<![CDATA[CartoonConnie Comics Blog]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!IS1o!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4669e04f-b1a6-4dca-bacd-cc708ddf90b4_634x634.pngCartoonConnie Comics Bloghttps://blog.cartoonconnie.comSubstackFri, 01 May 2026 11:26:05 GMT<![CDATA[Artist Perseverance]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/artist-perseverancehttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/artist-perseveranceThu, 30 Apr 2026 13:00:02 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic showing a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 6-panel comic about the process of creating art and overcoming perfectionism. The panels illustrate a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. In the last panel, she dips a roller in a bucket of white-out and begins the editing process. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun.

I love coming up with ideas. That’s my favorite part of the creative process, even when it’s messy.

Over the years, I’ve gotten less hung up on perfection and I’ve even grown to love the wildness of ideas that aren’t formed yet. They are full of possibility and potential.

That’s only part of creating though. I’m less practiced with editing ideas to get them to a finished stage. My sketchbooks and journals and full of ideas that need more work.

Longer projects, like the book I’m writing, are even more challenging. Today’s cartoon is basically a metaphor for my writing process. I have years of work and research under my belt, multiple drafts, and — much more editing and honing to do.

It’s getting closer — but pushing toward “a finish” is harder than I ever imagined.

This is a cartoon sketch I drew from 2011 - No. 10 of my daily sketchbook “status messages” that started my journey as a cartoonist. That’s when I decided I would stop making excuses and just make art everyday, no matter how small.

At the time, I was working full-time at Columbia University and I promised myself I would draw something every morning before work and blog it, no matter how good or bad. I kept it up for 8 years, before I scaled back daily posts to learn new skills. I haven’t quit — I still draw everyday, but I don’t need to post everyday to stay motivated.

The Tina Fey quote that inspired that 2011 drawing of cartoon me trying to white-out an absurd amount of spilled ink still rings true: “There are no mistakes, only opportunities.”

I’m learning to embrace the “mistakes” that got me here and will get me to where I want to go. Thankfully, I have a healthier mindset than I did in 2011. I also keep a more realistic amount of white-out.

Thanks for reading and being here. May we have infinite opportunities to learn and grow.

Art description: 6-panel comic about the process of creating art and overcoming perfectionism. The panels illustrate a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. In the last panel, she dips a roller in a bucket of white-out and begins the editing process. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 6-panel comic about the process of creating art and overcoming perfectionism. The panels illustrate a cartoon figure trying to capture an idea an artist easel and feeling like a failure when it doesn't live up to what she imagined. In the last panel, she dips a roller in a bucket of white-out and begins the editing process. Titled "Artist Perseverance," 2026, by Connie Sun.

Get all new, original comic strips every week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

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]]><![CDATA[Small New York Moments]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/small-new-york-momentshttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/small-new-york-momentsThu, 23 Apr 2026 13:02:11 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. The panels illustrate a few quirky details she noticed about individual New Yorkers. The comic ends with her saluting the now-famous "Giant Pigeon" sculpture, an homage to NYC style. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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I love the high-octane, unapologetic individuality of New Yorkers. Even in the small moments, it’s never boring. This week, I turned some sketchbook drawings from memory and life into a small comic strip homage.

Even though a lot feels broken in the world, there’s a lot that keeps going, like trains and every one of us.

Even if we can’t fix everything, we can still do small things to make things a little better everyday.

Shout out to friends Onyx and Malik (in panel 4) for their amazing fashion choices on Tuesday, which made me very happy.

To new subscribers, thanks for joining! This is where I share a new comic strip each week, while I continue to work on my longer graphic novel project. You can also find my entire cartoon archive here, all the way back to when I first started teaching myself to draw comics 15 years ago. Against all practical odds, I still haven’t given up the dream.

Thanks for reading and being here!

Art description: 6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. The panels illustrate a few quirky details she noticed about individual New Yorkers from riding the subway the day before. The comic ends with her saluting the now-famous "Giant Pigeon" sculpture, an homage to NYC style. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
6-panel diary comic with small scenes from New York City, drawn from memory by the artist. The panels illustrate a few quirky details she noticed about individual New Yorkers. The comic ends with her saluting the now-famous "Giant Pigeon" sculpture, an homage to NYC style. Titled "Small New York," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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Get all new, original comic strips every week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this independent publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram. Art prints and gifts are available in my shop.

