The prolific Rachael Smith is once again getting ready to publish a new autobiographic comic. This one –Â Nap Comix – began life as a webcomic about her becoming a mother, and all the ups and downs that motherhood entails. We spoke to her about the new book, which is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter.
How is Nap Comix different from your previous autobiography comics?
Well, there’s a baby, for one, haha! Other stuff in my life is different, which makes the comics different, obviously – I’m living with Rob, my partner now. Some stuff is the same, I’m still battling mental health issues in the form of Barky the giant, black, imaginary dog – but I have Friendly in my corner, who is a giant, white, imaginary dog, so it’s pretty cool really. Rufus, my cat is still around too. He’s much the same.
Tell us a bit about the Kickstarter campaign. What can people expect in the physical book that isn’t in the webcomic?
The book will be 200 pages long, which will include all the webcomics from the first year of Henry’s life, as well as book-exclusive content including:
- An introduction,
- Comics about Henry’s birth,
- Comics about the first 4 months of Henry’s life,
- Comics from the current day as Henry has just turned 3,
- An outro
Currently the webcomic starts around 4 months in, so if you’re a fan of the webcomic you may already be curious about this missing era!
How has motherhood changed your approach to your work?
Predictably, I simply have a lot less time to give to comics these days. But that’s fine! I manage to carve time out in early mornings and late nights when I need it. And Rob is a gem in that he I fine with me going to comic shows now and then to keep my hand in.
It’s also made me think about how I use my time – now that my time is so limited. I say ‘no’ to a lot of stuff now, whereas when I was younger I’d just be scrambling to say ‘yes’ to everything. To be seen and stay relevant. Now I’ll pretty much only spend time working on my own stuff – unless it’s something I really, really want to do.
What advice would you give to other new parents who are trying to pursue creative projects?
I don’t know if I’m qualified to give advice as I am perpetually tired! What I would say is, if there’s something you’re really wanting to do – whether that’s a creative project or something else – I would at least try to work out how you can do it. I held back from doing stuff for myself for a while because I felt like I should give absolutely everything to Henry, but actually, I’ve realised that the best thing you can give your kid is a fulfilled and happy parent.
How does Henry feel about the comic?
He seems to like it! He likes watching me draw them, and he now recognises the cover of Nap Comix as me and him and points at it and gets excited, which is lovely. He keeps saying I’ve got wellies on, on the cover though…I guess they do look a bit welly-ish? They are meant to be big comfy socks, haha!
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