I come across some of the most amazing people in my internet travels and sometimes... I just have to share them with you.
Meet Tatiana Gill. Officially described as "A Seattle based cartoonist who uses her art to show strength and vulnerability, reflecting the diversity of women so often underrepresented in the media. Themes include body positivity, feminism, and recovery."
Described by me as: THE MOST GODDAMN AMAZING ILLUSTRATOR THAT I WISH I HAD WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER AND MY NEW LIFE GOAL IS TO KISS HER FACE SOMEDAY. (If I'm writing an entire post about someone, I'm gonna talk about them in all caps, okay? Don't judge.)
I discovered Tatiana through her amazing Plus Positive Drawing book and her story about finding online body image politics told through 40+ panels that are inspirational AF. I think what kept me coming back though, was the total inclusion of bodies in her artwork. Age, disability, gender fluidity, body hair, fat, race, sex positivity, empowerment, hirsutism, equality and universal respect. All of these things (and more) are found in Tatiana's portfolio and goddamnit, I'm just smitten.
Just take a look at this awesome art:
Oh. AND she created a FAT Rainbow Brite.
It continues to get better:
And that body positive journey (and online discovery of the fat/body positive movement) that I mentioned? Completely identifiable.
I've only included 3 panels and her story is told in 44, so obviously you need to go and read them all RIGHT NOW. Right now. (Note the #FatGirlsCan shout out to all you bad-ass bitches!)
I mean it.
On top of creating fantastic neo-zine content (is that even a thing? I have no idea...) she also does design, portraits and, my favorite: safe-space posters like the one below.
(She has a free print out here!)
And lastly? She drew the most incredible picture of me that I've ever seen.
Tattoos. Cape. A belt with my initials. Glitter. A UNICORN. This image is just icing on the goddamn "I Love Tatiana" cake.
She totally has a Redbubble which means you can order any of her illustrations on a mug, shirt, bag, pillows, miniskirts... pretty much on anything. You can also purchase the Plus: Body Positive Drawings book here.
It's no secret that I'm in love. I'm also inspired, uplifted and hopeful. If there are people like Tatiana out there that means that perhaps we're not completely fucked and perhaps kindness can reach further than we think.
I'm curious to hear what you thought about her entire "body positive journey"! Did you identify? Did you have a different experience? What panels would you add if you were to illustrate your story?
Thanks for your work Tatiana and never stop contributing your much needed visuals to the body image conversation. We owe you.
P.S. You can check out other amazing crushes here!
No comments