Q&A Answers (Patreon)

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in my first ever Q&A! I received about 20 questions which I’ve separated into work-related and personal queries. I’ve done my best to answer each one as honestly and fully as possible. Antonio’s first up…

Antonio C. Paulo: 'Will there be a voice reveal? 🤫'

A great question to start with Antonio, thank you for that. I was planning to record my responses to your questions, but something rather exciting has cropped up that means I need to stay silent for the time being - there will be a rather unconventional, comic-related voice reveal very soon!

In the meantime, perhaps you can imagine my voice is deep and soothing like Jessica Rabbit, or maybe you could pretend I'm answering these questions like Olive Oyl. Whatever floats your boat really :)

Jomerson Victor: 'Have you ever wanted to create a comic? If so, what would it be like?'

I'd love to create my own comic - that would be a dream come true for me! As for what it'd be like... I do have some ideas involving pixel art and retro games, but it's still forming in my head at the moment so it may be a while before it'll be ready to be seen by others. Watch this space! ;)

Mulga: 'Where does your love of comics come from?'

Good question Mulga. My love of comics started very early in my childhood. I grew up reading the Beano every week and I would receive a Tintin and Asterix book every birthday and Christmas. Teenage me was a huge Garfield fan and as I got older, I would read any comic I could get my hands on. That's the long answer to your question. The short answer would be 'from reading comics as a child'.

Emmet Slevin: 'What cartoon inspired your work??'

Hi Emmet, Totty was inspired by a BBC show from the 1980s called Jane. It featured a real life heroine in a cartoon world. It was set in the 1940s, so it tickles my love of vintage style too. Jane spends her time sneaking around sleuthing, getting herself into scrapes which often leave her in a state of undress! It's all filmed tastefully with a lot of tension and good humour thrown in. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it, here's a link: https://youtu.be/E4uLATbrXMc?si=Bu26cp4izzxogi_L

I hope you enjoy it Emmet!

Jason Nuclear: 'What got you interested in retro comics in the first place?'

It was during lockdown Jason. I found myself going down a retro comic rabbit hole online. I had a whale of a time discovering humorous and talented comic artists that I'd never encountered before. People like Gladys Parker, who created Mopsy - a confident, free thinking, fashionable gal. Ernie Bushmiller's work was another highlight; his Fritzi Ritz comics had me in fits of giggles. The time I spent discovering retro comics was just pure comfort and escapism for me. I discovered such positive, funny and amazing art. I suppose, that was the silver-lining to my lockdown... discovering a new world of retro comics.

Agent57: 'What software do you use?'

I use a mixture of programs Agent57: an ancient version of Flash, which I use to trim out photos and a bang-up-to-date copy of an app called Toonsquid, which is what I use to draw and compile each panel. Toonsquid is very intuitive, I highly recommend it.

I love a techy question Agent57, thank you for that.

Betican: 'What did you study in college? Also, how did you first come up with the character of  Totty? :)'

Hi Betican, thank you for the question. I studied History of Art with a side of animation. I focused on mid-century American artists, such as Litchtenstein - so still a bit of a comic theme, even then. The animation portion was more out of interest than anything academic. This is an area I'd like to know more about, so I'm still learning!

As for where Totty came from, well I wanted to create a silly, clownish character along the lines of Mopsy and Jane. My hope is that Totty's cheerful nature and good old fashioned charm will counteract the cynicism that seems so prevalent in entertainment today. Fingers crossed!

The Lactose Kid: 'What would Totty merch look like? Who’s your favorite comic artist?'

Well Lactose Kid, you have asked me a question that I've been wrestling with myself - what would Totty merch look like? Hmm, I must be honest and say I'm in two minds about whether to release merch or not. On the one hand, selling prints would be a great way to gain financial support, but I don't want people to be ripped off or have something which is frankly, bad quality. I am looking into it though, in fact I'm thinking of launching a Redbubble shop where I can sell limited edition prints, stickers etc. Hopefully I'll get my act together soon and make up my mind, so please stay tuned!