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]]><![CDATA[The Things We Stock Up On]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-things-we-stock-up-onhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-things-we-stock-up-onThu, 16 Apr 2026 14:16:38 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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This week, I had the impulse to act on my anxieties and prepare for the worst. What do I need to live? Non-perishable foods and consumer staples? Or do I follow my default impulses? I noticed how my brain reaches for odd comforts that are not entirely practical. Maybe even frivolous. They did feel essential to me in the moment.

Illustration of a cartoon girl with a bun, feeding an elephant from a basket of food. By Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

I don’t mean to make light of anything that is happening. I’m just noticing quirks of my own psychology and asking myself what impulses I should listen to or quell.

That said, I did buy more ink to refill my pens with so that I don’t run out. Frivolous? An odd fixation? Maybe. But it did bring me a momentary sense of comfort and relief.

Sketchbook drawing of a fountain pen and ink, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Sketchbook drawing of pen and ink, by Connie Sun, 2026.

I imagine we all have our own ways that we’re dealing. Wishing you everything you need and some extra comforts too.

Thanks for reading and being here.

Art Description: 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. In the last panel, they find that their priorities differ. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art Description: 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. In the last panel, they find that their priorities differ. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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Get new and original art and comic strips every week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram. Art prints and gifts are available in my shop.

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]]><![CDATA[Small Steps]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/small-stepshttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/small-stepsThu, 09 Apr 2026 12:08:34 GMT
Art description: 4-panel comic about managing fears and anxieties and tackling one thing at a time. A cartoon figure carrying a backpack is overwhelmed and facing a daunting climb and endless steps in front of her. All she can do is focus on one step at a time. In the last panel, she starts going up the steps, one by one. Titled "Small Steps," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 4-panel comic about managing fears and anxieties and tackling one thing at a time. A cartoon figure carrying a backpack is overwhelmed and facing a daunting climb and endless steps in front of her. All she can do is focus on one step at a time. In the last panel, she starts going up the steps, one by one. Titled "Small Steps," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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I drew this comic for some encouragement. I need a little push to get through the week. Hope it gets easier, but regardless, all I can do is one thing at a time. Some days, every step is monumental.

Hope you're carrying on too. Take care of yourself and thanks for reading.

Here’s a bear hug from 2013 if you need one.

A new original comic strip every week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram.
Art prints and gifts are available in my shop.

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]]><![CDATA[Earthset Over The Moon]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/earthset-over-the-moonhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/earthset-over-the-moonTue, 07 Apr 2026 18:56:40 GMT
Art description: 2-panel comic with an artist drawing of an "Earthset" over the Moon, based on a NASA photo taken by the crew of Artemis II on April 6, 2026 during their lunar flyby mission. The second panel contains a simple line drawing of a girl with a bun showing the photo on her phone to an elephant. Titled "Earthset over the Moon," 2026, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 2-panel comic with an artist drawing of an "Earthset" over the Moon, based on a NASA photo taken by the crew of Artemis II on April 6, 2026 during their lunar flyby mission. The second panel contains a simple line drawing of a girl with a bun showing the photo on her phone to an elephant. Titled "Earthset over the Moon," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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I drew this because I’m feeling awe-inspired by the photos captured yesterday by the crew of the Artemis II. The image of the Earthset is especially breathtaking and some welcome perspective of the planet in the first half of 2026.

You can view the official mission gallery here: https://www.nasa.gov/gallery/lunar-flyby/

Thanks for reading and have a good week. Stay well and stay inspired.

A new comic strip every week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram.
Art prints and gifts are available in my shop.

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]]><![CDATA[All In An Introvert Day's Work]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/all-in-an-introvert-days-workhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/all-in-an-introvert-days-workThu, 02 Apr 2026 14:24:03 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Art description: 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. The panels illustrate a cartoon figure with a hard hat and headlamp, rooting through piles of rock in a dark cave, looking for some inspiration to get through the day. An elephant observes and suggests she go outside and look. Stubbornly, she continues to look in the cave. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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I have the tendency to be conflict-avoidant and easily overwhelmed by people arguing and fighting around me. It stresses me out and I don’t like how being in conflict with others brings out my worst qualities by default, like high emotion and black-and-white thinking.

