{"id":205,"date":"2015-09-24T13:53:05","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T13:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/microcosmpublishing.dev\/blog\/2015\/09\/americas-1-bike-cartoonist-an-interview-with-bikeyface\/"},"modified":"2016-02-02T16:31:41","modified_gmt":"2016-02-02T16:31:41","slug":"americas-1-bike-cartoonist-an-interview-with-bikeyface","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/2015\/09\/americas-1-bike-cartoonist-an-interview-with-bikeyface\/","title":{"rendered":"America’s #1 Bike Cartoonist: An interview with Bikeyface"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cartoonOf the fifty-plus contributors to our brand-new book Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/a><\/em>, few are as renowned as the artist known as Bikeyface<\/a>. From her secret bunker in the Boston area, she’s been alternately delighting and enraging anyone who types a bicycle-related question into google for years now with her series of ongoing web comics that provide wry commentary on everything from safety<\/a> to sweat<\/a> to driver behavior<\/a> to that giant, unladylike smile<\/a> that gets plastered to your face when you spend a lot of time on your bike. <\/p>\n

I’ve long been curious about Bikeyface’s bike comics career, and she kindly agreed to answer a few questions over email.<\/p>\n

1. Tell us a story… how did you become America’s #1 Bikey Cartoonist?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I didn’t plan to be a bike cartoonist, it was something that happened when a lot of things in my life intersected. I was an artist who had just moved to Boston, started a new job, and started biking everywhere. I didn’t know many people in Boston and making art can often be solitary. But I wondered if getting involved with the local bike community would be a better way to meet people. I didn’t know much about the bike community and I was a real newbie. But I muddled through volunteering at a couple events, went to some workshops, and tried joining an organized ride\u2014but it was harder than I expected to find my niche. (Note to new bicyclists: do not pick the Ride of Silence as your first “organized ride.”) <\/p>\n

In the midst of this trial and error of finding community I also decided to start a blog on a community bike site, bostonbiker.org<\/a>. It was the middle of the night, and a half-baked idea I assumed I would abandon very quickly. I did it anonymously at first\u2014I had read the comments section before. In the beginning it was quick anecdotes, photos, thoughts, even recipes. But because I’m an artist by nature I started throwing cartoons in there too. After a few compliments I started doing more cartoons. Suddenly I found myself getting web traffic from around the country. So I went all in and that’s when I started Bikeyface<\/a>. And eventually I did meet some other people who bike in Boston too.<\/p>\n

2. Many of your comics have included a feminist critique of parts of bicycle culture. Your comic in <\/strong>Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/strong><\/a><\/em> depicts a woman going into a bike shop and not having the greatest experience. Have you seen changes for the better\/worse\/neutral in bike culture in the time that you’ve been riding? What would you like to see happen next?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m not really sure how much has changed for women in bicycling industry\u2014or if I’ve changed more? I struggled a lot in the beginning and had many awkward interactions in bike shops. I couldn’t tell if it was lack of knowledge about bikes, having limited bike experience, or being a woman. I was definitely aware I didn’t know anything about bikes but I also didn’t know much about gender issues in cycling aside from the “girl” bikes always having flowers on them (yuck.) I wouldn’t have called myself a feminist then, either. But somewhere along the way as I got more experience with biking it brought me to feminism. I notice much more of the nonsense than I did before so in some ways it seems worse. I think there is a heightened awareness overall and desire to call the industry out on it. I’ve also seen two women-owned bike shops open in my neighborhood, so that is a measure of progress (and luxury).  I’d like to see more women-friendly bike shops around the country as well as more robust product lines that appeal to women. <\/p>\n

\"cartoon3. What’s your favorite comic that you’ve drawn? What (if it’s different) has been the most popular one? <\/strong><\/p>\n

My favorite cartoons are ones that make me crack up so much while I’m drawing them that I have difficulty drawing a straight line\u2014like So Ladies<\/a>. The most popular was Not Asking For It<\/a> which was a surprise to me\u2014it definitely made the rounds more than I anticipated.<\/p>\n

