BATMAN: The Illustrated Adventures!

March 09, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

A lot of you have pointed out that I've been experimenting with a new style that uses painterly shading techniques. While I've been working with it, I've had Bruce Timm's gorgeous work from Batman: The Animated Series on my mind. He brings a minimal elegance to his work, with sleek simple colors and just little touches of shading. I've tried to put my own spin on that with this new series of pin-ups based on his classic character designs from the cartoon. As always, you can find all my latest work on my Etsy store!

Catwoman copy

"Selina's Scratching Post."

Batman and Joker copy

"Best Buddies."

Nightwing copy

"Dick Checks it Out."

Robin

"A Big Batsuit to Fill."

Poison Ivy and Harley copy

"Pam & Harley."

RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 7: Episode 1

March 03, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

So, it's been a long, long wait for Season 7. Will we ever hear an explanation for why we had to wait until March? I doubt it. My best guess is that Logo wanted to pair the Drag Race debut alongside some of its new shows. But regardless, the wait is over, thank the glamour gods. It was rough for me, because this is the first season where I knew two of the girls before they made it onto the show: Trixie Mattel and Pearl! And I was dying to see how they did when thrust in front of a camera and told to be clever or whatever. Now, I love Trixie, and I was hoping Drag Race fans would dig her, too, but I didn't expect her to be the breakout star of the pre-season. Back in January, during my "Week of Ru" voting contest, Trixie won by a landslide. She's travelling all over, booking international gigs, and reddit is abuzz about her.

And boy, are you going to be disappointed.

No, I'm kidding. Although her aesthetic screams "character queen," she's actually really grounded, resilient, and funny. (And a Wisconsin boy, like me!) I thought she handled the "nude illusion" challenge particularly well this week with her "Barbie doll" realness. In fact, I think she really lucked out, because her runway look establishes what she's going for, that slightly deranged take on drag. I'm disappointed that her look was "safe," though, since I would have loved to hear the judges' comments.

By the way, the "nude illusion" challenge was pretty weird, right? Given the ridiculous censoring, it was hard to tell what the queens were actually showing, what was tucked or not, what was scandalous or simply... cheeky. Most of the tearaway outfits were pretty forgettable, and most of the reveals weren't even worth it. The worst were the queens who just stripped down to a badly painted bodysuit. It just wasn't funny, or scandalous, or glamorous, or even very sexy. Really, I think Kennedy had the best approach with her gorgeous, revealing outfit. It showed just enough to be sexy, but it had style, and she worked it. I totally would have drawn it, except that I would have been way too embarrassed to bring it down to my local print shop. (Also, that sheer, shiny fabric is hell to draw. Seriously.)

Pearl did well, too, with her high-waisted panties and angular golden chains. What I love about Pearl is that she's able to paint for the gods and bring this stunning beauty to life, but then she really likes to fuck with it. She's got an arty, subversive edge to her looks and to her character. Which could be good or bad for reality television--she can come across as aloof or just over it, but she can also be really frank and funny. So however that ends up, I'm dying to draw whatever she brings down the runway.

Speaking of the runway, what about the mini-challenge? Again, I thought it was weird. The whole episode was kind of weird. I loved seeing so many stunning looks so soon, but I would have rather seen the girls in an unconventional photo shoot, where we see a bit more of their character, how they reacted to whatever ridiculous scenario the producers had cooked up this time.

I was at the Chicago Premiere Party with my boyfriend during the screening of this episode, and during the mini-challenge, you couldn't hear much of the commentary. It just felt like an endless runway sequence, and my boyfriend--new to the Drag Race--asked me, "Is this the whole show? Just wearing different outfits?"

Luckily, Violet saved the show with her sick, ridiculous look. The flip from the black dress to the tartan pattern was so slick and fast, so unexpected, it was perfect. I'm not sure about the matching cap, but still. So far, Violet's among the top runway queens for me. And right now, I'm digging her cockiness and swagger, but we'll see how that goes.

I had to draw one of Jaidynn's looks, too--I just can't resist a sexy sci-fi superhero. And really, I've been down to draw Jaidynn since she was first announced. She's got so much character and confidence without much of a filter, which makes for great reality television, right? I feel like she could be this season's Alyssa Edwards.

I guess I'm working backwards through the episode, since I'm getting to the first workroom looks now. Sure, whatever, okay.

So, I'm not afraid to say it, but Katya's one of my favorites so far. I knew nothing about her before the "Meet the Queens" videos, but frankly, she stole the show with hers. Like, the absolute funniest, wittiest bitch on the block. Read her tumblr for proof. It's a gold mine. Full of gold teeth. (It'll make sense later.)

Katya's humor can get incredibly dark and twisted, but she brings a perfect playfulness to balance it out. She's the George Saunders of drag.

Yeah, I should have made her look goofier and more sparkly in this, but I wanted it to feel like a Soviet poster or something. Rest assured that any other drawing I do of Katya will be silly and likely obscene.

And finally: Fame. Yes, she comes into the competition with an ego and a reputation. Yes, she will probably be the Courtney Act of this season, struggling to exceed the expectations and assumptions we've already placed upon her. But there's no doubt that she's a stunning beauty, and that she embraces a variety of interesting styles. Both her mini-challenge outfits were jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Her first workroom look didn't feel quite as polished or elegant, but did you really think I could resist drawing shiny purple horn-tentacles? Don't you know me at all?

I wanted a chance to blather by myself about some of my favorite new queens this week, but I'm planning to bring back my "drag dialogue" format with some special guests next time!

You can find most of this week's art on my Etsy store, where you'll also find all my prints, posters, and postcards from previous seasons. You can also check out all my other work on tumblr, and you can read my comics right here.

Since Logo made this first episode available early, I was able to spend more time on this week's portraits. I'm aiming to finish 3 or 4 pieces for each future episode and to post them by Wednesday.

So... see you back here next week? Wednesday, around noon? Yeah?

Everyday X-Men -- The complete set!

February 16, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

I've finally finished my "Everyday X-Men" series! Check out all my prints and posters at my Etsy store!

Angel Cyclops Dazzler Gambit Kitty

Everyday X-Men

February 12, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

I've been having lots and lots of fun working on my "Everyday X-Men" series! With my "Meet the Queens" artwork of RPDR Season 7, I started experimenting with some new tools and methods with my work, and I was eager to keep developing a new style with these superhero pin-ups. Over the course of doing these, I've been able to settle into a more consistent process, and I've been excited by the results. Oh, and you can buy prints right here. Beast copy 2 Jubilee

Nightcrawler copy Colossus copy Rogue Wolverine copy

Diva's Day Off

January 27, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

Mystique I've been getting the itch to draw more superhero stuff lately, and I've always loved loved loved the X-Men. So many amazing, iconic women, right? I've been experimenting with a painterly style, and I wanted to approximate retro pin-up illustrations, but without the ridiculous posing and objectification in a lot of comics. So I drew some X-Men doing stupid things.

Storm Jean Emma Psylocke

I'll definitely pursue more of this style, and I'm open to experimenting with other geeky subject matter. What do you want to see next?

The WEEK OF RU, Season 7!

January 25, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Ginger Jaidynn Jasmine Kasha Katya Kennedy Tempest Violet Kandy Pearl

The WEEK OF RU, Day 2!

January 20, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

Congrats to the winning queens of today's voting, Max Malanaphy and Sasha Belle! Sasha Max

The WEEK OF RU, Day 1!

January 19, 2015 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

After counting up the votes from the WEEK OF RU's first day, the winning queens are..... Miss Fame

Miss Fame!

And....

Trixie

Trixie Mattel!

So exciting! Well, I'm excited. Voting will start again tomorrow for the next two queens!

VREELAND

December 09, 2014 by Chad Sell in The Sellout, Vreeland

I’ve just posted the first installment in a massive new autobiographical comic that’s been years in the making. It’s called VREELAND, and you can read it here. You may ask: “VREELAND? Is that even a word? Why would you call your book that?”

