This week I got to draw a comic with my niece in her wheelchair
It was exciting to try something new and to pull it off
I like when I can individualize the kids in the comics
So it helps to know details
I have drawn curly coils of hair
Red hair, straw hair, pig tails, braids and freckles
I also drew a girl with Down’s Syndrome
I don’t think anyone would look at the comic and think
‘Oh that’s a darling little girl with Down’s Syndrome’
But I did make an effort and searched on the web for distinguishing characteristics of a Down’s Syndrome child
It helps me see people better also when I do this
I start to see differences in hair textures
Or hairlines or the way hair falls
Not that you’re going to get a portrait of your child if you submit a story
But when you see the comic, if you’ve given me a detail that sets your kid apart
I hope you will see (maybe with a little imagination) your child in the story
For the most part my generic little people cover most of the stories
And submitters typically love them
And are free to say if I didn’t quite get it right
Yay for do-overs
Thank you for your stories