Interview with Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell

I think my comics are a lot like the way I speak. Erratic, silly, very personal.

Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is a New Yorker cartoonist, comedian, and author whose first memoir, Murder Book, won the Midwest Publishing Award for Best Graphic Novel in 2022. After working in the film industry, she took up stand-up comedy and became hooked on drawing cartoons for the New Yorker. Below, she talks about growing up with Snoopy on the walls, how nonfiction comics feel both immediate and obsessive, finding her voice, and her book, The Joy of Snacking.

Describe your comics journey—how did you get into making comics?

In a way I’ve always been drawing comics. I was obsessed with drawing as a kid and my mom put me in every art class she could find. My grandfather was golfing buddies with Charles Schulz, which meant that I grew up with a ton of original Snoopy drawings around the house. I wanted to be just like Schulz, so I originally started making comics by just copying Peanuts strips.

Later on however, after graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in film theory and working in the film industry in Los Angeles, I found myself avoiding my work and doodling at my desk. Just thoughts, things people had said, dreams I’d had. In 2015 I decided (in what I can only decide as a manic state) that I should leave film behind and pursue cartooning. I moved to New York on a whim and started drawing constantly. It took me a year to sell my first piece to the New Yorker. After that first sale I became hooked. I had to draw cartoons, long or short form, for… ever…?

How did you develop your voice?

This is a tricky one to answer. I feel that when you draw every day, you naturally get closer and closer to what your style is. I think my comics are a lot like the way I speak. Erratic, silly, very personal. I personally really enjoy a loose style drawing, like George Booth or Jules Feiffer, so that’s what I gravitated more to in my own work. Also, because I studied film, and make short documentaries on the side, I think that comes out in how I decide to set up a page. Everything is a movie in my head! It’s all a big storyboard!!! I’m also a stand up comedian so there’s a lot of crossover in my voice from the stage and the page. Writing comedy does wonders in developing your voice. You’ve got to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

What are some of the joys and challenges of making nonfiction comics?

I love that you can make something all on your own, be done with it, and share it. Coming from the film world, that feeling is so radical. You mean I don’t have to wait years and hope this project doesn’t wind up canceled!? The immediacy of it can be really satisfying for me. Also the control. HA! However, of course, drawing these types of comics can be a dangerous territory and also a double edged sword. Often I can’t truly enjoy a moment because I’m wondering, “Will I draw this later? Do I need to take notes? Don’t forget what she just said!” It can make you a really annoying person to be around :) Then again, I feel I get to relive everything. I live it, then I draw it, so I get to soak up those moments over and over.

Will you tell us a little about The Joy of Snacking?

I’m really proud of this book. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever made. I’ve been having trouble figuring out how to describe it, so my friend and fellow cartoonist Sofia Warren told me to say, “It’s a look into your life through the lens of snacks!” Which is true! But it’s also a lot more. It’s about my recovery from eating disorders, it’s about my relationship with my body and men, it’s about family dynamics, it’s about the early 2000s! It’s also very funny, I am not a complete downer. This book started out as a comic I made for Electric Lit in 2020 called “I’m Not a Foodie, But I’m Not a Bad Person.” After it came out I realized I had a lot more to say than just a 10 page piece. I knew it had to become a book, but I didn’t know how much trauma it was going to unveil. I hope people enjoy it. Enjoy sounds funny but I can’t think of another word!

---

Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is a comedian, author, and New Yorker cartoonist. Her first memoir Murder Book won the Midwest Publishing Award for best graphic novel in 2022. The Joy of Snacking comes out October 7th, please join Hilary on her book tour! You can follow her on IG at @CartoonsbyHilary and here on Substack: Cartoonsbyhilary.substack.com