My grandparents lived on Vreeland Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan for many, many years. Whenever the family was referring to things out there, we’d just talk about stuff “at Vreeland” -- the word was synonymous with the life my grandparents had created out there on their rugged five-acre parcel of land.

They spent fifty or sixty years together on Vreeland Road. I spent four.

I had just graduated from college, and I was a mess. I was convinced that if I could just make good art, everything in life would magically open up for me. I was wrong. It took several long, hard months back home with my parents in Wisconsin to realize that.

chad-excerpt It was around that time, late in 2005, that we visited Vreeland for the holidays. My grandparents were in sad shape, their house a mess. Although they had someone coming out twice a week to help out, it was clear that they needed a lot more support to stay at Vreeland.

It was my parents’ idea: I would move to Michigan, head out to Vreeland each afternoon, make some dinner, then have the rest of the day to work on my art. My parents would chip in, along with other family members, to help support me.

It seemed like a good match -- I needed something worthwhile to do with myself, and helping my grandparents was a noble cause.

But even years later, I still don’t know how to think of the fours years I spent at Vreeland. I got to know and care for my grandparents on a level I never could have imagined. There were profound moments, funny ones, and there were ordeals I barely pulled through.

grandma-1 I hope to capture that complexity in my comics about that time, to share and make sense of it.

I’ll be posting Chapter 1 of VREELAND in four installments over the next two weeks, one each Tuesday and Saturday.

I’m drawing Chapter 2 right now, and Chapters 3 and 4 are still just rough drafts. So it might take a while. I hope you get something from these stories, that you share them, and that you enjoy your time at Vreeland.

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 6

November 22, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

One of the most enduring questions of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 2 is: Why didn't Raven win?

It's fair to say that Raven is one of the most iconic beauties from the show, right? And that she has a mouth to match it.

But it's fascinating to look back at her in Season 2, then in All Stars, and now inthe Fashion Photo RuView. In the second season, she served up pure pin-up realness, unclockable bombshell beauty. In All Stars, she brought a much more exaggerated mug and outrageous outfits, aiming to be more of an avant garde spectacle. And in the more casual videos she does for WOW Presents, she takes a much more laid back approach, serving up impeccable face with occasionally ridiculous and subversive outfits. (Remember those crazy airbrushed T shirts?)

Her attitude has evolved, too. Raven came into Season 2 as one of the older, more accomplished queens. She acted entitled to the crown, fiercely judgmental toward the younger, less experienced queens, especially Tatianna. And she wasn't as eager to make a spectacle of herself, to play along with the more ridiculous challenges of that season. (Remember that chicken outfit from the "Country Queens" episode?)

Although she could be funny and cutting in her commentary, she was fairly reserved in the challenges and on the runway. Her friendship with Morgan in the early part of the season gave her a "Mean Girls" vibe, and it wasn't until Drag U and All Stars that we saw her warm up, play along, and have more fun with the other queens.

All of this is to say that in Season 2, Raven had that dreaded "vulnerability" problem. She was too poised, too perfect. She didn't have a storyline of struggle or hardship, whereas Ru frequently acknowledged Tyra's struggles, her son, how much of a difference that prize money could make.

It's just too bad that having a story doesn't mean you have a personality, too.

--------------------------------------

Many thanks to all of you for joining in on my WEEK OF RU, Season 2! I'm so glad to have finally illustrated all the seasons of this crazy, crazy show!

You can find prints of my best Season 2 artwork on my Etsy store,as well as my book collection of the entire season, 20 QUEENS!

Share your thoughts on Season 2 in a comment here or find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 5

November 21, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

I fell in love with Jujubee all over again in Season 2. She was essentially the shining star among the cast, and I'm a little shocked she didn't steal the crown. (If Season 2's winner had been selected by popular appeal, surely she would have!) In any case, Jujubee was kind enough to answer my interview questions after I had thoroughly gushed about how great she is.

CHAD: First, let me say that I had a ton of fun re-watching Season 2. It was such a great cast of queens with the perfect blend of ego, drama, and talent. But frankly, you really stood out as the heart and soul of the season—both with your humor in the workroom and your impeccable performances onstage. What were your favorite experiences on set that we didn’t see on screen?

JUJUBEE: Rupaul’s Drag Race Season Two is the BEST EVER! Just ask us! Haha. There was so much that happened that you guys didn’t get to see onscreen, and a lot of those moments will forever be with me. So many precious and special moments happened. Believe it or not, we all had a wonderful time competing against one another. Sure, there was drama and arguments, but all that only happened because each of us had passion and something to fight for. We wanted that title!

JUJUBEE: The friendships that were created on set will always be close to my heart. No matter what, I am connected to every single sister I met there. We will always have each other’s backs. Raven and I became really good friends, and that was more apparent on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Pandora, Tatianna and I were always around each other. We’d help one another all the time, because that’s what sisters do. Jessica Wild is someone I adore and see whenever we both are in town (Boston) at the same time. Not many people know this, but Mystique and I had our morning coffee together before our pickup. It’s moments like that I will always cherish. It’s funny to think that our lives were changed just by being chosen by RuPaul! THANK YOU, RU!

CHAD: I can’t help but think of you and Raven as inseparable, and it’s hard to imagine a time when you weren’t friends. So I was surprised to see that you two didn’t seem to get really close during Season 2 until it was nearly over! What brought you two together?

JUJUBEE: It does seem that way doesn't it? We were always friendly and helped one another. There was just way too much footage to cram into 43 minutes of television. Our moments together were very special and humorous, but it wasn't our time to be seen. We definitely got to know one another more and became closer as the season went on. I knew from day one that Raven and I were going to be friends. It was either that, or we’d be mortal enemies. Hahaha.

CHAD: You’re inarguably one of the most beloved Drag Race queens—everyone lights up when they hear your name, and you’ve gone on to do the All-Stars season, Drag U, and a ton of other projects. What do you credit for that longevity? Your winning personality? The best manager in the business?

JUJUBEE: I have to credit the fans and supporters of RuPaul’s Drag Race and me. I feel so blessed to be able to perform around the world and do what I love. I have to pinch myself at times. I’m happy that drag is now a part of so many lives. I’m not sure what the attraction people have for me is; perhaps my ‘matter of fact’ ways? I definitely have to credit my manager/fiancé for working so hard for me. He’s a retired navyman, so he puts me into work mode when I have to be. He always makes sure I’m on time, and I’m thankful for that.

CHAD: Your jokes during the reading mini-challenge were legendary, and they established it as a mainstay for all subsequent seasons. Did you really come up with all those reads on the spot? Were you given any time to prepare?

JUJUBEE: I will never have reads as good as I did during that challenge. I knew of some of those jokes prior to the competition but had no idea I would need to use them on the girls. I was a nervous wreck, but I had to win SOMETHING! (That was the only challenge I won…EVER!) There wasn’t time to prepare, but when it came time to do it, we turned it out!

CHAD: In the “Rocker Chick” episode, they really built you up as the one to beat, but then things went awry. Was it a case of nerves? And how many Absolut cocktails did you drink after that, girl?

JUJUBEE: I was definitely super nervous. The nerves didn’t hit me until right before I walked onto the runway. I was an obvious wreck and there was no turning back. I can’t believe I screwed up Ru’s song in front of Ru! That’s a SIN! After that, I had everyone’s cocktail!

CHAD: You always seemed to crack up Ru in the workroom, but she was tough on you during the runway critiques, as if she thought you were coasting on your personality. What did she mean when she told you to “turn up the fire?”

JUJUBEE: Ru believed in me more than I did. I see that now, and it has inspired me to do better. It was interesting for me because my first lip sync was towards the end of the competition. There were three altogether during season 2, and by the time I had a moment to recover, the competition was OVER! I wouldn’t change it for the world, though. My experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race is worth more to me than anyone could understand. I feel truly blessed and am honored to call myself a Drag Race Alum!

