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COLORING WITH QUEENS -- The Winners!

February 27, 2016 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Okay, I have to come clean about something: I hate art contests. I hate the idea that art can be objectively judged or ranked. It's ridiculous.

However, one of my very favorite things about the internet is the sense of community and collaboration that can emerge from creative people with common interests. I see it as kind of magical: that I can post some simple drawings of drag queens and watch people transform them into CRAZY AMAZING MASTERPIECES. That was my hope for this contest, and all of you absolutely exceeded all my expectations!

And so I am choosing a small selection of the pieces that totally floored me. These are the ones that I found the most irreverent, or inventive, or inspiring. But I loved ALL of the entries, and I'm SO APPRECIATIVE to everyone who participated! If you don't see your work below, please don't feel bad, and certainly don't be jealous--all the prizes I'm sending out are extremely ridiculous, tacky, and entirely worthless. (I'm going to keep the prize packages secret until the recipients get them, because I don't want to ruin any surprises.)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

I wanted to give special shout-outs to a handful of contributors -- I won't be able to send out prizes to them, but hopefully they'll be sufficiently rewarded by the fame and glory that will inevitably result from their exposure here.

FIRST UP! Honorable Mention for: SHE KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON

The Fab Hattersknow what's going on! I LOVED this rendering of Ru (so many Easter eggs, can you find them all?) My ABSOLUTE favorite element of this masterful collage is the imagery used for Ru's skin tone. I hope you ain't allergic, because it's PEANUT-PEANUT-PEANUT BUTTER! The Fab Hatters also sent in this DELICIOUS collage of Kim Chi, utilizing food from (mostly) Korean cuisine:

Next up, two Honorable Mentions for: GIMME THE DOUGH!

Eric Ginsberg molded this masterpiece!

And I have NO IDEA how Lucas Eller created this, but I am all kinds of impressed.

Honorable Mention for: FEELING VERY POINTED RIGHT NOW

Anthony Zero sent in this glorious depiction of Acid Betty looking her most terrifying. Just imagine the papercuts!

Two Honorable Mentions for: QUEENS OF COLLAGE

I adore this depiction of Thorgy by Pop it on Studio -- the collaged textures give it so much energy! My favorite touch: yak hair.

Matteo Neri-Lindfors sent in a number of cleverly collaged queens. My favorite was his depiction of Naomi -- since she's so tall and leggy, he gave her giraffe skin.

Honorable Mention for: FACE PAINTING

Ariel painted this lovely (and surprisingly naturalistic) rendering of Acid Betty using only makeup!

Honorable Mention for: TOURING THE UNCANNY VALLEY

Jean Pierre utilized some outrageous photo-bending skills to shape the queens' publicity photos into the configurations of my drawings! It is unnerving and crazy impressive.

Honorable Mention for: LUSCIOUSNESS

Johnny Morphine shared a TON of gorgeous work with some of the absolutely most luscious shading I've ever seen.

Honorable Mention for: BITCH DOESN'T SLEEP

Bryttany sent in SEVEN gorgeously rendered submissions. I love the clever combination of traditional coloring with digital background and typography!

THE TOP TEN (OR TWELVE OR WHATEVER)

Can you tell that I had a REALLY hard time picking just a few favorites? These top picks will each get a special little something from me in the mail. Here they are, in no particular order:

Caesar Turbuck's entry had me gagging on the floor. He essentially redrew the original line drawing and gave it this eerie and amazing simplicity. I LOVE the flat fields of color, and the greenish palette just feels right.

I told Lisa that her rendering of Robbie totally improved upon the original drawing. The tiny details beautifully suggest Robbie's distinctive features, and the linework masterfully evokes the classic Pop aesthetic.

Casi Maggio Kristant also employed a Lichtenstein-ian style with jaw-dropping effects. I LIVE for the vibrant use of the halftone dots, not to mention the PERFECT reproduction of the "Pop" graphic in Ru's bow, the sickening leopard spots, and the hair's linework.

Michael Walters (@DameEdnaShow) also used some gorgeous halftone patterning to give both a pop sensibility and a very subtle sense of shading to his piece. The palette is simple, but striking, and that yellow is such a lovely accent!

Hannah Stanwayshared this entirely gorgeous digital painting of Thorgy. Something about the contouring is so tactile and sculptural -- I was immediately struck by this piece.

Next up, two renditions of Acid Betty that are both eerily similar, but hauntingly beautiful:

Melina Varela created a shimmering and smooth illustration that feels so real you can taste that Acid on your tongue!

Meanwhile, @deadandfab used a fascinating pointillist style that's both a little trippy and utterly convincing.

