Happy Friday!
WACreativeHearth
in this newsletter:
Handling Executive Dysfunction as a Creative
Interview with Bubble Fox creator Jon Esparza
BONK! Latest
Tapas
ComicFury
Instagram
Father’s Day Gifts
Gift Wrap
Stationery
Candles
Tea Towels
Mugs
A reminder about Art Classes
Subscriber Shoutout!
Happy Friday, Creative Hearth🌸
I hope you all had a happy Mother’s Day! This month’s newsletter is packed- I’m thrilled to share a fresh guest creator interview with the brilliant Jon Esparza, creator of Bubble Fox, plus BONK! updates and brand new Father’s Day gifts!
BUT FIRST…
🌟🌟🌟
As a creative, have you ever dealt with Executive Dysfunction?
Executive Dysfunction is one of those phrases that sounds like it belongs in a corporate handbook- something you’d overhear in a quarterly meeting at work then think nothing of it afterward.
But for creatives it’s less therapy-speak and more of a daily weather pattern: Today is Tuesday. Am I more likely to face a torrent of productivity or another dry-spell?
It’s easy to assume that the hardest part of creating for a living is the creating. The drawing. The writing. The inking. The coloring.
But that’s the part we creatives actually love.
In fact, the creative act itself is rarely the problem. It’s everything wrapped around it- the deadlines that overlap, the shifting project scopes, the emails that multiply, the invoices, the revisions, the “quick favors,” the self‑promotion, the algorithmic roulette, the emotional labor of making something meaningful, and the mental gymnastics of switching between wildly different tones, genres, and audiences.
Executive Dysfunction thrives in that chaos.
It’s like a ghost that whispers, “You should start that project,”
and then, when you try, immediately says, “Actually, maybe check your email first,”
and then, “Oh no, now it’s too late in the day to start anything meaningful, better wait until tomorrow.”
It’s that feeling of paralysis that hits when you have too many things to do and your brain responds by doing NONE of them.
For me, it manifests as a “deer in headlights” response.
To make it worse, there is a feeling of guilt that builds on itself. As a result, simple tasks like sending an invoice, sketching up a thumbnail, or replying to a message can have you feeling like you’re pushing a boulder uphill.
And when your livelihood depends on your output, executive dysfunction doesn’t just feel inconvenient, it feels like you’re failing at the one thing you’re supposed to be good at. Like you’re letting down clients, readers, collaborators, and the version of yourself who swore you’d be further along by now.
But here’s the part I keep relearning: Executive Dysfunction isn’t laziness. It isn’t a moral failing. It’s a misfire in the brain’s command center, and creatives are especially vulnerable because our work demands constant context‑switching, emotional investment, and self‑direction.
We’re not just making art- we’re running a one‑person studio, marketing department, accounting office, and more.
That’s a lot of hats for one head, especially when that head is also trying to remember to drink water.
Some days, the solution is structure. Some days, it’s luck. Some days it’s a timer, a playlist, a walk, a sticky note, a friend who texts “Did you draw today?” or a deadline that scares you just enough to kick your brain into gear.
Some days, it’s accepting that the work will get done, but not in the neat, linear, adult‑professional way you imagined.
And some days, honestly, it’s just surviving the storm. Can’t imagine so much as facing the tablet? Then start small. Wash your face. Do some dishes. Eat a snack. One small task builds up into another and before you know it, you’ll have accomplished a few tasks.
I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one navigating this.
If you’re a fellow illustrator, comic creator, or creative professional who deals with Executive Dysfunction, I’d love to hear from you. What helps you? What derails you? What tricks, tools, rituals, or reframes have made a difference? What do you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
Your experiences might be exactly what another creator needs to hear.
And if nothing else, it’s good to know we’re not alone in the fog.
Now, on to the fun stuff!
🌟🌟🌟
✒️Creator Interview✒️
Jon Esparza
🌟🌟🌟
Ladies and gents, introducing Mr. Jon Esparza, fellow comic creator, Twitter user, and general, all-around pop-culture enthusiast!
We met on X (formerly Twitter) after I began following his Bubble Fox comic strips and took part in some of his (cohosted alongside @Lollipop_Comics) really fun hastag events centered around web comic OCs, such as the #CRAZIESDayParade, #CRAZYHolidayFashionShow, and #CRAZYWinterGames!
