This artist of the month of September is Asayne Maltos. I recall always reading her comics and I won't lie. I've caught myself going back to the comics and re-reading them because I either found them relatable, had a similar story/experience or I just found it funny that it added a positive note to my day. Reading and hearing others similar takes with these comics makes me happy actually! Knowing I'm not the only one smiling or laughing, but also in a sense waiting for the one? Well enough of me fan girling, this is more on Asayne Maltos @es.pep
As we enter the interview I ask Asayne what she has been enjoying as of recently?
️"I just recently started school at UTRGV to finish up my teaching degree. I love my classes, and I’ve been learning a lot of new techniques. In my free time I’ve been rewatching cartoons from my childhood. Hey Arnold, Ahh Real Monsters, and Courage the Cowardly dog." I started kinda watching O.K K.O but then I saw how many episodes there was per season so I kinda stopped, but Courage the Cowardly Dog is a classic for sure! She continues by giving out a few shot outs as well "I want to give a shout out to my family for always supporting me through my art journey and Pepperoni for being such a good dog."
I beginning by asking Asayne, when it comes to "comics about my thoughts" could you share what topics/themes your personal comics have touched? What are these "thoughts" I ask as she says "my comics are meant to show how silly the anxious/impostor syndrome thoughts I have are. It’s meant to help me rationalize and differentiate these negative thoughts into something more positive." For those who may not know imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills (as google says). As Pepperoni (Asayne) says "another day of figuring shit out" because this shit ain't easy. We can continue to persist and push because the efforts committed will eventually bring forth the "results of our own efforts."
When creating comics surrounding your "thoughts" how does it feel when there's others who may relate or have a connection to the feeling or story told?
"I love when people relate to my comics, it makes me feel seen. Like the emotions I’m feeling are just a part of life and we are all going through similar experiences together. It’s nice to know we are not alone and there are other people going through their own journey." Let me just say as soon as I read the "poop spot" comic it immediately brought back the horrors of UTRGV restrooms! Some of them are sanctuaries, but some...dear neptune. As Asayne mentiones "it's nice to know we are not alone and there are other people going through their own journey" reminds me of the hmmm two-three times we've participated together at workshops or a meet up with others. One time she created a zine that involved a story of hers and folks were taking turns reading it and sharing their own moment as well. The memories, discussions, and emotions evoked is so interesting and powerful. The way these shared experiences can be brought up is so cool. I love it.
SIDE NOTE: I remember peaking at Asayne's work at a workshop because I was so excited! I was giddy and I wanted to read it so bad, but I was so shy to ask until I finally read it and I enjoyed it very much.
How did the start of comic making begin and what has led you to continue?
"I started drawing comics eight years ago when I got my weenie dog Pepperoni. I would draw random puppy antics she would do, but I didn’t take it seriously and eventually stopped. I started to draw again when I went to a comic workshop by Ivan Mayorquin. He gave us advice on character building and storytelling, and took the time to let me know that Pepperoni is a cute character and I should continue my drawings. I realized comics were my outlet and promised myself to take a chance, post more, and grow my page." Yes, I went to the very beginning to the first post created and it was pups hanging out until it slowly became what it is now. Eventually I can see a small collection of Asayne's favorites in perhaps a zine or small stapled booklet? Why is is certainly her outlet, it has been an outlet for others as well. An outlet of remembrance, laughter, joy and ect.
What is the lets say "power" a comic holds to you with self expression?
️"the power it gives me would be the ability to help me vent and play out the scenarios in my head in a comical way. I’m trying to work out my social anxiety and impostor syndrome, and comics help me find the humor in these moments. Doing so helped me connect with others on common experiences and work on my social skills, in a way, it helped me make friends and meet other artists."
How do you conceptualize your ideas and construct them into a comic? Is there a process? "kind of, I’m constantly thinking and having conversations with myself. When I’m alone and feel like I said something funny I write it down, or when I have an awkward interaction I write it down. And I form the story based on the ideas I wrote down. I hope to make longer stories about my experiences and thought process in the future." What I like is that Asayme notes down the "awkward situations" because well that's life. You can't have it all be same, can you? What's life without a mishap? What's life without that one embarrassing moment? Eventually you look back and laugh at that or think yeah THAT happened. These are the experiences in our life that make it whole, if that makes sense.
Do you look back to your comics and just reminisce on the moment or story told?
"Yes, I like going back to a specific one, the story about the time I sold boob drawings in elementary school. It makes me laugh thinking back on how scared i was getting caught and that I got to make a personal embarrassing experience into a funny story other people can enjoy. Sometimes I look back on my progress to remind myself how far I’ve come and to keep going." I remember reading that story and it sent me BACK to 5th grade. My friend and I would look at pokemon cards during free time that we had. I'm like slightly laughing and smiling all dumb remembering this. Okay so this kid says "hey I'll trade you this paper for a card" and he points at the one he wants. He tells me that the paper is really cool and he knows I'll like it. I take his offer and we make our exchange. After school my mom drops me off at my cousin's house. I go to his room and tell him this kid traded me a paper for a card. I unfold each layer and it was a printed image of a naked woman. My cousin and I look at each other confused because well it wasn't pokemon and I wanted a REFUND. I didn't know what I was looking, but I knew it wasn't pokemon related and I threw it away. That's the memory that story about Asayne selling boob drawings reminded me of that day.
I've heard it before but if I recall correctly "pepperoni" is the name of your dog? What is tough deciding on a character to personify your thoughts to or?️
"I decided to make myself into Pepperoni because I wanted to appeal to a broader audience. Making my persona into a dog helps shift the focus away from myself and focus more on the situation at hand. I don’t like drawing myself too much and it’s hard to build a story around myself as the main character." Pepperoni as a characters allows others to implement themselves in your shoes in a way, allows them to see the story from your persona perspective. While it is a character created, it still allows others to put themselves in it as well.
Do you read comics or any online comic/toon? If so, which ones?
-I just finished reading 8 Billion Genies, it’s an indie comic about the aftermath of humanity if they were all able to have 1 wish.
-No longer Human by Junji Ito, it’s about a guy who keeps making bad decisions.
-And these manga memoirs from Nagata Kabi, she talks about personal experiences and I love her art style and self reflections.
I also read random indie comics based on their art style or storyline. These three are the most recent ones I’ve read.
I recently finished Goodnight Punpun (again) and I read The Nice House At The Lake which I really enjoyed!
Have you ever considered a comic collab with other artists?
"I haven’t, but I would love to hangout with other artists and draw out our interactions and personas. It would be very cute."
Looking back, pepperoni had a character style change, do you mind me asking what led to this? Is this regarding the "I should draw again" post? Which you have released numerous pieces/comics since that post as well
"The style change happened when I decided to portray Pepperoni as myself. I made this decision during the comic workshop as well. I used to draw the eyes as dots because dogs eyes look black straight on, and when I changed the perspective to myself I wanted to show expressions better and give a sillier look. I was thinking about a style change after I posted 'I Should Draw Again' and took a break till I figured it out. I’m happy with this change, the style feels like myself now."
What are your thoughts on the local valley scene?
I’ve only recently started networking and talking to other artists. So far that’s been really great and I’m happy with the connections I’ve been making.
Any final comments?
I want people to know it’s not too late to find their style or passion. It takes practice, mindfulness, and dedication but you can do it.
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