I love how warm and organic Justin Averill's depiction of Kim is. He used some incredibly subtle texturing and a limited color palette to really set himself apart!

Brittney Elizabeth's rendering of Thorgy is such a delight! I love the playful colors, the glasses, and those freckles! It's all so fun and unexpected and THORGY.

I'm in love with @pearlliaison's minimal color palette and glitchy textures. Absolutely perfect for Acid Betty!

Megan Lara is a SICKENINGLY talented illustrator, and I was so thrilled to see her depiction of Kim! The colors are so, so soft and buttery and blissful. Go check out Megan's other work, and you will literally make yourself sick with envy at her skills.

I love the sumptuous and surreal feel of this piece by Jonna Suuntala. Seriously, just the deepest, dreamiest eyes of any piece in this contest. Just... wow.

I loved these two pieces from Edgar Fierce. He brought such a playful and bold style to both of them! I love that the textures and color choices are just a little jarring, giving them an energy and unexpected vibrancy.

THE FINAL FOUR

Ha! Did you think I was done? No, there are FOUR MORE favorites that stood out for being especially inventive and outrageous. These four artists will receive my DUMB DRAG GRAB BAGS full of weird, glittery crap!

So, in no particular order...

Don't stare at it too long! Is it too late? Can you even read this right now? I LOVE hun-tea's contribution (from reddit). Is it weird and horrifying and headache-inducing? Absolutely. But it's so perfect.

Elena Corona's collages (@lenalouwho on Instagram) are so meticulous and masterful. The color choices, the shapes, the perfect use of the blank paper -- I found these pieces to be so distinctive from everything else in the contest. Now I want to see them in person!

I cannot BELIEVE how gorgeous this piece by Tom Christophersen is! The shading of Bob's cheekbones conveys such a complexity of form and color-- Tom's skills with colored pencils astound me. The piece has an almost sculptural feel to me, there's such a solidity and a sheen to it! Every time I look at it, I discover something new to marvel over. Plus, GLITTER!

And finally, there's this BEAUTIFUL (and electrifying) animation of Dax!

(Unfortunately, because of my move to Squarespace, I don't have an easy way of sharing this video!)

I don't know what unholy magic Lazaro used to create this, but he clearly wields magnificent power. It is just. so. beautiful.

Thanks again for sending in your art, for sharing your favorites, and just sharing in my excitement about all these amazing pieces! You can find all the original "coloring book" drawings here -- although the contest may be over, you can still download them and share your creations!

COLORING WITH QUEENS

February 15, 2016 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

C'mon Season 8! Let's get COLORING! That's right, I'm having a COLORING CONTEST to celebrate the start of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 8! I'll pick winners from multiple categories who will receive DUMB DRAG GRAB BAGS full of stupid stuff.

Click here to download the high-quality files to get started! Share them on Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter and tag them with #coloringwithqueens by 5pm (Central Time Zone) Thursday, February 25th to enter!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 14

June 02, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me for the Drag Race's final week is Ariel Italic, a friend of mine from NYC! She performs there and writes RPDR recaps for Queerty!

Chad: So, it's been a long season. Or, at least, that's what it feels like to me. After drawing and discussing the show week after week, I'm usually pretty burnt out by the end. How are you feeling about it?

Ariel: Similarly. I host AND recap, so I watch every episode at least twice. There were a lot of queens, but also this season didn't have the punch of some of the others, so it felt even longer than it was.

Chad: Yeah, and the pacing is always weird -- the way that the "RuCap Week" slows things down, the long wait to find out who actually won. The show has more padding than Pearl ever did on the runway!

Ariel: Having the clip show right before the reunion is a terrible choice, honestly. Like, we spend a whole hour recapping the past ten weeks, and then... bring the eliminated queens back to recap the past ten weeks again.

Chad: Yeah, that's totally true. SO MANY MONTAGES! I mean, some of them are fun, but still. How many times do we need to hear "WAKE UP, PEARL?"

Ariel: I think this season was trying to impose storylines where there were none. Like, there were so many attempts at manufacturing feuds, or giving Pearl that "growth" plotline even though she's clearly just as sleepy as ever, or making Violet a horrendous villain early on only to steer her toward quick, friendly redemption... it all felt much more forced than usual.

Chad: Yeah, everyone talks about how Pearl "came out of her shell," but she's still the same as ever, for better or worse. She DID get a little more energetic and earnest with the challenges, but she's the same quirky queen we love and ridicule.

Ariel: That really shows the divide between reality and reality TV. Pearl is extremely fashionable and has a weird sense of humor and is a fantastic drag queen overall, but she doesn't come across to the audience in the structure of the series. Jasmine Masters may not have the same eye for fashion, but she's so much more watchable.

