Author-Illustrator Spotlight: Caitlin Rose Boyle

Sept. 18, 2020

We are excited to feature author-illustrator Caitlin Rose Boyle and her recent graphic novel, FRANKIE AND THE CREEPY CUTE CRITTERS (Oni Press), out Oct. 13. Enter to win a copy!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to make graphic novels for children.

I grew up reading and drawing constantly, worked in comics for a while, and now spend my days working in animation, drawing comics when I can. I do a lot of all-ages work, and have been very inspired by children's books, so working on a kid's book seemed a natural fit! I think a good children's book is timeless; my Maurice Sendak collection in particular is still on my shelf.

Congrats on your recent graphic novel, FRANKIE AND THE CREEPY CUTE CRITTERS. Tell us about the story and what inspired you.

Thank you! Frankie is about a Scary Fairy who moves to a new town and doesn't quite belong at school. She needs to work out how she feels about being Scary, with the help of a few Scary animals!

I was inspired by my childhood growing up in southern Maryland; the Chesapeake Bay is an incredibly complex ecosystem full of bats and snakes and bugs, and every time you step outside you meet SOME kind of creepy critter.

I wanted to show off some of my favorite misunderstood animals, while also talking about how it feels when your classmates are misunderstanding YOU!

You work in both comics and animation. Do each of these influence the other when you work? What projects are you working on now?

Absolutely! I think comics and animation have always gone hand in hand; both are visual storytelling mediums, they just have a slightly different set of rules when you're drawing.

Comics can be looser and more intuitive, and you're working alone most of the time, while animation is very precise and you're just one part of a giant team.

I'm currently a storyboard revisionist on Disney TV Animation's AMPHIBIA, and it's been an amazing experience. The crew is incredibly talented and friendly, I'm wildly lucky to be a small part of it.

What recent graphic novels for kids do you recommend?

BUG BOYS, by Laura Knetzger! She makes you want to be friends with every bug you see.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Is this the same advice you'd give to aspiring graphic novelists or comic artists?

I'd say, keep drawing, but do it at your own pace and your own time! Draw the way that feels good, to you! There can be a lot of pressure to adopt a certain style or draw a certain way, and I think the most interesting work happens when you just let your drawing style develop naturally. Draw what you like! I would tell myself the same thing!

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I wake up at like 5am every day! It takes my brain like three hours to boot up - like an old computer - so I roll out of bed super early and then sit with a cup of coffee for a few hours until I feel like a person. It's a good time to read, or listen to music, or spend a little time outside. Sometimes people get impressed when I tell them that, but it's not like I'm functional that early; it just takes me forever to get ready!

Where can people find you online?

My portfolio is online at www.caitlinroseboyle.com!

Caitlin Rose Boyle grew up admiring all sorts of creepy critters in rural southern Maryland. When she isn't drawing comics, she's working as a storyboard revisionist in the animation industry. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with an extensive collection of houseplants.

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