Avoidance doesn’t solve a lot of problems though and the elephant in today’s comic has a point. I can’t really hole up in a cave and not face the world, no matter how much fighting is going.

Maybe some moderation is in order for introverts though, to preserve sanity. Staying sane is no easy task in the world we live in.

Thanks for reading and being here.

Art description: 6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. The panels illustrate a cartoon figure with a hard hat and headlamp, rooting through piles of rock in a dark cave, looking for some inspiration to get through the day. An elephant observes and suggests she go outside and look. Stubbornly, she continues to look in the cave. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie
6-panel comic strip about an introvert looking for hope in dark times. Titled "All In An Introvert Day's Work," 2026, by Connie Sun.

A new original comic strip once a week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram.
Art prints and gifts are available in my shop.

screenshot of "subway animals" illustrated tote and "elephant friend" graphic tee from cartoonconnie giftshop
Prints and gifts available on cartoonconnie.com/shop

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]]><![CDATA[A Snail's Pace]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/a-snails-pacehttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/a-snails-paceThu, 26 Mar 2026 13:10:31 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long and arduous the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.

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If I do an honest assessment of how I’m doing on my book project, it’s plenty discouraging. It is taking years longer than I ever imagined it would at the start of my journey.

I have had so much to learn about myself, the craft, and the process. If I knew how unbelievably hard it would be be, I probably wouldn’t have started.

Yet, I’m still at it. That’s the work; it’s lonely and plodding with no guarantees. There are days of inspired clarity and many more days when writing is like hiking in mud. My only options are: keep going or give up.

As for progress, I can report that I’m better at slogging through mud. Despite the struggles, I’ve managed to cover a lot of ground over time. No shortcuts.

That’s the gift of not using A.I. All the work I put in is my own. It’s in my bones.

One day, I’ll be able to discuss in detail what I’ve had to do and learn along the way, but for now, I’ll keep writing and revising until I’m there.

Thanks for reading and being here, in spite of all.

6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long the process can be. The panels illustrate a conversation with the artist, cartooned as an anatomically correct snail, until the last panel where she appears with her trademark hair bun at a writing desk. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
6-panel autobio comic strip about the challenges of writing a book and how long the process can be. Titled "A Snail's Pace," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.

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Get inspired with new artwork and an original comic strip once a week! Thanks for reading and supporting my art.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram. Art prints are available in my shop.

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]]><![CDATA[Elephant Joy]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/elephant-joyhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/elephant-joyThu, 19 Mar 2026 12:32:00 GMT
Panel 1 of a 3-panel motivational comic strip illustrating the power of doing more of what brings you joy, like making art. Titled "Elephant Joy," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun
Panel 2 of a 3-panel motivational comic strip illustrating the power of doing more of what brings you joy, like making art. Titled "Elephant Joy," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun
Panel 3 of a 3-panel motivational comic strip illustrating the power of doing more of what brings you joy, like making art. Titled "Elephant Joy," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun

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Just a short reminder this week! I have to keep reminding myself to not neglect the things that bring me joy. I’ve had my share of anxiety spirals lately, but what calms me when I’m down is going back to the basics of what makes me happy.

The pressures of life often distract us from the pursuit of our joys. In the face of everything, letting ourselves be happy can seem frivolous and unessential. It can almost feel like a social competition to see who is the most unhappy these days.

But I think giving ourselves permission to be happy is part of the work of keeping hope alive. I learned this from my dear friend Bridget, who was a source a joy for everyone who knew her during her too-brief time here.

Re-sharing a cartoon reflection from 2024.

We don’t live in a perfect world, but I wish you safe and I wish you joy.

Thanks for reading and being here.

3-panel motivational comic strip illustrating the power of doing more of what brings you joy, like making art. The panels show a cartoon girl with a bun drawing and elephant and seeing it come to life. The characters hug in the final panel that contains an affirmation. Titled "Elephant Joy," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
3-panel motivational comic strip illustrating the power of doing more of what brings you joy, like making art. The panels show a cartoon girl with a bun drawing and elephant and seeing it come to life. The characters hug in the final panel that contains an affirmation. Titled "Elephant Joy," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.

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Get a new comic strip once a week!