[Chad's note: I made some minor edits to the interview for grammar and clarity]

I had so much fun drawing Jujubee that I even featured her on the cover of my book collecting Season 2, 20 QUEENS! It's now available to pre-order on Etsy! I should have the final books by December 1st, so they'll make a fabulous holiday gift for any loved ones who like looking at cartoon drag queens.

And I've already made prints of all my new Jujubee art, so you can buy them today!

Share your love for Jujubee in a comment here or find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 4

November 20, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Okay. Let's talk Tyra. In a lot of ways, Season 2 set the stage for every Drag Race season since. So much of the season's foundational structure and most beloved traditions (Snatch Game, The Reading mini-challenge) started there. Season 2 was so good, was filled with such amazing personalities and performances, that it should be held up as the gold standard of competitive drag queen reality programming.

Except that Tyra won. Or, at least, that's the complaint you'll hear from many, many Drag Race fans.

The first three seasons of the Drag Race were filmed in their entirety long before they started airing. The winner had been chosen and crowned, regardless what fans thought about it. The winners of Seasons 4 through 6 were only chosen after most of their episodes had already aired, and those selections certainly seem to have been based on which queen had the most vocal fans.

So the most recent season winners haven't necessarily been the best queens, but rather the best reality TV characters. They've been the queens whose talent, personality, and style appealed to the most fans. Which isn't meant to dismiss Sharon, Jinkx, or Bianca -- I was rooted for all three!

What I'm saying is: Tyra would never, ever have won on the Drag Race based on fan reactions. Obviously. But that's not what her season was about.

Ru picked her Season 2 winner based on her performance record in the challenges and on the runway. Tyra was alright in the performance challenges, but she was superb in that season's frequent fashion challenges. She reliably brought dramatic, versatile looks to the runway, often with clever little costume changes.

I think Ru picked Tyra based on her mastery of the craft, the art of drag performance. Ru and the other judges did express skepticism about whether Tyra had star quality, but they had similar concerns about Raven, who often brought a chilly demeanor to the runway.

What do so many people have against Tyra? It all comes down to one unforgettable episode, "Here Comes the Bride," wherein Tyra bizarrely sings and dances around the workroom until the other queens snap. Later, on the runway, several other contestants call her out on such frequently boorish behavior, and it's a whole thing. In terms of televised drag queen drama, it is... everything.

But honestly, after things settled down, it seemed like Tyra toned down her behavior. I don't remember anything objectionable that she did for the latter half of the season. She stepped up her game, approaching the challenges with a fierce competitiveness that won her the crown,... but not a whole lot of fans.

What do you think about Tyra? Share your thoughts on Season 2 in a comment here or find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 3

November 19, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Season 1 of RuPaul's Drag Race featured an eclectic cast of queens: lavish showgirls, sharp-edged genderfuckers, and... Tammie Brown. But Season 2 narrowed the focus on fishier queens who could rock both the runway and the lip sync. Pandora Boxx stood out from the cast and brought something different, a contribution of camp and comedy.

I was lucky enough to chat with Pandora about her time on the show and the years since it aired:

CHAD: In recent seasons of the Drag Race, the show has celebrated a wide variety of approaches to drag. But you stood out in Season 2 with your comedic skills and campier sense of fashion. When you first met the other queens of that season, did you feel like the odd one out, or not?

PANDORA: I so did! I felt like I had walked into a room full of women. Everyone looked gorgeous. I quickly realized I was the campy queen. I didn't realize how much I'd stand out as a campy queen but everyone was real, real fishy. The Season of the Fish!

CHAD: Do you consider yourself shy or introverted? What was it like to be filmed for the weeks of shooting under so much pressure and competition?

PANDORA: I feel like I'm an extroverted introvert, if that makes any sense. I can be quite quiet at times. Can you be funny and on 24 hours a day? That would be exhausting to me, and fake. There is a lot of pressure being shot that much. Plus, you want to stand out so you can last longer BUT still come across as genuine. It's tough, but still exciting and fun.

CHAD: In every season of the Drag Race, queens struggle to find the right character for the Snatch Game--but your depiction of Carol Channing for the first one ever still stands as one of the most unforgettable Snatch performances in Drag Race herstory! How much were you told about the format of the game, and how did you prepare?

PANDORA: We knew NOTHING about the game until the day of the challenge. All we knew is that we might have to do a celebrity impersonation. Ru says it every season, "Make it funny." Some queens choose people they do well in a lip synced show, but it's harder to do for a few hours with NO lip syncing. I felt like, with Carol, I had the most leeway to do anything I wanted. Plus, Carol has the most amazing voice.

CHAD: It seemed like Santino always had something to say about your runway looks. How has your sense of style changed since the show?

PANDORA: He most certainly did. He literally said, "I don't like your style." How do you go anywhere from that? I think my style has evolved and certainly I have a little more money to invest back into drag. Drag is expensive! But now it's also a full time job, so I can rationalize spending some nickels on sequins.

CHAD: It took a while for the Drag Race to build an audience and permeate queer culture. Did you feel like everything changed for you after Season 2 aired, or did it take a while for people to catch on to the show and catch up on past seasons before your career really took off?

PANDORA: It really took off after Season 2. There are certainly more viewers now, but from the beginning the audience was really passionate about the show. Certainly now, all the queens know what they are getting into and thus have really stepped up the game.

CHAD: Do you still feel like the Susan Lucci of the Drag Race?

PANDORA: I did win Miss Congeniality, which was voted on by fans, and that was a little bit of sweet justice. I'm very proud and thankful to have been voted fan favorite.

CHAD: Where can I get one of those amazing Pandora Boxx tank tops I've seen all over??

PANDORA: They were done by quite an amazing artist. You may have heard of him before? Chad Sell? And you can get them at pandoraboxx.com

Prints of my new Pandora illustrations are available for sale here!

[Chad's note: I made some very minor punctuation changes to the interview for clarity. No content was altered or omitted.]

Share your thoughts on Season 2 in a comment here or find me on Twitter and Facebook!

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 2

November 18, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Tatianna was the most fascinating queen to watch when I was revisiting Season 2 of the Drag Race. She was such a complicated character -- young, but thoughtful. Inexperienced, but versatile and adaptable. The drama between her and Raven was one of the predominant storylines of the second season, and it was so gripping because it was so relatable. Tatianna was a fresh, young queen bursting with talent and surprising us at all the right moments. Raven was a seasoned, accomplished queen who felt like Tati hadn't earned her place in the cast. I could see both sides of the rivalry -- neither queen was the villain.

Tatianna very graciously answered some questions about her time on Season 2, and she proved to be even more reflective and thoughtful than I expected!

CHAD: There was a lot of discussion during the season about your experience as a drag queen. On one hand, you had been dressing in drag since you were a teenager, but on the other, you had only performed seven times prior to Season 2. What was it like to be on the Drag Race so early in your career as a performing queen?

TATIANNA: It was a little intimidating, especially because I embellished how much I had actually performed. It was actually like 3 times. After seeing all the girls on the first day, I assumed I wasn't going to last very long!

CHAD: Looking back on it, are you glad you were on the show so early, or do you wish you had been on a later season?

TATIANNA: I'm happy I got on, period! The only reason I have grown and progressed the way I have is because I was just kind of thrown into this business following the show, so I'm definitely happy I was on so early. Who knows what kind of queen I would be, or if I would even be performing now, without having my experience on the show?

CHAD: During Season 2, no one questioned your impeccable beauty, but some of the queens claimed you weren't taking your drag far enough. How has your approach to drag evolved in the years since Season 2?

TATIANNA: I've definitely come full circle. There was a moment where I was really piling on the make up and trying to be as costume-y as possible in an effort to be more "drag". Now I try to stay true to the realistic look I'm known for but also mix in different characters and looks to keep it interesting and fresh.