Jon and I got to talking shortly after I had created BONK!, and has been a huge help in guiding me through the world of web comics- providing insight on everything from consistency, audience reach, and even introducing me to the platform ComicFury, where BONK! and BubbleFox both currently reside.
I am thrilled to have him as a guest creator this month!
🌟🌟🌟
Thanks again for taking the time to interview with me, Jon! We share a lot of interests, and you’ve been nothing short of supportive and helpful in the beginning of my webcomic journey.
I look forward to hearing about your creative process!
Creative Spark & Visual Storytelling
• What usually sparks the first idea- a doodle, a joke, or something you overheard in real life?
The spark usually comes out of nowhere! However, there are times where I might be inspired by a past experience or even being witness to certain things. Just depends really.
Same! I love those surprise idea bursts that seem to hit out of the blue.
• Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever gotten a comic idea?
I honestly can’t think of any place that’d be super weird where I got an idea at, but I did come up with something while working the fly rail at a theater once!
Oh that’s fascinating! I wonder if that setting also happened to make an appearance in one of the comics...
Storyboarding & Narrative Flow
• Can you describe a time when the final comic veered off from your original plan and became something better or different?
There’ve been plenty of times I went into a comic with a certain idea and then came out in the opposite direction. I just penciled one last night that fits the bill! I can’t go into details because it hasn’t posted yet, but it is definitely funnier than the gag I’d initially came up with!
I can’t wait to see it! I love when things take an unexpected turn during the creative process.
• What’s one thing readers would be surprised to learn about your workflow?
(Laughs) That I’m extremely lazy and procrastinate a lot! I like cartooning a lot, obviously, but if I’m not in the mood to draw, it’s not going to come out right. I gotta be having fun when I draw..
(see my above article on Executive Dysfunction)- It’s not laziness! Sometimes we get overwhelmed or burnt out. But, I totally feel you- if I’m not in the right mood, the art will definietly reflect that.
• What’s one panel you’re irrationally proud of?
There’s a panel pretty early on in Bubble Fox’s run where Clover, one of the side characters, just loses her head and goes straight King Leonidas on a bunch of other kids while trying to get a new exclusive toy! I felt the pacing and the action were pretty top notch. It really pushed me to try more extreme poses and expressions.
LOL! I will have to go and find that one...
Character Design & Personality
• Your characters have such expressive faces. Do you base them on real people?
(Laughs) If anybody actually looked like one of my characters, I’d probably head for the hills! Eyes aren’t supposed to be that large!
Good point...
• Your readers love your recurring characters. How do you keep them evolving?
I just keep it simple really. Bubble Fox is kind but clumsy. The Ragtags are a group of kids trying to staying out trouble but wind up finding it anyway. Pepper’s a toddler exploring his boundaries… All the key ingredients you need for crap to happen!
Perfect! I love the way the simple, unique personalities blend to make for some chaotic outcomes. Simplicity works- with BONK!, Peb is a rough-and-tumble, energetic little boy and his dinosaur pal, Nib, tends to act a little more cautiously (unless there’s food involved)! And in that way, they sort of offset each other.
• What’s one small design detail most readers won’t notice but means a lot to you?
I wouldn’t say it’s a small detail as they are actually quite noticeable, but the large, rounded eyes my characters all sport is a nod to the Muppets. I grew up on Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and Muppet Show reruns as a kid and it had a big impact on me. It’s small, but it is a tribute to Jim Henson..
I wouldn’t have caught that, but I totally see it now! I also grew up on Sesame Street and Muppets (in our age group, I’m guessing most of us did), so Jim Henson is a solid tribute choice in my book.
Behind the Scenes
• What’s something about making comic strips that you wish more readers understood?
That it’s so much more than just drawing silly things. Cartooning really is a craft. You are creating characters and a world for them to exist in. So much time, thought and effort goes into it all.
Like the great John Fountain answered in my last interview : “It’s work.”
• Do you have any warm‑up sketches, rituals, or “comic‑making superstitions” before starting a strip?
(Laughs) If I did I’d probably be more on top of things! No, I’ve always just grabbed my pencils, pens and paper and gone at it. I used to rough out things and then go into tighter pencil drawings, but the end result was flat. Now I just trace my roughs and I’m much happier with the results.
I hear you. I’ll get easily distracted by chores or something if I don’t just sit down with my tablet and start. BUT I will make time for a cup of coffee and a lit candle before I sit down.
• What’s the most challenging panel or sequence you’ve ever drawn, and what made it so tricky?