🎈 Art prints are available in my shop. Today’s comic is available as a print. To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram

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]]><![CDATA[The World We Live In]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-world-we-live-inhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-world-we-live-inThu, 12 Mar 2026 13:54:52 GMT
Panel 1 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 2 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 3 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 4 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 5 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 6 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 7 of a 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie.
Panel 8 8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. The last panel is commentary on current events. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.
8-panel autobiographical comic strip about the artist's experience with therapy and how much she resisted getting mental health support when she was younger. The last panel is commentary on current events. Titled "The World We Live In," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.

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This is a true story and we’re living through it.

Thank you for reading. Be safe and may we soon live in chiller times.

Single panel illustration of a girl with a braid sitting in meditation. Her mantra is a wish to live in "boring times," as opposed to "interesting." Original drawing by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, originally published 2021.
Single panel illustration of a girl with a braid sitting in meditation. Her mantra is a wish to live in "boring times," as opposed to "interesting." Original drawing by Connie Sun, originally published 2021.

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🎈 Art prints are available in my shop. To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

Ways to support this publication: Subscribe to once-a-week posts, Share with a friend, Support CartoonConnie on Ko-fi, Follow on Substack or Instagram

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]]><![CDATA[Living Through History]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/living-through-historyhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/living-through-historyThu, 05 Mar 2026 14:33:29 GMT
Two-page comic illustrating a humorous, introspective conversation between a cartoon girl with a bun and an elephant companion about the discomfort of living through destructive events in history, like war and unrest. She pontificates on how messy everything becomes when conflicts spread to daily life, while the elephant simplifies her over-complicated way of thinking and communicating. Titled "Living Through History," 11 comic panels, original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
2-page comic illustrating an introspective conversation between a girl with a bun and an elephant companion about the discomfort of living through conflict, while the elephant simplifies her over-complicated way of thinking. Titled "Living Through History," 11 comic panels, original art by Connie Sun, 2026.

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My brain likes to overthink, but I manage it with my cartooning habit to make life more tolerable for myself and those around me. Elephant gets the brunt of it, but she has a sense of humor about it.

Resharing another cartoon I drew in 2016 to comfort myself through my anxiety. In hindsight, it was just the beginning of uncertain times, but we survived. We’re still here. We are stronger than we think.

4-panel comic illustrating cross-species friendships between giraffes, squirrels, monkeys, doves, horses, and elephants, with messages of comfort and safety in uncertain times. Titled "In Uncertain Times (AKA Life)." Ink and color pencil on paper, by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2016. Originally published on conniewonnie.com
4-panel comic illustrating cross-species friendships between different animals, with messages of comfort and safety in uncertain times. Titled "In Uncertain Times (AKA Life)." Ink and color pencil on paper, by Connie Sun, 2016. Originally published on conniewonnie.com

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Hope you are safe and coping okay. These are not the most peaceful of times, but I hope we can find our way through it together.

Thanks for reading and being here.

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cartoonconnie elephant illustration logo 2025

🎈 Art prints are available in my shop. To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

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]]><![CDATA[New Normal]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/new-normalhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/new-normalThu, 26 Feb 2026 15:00:23 GMT
Title illustration of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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I couldn’t wait to share this comic with you. I had fun writing it.

I don’t actually have a terminal of screens and monitors, but it often feels that way, with the constant barrage of sensory inputs we’re bombarded with everyday.

Are we the ones in control? Sometimes, I’m not so sure.

Art description: Humorous 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. A cartoon girl with a bun starts out in a state of information and sensory overload and proceeds to list the ways she stays in control of her time and attention, with a twist at the end. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: Humorous 6-panel comic about the new normal of A.I. and technology in modern life. Titled "New Normal," original art by Connie Sun, 2026.

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Earlier in the week, a late winter blizzard dropped 20 inches of snow on New York City. I dug up a few of my early snow cartoons (from 2013, 2016, and 2017). As a Southern California transplant, the last blizzard I remember was in 2016!

Hope spring brings us hope, renewal, and more time away from our screens.

Thanks for reading and being here, given everything else you could be doing!

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🎈 Art prints are available in my shop! To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

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]]><![CDATA[The Attention Span of Modern Humans]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-attention-span-of-modern-humanshttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-attention-span-of-modern-humansThu, 19 Feb 2026 15:16:17 GMT

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I’ve been breaking a lot of my personal rules around phone use lately.