CHAD: Something that's always interested me about the Drag Race is that the best queens don't necessarily make the best reality TV stars. How do you think your personality played on TV? Would you have done anything differently after seeing the season aired?

TATIANNA: Well, for me, I feel a lot of the reason I lasted as long as I did in the competition was my personality and the drama I was a part of. If I could change anything, I would probably try not to care so much about having the other girls like me. To me, I came off a little whiny. But to my own defense, I was 21 years old lol... being almost 27 now, there are a lot of things I would do differently.

CHAD: You really, really nailed the Snatch Game. Like, it was perfection. Did you know what you were in for with that challenge? Had you ever done celebrity impersonations before?

TATIANNA: I honestly walked into that challenge really scared. I had never done anything like that, and I had never actually done an impersonation of anyone before. I didn't even really get a feel [that] I was doing so well until everyone laughed at the "I got lost" joke.

CHAD: Season 2 seemed to really put you through the wringer, highlighting a lot of drama between you and some of the other queens. Are there any favorite friendships or memories that we didn't see on screen?

TATIANNA: During my time on the show I got really close to Pandora, Juju, Jessica, and Sahara. I wish some of the times I spent with Sahara got highlighted a little more. She was hilarious and had my back a lot of the time.

[Chad’s note: I made some very minor edits for punctuation, spelling, and grammar. No content of Tatianna's responses was altered or omitted.]

Thanks so much for reading! Tomorrow morning, I'll share my new portraits of Pandora Boxx alongside my interview questions with her!

Share your thoughts on Season 2 in a comment here or find me on Twitter and Facebook!

WEEK OF RU, Season 2: Day 1

November 17, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout, Uncategorized

Okay, over the last few years, I've drawn a lot of drag queens. They keep making more seasons of that damn Drag Race, I keep meeting amazing queens in Chicago, I keep working on drag queen board games and video games and comics.... But I've never drawn Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race. I get asked about it all the time, because so many of those queens are still beloved and still doing amazing stuff. Here's the T: I started drawing the Drag Race queens in Season 3--it's all Raja's fault. I've been all over the show ever since then. When they re-aired the first season in 2013, I took the opportunity to draw "The Lost Season". But when would I get the chance to draw Season 2?

Well, I found myself with a little bit of time this fall and an itch to draw some queens. So I decided to re-watch the second season for the first time in five years and relive all that glorious drama.

And I loved it.

Here’s what’s great about Season 2:

It’s not about the clash of different “types” of drag. For the most part, they’re all going for the same thing, even the “funny” queen (Pandora) and the “fishy” queen (Tatianna). It doesn't make the competition any less interesting--it makes it all the more competitive and compelling.
UNTUCKED is superb. No heart-wrenching videos to induce breakdowns or audience sympathy. Just drammmma! And drinking. Lots of that, too.
No good guys, no bad guys. Just girls who don't get along, and girls who do.

Over the next week, I’m going to focus on a different queen each day: Tatianna, Pandora, Tyra, Jujubee, and Raven (in that order)

But today I want to share individual portraits of some of the other fabulous queens from Season 2:

MYSTIQUE

Okay, I couldn't not draw this moment. Come on. I live in Chicago.

And this was in the very first episode of Untucked. See? I told you Untucked was amazing in Season 2. So iconic, so classic. But I feel bad because I do like Mystique a lot, and it sucks that she'll forever be associated with that moment. Especially because that whole argument seemed to stem from Morgan's poking and prodding.

MORGAN McMICHAELS

Morgan came on the show with a ton of confidence. She was on home turf, an LA queen, and she was tight with Raven. But that confidence, combined with her outspoken tendencies, came across as cockiness. Like, it was important to express her opinion at all times, despite the (sometimes explosive) results.

Still, she's a fierce queen, and she can lip sync for the gods.

JESSICA WILD

Jessica brought some seriously stunning looks to the runway, she’s a high-energy performer, and she’s a total sweetheart.

SAHARA DAVENPORT

What can I say about Sahara? She possessed an astonishing grace and elegance that I haven't seen in any other queen. Throughout the season, she struggled to let loose, to drop her guard. And she succeeded in some truly legendary, epic lip sync performances. She was a great beauty and an incredible queen.

Thanks so much for joining me in DAY 1 of my WEEK OF RU! Early tomorrow morning, I'll share my portraits of Tatianna alongside some exclusive interview questions with the queen herself!

Share your thoughts on Season 2 in a comment here or find me on Twitter and Facebook!

Demons and daydreaming

August 26, 2014 by Chad Sell in The Sellout

Centipede When each season of the Drag Race ends, I'm stuck with the question of "well, now what?"

It always takes me a while to find my footing and my focus, but I've spent the last few months working intensively on my comics. Through all of August, I've declined most commercial jobs for the sake of my long-term comic projects, drawing all day, feverishly trying to keep up my pace of finishing self-imposed deadlines.

It's been great. But comics are hard--it's astonishing how much work you can sink into just a few panels of story. And as I devote more and more time in a project, I lose all perspective of it, all the certainty that it's actually worth finishing. I fall into an artistic rut, drawing the same characters in subtly different poses from page to page. And since I'm doing somewhat static, autobiographical stories, I find myself itching to draw something fun.

So over the last few weeks, I've been taking short breaks from my comics to draw out my demons. Or rather, to draw some demons. I'm not exactly sure why I'm inclined toward the demonic--I guess the extravagant horns, fangs, and face paint aren't far off from the appeal of drag queens.

I don't know when I'll be able to share my latest comics. I don't know whether a publisher will be interested in them or if I'll get mired for months in revision and self-doubt. But as I toil away on them, it's nice to daydream.

Beardy tusks painted face Liara Horns Hunky demon Hair Gold

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 14

May 21, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me for my final installment of DRAG RACE ILLUSTRATED is Shanté DéTroit, a fabulous Chicago queen and good friend of mine!Chad: What did you think of this reunion/finale/crowning?

Shanté: I thought this was the best reunion yet. It stayed entertaining from the beginning until the end, and they had a few surprises!

Chad: I did really appreciate how many jokes, ridiculous dance numbers, and emotional moments they packed into this finale. Generally, I'm really skeptical of the format they've used for the last few years, but they pulled this one off!

Shanté: Exactly! In the past it almost felt anticlimactic. This finale was definitely a spectacle, and they got it right down to the camp and glamour.

Chad: What did you think of the red carpet looks some of these queens brought? Did you see any vast improvements from what you saw earlier in the show?

Shanté: Well, Milk turned up the glam factor, and I thought she looked like Madonna!

Chad: I LOVED Milk's Glamazon.

Shanté: April Carrion was from another planet, and it was stunning. I felt like Trinity could have said "Bitch, SAY I don't look like Beyonce now."

Chad: Vivacious looked like the Space Queen to Trinity's Space Princess look from the first episode!

Who were you most excited to hear from onstage?

Shanté: You know, to be honest, I wanted to hear from Magnolia Crawford in hopes she had an epiphany. I desperately want a spin-off season of Drag Race called "Redemption" to happen. Unfortunately, Magnolia didn't seem to have any growth since her infamous leave.

Chad: It seemed like she did have a way of putting a slightly positive spin on some of the negative comments she's made--essentially saying, "Look, I want to remember the good times and not acknowledge the reality of how I came across." Even though Ru quickly punched a hole through that paper-thin argument.

Shanté: You can see those moments where Ru becomes even more real and tries to engage, and you could see the moment when he gave up on Magnolia.

Chad: Yeah, and it's a shame--I dig her quirky sensibility, just not her social incompetence. Magnolia is not one for tact or diplomacy. Whereas Kelly has handled her position really well--making light of leaving the show so early, owning it, staying positive and fun.

Shanté: She came across very poised and grateful--She seems like a lovely person.

Chad: Were you excited to get some more time with Gia? She's sort of become a camp icon among the Drag Race queens, hasn't she?

Shanté: Absolutelyyyyy.

Chad: I really enjoyed her outlandish outfit, and I couldn't resist drawing it! That dragon! Yes!