4. Do you get to make art for a living? Any advice for other comics artists who want to do something similar?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don’t make art for a living. Sometimes I wish I did\u2014but most of the time I’m really glad I do not. If I were paid for making art everyday it would become another job and I wouldn’t be drawing the things I personally enjoy (like Bikeyface.) I occasionally take freelance jobs that are interesting to me but full time freelance can be a roller coaster\u2014I learned early on that I’m too much of an anxious person to go on that ride. I have an office job because I’m more creative when I have stability (and regular food). So I work during the day and draw in the limited evenings and weekend hours. This means I go to very few social events but that’s okay for an introvert. The only downside to this system is that I often run out of time and can’t do everything I would like to. <\/p>\n

I recommend other comic artists think about their own style and personality and find an art\/life\/money balance that works for them. The internet is a great way to find an audience and build it. However, it’s not a great way to make money. So that means you have to have a day job or a willingness to embrace the struggle to build the business side of your art.<\/p>\n

This is one of a series of interviews with Microcosm contributors. The previous interview was with vegan chef Joshua Ploeg<\/a>. The next interview is with Alexander Barrett<\/a>, who writes illustrated love letters to cities in book form.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I’m not really sure how much has changed for women in bicycling industry\u2014or if I’ve changed more? I struggled a lot in the beginning and had many awkward interactions in bike shops. I couldn’t tell if it was lack of knowledge about bikes, having limited bike experience, or being a woman. I was definitely aware I didn’t know anything about bikes but I also didn’t know much about gender issues in cycling aside from the “girl” bikes always having flowers on them (yuck.) I wouldn’t have called myself a feminist then, either. But somewhere along the way as I got more experience with biking it brought me to feminism. I notice much more of the nonsense than I did before so in some ways it seems worse. I think there is a heightened awareness overall and desire to call the industry out on it. I’ve also seen two women-owned bike shops open in my neighborhood, so that is a measure of progress (and luxury). I’d like to see more women-friendly bike shops around the country as well as more robust product lines that appeal to women.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[24,14,11],"class_list":["post-205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogifesto","tag-bikes","tag-books","tag-interviews"],"my_excerpt":"

\"cartoonOf the fifty-plus contributors to our brand-new book Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/a><\/em>, few are as renowned as the artist known as Bikeyface<\/a>. From her secret bunker in the Boston area, she's been alternately delighting and enraging anyone who types a bicycle-related question into google for years now with her series of ongoing web comics that provide wry commentary on everything from safety<\/a> to sweat<\/a> to driver behavior<\/a> to that giant, unladylike smile<\/a> that gets plastered to your face when you spend a lot of time on your bike. <\/p>

I've long been curious about Bikeyface's bike comics career, and she kindly agreed to answer a few questions over email.<\/p>

1. Tell us a story... how did you become America's #1 Bikey Cartoonist?<\/strong><\/p>

I didn't plan to be a bike cartoonist, it was something that happened when a lot of things in my life intersected. I was an artist who had just moved to Boston, started a new job, and started biking everywhere. I didn't know many people in Boston and making art can often be solitary. But I wondered if getting involved with the local bike community would be a better way to meet people. I didn't know much about the bike community and I was a real newbie. But I muddled through volunteering at a couple events, went to some workshops, and tried joining an organized ride\u2014but it was harder than I expected to find my niche. (Note to new bicyclists: do not pick the Ride of Silence as your first \"organized ride.\") <\/p>

In the midst of this trial and error of finding community I also decided to start a blog on a community bike site, bostonbiker.org<\/a>. It was the middle of the night, and a half-baked idea I assumed I would abandon very quickly. I did it anonymously at first\u2014I had read the comments section before. In the beginning it was quick anecdotes, photos, thoughts, even recipes. But because I'm an artist by nature I started throwing cartoons in there too. After a few compliments I started doing more cartoons. Suddenly I found myself getting web traffic from around the country. So I went all in and that's when I started Bikeyface<\/a>. And eventually I did meet some other people who bike in Boston too.<\/p>

