmation. Panel 1 caption reads, "Just because nobody loves me, it doesn't mean that I am unworthy of love." In panel 2, a peeved-looking elephant interrupts, brandishing an empty peanut butter jar. Text reads, "It also doesn't mean you should eat ALL of the peanut butter." In panel 3, Elephant walks off, leaving the empty jar, while the girl breaks zen to say defensively, "I WAS SAD, OKAY?" Titled: "Peanut Butter Pep Talk." Webcomic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Climbing Again

Just started climbing again after a long break. I've forgotten everything and my arms are tofu. It's good to be humbled. 

Stay safe and hope you do something fun this weekend. Thanks for reading.

[2-panel autobio comic of a girl with a braid, trying to get back in shape again, after 2 pandemic years. In panel 1, she hangs off of New York City building scaffolding, common all over the city, unable to do a pull-up. Caption reads, "I miss climbing. I should start it up again." In panel 2, she's awkwardly tangled on an indoor climbing wall, swearing loudly, and saying, "My arms are tofu!" Text indicates that she is "out of shape," has "brain flab" and "muscle amnesia." Caption reads, This is not going to be pretty. Sketchbook diary comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconie, 2022.]

Scared is the New Brave

Every few days, I'm hearing about more unprovoked, violent attacks on Asians in New York City. With everything that is happening, the incidents get buried in other news and it feels like nobody cares, but the Asian American community definitely feels it. It's a scary time for us. 

Thanks for reading.

[4-panel comic of an Asian girl with a bun, coping with the rise of unprovoked violence and harassment against Asians in America in the pandemic. In panel 1, with a nervous expression, she says "I am scared to be in crowded places." In panel 2, eyes glare at her from the shadows: "I am scared of going outside after dark." Panel 3 is chaotically drawn disembodied "Scream" face with a bun. Text reads, "Terrified of riding the subway." In panel 4, she nervously scans the subway platform while she waits for a train, wearing a face mask and a hood over her head. Text reads, "Scared is the new brave." Autobio comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Befriending Dogs Again

Trying to muster the courage to get back out there. It's not easy making friends :')

Connie on Ko-fi

[Single-panel comic of a girl with a bun, trying to make friends again. Heading reads, "Me, trying to befriend dogs again." Girl tries to talk to a stylish dog in a Hawaiian shirt, in a hopeful bid for connection: "I like your shirt." The dog is indifferent, with no tail wag: "I don't know you like that." Autobio comic illustration by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]

Remembrance: Girl With Cardinal

Remembering my dear friend Bridget McElroy, who we lost too soon. It was just her birthday. 

In grad school, she would see me always doodling in the margins of research papers and tell me emphatically, “Connie, you’re an artist! What are you doing here? You need to go make art! Let yourself be happy!” When I started cartooning, she never stopped cheering me on. That’s the kind of friend she was to everybody who was lucky enough to know her.

Thanks for always believing in me, B. Here’s your annual birthday drawing. ⁣Photo tribute on Instagram

Self-Prescription

Oof, rough week. Must regroup and keep going. 

Hope you have a safe and restoring weekend. 

Connie on Ko-fi

[Single-panel illustration of a downcast figure in a red winter coat with a hoodie and mask on. With a checkmark by each line, text reads: "Had some setbacks this week. Not my best self. Deep sigh. It's okay." The last line is a to-do checkbox: "Go home and make something yummy." Digital drawing titled "Self-Prescription," 2022.]

On Loving Yourself When Others Hate

There's nothing funny about being a fashionable target for hate crimes. This happened on Sunday.

But it's also not our first rodeo and we can learn to be there for each other better. 

There is great power in love for yourself and your community.

Thanks for reading.

[3-panel comic of an Asian American woman, learning to love herself in the face of hate. Monochrome palette except for red accents. Panel 1, a simple illustration of a girl with a bun and a large red target pointed on her. She looks anxious and scared. Text reads: "There's nothing funny about the continued rise of hate crimes against Asians in cities across the U.S." In panel 2, she is hugging a large red heart. In panel 3, she puts the heart down on its own feet and they hold hands. Text reads: "- but I still love my Asian self, so times are weird." Titled "On Loving Yourself When Others Hate." Original comic strip by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2022.]