Shanté: Yes, her look was amazing. The hoop skirt reminded me of her Chanel bag and I think these big circular looks are pretty unique to her.

I thought she was sincere in the realizations she's had about drag since being on the show.

Chad: Yeah, I think she is authentically crazy and cooky, but it made for great television--and some legendary catchphrases.

Shanté: Yes, the other night, I was at a party, and every five minutes I heard someone was feeling their oats.

Chad: What did you make of Laganja? Has she grown any more self-aware since the show has aired?

Shanté: Slightly.

Chad: I cringed when Laganja pulled out her YES MAMA voice. Like, really?

Shanté: Exactly! It's like, WHY?! I literally remember sitting there and turning to my friends and saying "still!?!"

It seemed like there was a moment of truth in showing gratitude toward Alyssa, BUT it became so overshadowed by Trinity. Her honesty and truth came across so beautifully that it almost made Laganja's seem affected or prepared.

Chad: I think Trinity should have been an even larger star this season. She brought such grace, polish, and style to the stage.

Shanté: She was channeling her idol, but being herself. It's really inspiring.

Chad: So, let's talk Dela.

Shanté: How much time do we have?

Chad: Ha! I've been pretty candid about my undying adoration for her. What are your thoughts?

Shanté: I could talk Dela all day. She's become one of my favorite queens.

Chad: What do you think you respond so emotionally to?

Shanté: It was seeing her perform live, being able to meet her and learn about her past.

As a newer queen still kind of figuring out the direction I see for myself, it was great to see queens like Dela and Milk who present very original ideas and are still well respected.

Chad: Do you feel like you share a campy sensibility with her? Or is it something more than that?

Shante: Actually, the queen my style is probably most representative of would be Adore, which I can admit made me feel bitter toward her in the beginning!

Chad: And how do you describe that style?

Shanté: Like the sexiest girl in the trailer park. Honey Boo Boo and the hottest girl in your high school sharing a beefy crunch burrito.

Chad: Man, you're making me hungry.

Shanté: I'm always hungry.

Chad: So, I really, really thought Adore was going to win this thing. Especially after her funny and heartfelt conversation with Ru during this episode.

Shanté: When Ru was announcing [the winner], I just kept hearing "Adore Delano," as if it just rolled off the tongue better.

Chad: It would just be so EXCITING to see what she could do with the fame and the fortune.

Shanté: I think we'll still see. Willam, Detox and Alyssa are all proof that placement in Drag Race doesn't make or break a career.

Chad: And the runner-up can go on to do amazing things! Alaska, Manila, Raven....

Shanté: Yep. I'd argue that some queens are even more successful than the winners.

Chad: I love the feel of Adore's new music video, even if the hunky guy she cast is kind of bland and Midwestern.

Shanté: Haha, there is nothing wrong with bland Midwestern boys! I happen to be one.

Chad: Me, too, but I feel like Adore deserves better than you or me. Maybe it's aspirational?

Shanté: Maybe someday WE can be in Adore Delano's video.

Chad: For something that felt so inevitable for so long, it was actually something of a surprise that Bianca won it, right? Adore really gained a lot of momentum later on in the season, but sort of like Alaska last year, it seemed to come a little too late to overcome Bianca's lead.

Shanté: Yeah, they did great still making it suspenseful. Bianca was the front-runner for weeks, and I'm glad she won.

Chad: I love Bianca, and she deserved the win, though I'm curious about what she'll do during her reign as America's Next Drag Superstar. She's forged herself in nightclubs, hosting gigs and talking shit about her audience. So where does she go from there?

Shanté: Disney Land. I want her to read all the princesses because she is the QUEEN.

Chad: Ha! She'd give them poison apples and steal Prince Charming.

Shanté: And then she'd help Dopey sew a dress and cinch his waist so he can start his drag career.

Chad: Ha! But what made us fall in love with her was the warmth and candor she showed in the workroom throughout the season, and I wonder whether we'll ever see that side of her again!

Shanté: Her adaptability was part of her genius, so I'm sure she'll find a way.

Shanté: I almost thought she would get Miss Congeniality too. Just give Bianca all the awards.

Chad: No, Dela definitely deserved that $2500 giftcard to Overstock.com!

Shanté: One of my favorite quotes starts out: "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children... this is to have succeeded," and I think it sums up Bianca's big win.

Chad: Do you have any other thoughts about the reunion? Did it prompt any thoughts on the season as a whole?

Shanté: I secretly wanted whoever won to break the crown in half and start throwing pieces to the other girls, who are all Spring Fling Queens. I mean... Drag Superstars.

Chad: I thought it was a really fabulous season with some amazing queens. There wasn't any central villain, for better or worse, so there was a certain lack of urgency, or stakes. And since Bianca was such a powerhouse from the start, that sense of drama was missing, too. What do you think?

Shanté: The season was great because they did find ways to keep it interesting and throw some curveballs. The cast was so unique and strong that by the Top Three, there was almost apathy and a consensus that any of them could win and "we wouldn't be mad." That made it a little less passionate than seasons past where people were losing their minds over the prospect of Roxxxy winning. BUT in a way that lack of drama was refreshing.

And the theme of Drag Race, which really is about loving yourself and others, really resonated this season--from Josyln getting married, Darienne's parents coming around, and showcasing the many forms of self-expression with queens from Gia to Vivacious. It was beautiful.

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Special thanks to Shanté (aka Shane Kalminski) for joining me in this final discussion of the Drag Race! She'll be performing at Anna's 30th Prom Birthday Bash on May 25th, and she still needs a date. She'll also be in QUEERPOCALYPSE at the Mayne Stage Theatre in Chicago on August 23rd!

And thanks to YOU, Drag Race fans, for making the sixth season such a great experience for me! It's been so fabulous to share in my excitement about these queens and to hear your thoughts on each episode!

If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts about the season, I discussed the Drag Race (and more!) with Marc and Fausto from the FEAST OF FUN Podcast, so check that out! (Previous Drag Race Illustrated commentator TinTim joined us, too!)

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I'm gathering my best work of the season into a book collection called 60 QUEENS, which is now available for pre-order! It's a full-color, 32-page book, 5.5" x 7.5". I'll be sending it to the printer this week, and then I should be able to ship it out a few weeks after that! The pre-order price is $12, which includes shipping. (I'm only able to take pre-orders from within the US for 60 QUEENS, but it will be available on Etsy for international orders once it's printed!)

And as always, I have my latest Drag Race work available as 11" x 14" digital prints! (Click here to see the rest of this season's work on Etsy!)

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 13

May 14, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

I'm going to keep it short and sweet this week, folks! Since the Drag Race aired its clip show Monday night, there's not a lot to kiki about! Traditionally, I like to take RPDR's "recap week" to revisit some outfits and moments that I didn't get a chance to draw earlier. From your feedback, the overwhelming consensus was to draw two particular looks--and I was eager to illustrate both! Plus, I couldn't resist two different animations of some of this season's goofier scenes.

I loved Dela's depiction of Bianca during the puppet mini-challenge--just one of her many shining moments. There certainly wasn't any lack of goofy challenges this year. And obviously, there was a wealth of talent among these queens.

My main complaint about the season as a whole is that the depictions of these queens sometimes felt heavy-handed and manipulative. There weren't any major rivalries or conflicts that monopolized the season, which was largely a good thing. However, it seemed like the tension that did arise among some of the queens seemed forced or fabricated. But yes, I know, it's TV.

And it was a good season! For those of us who have been watching the show since the beginning, maybe certain stretches of it felt predictable or repetitive.

But in the end, it's all about the talent. And besides the queens, Ru was able to showcase her skills, too!

I particularly loved Ru's ridiculous performances last week during the shoot for her music video!

This look of April's was one of the standouts of the season. She has some seriously gorgeous style, and I wish she had lasted longer on the show to bring more of it to the runway.