As for my favourite comic book artist - that's a hard question, there are so many talented artists to choose from! As you're pushing me for an answer ;) I'm going to choose Herge as my fave. He was an incredible artist, with a style so precise and clean. He was able to communicate so much with minimal line work. I'm itching to read some Tintin now!

Daniel Gonzalez: 'Do you ever plan on making videos in your style?'

I'd love to make videos in a Totty style Daniel - yes please! However, that would be a lot more work and although I'm not scared of hard work, I am restricted by finances and time. Videos would require a studio, sound equipment and a better camera... and maybe a camera man! Comics are more efficient for a one man band, like myself. I can communicate the same story/idea via a comic strip so that's probably how things will stay for the forseeable future. So no plans yet Daniel, but hopefully one day - yes!

Josh Adams: 'what happened to your tiktok and instagram'

Oh Josh - what a question, buckle up for the answer... When I first started uploading my comics as slideshows on TikTok they did really well, lots of positive engagement etc. Instagram was doing well too, but on a smaller scale to TikTok. Then out of the blue, one of my slideshows was removed and shortly after, two other comics were highlighted as 'breaking community guidelines'. In short, I got three strikes within a few days of each other. I had to act quickly in order to not have my account removed/frozen or whatever TikTok do when you exceed five strikes - so I took down any comics that might get me into hot water. It was such a shame to do this. I really feel like I've been put in a category that I don't deserve and the result is my TikTok posts are no longer getting the views they did when I first started.

What's very odd, is that my Instagram account also slowed to a snails pace at the same time as the first comic was removed on TikTok, even though I never received a strike on IG. All my socials appear to have been affected - I no longer reach new followers, my views are low and I'm not growing.

I feel very down about this and I'm unsure how I can overcome the shadow I seem to be under. If you have any ideas, please let me know - I'll try anything! Right now, I'm relying on word of mouth, so please spread the word of Totty. Thank you for a very poignant question Josh.

Infohazard: 'For ur q&a, will you ever do nsfw content'

Hector: 'Do you ever plan to make some more risqué pics?'

Ernesto Herrera: 'Do you plan on doing any OF style stuff, or show more than what you have before?'

Infohazard, Hector and Ernesto Herrera, you all asked me very similar questions, so I'm going to do my best to answer you all at once.

I am aware that my comics and posts are a little naughty and that I'm walking a fine line, however I'm quite comfortable with the level of cheekiness that I'm currently exploring. I have to be conscious of my life beyond Totty - my future career as well as my personal life. I don't want to do anything to the detriment of future me. There are so many lovely ladies out there, who are much younger than me with access to hot-tubs and a huge wardrobe of bikinis, I really can't compete with them and nor do I wish to. I feel like they are already offering plenty of risqué content. What I offer is a combination of glamour and art, and for the time being I'm happy to continue walking the cheeky line I am already treading.

McSpankies: 'Heyy totty, my question would be are you still going to do those nude posters and calendars?'

Nico Feria: 'Are you still considering that pinup calendar?'

McSpankies and Nico Feria, you have asked similar questions too, so I'll answer them together - I do hope you don't mind :)

Hmm, I'm not sure I ever said I'd do a totally nude poster, perhaps you're referring to the Tennis Girl photo I did? Even in that, I still had my undies on ;) As for calendars, I would love to release one for 2024 - in fact I've been looking into this. I seem to remember that Redbubble produced a square calendar, which would be perfect, but I can't seem to find it on their site, perhaps they've discontinued it from their range. Anyway, I will continue to look for a print on demand option as I'm nowhere near big enough to do a print run myself. So please watch this space, hopefully I'll be able to source something suitable soon. In the meantime, Patreon is the best alternative as I regularly upload photos here. I'm also cooking up an advent calendar for Christmas - news to come on this soon :)

Regnier: 'Do you get recognised outside by other people? Also, favourite song?'

Oh Regnier, I've never been recognised, I'm certainly not well known enough for that :) Also, my everyday appearance is quite different to Totty. Full disclosure - I wear a lot of make up when I pose for Totty, I'm caked in the stuff, to the point where I look like a clown! I've learned that things that look good on camera, can look totally ridiculous in real life :)

My favourite song, a classic question Regnier. My current song of choice would have to be 'Video Killed The Radio Star' by The Buggles. An upbeat little number that always puts a smile on my face.

