We recently connected with Jesse Switters and have shared our conversation below.
Jesse, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Im a Lakota comic artist and illustrator. I was adopted and raised outside of my tribal community. Growing up there was a strong emphasis on respect- for people, spaces, and reverence for what came before you. In that environment my brothers and I learned not to speak too quickly. We learned to carry ourselves with a kind of restraint. I didn’t understand it at the time, but that way of navigating spaces has stayed with me. In some ways it has made an introvert, but in other ways I have been able to appreciate and connect with my community in a deeper way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a comic artist and I draw superhero comics. The bright bold characters from 90’s cartoons drew me to the magazine rack at the grocery store when I was a kid. What I saw there was a whole universe of costumed heroes. It didn’t take long before I was filling notebooks with sketches of superhero’s like Spider-man and characters like Luke Skywalker.
Comics are such a versatile medium with so many possibilities. You have more space to tell deeper and more layered narratives. You can build worlds and create a vision for the future. It is the perfect place to build IP for other platforms like film and streaming, The barriers for creating comics aren’t as financially daunting as other media. You can put together a zine for $3 apiece and publish your story for the world to see. I encourage every writer and artist to make atleast 1 comic or zine.
I am currently working on a comic series called “Smarg” with Paul Hallgren of Snow Day Press. We out out Issue 1 in December of 2024 and we are currently working on issue #3 this summer. We sell our books at area conventions and art fairs and our book is on the shelves at over a dozen comic shops in MN.
When Im not working on the latest issue of Smarg, I work at the Duluth Art institute and I teach comic art workshops. Comics have given me a way to tell stories that are honest and hold space for humor, adventure, and camaraderie. Comics don’t have to be perfect, you just have to pick up the pencil and draw.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three skills and areas of knowledge that made a resounding impact on me include teachability, curiosity, and healing.
It is so important to be teachable. You want to be open to feedback, willing to challenge your worldview, and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. You don’t have to be the final version of yourself right now, surround yourself with a community that will help you grow.
Curiosity is everything. A true passion for learning and trying new things. Study the art you love, try new things, celebrate what makes this world beautiful and exciting.
Last but not least, Healing. I struggled with anxiety for years and it led me down a path of pain, depression, and an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. With the help of my family and friends, through therapy and treatment I was able to learn new tools to navigate this thing called life. I recently celebrated 8 years of recovery. You don’t have to suffer alone, your community will come through in surprising and humbling ways.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
It hasn’t been one person. It’s been an entire community. I’m grateful to not only have parents who were there for me in the dark times, I also have friends who have treated my journey with honor, dignity, and support. This incudes fellow artists, recovery friends, and even coworkers.
The little things add up in a meaningful way. Community reminds me that I’m not alone and quite frankly that I can’t do this alone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jswitterscreative
Image Credits
My first profile picture credit is Melinda Lavigne Duluth News Tribune
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