Bianca's black and white gown was the other recommendation I got from your feedback. At first, I wasn't sure what to do with the fairly simple silhouette of this outfit, but in the end, I had some fun with it!

At this point, it seems crazy to think of any other queen snatching the crown next week. Except that Adore has emerged as such a stellar talent!

So.... it should be interesting!

I'll have one more guest commentator to discuss next week's reunion--I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about!

As always, check out my Etsy shopand The Sellout Store to get the latest prints of your favorite queens!

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 12

May 07, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Dixie Lynn Cartwright joins me this week to discuss the Drag Race! She's a soft-spoken Southern belle with a sweet voice and a sharp tongue, and we dig deep into the final four contenders for that crown.Chad: After this season's controversial split premiere, were you surprised that the format of this finale wasn't, well, a surprise? It seemed very "by the numbers" in the tradition of past seasons.

Dixie: I'm so glad it wasn't, honestly. Change isn't always the best direction to go in. We have fallen in love with this show, in part, to the formulaic nature of it. Yes, surprise us in the beginning. We are just so excited it's back, we'd watch 2 premieres and a bonus hour of the queens eating tamales...BUT it's the finale. We are emotionally invested. We are a little tired. Don't fuck with us too much. No matter what happens, we will feel all the feels, we don't need any extra feels, ya know?

Chad: That's a good point, especially after last week's wrenching episode. Well, it was hard for me, at least, to see Dela go.

Dixie: Girl. She's not dead. She was allowed to live and return to Seattle. Her exit though, with the mirror? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Chad: Ha! Yes, I know. Thank you, I will wipe away the tears and summon the strength to continue this vitally important discussion of reality drag queen television.

Dixie: The children need us. Let's carry on.

Chad: So is it good or bad that we don't have a "bitch" in the final three?

Dixie: I don't know what your feelings are for Darienne, but her comments (however edited they may be) seemed so insecure, it stopped being entertaining for me. I didn't love to hate her. I just didn't love her.

Chad: She's definitely thrown a metric ton of shade throughout the season. However, it seemed to peak in the middle few episodes with Dela. Ever since the other queens called her out in Untucked, she's made a major attitude adjustment. Honestly, I feel like she really hasn't done anything objectionable over the last few episodes. Do you disagree?

Dixie: No. Nothing that I was super offended by, but she just isn't exciting to me. Yes, she's pretty, but any other girl would be read HARD for those outfits and that hair.

(Chad's note: I really like Darienne, and I'm glad she left on a high note! Plus, she seems to actually read this stuff sometimes, so... hi, Darienne!)

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Dixie: Adore has absolutely 100% grown on me. I...cough, cough...adore her. That one hurt to type.

Chad: So, here's my overall thesis about this episode: There wasn't any major drama, no huge conflicts among the queens. Instead, the show was all about picking apart each of the final four's own strengths and weaknesses and watching them struggle with their issues.

It seems like Adore was struggling with a lot of the same things she has been all season-- refining her looks, maintaining her focus.

Dixie: My experience in Chicago has been with mostly newer queens, myself included. So when they read her on her look or inability to focus her persona, I identified completely. Yes, I thought her shake-and-go wigs were terrible...but we've ALL been there. You take it out of the bag, give it a couple good shakes, plop it on your head and think "I'm pretty. This is fine." It isn't until you see pictures of yourself standing next to someone who clearly owns a brush that you think, "maybe that was a mistake."

My heart went out to her because once you're in that competition, you're stuck. There is no wig shop, dress shop, etc. She knew she wasn't up to par with everyone else, but there wasn't much else she could other than perform the hell out of everything.

And she did.

Chad: I do agree with you--she KNOWS she doesn't have the years of experience that Darienne, Bianca, and Courtney do. It must be a constant struggle for her to convince herself she deserves to stay there. But man, during her music video shoot, she was pure star power.

Dixie: THAT was her saving grace to me. You knew that SHE knew that she wasn't up to snuff and there wasn't much she could do about it. As condescending as it may have been, Courtney was spot on when she said that Adore looked like her from 10 years ago. Polish doesn't happen in 2 years. That's why I have 2 favorite instagram filters.

Not to get too serious here, but it reminds me of an Ira Glass quote that I love:

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit.”

Chad: It boils down to "you're going to suck for a long time." (insert drag queen joke here)

Dixie: Adore is magic when it comes to music videos. The rap challenge. This challenge. She's unbeatable.

Chad: So, here's my thought: Adore could totally win this.

Dixie: I didn't think so until this episode.

Chad: The show loves an underdog. She's a star. Maybe even a superstar? And she would, by far, benefit the most from that prize money.

Dixie: She's got talent. She's got a brain. The look will absolutely come. You know there are people lining up to make dresses and wigs for that beautifully-talented hog-bodied bitch.

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Dixie: Can we PLEASE talk about Courtney's speech at the end to the judges? PLEASE.

Chad: Ha! Sure! What are your thoughts about her appeal for the crown?

Dixie: "I'm already a drag superstar in Australia." Done. I don't want to hear anymore.

In her sit down with Mama Ru, RuPaul JUST said that she needs to show a little more vulnerability...and she leads with "I'm already a drag superstar?!?!"

I can't. I just can't.

Chad: So, yes, I agree. Not a good move. BUT, I do have to say that I find Courtney to be one of the most intriguing and complicated queens this season.

Dixie: Complicated? In what way?

Chad: I think she really is quite observant and calculating, to the point that the other queens referred to her as a robot. Her immaculate sheen of perfection helps, too.

I thought her challenge this episode was to finally show us her messier side, and I was happy to see her excel in the improv and lip sync shoots.

Dixie: I didn't feel her improv showed the messy side. I thought it was a good performance. Glasses askew and a straw in your does not a mess make, Courtney. She should've borrowed a wig from one of Adore's wig bags.

Chad: Ha! I think she does have depths, and she can surprise, but I agree with her assessment that she's been in "work mode" throughout most of the season.

Dixie: Here's the deal though. I love her. I really was afraid that I'd hate her for being so great because I'm a terribly small person, but she's hard not to fall for. I just don't think she's America's Next Drag Superstar.

Chad: Well, right, she's not going to win. But I was happy to see her do well throughout this challenge, and I do like her a lot. Though I don't LOVE her, and that's her problem.

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Chad: So, it seems like Bianca hasn't gotten a ton of attention over the past few episodes. My best guess is that the producers wanted to give some of the other contestants some more momentum to make them viable contenders.

Dixie: I must warn you: I fell for her...and I fell hard. She can do no wrong.

Now, let's get into what she did wrong.

Chad: Ha! I don't think she did anything wrong, it's just that the other queens needed some time to catch up to her!

Dixie: I feel like she was winning the competition way too early on. The producers did a wonderful job in highlighting the other queens in the past few weeks.

Chad: It's sort of how Jinkx took the lead early last season, and then Alaska gained a lot of steam just a little too late.This year, it still seems like Bianca has, by far, the most vocal fan base. And rightly so! But I think Adore could still pull through.

Dixie: Do you think Adore has a harder time of winning because a young, talented, unpolished girl won last season?

Chad: No, if anything, I think Ru and the producers LOVE an underdog! And in Bianca's shadow, Adore is certainly that.

Dixie: I know that all the girls will have careers after the show, but looking over the girls' work in this season, you want that work to be honored. For me, that means putting the crown on that big, beautiful clown head.

Dixie: What are you hoping for the finale?

Chad: I'm hoping they've shaken things up from the past two seasons. I'd like to see some real, unstaged drama. Especially about how the queens have reacted to their portrayals on the show. What does Laganja feel about how she came across? Darienne? And the looks! I expect some of these queens to BRING IT for the finale!

Dixie: That's one thing I will say for Laganja. By the end of her stay this season, my ears bled at the sound of her voice, but her looks were killing me. I loved seeing what she would wear. YES MAMA. I also hope there is an old woman in the audience so she can comment on the dryness of her vagina.