Andy G: 'For the q&a. Let's talk Batman

1. Who is your favorite live action Batman?

2. What's your favorite Batman costume across any media

2. Best Robin or other Batman sidekick in your opinion'

Oh Andy G, I've been looking forward to answering your questions - I'm very happy to talk Batman!

1. Do you mind if I choose two Batmen? I hope that's okay with you? I think Michael Keaton and Adam West are the best Batmen, for two different reasons:

Michael Keaton plays a very socially awkward Bruce Wayne and yet his Batman is assertive and determined - he portrays this split personality brilliantly. He's so gothy and broody and I think he paved the way for every Batman since.

Adam West was the perfect 50's/60's comic Batman brought to life. He was such a good looking man and had so much presence on screen. I'm actually working my way through the '66 Batman boxset - it's thoroughly entertaining!

2. Best Batman costume - I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I'm going to award that to both Adam West and Michael Keaton.

The cowl may have restricted Keaton's head movement, but this stiffness really added to the character and gave some unique weirdness to the film. This costume was a forerunner to Nolan's offerings too, don't you think?

As for Adam West - he just looked amazing in tights! Need I say more?

3. Best Batman sidekick? Well, it's got to be Burt Ward's Robin! I really think Ward defined the character of Robin so strongly in everyone's mind that he can't be overlooked. He really is hard to beat. However - this might be controversial - but in my humble opinion, I don't think Batman needs a sidekick... I think his lonely nature is emphasised more when he works alone.

What do you think Andy G? I'd love to know your opinion on these Batman matters...

Ilyishtar: 'whats your favorite retro/old/classic movie?'

Roppa: 'Going to be boring and just ask favourite film?'

Ilyishtar and Roppa, you both asked me about films and Roppa, this is certainly not a boring question! I'm more than happy do discuss films!

My favourite is Hitchcock's 'Rear Window'. A 1950s classic! I've watched it so many times and I see something new with every viewing. I also think it's a bit like reading a comic - the story is told by looking through windows, just like comic panels. The whole film takes place on one set and depicts a particularly hot and muggy New York. It's funny and tense in just the right measure. Oh and Grace Kelly is magnificent in it, I want her wardrobe!

Blakjak: 'Is there a Mr. Totty you’ve been hiding? And do you have a regular job as well?'

Things have got personal now, haven't they Blakjak? :) No, there's currently no Mr Totty. I'm just too busy to socialise at the moment. I do have a day job - I don't wish to discuss it now, only to say that it is a creative role - so I'm already juggling a career and my comics - there really isn't time for anyone else! Any downtime that I do have, I spend playing board games, retro games and reading comics. I'm loving the fact that we're entering autumn, the perfect excuse for staying in!

Notta Nessa: 'I'll be that girl and ask:

What's your favorite pokemon?

What's your shoe size?

Why do you wear gloves?'

Great questions Notta, I don't know where you get your ideas from ;)

Okay - my favourite Pokemon is Litten, because of its evolution - it starts out as a cute little kitten and evolves into Tony the Tiger on steroids. Also I love the red and black markings.

Ilyishtar, you asked me this too... Shoe size - UK size 6. That's just an average shoe size, nothing remarkable here :)

Gloves -  I am so glad you asked as I'd like to address some misconceptions about my gloves. I've actually been accused of being kinky for wearing gloves, this is really not the case... well for me anyway! I wear them for two main reasons. The first is so my hands can be seen clearly, which is the same reason mimes, magicians etc wear them. They also give me a kind of clown vibe too. The second reason is so I don't have to worry about the state of my hands or fingernails! I like to garden so my fingernails can get quite dirty and my hands don't look great due to all the drawing I do. I hope this puts the record straight - thank you for asking that Notta :)

Thanks once again for all the super questions, I had a lot of fun answering them. I do hope you enjoyed reading my responses. I’m now off to read some Tintin and watch Rear Window and 1960's Batman simultaneously... with my gloves on of course :)

Totty x