One of my mainstays was once, “No walking and texting.” Sadly, I’ve been in breach of contract a lot. I’m noticing how activities that were once technology free are now so often unnecessarily interrupted. I pay much less attention and notice less about the details of life and those immediately around me.

This is a loss, I think. I drew this comic from memory, observed from a couple brief moments when I wasn’t looking at my phone. And then, I looked at my phone and the moment ended. Alas.

In reflection, I want some of my attention span back. I want to notice life as it is happening. I don’t want to sleepwalk through how much modern technologies interrupt the moments that make us more human.

Thanks for pausing to read this and pardon the interruption.

Do you have technology rules for yourself too? What are some strategies you use to reclaim your time and attention?

Art description: Humorous 5-panel comic strip about smart phone addiction and how it impacts human attention spans. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun observing activities in daily life that compete with smart phones for our undivided attention, like reading a book, walking a dog, or just plain walking. Titled "The Attention Span of Modern Humans." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: 5-panel comic strip about smart phone addiction and how it impacts human attention spans. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun observing activities in daily life that compete with smart phones for our undivided attention, like reading a book, walking a dog, or just plain walking. Titled "The Attention Span of Modern Humans." Original art by Connie Sun, 2026.

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🎈 New art prints are available in my shop! To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

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]]><![CDATA[Happy Year of the Horse]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/happy-year-of-the-horsehttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/happy-year-of-the-horseTue, 17 Feb 2026 14:33:10 GMT
Art description: 3-panel comic celebrating the Year of the Horse and the Lunar New Year. Panels illustrate a horse galloping full speed ahead, followed by an elephant and a cartoon girl with a bun trying to keep up with the horse. All are adorned in red for good luck. Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
3-panel comic celebrating the Year of the Horse and Lunar New Year. Panels illustrate a horse galloping full speed ahead, followed by an elephant and a cartoon girl with a bun trying to keep up with the horse. All are adorned in red for good luck. Original artwork by Connie Sun, 2026.

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Happy Lunar New Year! I drew a special edition cartoon this week to spread some extra blessings around.

Lunar New Year celebrations mark the beginning of Spring Festival, the end of a long winter and the return of new life in spring. There’s still snow on the ground here in New York, but it’s melting. The days are getting longer and soon we’ll see new leaves come in and flowers in bloom.

Wishing you a dynamic Year of the Fire Horse, full of new life, pursuits, and opportunities.

Thanks, as always, for reading and being here.

New cartoons every week!

🎈 New art prints are available in my shop! To request prints of my cartoons, you can reach me at connie at cartoonconnie dot com.

Art print of a 4-panel comic strip about making time for who and what you love. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant, who she wishes she could spend more time with. The elephant grants permission; life is simplified. Titled "Making Time For What You Love," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
New art prints available at cartoonconnie.com/shop

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]]><![CDATA[A Valentine To My Younger Self]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/a-valentine-to-my-younger-selfhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/a-valentine-to-my-younger-selfThu, 12 Feb 2026 14:35:51 GMT
Title illustration from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 1 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 from a 6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself, titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self." Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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This week, I’m sharing two comic strips that I drew to remind myself of the love I have in my life.

In the first comic, I wrote my younger self a Valentine and gave her a hug that she definitely needed.

In the second, I gave myself permission to make time for what I love, whether it’s drawing or climbing or making food or being with loved ones.

4-panel comic strip about making time for who and what you love. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant, who she wishes she could spend more time with. The elephant grants permission; life is simplified. Titled "Making Time For What You Love," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
4-panel comic strip about making time for who and what you love. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant, who she wishes she could spend more time with. The elephant grants permission; life is simplified. Titled "Making Time For What You Love," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.

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Life is complicated enough as it is. Some things can still be uncomplicated.

Wherever you are, may your days be lighter, with extra room for everything and everyone you love.

Thanks, as always, for reading and being here.

6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself for all your mistakes and faults and being secure in the knowledge that love, like energy, is never lost. Panels illustrate a cartoon figure talking to her younger self and giving her a hug. Titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
6-panel comic strip about forgiving yourself and loving yourself. Panels illustrate a cartoon figure talking to her younger self and giving her a hug. Titled "A Valentine To My Younger Self," 2026. Original art by Connie Sun.