Chad: Wouldn't it be great to see some sort of live challenge? The top two lip synching onstage?

Dixie: That would be incredible. Or even better, a "do what you do best"-off. Bianca tells jokes. Adore sings. Courtney tans. I'd love it.

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Dixie Lynn Cartwright might be a fresh new queen on the Chicago drag scene, but she keeps busy! Dixie is starring as "Sleepy" in Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens, a fabulous show that runs through May 17th at Hydrate.

Snow-White-logo

She'll also bring her live singing talents to the Drag Matinee pre-show at Berlin on May 24th and to #FACE at Hydrate on June 4th!

Dixie showcases her vocal skills, dry humor, and state-of-the-art video editing on her YouTube channel--here's one of my recent favorites, her rendition of that Frozen song everybody loves.

She also posts fabulous stuff onInstagram, so follow her there, too!

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With the "Rucap" episode coming next week, I'd like to revisit some of the funniest and most fabulous moments from the season that I didn't draw the first time around. I have a lot of ideas already, but let me know what you think I've got to draw before the season's over!

This weekend, I'm bringing my comics and queens up to Canada for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, which is a truly fantastic and free show! So I expect to see every single Canadian reader of mine to come visit me there.

If you're not lucky enough to live near Toronto, you can find my Drag Race prints, postcards, and books at my Etsy store, or right here at The Sellout!

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 11

April 30, 2014 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

In this week's Drag Race Illustrated, Shea Couleé joins me for a kiki and gives me a shoulder to cry on. She's one of the fiercest queens in Chicago, but she somehow found the time to school me on the Drag Race.

Shea: What shall we talk about first?

Chad: Well! Yeesh! Obviously, I have very strong feelings about Dela.

Shea: I know! Just when you start to think the show is INCREDIBLY formulaic, they shock us all...

Chad: I think we should try to discuss some other aspects of the episode before going down that rabbit hole--it will be hard to see the screen through all my tears.

Shea: What did you think of the mini challenge? This is becoming a recurring one, and I must say I LOVE it.

Chad: I thought it was really charming and an interesting way of bringing out some shade!Dela obviously had the best with her crazy-looking Bianca puppet and her high energy impersonation of Bianca, gravelly voice and all!

Shea: The TEETH! Now THAT was just the "sock it to me" moment of it all. All of the emphasis on Bianca's big mouth--both literally and figuratively--really sold it for me!

Chad: Yeah! And in fact, we saw SO much of Dela in the workroom, so much of her fun humor, that I thought, "Wow, I wonder whether we're seeing her emerge as a serious contender?" Like, "Maybe the show is finally taking her seriously?"

Shea: She was so spot on! But I've realized that sometimes, when someone we love is about to go home, they get a lot of air time.

Chad: Honestly, all season, I've had this weird feeling that the producers weren't remotely interested in Dela. Like, even when she won, she was never really showered in praise, never given a moment to shine. And we never learned much about Ben!

Shea: I know! We get EVERYONE'S back story at one point or another. The only thing they talked about was the fact that Ben used to be overweight.

Chad: Yeah--it's really hard for me to say how much is the editing and how much is Dela--she's admitted that she is pretty guarded about Ben, even saying on "Whatcha Packin'?" that she prefers her boy self to remain in the shadows so that he doesn't distract from the cartoony personality of Dela.

Shea: I just wish we would have gotten a different angle on Ben besides the fact that she was this "character." I don't blame her for being guarded about her personal life. That's not a comfortable thing for everyone to talk about. Some individuals have really dark stuff in their pasts, and sometimes they prefer to look forward and not back.

Chad: Yeah, very well said.

Shea: Not everyone wants to capitalize on their personal pain to get professional success.

Chad: So, I wanted to talk about the two queens who, from the start, have pretty much dominated Season 6.

Shea: Bianca and Adore?

Chad: Yes, exactly. I've heard a lot of grumbling, even from Ru herself, that's it's CRAZY for a queen to come on the show if she doesn't know how to sew

Shea: YES. A girl NEEDS to know how to sew.

Chad: And you have an extensive background in costume design, right?

What are your thoughts on Adore, and specifically about her looks for the Glitter Ball?

Shea: In all honesty, I wasn't blown away by anyone's looks.

The ball challenge is my absolute FAVORITE challenge--it was the Hair Ball in Season 3 that made me WANT to do drag.

Chad: Yeah, I mean, it was Raja who got me drawing these damn queens to start with! But all season, it's been pretty clear that, among this cast of queens, there aren't many who could rival Raja on the runway. (Correction: there aren't any.) April Carrion had some fabulous looks, but her performance chops got her booted. Same with Milk!

So you weren't impressed with Adore's "diamond" look? Do you think she deserved the win?

Shea: I do think she deserved the win.

Chad: From my perspective, as someone who DOESN'T know fashion or how to construct a garment, I appreciated the subtle use of color in Adore's overall look, the dramatic impression of that wig, etc. Even though it might not have required sophisticated sewing skills, I knew I'd be excited to draw her this week!

Shea: I think they weren't really concentrating well on their categories.

EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, dropped the ball on executive realness. Adore's was an absolute MESS, the fact that she went on the runway looking the way she did for that was absolutely awful. I think they really let her charisma carry her through that one. She, in my opinion, grasped the banji girl realness the best.

But also, how do you expect a bunch of white girls to nail banji girl realness? What do they know about being banji, besides what pop culture tells them what banji is?

Adore's diamond look really impressed me, though. I think she styled it well, made it high fashion, but also stayed true to her aesthetic. I mean Bob Mackie HIMSELF complimented her. I would have peed!!!

Chad: That's an interesting point. There's been so much discussion about drag appropriation of derogatory trans terminology, we don't hear much about cultural appropriation.

We saw that at play in the hip hop challenge, though, where Darienne explicitly said she's a white lady from the suburbs.

Shea: There are so many blurred lines within the world of drag. They of course try and tap into so many different cultures and subcultures that live within the drag community, but when you're gonna have a bunch of girls create a banji look based off of what's in their wardrobe, it's hard to expect a spot-on interpretation if it's not close to their aesthetic.

Chad: So, do you think it placed the queens in an awkward position?

Shea: For some, yes. I think the term banji isn't racially specific, I don't mean to give that impression. But it does come from a place of poverty and lack of monetary comfort. Banji girls dress to excess because they want to live the life of the rich and famous, but they're just ballin' on a budget. That's where a lack of taste comes in. But there are ways to interpret that exuberance and still make it polished.

Chad: I think you did a good job of explaining a complicated concept clearly right there.

Shea: Also, Courtney's banji girl? Not so much.

Chad: It was more grunge than banji, right?

Shea: Totally. I can see why she went that route, because she doesn't fully comprehend banji culture. But I think it speaks to Courntey's presence in the competition thus far. If there were one person who Ben should have said was sailing by, it should have been her...

Chad: Ha! Well, let's talk about "sailing" and about Bianca. It seems like Bianca and Dela are actually quite similar, despite the friction there this week. They both have a very particular character and a VERY consistent aesthetic.

Shea: Yes, though I feel Ben's character is a further departure from himself. It's clear that he is a real soft-spoken, laid back individual.

Chad: Essentially, I felt like Dela was in the bottom two because the judges felt they'd seen too much of her campy, showgirl fashion. But Bianca's fashion is even less dynamic and unexpected.

Shea: Well, Bianca's fashion is refined as hell. I GAG at some of the wardrobe she's brought out on the show, and no one can touch her wig game, even if I CAN see my reflection in her hair. It's so damn SHINY!!!! She treats her wigs how my grandma treats her sofa--covered in plastic.

Chad: Ha! I love Bianca, but I do think she's sailed through this competition. And by that, I don't mean that she's coasting at all. But rather, that she's dominated the season and there's no stopping her!

Shea: REALLY. It's her season to lose.

