Normal Rules #1: References

idRussell Cartoons Weekly, No.1

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Behind the screen

You might recognise the first panel of this cartoon strip from my About page. The one-panel gag was specially created to lampoon comments made by former colleagues (affectionately, I hope), but it got me thinking about the challenges of being perceived as different in the workplace, whether you’re neurodiverse or from one of the many marginalised communities out there. It’s hard competing with the ‘normals’.

The one-panel is obviously a visual gag, but I was curious about what might happen next at the interview. I also liked the idea of wearing a medieval suit of armour to a job interview - if only they existed metaphorically. And, on being rejected, what does an ‘odd’ candidate have to do to win them over? Challenge them to a joust? So, I expanded the gag into three panels, and here you have my first published cartoon strip on the Substack platform.

[Note for non-native English speakers: there is wordplay with ‘funny’, which typically means amusing, but can also mean strange or suspicious. ‘Normal Rules’ can mean accepted or standard regulations, procedures, conventions, etc., but it can also mean Normal is dominant or powerful, like a king or other authority, or ‘Normal is Best’ (I don’t agree, obviously).]

I created the drawings using Procreate on my mini iPad (small, but do-able, although I’m already thinking about upgrading later in the year), and finished off in Photoshop. I’m new to Procreate, so I expect my knowledge and skills to improve in the coming months, and I’ll share occasional lessons learned (and any cartoon calamities) in future newsletters.

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In the pipeline

I’m working on other one-panel gag and multi-panel strip cartoons for the Normal Rules series. These are intended to celebrate the ‘odd’ and challenge the ‘normal’, and might also highlight a few absurdities along the way. The great thing about this series is it’s flexibility, as it’s not restricted to particular themes, characters, or styles. I’m looking forward to having fun with this.

Also in the pipeline is a more ambitious comic project, which I intend to trial and start releasing later in 2023. I’ll drop a few hints and teasers over the next few months (it has sheep).

I expect there will be a bit of trial and error this year as I experiment with digital art and play with themes and styles. It would be great to get your feedback, so please leave a comment. Oh, and share with others.

Hasta pronto,

Iain

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