Nothing brings a smile to our faces like seeing the quirks of human life captured in relatable comics. These illustrations help us find comfort showing us that it’s okay not to strive for perfection all the time. Life can be tough, and sometimes laughing at its absurdities can make things feel a little lighter and less stressful.
Maritsa Patrinos is an artist who excels at shedding light on life’s most absurd moments through her comics. In a recent interview, she shared what drives her work and the message she hopes to convey. She explained Each comic has a core idea behind it. It’s not always a deep theme but more a feeling I want to express. That feeling may connect to a bigger message, or it could just reflect a small relatable moment. Maritsa also pointed out that readers often see her work in ways she didn’t expect. Sometimes, the reader does a better job of finding a deeper connection than I do because I’m so close to it she said. That’s a fascinating experience for me it shifts my perspective in ways I hadn’t considered.
More info: Instagram | maritsapatrinos.com | x.com | Facebook | webtoons.com | patreon.com
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
We caught up with Maritsa once again to learn about what’s been going on since our last chat. Since we last spoke, I’ve created a lot of new comics, designed some fresh prints, and had the opportunity to exhibit at the Small Press Expo, which is one of my absolute favorite events. she shared. Maritsa also opened up about her teaching experience, I’ve been teaching a sophomore illustration course at Parsons School of Design in New York, which will be wrapping up next month. I’ve got an amazing group of students who’ve worked so hard this semester and it’s been so rewarding to watch their progress.
6.
Also Read:
- 20 Relatable Adult Comics That Capture Modern Life Perfectly
- 10+ Superman comics get a hilarious twist in these witty cartoon strips
- 20 Must-See Speed Bump Comics the Ultimate Daily Humor Strip Collection
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
We asked Maritsa if she had ever abandoned a comic idea after starting it. Her answer was, Oh, all the time. Sometimes I scrap an idea right after writing it down and other times I’ll finish the entire comic, only to decide I’m not fond of it anymore. There are a lot of reasons I might put it aside. Usually, it’s because the core idea is something I like but I haven’t figured out the right way to express it yet. Should it be a single-panel comic a four-panel strip or maybe even a pie chart? Sometimes I have to let the idea sit for a while before I find the right format. I also get concerned that something I create might be misunderstood sometimes I step back and realize I’ve created something that feels insensitive, and I need to reassess.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
The best way to lift up a creator is by expressing how much their work means to their audience. We asked Maritsa to share a time when feedback from a reader made her truly proud of her art. She said, With so much negativity online, it always means a lot when people reach out with kind words about my work. Positive DMs really make a difference! Creating art for an online audience can feel isolating, so the personal interactions I have at expos are often the ones that stay with me the most.
One moment that stood out to her was when a couple approached her at an event. They told me that one of them had bought one of my prints for the other as a birthday gift when they first got together, years ago. Now, they were moving in together and had just hung that piece in their new home as it had become an important part of their relationship. That was so fulfilling, and it really warmed my heart that they sought me out to share that with me.
18.
19.
20.
