CGS Chats: Yasmín Flores Montañez, Olivia Stephens, and Travis Hymel
Summary
Comic Geek Speak episode 2082 features interviews with creators Yasmin Flores-Montanez, Olivia Stevens, and Travis Hemel. Yasmin discusses her graphic novel *We Are Pan*, detailing its historical basis on Operation Pedro Pan and her artistic journey. Olivia Stevens shares insights on her webcomic *Darlin’ and Her Other Names*, contrasting the creative freedom of self-publishing with traditional industry constraints. The episode highlights diverse storytelling approaches and the challenges of navigating the comic book landscape.
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode overview
Yasmin Flores-Montanez and We Are Pan introduction
Lessons from the Milestone Initiative and perseverance
Yasmin's journey into comics and finding community
Creating We Are Pan: History, art, and storytelling
The power of comics in education and cultural understanding
Olivia Schreiner introduction and Darlin' overview
Olivia's career path and creative struggles
Residencies, grants, and the nomadic artist life
Darlin' webcomic: Themes of identity and reclaiming narratives
Independence from platforms and slow internet culture
Travis Hemel and Start Your Engines Kickstarter intro
Travis's early influences and learning the business
Start Your Engines: Format, style, and creative process
Kickstarter rewards and collaboration with creators
Final thoughts and episode outro
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