Meet Rachel Lindsay | Cartoonist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Lindsay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve had to make changes in my life since I published my book and had my strip in the paper. I took a job in 2021 that would support me and the things I want and need in my life as a 35 year old — but it’s a job that is very demanding and requires a lot of my brain space. It’s been a challenge to make such a dramatic shift. I am still trying to create space for my art. But I am also trying to be patient for myself. To set more concrete goals. It’s ok if I’m too tired to draw after work, or if I want to go out with friends on the weekend. It used to be that I just drew all the time, and there was no life really, only work. But then again, I was drawing auto-bio comics.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I guess I am most proud of the risk I took to commit myself to my comics, when I moved to Vermont in 2013, when I was 26. I had this burning desire to make my graphic novel, RX, and I just decided I didn’t want to wait anymore. I came to Burlington, VT, without ever having visited. Went to the co-op and decided it seemed like an OK place to work and everything unfolded from there. All I did was say “Yes” to what I wanted in my life, and tell people about it — be my own champion – and it all came together. Within 3 years, I had a book deal and a comic strip in the paper. I worked full-time as a cartoonist for 4 years. Then I had some personal challenges and I’m now working in a different capacity. It’s not easy. It’s very hard. But as an adult, I have to support myself. Being a cartoonist is not a glamorous life most of the time and it’s very financially difficult. …I don’t know what I’m trying to say here haha. I guess that, yes, you absolutely can achieve your dreams, but also you have to be ready for major detours and be patient as you figure out how to navigate that with your art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Burlington, Vermont, so I can’t speak to LA, BUT I did visit twice and loved it. I stayed in Little Armenia the last time and went to an amazing taco place near there… wish I could remember!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this to Ginny McGrath, who has been a great support to me.

Website: www.rachellivesherenow.com

Instagram: @rlindsay_comics

Image Credits
Headshot photo Copyright Monika Rivard