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]]><![CDATA[Sick Day Comforts]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/sick-day-comfortshttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/sick-day-comfortsThu, 05 Feb 2026 15:35:27 GMT
Title page of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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I was sick over the weekend and now I am well again — for which, I am grateful.

I’m also grateful for strangers being kind. Including a page from my weekend diary entry of a small interaction that made me feel better.

Stay well, everyone. Wishing you daily rest and comforts to get through this winter.

Thanks, as always, for reading and being here.

Art description: 2-panel sketchbook page of a New York City scene, illustrating a brief interaction between the cartoonist and a stranger at the supermarket, while she's buying avocados in winter. Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: 2-panel sketchbook page of a New York City scene, illustrating a brief interaction between the cartoonist and a stranger at the supermarket, while she's buying avocados in winter. Original artwork by Connie Sun, 2026.

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Art description: 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: 6-panel comic about the comforts of a sick day. Panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun recovering from a cold and finally getting the rest she needs. Titled "Sick Day Comforts." Original artwork by Connie Sun, 2026.

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]]><![CDATA[Diary of a Snow Day]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/diary-of-a-snow-dayhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/diary-of-a-snow-dayThu, 29 Jan 2026 15:05:05 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

I was in Brooklyn, NY with friends during the heaviest part of the snowfall over the weekend. I didn’t grow up with snow, so this was a new kind of snow for me and a little bit magical at first.

Then, very quickly, I witnessed some of the real hazards and realized that it takes a very big village to shovel and plow through snow like this.

I saw neighbors and passers-by stop and help cars stuck in the road and near-constant shoveling of pedestrian pathways. The drawing in panel 5 happened the moment before the four strangers pushing the car helped it clear the intersection and allowed a snow plow through just in time.

We don’t live in a Pollyanna world, but I’m grateful to the individuals who haven’t given up on being good neighbors.

Wherever you are, if you’ve been shoveling snow this winter, thank you.

If you’re going out of your way to look out for your neighbors, thank you.

If you’re struggling and doing your best, thank you.

Humanity wouldn’t survive a winter without you.

As always, thank you for reading and being here.

Art description: 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun and earmuffs, excited about the snow at first but unprepared for the conditions. As snow piles up, she learns that cars can get stuck on the roads. In the last 2 panels, she sees neighbors helping neighbors push stuck vehicles and shovel out parked cars. The caption in the final panel reads, "Maybe banding together is how we'll survive the winter." Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: 6-panel diary comic about seeing New Yorkers help each other in a snowstorm. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun and earmuffs, excited about the snow at first but unprepared for the conditions. As snow piles up, she learns that cars can get stuck on the roads. In the last 2 panels, she sees neighbors helping neighbors push stuck vehicles and shovel out parked cars. Titled "Diary of a Snow Day," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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]]><![CDATA[New York City Code]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/new-york-city-codehttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/new-york-city-codeThu, 22 Jan 2026 14:36:12 GMT
Panel 1 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 from a 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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New York City is not an easy place to live, but what makes it possible is when New Yorkers look out and make room for each other. Maybe that is what helped human civilization survive this long -- less the warships and power grabs -- and more the individuals choosing to make room for others, no matter how difficult life can be.

There’s a lot happening around the country and the world. In my small corner the other night, I appreciated that NYC made some room for me. It doesn’t always happen like this, but when it does, it shows that the best of humanity is still possible.

I hope you enjoyed this diary comic as much as I enjoyed drawing it. It’s a little different from what I share online, but keeping one daily helps me pay attention without becoming totally overwhelmed. Maybe you have a practice that centers and calms you too.

I started my year with new sketchbooks that I can carry around with me. All of my ideas start on paper, drawn from memory and never with generative AI assistance. Why would I outsource my reason for being a cartoonist?

Whatever you do, wherever you are reading from, thank you for being here.

Art description: 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Panels illustrate a figure rushing to catch a train and the small moments when even a city as overpopulated as NYC can feel like a community. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: 6-panel autobio comic about riding a crowded subway on a freezing cold night in New York City and small gestures of city dwellers who make room for each other. Panels illustrate a figure rushing to catch a train and the small moments when even a city as overpopulated as NYC can feel like a community. Titled "New York City Code," original art by Connie Sun, 2026.