2. Many of your comics have included a feminist critique of parts of bicycle culture. Your comic in <\/strong>Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/strong><\/a><\/em> depicts a woman going into a bike shop and not having the greatest experience. Have you seen changes for the better\/worse\/neutral in bike culture in the time that you've been riding? What would you like to see happen next?<\/strong><\/p>

I'm not really sure how much has changed for women in bicycling industry\u2014or if I've changed more? I struggled a lot in the beginning and had many awkward interactions in bike shops. I couldn't tell if it was lack of knowledge about bikes, having limited bike experience, or being a woman. I was definitely aware I didn't know anything about bikes but I also didn't know much about gender issues in cycling aside from the \"girl\" bikes always having flowers on them (yuck.) I wouldn't have called myself a feminist then, either. But somewhere along the way as I got more experience with biking it brought me to feminism. I notice much more of the nonsense than I did before so in some ways it seems worse. I think there is a heightened awareness overall and desire to call the industry out on it. I've also seen two women-owned bike shops open in my neighborhood, so that is a measure of progress (and luxury).  I'd like to see more women-friendly bike shops around the country as well as more robust product lines that appeal to women. <\/p>

\"cartoon3. What's your favorite comic that you've drawn? What (if it's different) has been the most popular one? <\/strong><\/p>

My favorite cartoons are ones that make me crack up so much while I'm drawing them that I have difficulty drawing a straight line\u2014like So Ladies<\/a>. The most popular was Not Asking For It<\/a> which was a surprise to me\u2014it definitely made the rounds more than I anticipated.<\/p>

4. Do you get to make art for a living? Any advice for other comics artists who want to do something similar?<\/strong><\/p>

I don't make art for a living. Sometimes I wish I did\u2014but most of the time I'm really glad I do not. If I were paid for making art everyday it would become another job and I wouldn't be drawing the things I personally enjoy (like Bikeyface.) I occasionally take freelance jobs that are interesting to me but full time freelance can be a roller coaster\u2014I learned early on that I'm too much of an anxious person to go on that ride. I have an office job because I'm more creative when I have stability (and regular food). So I work during the day and draw in the limited evenings and weekend hours. This means I go to very few social events but that's okay for an introvert. The only downside to this system is that I often run out of time and can't do everything I would like to. <\/p>

I recommend other comic artists think about their own style and personality and find an art\/life\/money balance that works for them. The internet is a great way to find an audience and build it. However, it's not a great way to make money. So that means you have to have a day job or a willingness to embrace the struggle to build the business side of your art.<\/p>

This is one of a series of interviews with Microcosm contributors. The previous interview was with vegan chef Joshua Ploeg<\/a>. The next interview is with Alexander Barrett<\/a>, who writes illustrated love letters to cities in book form.<\/em><\/p>","my_excerpt_rendered":"

\"cartoonOf the fifty-plus contributors to our brand-new book Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/a><\/em>, few are as renowned as the artist known as Bikeyface<\/a>. From her secret bunker in the Boston area, she’s been alternately delighting and enraging anyone who types a bicycle-related question into google for years now with her series of ongoing web comics that provide wry commentary on everything from safety<\/a> to sweat<\/a> to driver behavior<\/a> to that giant, unladylike smile<\/a> that gets plastered to your face when you spend a lot of time on your bike. <\/p>\n

I’ve long been curious about Bikeyface’s bike comics career, and she kindly agreed to answer a few questions over email.<\/p>\n

