Meet a Local Cartoonist: A brief chat with Cara Gormally

by Mike Rhode

I only recently realized that Cara Gormally is in DC. I reached out to them for an interview. Since we haven't met in person, I'm going to quote from their website for this background information (and use the photo from there as well). 

Cara Gormally (they/them) is a cartoonist, researcher, and professor. Cara’s narrative nonfiction comics remix autobiographical stories with research about socio-scientific issues to make science relatable. Their comics have appeared in the Washington Post, Mutha Magazine, Spiralbound, and other places. Their debut graphic memoir, Everything is Fine, I’ll Just Work Harder, a story about an unexpected healing journey to come home to themself, is forthcoming in April 2025 from Street Noise Books. A second book of braided comic essays about the emotional inheritance of estrangement is underway. 

A professor at Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C., Cara is fascinated by questions about belonging. Their interdisciplinary research focuses on questions related to making science relevant and accessible to increase students' belonging in STEM. Cara studied philosophy at St. John’s College where they first became fascinated with questions about the ecology of home and belonging. Cara earned a Ph.D. at the University of Georgia. Cara has been honored to receive grants, fellowships, and artist residencies from the National Science Foundation, Playa Residency Fellowship, the American Association of University Women, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Hodson Trust Foundation. 

A DC metro area resident, Cara is an avid morning person, loves nerdy research deep dives, and has more questions than answers. 

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

I make narrative nonfiction comics that remix autobiographical stories with research about socio-scientific issues to make science relatable. My debut graphic memoir is coming out April 15, 2025—Everything is Fine, I’ll Just Work Harder.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I am mostly a Procreate-on-my-ipad artist these days. But I do love some pen and ink when I’m drawing just for myself.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I’m here for my day job—I’m a professor. I live in Maryland, near the DC border.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I’m mostly self-taught. I’ve taken several classes through the Center for CartoonStudies and Sequential Artist Workshop, as well as with some cartoonists directly. I love taking new comic-ing classes and connecting with comics community.

Who are your influences?

Oh, gosh, where to begin. I’d say for my graphic memoir, I had a few #goalbooks in mind: Erin Williams’ Commute; Teresa Wong’s Dear Scarlett; and Tessa Hulls’ Feeding Ghosts.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? Or rather, how are you hoping your career will develop?

If only I could make comics full-time—that’s the dream right? And, I do very enjoy many other parts of my career, so there’s that.

What work are you most proud of?

I’m so delighted and proud of my graphic memoir that is soon-to-be-released. It’s my book baby. So much has gone into making this book. It’s been a labor of love.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

I’m excited to work on new projects; they’re still evolving, but one involves a kids’ graphic novel. I can’t wait to play with my comics style—I love how style evolves for different needs.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

So much of this is about trusting the process. One of my dear friends reminds me “we never regret rest.” I co-sign that for putting aside comics projects when needed.

What comic books do you read regularly or recommend? Do you have a local store?

I love graphic memoirs. I am big DC library fan and I also deeply love browsing local bookshops. Some of my favorites include Little District Books, Politics and Prose, Big Planet Comics, Busboys & Poets, Solid State, and Kramer’s.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

I’m continually grateful for community here and I love the easy access to the outdoors, even in the city.

Do you have a website or blog?

https://www.caragormally.com/

Instagram @cara_gormally

My zoom book launch is happening on May 12 @7pm EST–sign up here for the zoom link!

Selected Press & Work 

Illustrated interview about Cara Gormally’s creative process | Spiralbound

An interview with Cara Gormally | Autobiographix

Biology professor is drawn to creating comics | Gallaudet Today

Making science more inclusive | Wall Street Journal

Cara Gormally's Everything Is Fine, I'll Just Work Harder comes out next week

#32 Book birthdays

Books & babies arrive early sometimes

Cara Gormally

Soft Things: Comics about science, research, & being human! Apr 03, 2025

https://caragormally.substack.com/p/32-book-birthdays

Description

One queer person bravely and creatively uses therapy to navigate the healing from the trauma of a past sexual assault

One day, during an ordinary early-morning run, Cara's watch dinged with a Facebook friend request. But when they checked the message, the photo slammed them backward in time and froze them in fear. Their rapist wanted to "friend" them.

Cara always had a long to-do list; always had many projects; always was busy. But as their rapist continued to send friend requests and tried to reconnect with them, they began to lose their grip on their work, projects, and relationships. But then Cara connects with a therapist who guides them through a long but powerful process of healing. And Cara works to desensitize, reprocess, excavate and relive the old wounds in order to move past them and heal.

Cara Gormally is a cartoonist, researcher, and professor. Their comics have appeared in The Washington Post, Mutha Magazine, Spiralbound, and other places. Cara is the recipient of grants, fellowships, and residencies from the National Science Foundation, the American Association of University Women, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They earned a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia and is a professor at Gallaudet University. Cara lives in the DC metro area with their partner Andrea and their child.