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]]><![CDATA[Different Buckets]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/different-bucketshttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/different-bucketsThu, 15 Jan 2026 14:55:46 GMT
Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 2 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 3 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 4 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 5 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 6 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Panel 7 Panel 1 of 7 of a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Art description: From a 2-page comic strip about managing worries, illustrating a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant and preparing food. To get through the day, she has to separate her stresses and worries into different buckets. By the end of the comic, the elephant reassures the girl that "there's a lot that humans don't control," which gives her some relief, as they look out into a dense cityscape at night with a waning crescent moon in the sky. Titled "Different Buckets," original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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There’s not much relief these days from the onslaught of persistent human stupidity. If you feel scared and outraged, you’re not alone. I wish there were an undo button for how much damage that the powerful can inflict.

The solace I’m holding onto is that it’s all bigger than we are. Some humans forget this in their short-sightedness.

I’m not sure how we survive the “industriousness” of our species, but all of us are here now and our lives are a miracle. We’ll do what we can, even if it’s just to get through the day.

Thank you for reading and being here.

Illustration of a cartoon figure with a bun floating with an elephant under a crescent moon. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

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]]><![CDATA[Life Points Gained]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/life-points-gainedhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/life-points-gainedWed, 07 Jan 2026 14:35:12 GMT
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
Excerpted panel from a comic strip illustrating a girl with a bun taking a break from social media and baking cookies for an elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

Hope the holiday was kind to you and yours. I took a full break from social media and focused my energy on family and friends. I drew cartoons offline. I baked cookies and cinnamon bread.

Important learning: Time off social media is life points gained.

Ready as I’ll ever be to face whatever the new year brings. And I’m excited to share what I’ve been cooking up.

Wishing you and all of us the best for 2026. Thanks for reading and being here.

Illustration of a girl with a bun reading a book next to a resting elephant. Original art by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

Art description: From a 6-panel comic strip about a cartoonist taking a break from social media and not feeding the algorithm. The comic shows a cartoon figure with a hair bun, baking cookies for an elephant, not an algorithm. In the end, she is fine and learns that “time off social media is life points gained.” Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.

6-panel comic strip about a cartoonist taking a break from social media and not feeding the algorithm. The comic shows a cartoon figure with a hair bun, baking cookies for an elephant, not an algorithm. In the end, she is fine and learns that “time off social media is life points gained.” Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2026.
“Life Points Gained,” 2026, by Connie Sun

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]]><![CDATA[The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself]]>https://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-best-gift-you-can-give-yourselfhttps://blog.cartoonconnie.com/p/the-best-gift-you-can-give-yourselfThu, 18 Dec 2025 14:28:50 GMT
Panel 1 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.
Panel 2 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.
Panel 3 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.
Panel 4 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.
Panel 5 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.
Panel 6 of a 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.

I often get swept up into a spiral of thinking about all the ways I have failed and fall short of expectations. It’s a habit that is not easy to break, but I work at it everyday.

Not giving in to self-doubt feels like getting on a treadmill, putting in some work, and resolving to do it again tomorrow.

This season is no exception. Plenty of doubts and fears to go around. But I’m grateful for the chance to get up in the morning and keep working at being kinder to myself.

It’s easier to remind others to be kinder to themselves. All around me, I see people trying their best too. Some are harder on themselves than others.

If there’s one gift you can give yourself as we wind down the year, maybe it can be this: a little more love and forgiveness for yourself.

May your burdens be lighter. Thanks for reading and being here. Hope you enjoyed today’s comic as much as I enjoyed drawing it.

Humorous 6-panel comic strip about loving your past, present, and future selves. Each panel is a colorful cartoon portrait of the artist at different life stages, ending with an imagined future self as a little old lady in a futuristic setting. Titled "The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025.

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🎈 Art prints are available in my gift shop upon request. Warmest wishes for the season.

Illustration of a girl with a bun, standing next to an elephant, looking up at a waning crescent moon and night sky of swirling brush strokes. Text poem reads, "Whatever happens. You have nothing to fear. You are whole and you are loved. In this moment and always." Original artwork by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, 2025. Drawn with ink and watercolor on paper.
“Whatever Happens,” 2025, by Connie Sun. Watercolor and ink on paper. Print available on cartoonconnie.com/shop

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