PRETTY, PRETTY UGLY

A place to post my Pretty, Pretty Ugly comics, and some other art too!

[katemcdonoughart]

Ice Cream Zine Fest!

Public Space One

Iowa City, IA

4/6/24

11-5pm

[katemcdonoughart]

I’ve been collecting positive thoughts I have while meditating and am turning some of them into art. This is the first one. ☀️

I’m also getting ready for the @art_collective_sf show next week! Fri and Sat 4-11pm at the Icon Event Hall. Lots of new mini frames ready to go. It’s such a fun show!

[katemcdonoughart]

Every. single. time. Even if it's something incredibly simple that I've ordered a million times before. 🤦‍♀️

[katemcdonoughart]

Why is this every weekend? 🤦‍♀️

I took a graphic memoir class recently with cartoonist Nicole Georges and one of the things we learned was to protect your art making time. I'm trying to reshape how I think about productivity. Even though house keeping and errands are important, they'll always be there. If I decide Saturday afternoon is going to be for creating, it's ok if the dishes are still there Sunday morning. I've used avoidance tasks all my life; doing less important things to feel productive, while ignoring my true priorities. I've also been reading Beth Pickens book: Make Your Art No Matter What, and one thing she reinforces is that "What you feed will grow." I've been feeding distractions for such a long time, it's hard to reset my habits. But I'm trying. 💕

[katemcdonoughart]

ICECREAM day!!

(Iowa City Expo for Comics + Real Eclectic Alternative Media)

I’ve missed this show so much! 😭 So happy to be back!! Thank you @doog103 for all you’ve done to make it happen again! ❤️

11-5pm @ Public Space One in Iowa City

#zineshow #iowacityzineshow #icecream2022 #missioncreekfestival

[katemcdonoughart]

Betty White. 💕

I drew this portrait of her a few weeks ago in anticipation of her 100th birthday. I'm very sad to be posting it early...

She gave so much to the world up until the very end and she's a great example of living life to the fullest. It's hard to start 2022 without her, but I'm sure she's rooting for us all to make the most of it. 💕

[katemcdonoughart]

True story. She wouldn't send a text for me after I interrupted her. lol

[katemcdonoughart]

New selfie!

[katemcdonoughart]

A doodle of Tom Petty.

[katemcdonoughart]

2020 was a rough year, for many obvious reasons. It was especially tough on my body. I’ve always had a hard time maintaining healthy habits due to things like anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia. Being a hypochondriac during a pandemic is also not great. But after multiple medical tests, a couple new diagnoses, therapy, and finding a new medication, I finally started to feel connected with my body. I took small steps to change my habits and built on the progress to keep making choices that would help me feel better. I’m excited to be far enough into my new habits to really notice the difference. I hope to keep the motivation going through this year and by feeling better physically, have more energy for art as well! I know so many other people are going through similar feelings, especially after this year, and I hope that recovery will be part of your near future too ❤️

[katemcdonoughart]

I finally inked a drawing of Kamala Harris I started earlier this year. It still hits me from time to time how much different I feel now that Biden and Harris are in the White House. It’s a steady and comforting relief. ❤️ We are on our way back to dignity and compassion.

[katemcdonoughart]

Happy birthday Harry Dean Stanton! Charles and I have made a tradition of celebrating him every year. Partially because we both love him and partially because we bonded over his movies when we were friends. Watching Repo Man tonight! #harrydeanstanton #repoman #luckymovie #prettyinpink #alienmovie

[katemcdonoughart]

Happy 50th birthday, Tina Fey! Charles and I have been watching 30 Rock lately and I always love doodling the characters from my favorite shows. I remember watching it back when it was on TV and I loved it then and I love it now. I also recently read her book, Bossypants. She’s an awesome lady who has made awesome things!

[katemcdonoughart]

I’m a 39 year old woman and I knew at 7 years old I did not want kids and I haven’t regretted it a day in my life. Good for you knowing what you want.

Thank you!! 😊 It’s always great to hear from people who stuck with their feelings and don’t regret it! That is always the big one I hear ‘what if you regret it?’ And I’ve heard from so many people that is not the case! ❤️

[katemcdonoughart]

Dead husband. 2 kids in their 20's Life is brutal.

I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. My heart broke reading your message. I wish you recovery and peace, at your own pace and in whatever way you can find it... ❤️

[katemcdonoughart]

Read your comic about not wanting kids and I have one word to say about it: PREACH!

Thank you!! 😊 It’s been great hearing from so many people who relate and understand the message. I think things are slowly changing and people are becoming more supportive! ❤️

[katemcdonoughart]

Hi Kate, I related so much to your comics and really appreciate the stories and advice that you provide! In many ways it's like I'm reading about my own life, and suddenly I don't feel so alone with the things that I feel and think every day. Just wanted to say thank you so much for doing what you do! :)

Thank you so much!! It means a lot to hear you relate to and appreciate my messages 😊 Art helps me get some of the difficult thoughts out of my head and it really makes a difference to know I’m not alone! ❤️