Bored Panda wanted to learn more about the series, which is why we reached out to its creator. When asked to describe his work in three words, Clint responded, “I get it,” and elaborated: “I know what it's like not to get it and be on the outside of a great joke you just want to break into. Some folks don't get it. And that's totally cool. I wanted people to see my comics and feel like they're in on the joke. Alternatively, I would’ve picked ‘all are welcome.’ I really wanted everyone to feel welcome, but the truth is they aren’t. If you're a bigot or a transphobe in any way, this page is not for you, and you don't get to enjoy my jokes. That's my inch and I won't give it.”
We were curious about what initially inspired Loonier to start making comics, and the cartoonist kindly shared with us: “I've always admired cartoonists, comics, and animation. I admire the way someone can communicate such complex opinions in such simple ways. The first great graphic novel I read was Maus, followed by Watchmen. I've always loved great comic book artists like Frank Frazetta and Kenneth Rocafort even though I'm not very good at drawing and I've never really put the time in learning to draw.”
Clint also gave us a glimpse into his creative process, revealing that everyday life is what inspires him and helps him come up with ideas for new comics. He added: “Any time something makes me laugh, I try to write it down in my notes app and see if I can't make a comic out of it. There’s a whole other section called ‘stand-up comedy jokes’ that I’ve never been brave enough to go try.”
The artist also mentioned some fellow artists who have influenced his style and whose work he particularly admires: “My favorite comedians are Mitch Hedberg, Bill Hicks, George Carlin, John Mulaney, Bill Burr, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryer. I've always loved comics. My mom's friend was the editor-in-chief of Mad Magazine and used to give me giant piles of graphic novels and comics that I'd pore through. It’s probably the only reason I read. Sarah Scribbles is a big part of my style. I fucking love her stuff.”
Lastly, the creator of ‘East Coast It Notes’ revealed which of his own comics holds a special place in his heart: “My favorite always tends to be the stupidest ones that I laughed the whole time while drawing. Like the one where two guys playing instruments see giant monsters in town and they have to warn everyone so they go to Facebook and say ‘big things are coming!’ Or the one where scientists accidentally teleport a guy from 2006 and are mad at him for not knowing Bionicle are gone. My favorite character is Hogarth Bird Pi. I drew him modeled after my pet starling who I love dearly.”