Too many to count, really, but I did do a three part sketch card of King Ghidrah from the old Godzilla movies that took me over five hours to draw! I inked every single scale. It was insane!
Sounds impressive! I’d love to see that!
Humor, Emotion, and Audience Reaction
• What’s the most rewarding reaction you’ve gotten from your audience?
Just hearing back that I make people laugh is reward enough for me, though the time I got recognized by name at a Convention was pretty cool!
It is such a great feeling when your work has made someone smile or left an impression. And getting recognized by name is huge! Congrats on that!
• What’s the most unhinged fan message you’ve ever received?
I once had a fan tell me my comic turned him on. That wasn’t cool at all.
Yep- another thing I mentioned in my last newsletter (not calling anyone out!) was that I noticed some searches for *BONK! furry* in my website analytics. Not something I anticipated stumbling across!
For Aspiring Comic Artists
• What’s one skill you wish more new comic creators focused on early in their journey?
Story and character development. So many of us are eager to jump off the high dive without learning how to swim. If you’re going to create a series, you gotta know your characters and their world first.
This is talked about a lot in the world of children’s literature as well. There are TONS of online workshops, critique groups, and articles out there that emphasize story and character development. It’s a huge misconception that you can just jump in and throw together something that works. I think a big part of the reason GenAI is so problematic is because it skips this very crucial, very human aspect of telling a compelling story.
• What’s a misconception about comic strip creation you’d love to debunk?
That comics are easy to crank out. Some artists work faster than others, but it is a craft. It takes time and effort to make it happen.
💯
• Your comic updates regularly. How do you stay consistent?
It’s a mix of setting firm schedules and flying by the seat of my pants!
Good to know!
Looking Forward
• What’s coming up next in your comic universe?
The Crazy Forest is about to be gripped by a devastating legal scandal!
Ohhh sounds like some tea is brewing...
• Do you have any dream collaborations; artists, writers, makers, etc?
I’d love to work with Jimmy Gownley, Dana Simpson or the Muppets. Jimmy did do a crossover commission for me, so I can sorta cross one of those off! I also would love to do some work for what’s left of MAD Magazine. They rejected twice in the past, but maybe they’ve lowered their standards since then?
Solid choices! I can totally see your work meshing with those styles. But don’t say “lowered standards” like that... Another thing that so many years in kidlit taught me is that rejection is all part of the game! It’s always worth another shot.
That’s fantastic you got that crossover- another one I’d love to see!
🌟🌟🌟
Thank you so much for sharing, Jon!
As I’ve said, you’ve been an insightful and supportive friend since BONK! was born. I look forward to taking part in more CRAZY online events in the coming seasons!
🌿🍖BONK! introduces Teek🍖🌿
🌟🌟🌟
It’s the first time Nib and Peb have ever seen... hair color change.
Find BONK! On:
Tapas
ComicFury
Instagram
🍺👔Father’s Day Is Coming...👔🍺
🌟🌟🌟
Father’s Day is just around the corner! Who’s your favorite dad? It’s time to celebrate him with a snazzy pattern like this one from Whale & Aphid, featuring playful mustaches drifting across a cool blue sea.
Time to give the gift of a fun, whimsical Father’s Day pattern full of charm and character!
In my Zazzle shop, you’ll find one-of-a-kind Father’s Day Essentials including gift bags, mugs, candles and even a dapper tie!
You’re sure to find something he’ll cherish!
🍺👔Gift Bags👔🍺
🍺👔Candle👔🍺
🍺👔Neck Tie👔🍺
🍺👔Mug👔🍺
🌟🌟🌟
That about wraps it up for me!
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot an email or jump into WACreativeHearth on Discord!
Cheers!
🌸Victoria
~PS~
🌟🌟🌟
A Reminder About Art Classes…
Preply is now offering 30% off a trial lesson! This is a pretty good discount, so now is the time to sign up for a trial even if you’re on the fence about learning illustration, because you can try before you buy without having to invest full price!
During a trial lesson, we take a class session (1 hour) to get to know one another, discuss your portfolio goals, and work out a custom plan to get you to where you want to be at the end of the 20 lessons.
My easygoing course is beginner-friendly, but my custom approach can also hard-focus on specific areas with guided drawing exercises (figure drawing, proportion & composition, character design) for those a little more advanced.
Consider signing up today!
🌟🌟🌟
⭐Subscriber Shoutout!⭐
Thanks for Subscribing!
mjchawk
VictoriaMarbleArt