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Rising Stars: Meet Frannie of Minnesota

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frannie.

Hi Frannie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been drawing all my life. Since childhood, I’ve only ever wanted to be an artist. Drawing and making booklets and comics was my foundation that took me through childhood, into adolescence, and carries me throughout adulthood. I went to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to develop my skills and in turn met amazing people that have and still do inspire me to continue this path. Since then, I’ve tried to keep momentum, keep drawing, as much as I can.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been, but for the most part it’s been smooth. My ability to make art is often reflected by what goes on in my life. I feel I often create more art on rockier roads, which may gain recognition, but it doesn’t make the road smoother. I think the biggest hurdle right now getting in the way of my artistic journey is working 40+ hours a week. It’s hard to find time to get into a creative mindset when you’re overwhelmed with work, so it has definitely been my biggest struggle with creating recently.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a cartoonist. So, sequential art is definitely my passion. I love figuring out how to make a still image move, and I feel that is a theme through a lot of my art. My practice consist of graphite/ink on paper and digital art, mainly made through Microsoft Paint and Procreate. I’m probably most known for my most recent project, Horsey Valley, a comic I’ve been working on for about a year now, and my other work that is focused on trans identity and queerness.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
It is so simple to make art. If you can help it, don’t let life get in the way of what makes you happy.

Comics are the best form of storytelling. It can be one image, one word, 4 boxes, a comic can be any combination of images and text. If you’ve never made one, MAKE ONE.

Contact Info:

Four-panel comic with colorful characters, including a pink creature, a red dragon, and a blue creature, discussing fear and bravery.

Car speeding with a driver showing an angry face, smoke and dust around, cityscape in background.

Three anthropomorphic animals on a city rooftop at night, overlooking colorful buildings and a busy street with cars.

Three blue birds flying over a green landscape with mountains and sky, with text about hope and possibility.

Two characters fight off a group of grumpy dogs, with one character throwing a punch and the other holding a dog. Text: 'Grubhounds!'

Person with hands on head crying, another person comforting and smiling, dark background, red table surface, cartoon style.

Six-panel comic with colorful characters, including a green and yellow creature, pink creatures, and a red creature. Characters express curiosity and surprise.

Collection of animal illustrations with symbolic meanings, including bear, cat, turtle, deer, dog, lion, mouse, owl, pig, rabbit, snake, tiger, wolf, and others.

Suggest a Story: VoyageMinnesota is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

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