Chad: It seems like the queens who have been most successful on this show have been the chameleons--Raja, Sharon, and Jinkx all brought wildly different looks to the runway, with varying levels of polish. Whereas this season features a whole lotta queens who have a very clear vision for their drag and a fairly limited wardrobe: Dela, Bianca, and Darienne especially!

Shea: For me, Jinx was the Adore of her season. She was a little rough around the edges, not as polished as I would have liked. I feel like it's really hard to encapsulate all of the things that it takes to embody "America's Next Drag Superstar." I think Raja and Sharon were really great at providing alternatives to the stereotypical drag aesthetic that I think America is accustomed to. But the thing that made them so successful was their polish and their understanding of their own aesthetic and brand.

I think what tripped Ben up the most was his last outfit.

Chad: Yeah? What did you feel about it?

Shea: We had seen that about three times before on the runway.

Chad: Yeah, I think picking that rose quartz was a bad move--we had seen too much pink from her, already.

Shea: Now, she did a great job with executing a concept, but it was so overdone. If she would have come out in a really refined gown with a train and sickening updo, she might still be with us. It also just felt incredibly dated, and I think a lot of their runway presentation was hinging on that final look.

Chad: Right. Yeah, I agree--the dress was really similar to what she'd worn before, and I would have loved to have seen more elegance than showgirl.

So, here's another question I've had in mind: I asked before whether a queen should be on this show who can't sew. Well, what about a queen who can't, or at least isn't interested in, lip synching?

Shea: There will always be a queen who can't sew. It creates more drama, when someone enters a challenge with the shorter end of the stick, so to speak.

As far as lip syncing is concerned, if you aren't interested in lip syncing, find another job. That's the name of the game.

Chad: HA!

Shea: For REAL, though!

Chad: But, with Dela, I've seen her do some AMAZING numbers--singing live or lip sync--where she creates a whole ridiculous burlesque act around clever concepts. But it's no wonder that she can't wow the judges with a top 40 pop song.

(Watch the whole thing. Seriously.)

Chad: I feel like Bianca would have the same problem--I just don't think her strength or interest is in a lip sync.

Shea: Lip syncing is an art in and of itself, and I don't think people can just shrug at it. Lip syncing is about being COMPLETELY in sync with the narrative of the song, regardless of what it is. We are story tellers, and Illusionists. Putting on the physical illusion is one thing. But as a performer, you have to be able to completely lose yourself in the song. You have to convince the audience that it's YOUR story that you're telling. Darienne was in sync with the song, whereas I think Ben was trying to put on a big show. There is so much vulnerability that can be found in just connecting with a song and letting it resonate with you personally. That's where the breakthrough happens. That's the art behind lip syncing...

Chad: Yeah, I'm really glad you were able to put it that way. Darienne is a LEGIT lip sync artist.

Shea: You must be one with the song--You're not performing it, you're LIVING it!

Shea: That's what girls mean when they say a queen is LIVING. Because she's transcended the artifice of impersonating and has allowed the song to become part of her. Part of her own life story, part of her own life experience, and she's letting you peek into her soul. That's where you connect with people, and I think that's where Darienne was successful over Ben.

Chad: Is it a challenge to connect to some songs, though? Whether it's the style or content?

Shea: We are all human and we all have empathy. You have to find the common ground with the artist and allow the song to penetrate your soul.

Chad: Girl, this is like therapy. You're helping me come to terms with how things went down.

Shea: LOL! Miss Coulee, PhD. It is therapy! Why do you think I love performing so much?!

Chad: The tips?

Shea: That's a big part of it. But even if they're not pouring in, I still feel at home on the stage.

Chad: Are the queens at a disadvantage when they're performing for just a few judges rather than a crowd of adoring fans?

Shea: You're not performing for them. You're performing for yourself. And I think girls forget that when $100,000 is on the line. It's not about them. It's about you letting the song into your soul and reflecting the effect it has on you to the judges.

Chad: So given all this, the Glitter Ball, the season's progress, do you think Dela should have gone home this week?

Shea: I'm at a loss, because Dela has been a strong competitor this entire season. I just wish we would have gotten more from him.

I don't know. I just felt like Darienne fell even more short in terms of looks. But in terms of the lip sync, Darienne had him.

Chad: See, I thought Courtney and Darienne were in the bottom two, and I was curious to see that play out.

Shea: Honestly, If I could throw someone under the bus, it'd be Courtney.

Chad: You didn't like Courtney's looks? I was at least intrigued by the crazy red glitter mask-thing for her final look.

Shea: It was a red version of the blue look she did in the first challenge. A bra with some fabric draped around it. I mean, how many fashion togas can a queen pull off in each sewing challenge?

She's talented and all. But I've seen no growth from her in this competition.

Chad: See, I can't help but feel that Darienne, Dela, and Courtney have all been depicted strangely this season, though it's hard for me to say whether it's their actual performance or whether it's an edit.

Shea: VERY true.

Chad: Darienne and Courtney have both been spun as slightly catty, even though I think both are perfectly pleasant, talented individuals.

And Dela just never seemed to get the attention she deserved, but maybe that's because she didn't grab it by the throat and demand it!

Shea: I think Darienne has been villainized, but she's not as bad as I think the producers wanna make her. She has her bitchy moments, no doubt, but she's very upfront about her intentions and doesn't sugar coat the fact that this is a competition.

Everyone wants it to be Rupauls Best Friend Race. But she has a point that there is $100,000 on the line, and there's nothing wrong with a little bit of strategy.

Chad: I'm often frustrated that the bigger girls on this show always seem to struggle with their runway looks. How should they be designing better outfits for their body type?

Shea: I would say about 80% of the way someone dresses for drag is proportion. If you've read any of RuPaul's books, she talks about it all of the time.

She should ALWAYS cinch. There should always be a decent different in the size of your shoulders, waist, and hips.

If she doesn't want to cinch, Empire Silhouettes are really flattering on curvy women.

Chad: Forgive my ignorance, but is cinching the same as... a corset?

Shea: Yes. Cinching just means taking in the waist--I literally cinch with belts, though I do love a good corset. They're a girls best friend--besides diamonds.

Chad: So, basically, every aspect of being a drag queen is tremendously painful and uncomfortable?

Shea: EXACTLY!

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Thank you so much to Shea Couleé for all her insight into the art of drag. This girl seriously knows her stuff!

Shea performs all over Chicago, like, all the time. She hosts #FACE every Wednesday at Hydrate, and tonight's guest performers are Kaycee Ortiz, Precious Davis, and Lila Star. This Thursday, she'll be performing in Beyonce night at Berlin Nightclub. And this Friday, she'll be in Drag Carnage at Hydrate, followed immediately by the massive Neverland "We Love Brasil" party, which she also hosts. Every Saturday, she performs in The Naughty Cabaret at Mother's Bar downtown.

Shea also co-hosts The Tony Soto Show, a weekly podcast that's available here. She'll be hosting Milwaukee Pride on June 7th, and she'll be hosting the Hydrate Mainstage for Chicago Pridefest June 21-22! And THEN she'll be in Minneapolis June 25th for Minneapolis Pride! Sheesh!

She also shows up in my comics and Chicago Queens illustrations, and she regularly performs in Drag Matinee and Trannika's Most Wanted with Trannika Rex and Kim Chi, some of the other fabulous queens who have joined me for these Drag Race discussions!

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As I mentioned above, I really feel like we didn't see Dela's true strengths on this show. So I wanted to share some of my favorite videos of her performances, which really show off the many sides of her creative genius.

I LOVE Dela's playful use of her sexuality in this one.

Her music video parody of "Boyfriend." To die for.

The angle is awkward and some of the audio is hard to hear, but I LOVED this performance when she came to Chicago!

I could seriously go on forever, but if you'd like to see more sides of Dela, definitely look her up on Youtube! And don't throw any shade at Darienne for sending her home, either! (Pretty please?)

As always, I've got a ton of Season Six prints available at my Etsy store and right here at The Sellout, so add some queens to your collection!