1. Tell us a story… how did you become America’s #1 Bikey Cartoonist?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I didn’t plan to be a bike cartoonist, it was something that happened when a lot of things in my life intersected. I was an artist who had just moved to Boston, started a new job, and started biking everywhere. I didn’t know many people in Boston and making art can often be solitary. But I wondered if getting involved with the local bike community would be a better way to meet people. I didn’t know much about the bike community and I was a real newbie. But I muddled through volunteering at a couple events, went to some workshops, and tried joining an organized ride\u2014but it was harder than I expected to find my niche. (Note to new bicyclists: do not pick the Ride of Silence as your first “organized ride.”) <\/p>\n

In the midst of this trial and error of finding community I also decided to start a blog on a community bike site, bostonbiker.org<\/a>. It was the middle of the night, and a half-baked idea I assumed I would abandon very quickly. I did it anonymously at first\u2014I had read the comments section before. In the beginning it was quick anecdotes, photos, thoughts, even recipes. But because I’m an artist by nature I started throwing cartoons in there too. After a few compliments I started doing more cartoons. Suddenly I found myself getting web traffic from around the country. So I went all in and that’s when I started Bikeyface<\/a>. And eventually I did meet some other people who bike in Boston too.<\/p>\n

2. Many of your comics have included a feminist critique of parts of bicycle culture. Your comic in <\/strong>Our Bodies, Our Bikes<\/strong><\/a><\/em> depicts a woman going into a bike shop and not having the greatest experience. Have you seen changes for the better\/worse\/neutral in bike culture in the time that you’ve been riding? What would you like to see happen next?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m not really sure how much has changed for women in bicycling industry\u2014or if I’ve changed more? I struggled a lot in the beginning and had many awkward interactions in bike shops. I couldn’t tell if it was lack of knowledge about bikes, having limited bike experience, or being a woman. I was definitely aware I didn’t know anything about bikes but I also didn’t know much about gender issues in cycling aside from the “girl” bikes always having flowers on them (yuck.) I wouldn’t have called myself a feminist then, either. But somewhere along the way as I got more experience with biking it brought me to feminism. I notice much more of the nonsense than I did before so in some ways it seems worse. I think there is a heightened awareness overall and desire to call the industry out on it. I’ve also seen two women-owned bike shops open in my neighborhood, so that is a measure of progress (and luxury).  I’d like to see more women-friendly bike shops around the country as well as more robust product lines that appeal to women. <\/p>\n

\"cartoon3. What’s your favorite comic that you’ve drawn? What (if it’s different) has been the most popular one? <\/strong><\/p>\n

My favorite cartoons are ones that make me crack up so much while I’m drawing them that I have difficulty drawing a straight line\u2014like So Ladies<\/a>. The most popular was Not Asking For It<\/a> which was a surprise to me\u2014it definitely made the rounds more than I anticipated.<\/p>\n

4. Do you get to make art for a living? Any advice for other comics artists who want to do something similar?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don’t make art for a living. Sometimes I wish I did\u2014but most of the time I’m really glad I do not. If I were paid for making art everyday it would become another job and I wouldn’t be drawing the things I personally enjoy (like Bikeyface.) I occasionally take freelance jobs that are interesting to me but full time freelance can be a roller coaster\u2014I learned early on that I’m too much of an anxious person to go on that ride. I have an office job because I’m more creative when I have stability (and regular food). So I work during the day and draw in the limited evenings and weekend hours. This means I go to very few social events but that’s okay for an introvert. The only downside to this system is that I often run out of time and can’t do everything I would like to. <\/p>\n

I recommend other comic artists think about their own style and personality and find an art\/life\/money balance that works for them. The internet is a great way to find an audience and build it. However, it’s not a great way to make money. So that means you have to have a day job or a willingness to embrace the struggle to build the business side of your art.<\/p>\n

This is one of a series of interviews with Microcosm contributors. The previous interview was with vegan chef Joshua Ploeg<\/a>. The next interview is with Alexander Barrett<\/a>, who writes illustrated love letters to cities in book form.<\/em><\/p>\n","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":484,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205\/revisions\/484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}