Chad: Yes, absolutely. And it's just not clear whether America's Next Drag Superstar is supposed to be the queen who makes the best TV, the fan favorite, or the queen who is actually just... the best.

Ariel: Exactly. Like, the challenges this season were almost all performance-related, which made Ginger seem like the clear front-runner. Then the clip show made this "the season of fashion" and all of a sudden Violet was the one to beat, even though the sewing challenges were minimal, and the ones that they did have were often edited almost completely out.

Chad: Yeah, that's a really good point. I wonder why they went back and forth like that. Because Ginger seemed like the strongest contender from early on -- she was charismatic, funny, and a great performer! What went wrong for Ginger?

Ariel: For me, it seemed unfair to give Ginger the win when Katya exceeds her in pretty much every area except singing. Katya is funny, a great dancer, and has a phenomenal eye for fashion. You could tell by the audience reaction to her that she was the true winner this season. Violet, I think, took the win because she is different from Katya. Ginger is just LESS than Katya.

Chad: I see. A harsh comparison, but... I see it.

Ariel: I don't mean to be anti-Ginger, I'm still bitter about Katya's elimination.

Chad: The show has developed SUCH a strange, incestuous relationship with its fans. From the constant call-outs to reddit, to the social media whoring for the crown, to the jaw-dropping moment when Ru called out Katya to the stage. It was a clear acknowledgment that, ultimately, her winning would have been the most satisfying!

Ariel: I think this season must have been difficult for the producers in that sense, because the fan reactions seem to have been wildly different from what was predicted. Plus, the eliminated queens got so much hatred on social media that Ru even called it out during the finale. And I'll admit, it was stuff like that that kept me from making an audition tape for next season.

Chad: Here's something that I've been thinking about: the last few seasons, the generational divide between the older (pre-RPDR) queens and the younger ones has been a constant source of tension and drama. Do you think there might be a similar generational gap between the show's creators and its fans?

Ariel: Oh definitely. The fans get younger every year as a new group gets interested in drag and as acceptance for gay culture permeates further into the mainstream. It says a lot that the two oldest queens were eliminated quite early, and the remaining elders were positioned as bitter villains.

Chad: Well, with Katya caught in the middle! She stood apart -- although she seemed closest with the older queens, she never threw the younger ones any shade. I think the Drag Race is fostering a whole new fandom of drag culture, and the art form might go in new directions faster than the show can keep up with. Or has that already happened?

Ariel: Gosh, I don't even know. I do think it's interesting that the contestants are increasingly constrained by the format. Fame has make-up and runway skills that set her miles ahead of the other girls, Violet can do aerial acrobatics on silks... even Katya's Russian character had limited opportunity to come out and play. There's a diversity to drag that the show has never been 100% equipped to represent. But again, this is the divide between reality and reality TV, and that's always going to be a weird space they navigate.

Chad: The reunion shows are always interesting -- the live presentation gives it a different kind of spontaneity, but then there are scripted elements that often do a disservice to some of the queens who are relegated to a punchline. Which queens *didn't* want to be there?

Ariel: That's tough to say, since everyone besides the top 3 was given precious little screen time. I think people seemed relatively game. Why, did you sense some lingering ambivalence in someone?

Chad: I thought, for the most part, the queens were treated fairly well. Fame doesn't seem to mind the constant chicken jokes, and even Tempest doesn't seem that ticked about her early departure. But I do wonder about Max. What do you make of her?

Ariel: I thought it was interesting that she got almost no screen time. I've been a huge fan of hers since the beginning, and was honestly hoping she'd make Top 3. She has a clear aesthetic and point of view, and I find her specialized nature more compelling than the producers do, apparently.

Chad: I adore her approach to fashion, to her conceptualizing of the runway challenges. But I wonder about her strategy on the show. It seemed like her character only served to distance the other queens from her, as well as a lot of fans. There are times when she comes across as eloquent and lovely (like when she was recounting boosting Jaidynn's morale) and then others when she seems like an awkward teenager who's over-compensating for something. Which could probably be summed up as... being a young artist.

Ariel: Yeah, that's my take, too. She's kind-hearted but ultimately kind of weird. I have known so many Maxes in my day. Sometimes I'm a Max myself. I think in a parallel universe she could have been given a whole arc about learning to interact with the other queens even though they initially found her tough to deal with. Like, she could have been a less villainous Violet if the editors felt like it.

Chad: Right. If you had been on a reality TV show at 21, 22, whatever age Max is, what would YOU have done?

Ariel: Oof, I shudder to think. I already spend too much time anticipating the many ways I would spectacularly fuck up if I were on the show NOW.

Chad: So, you'd be a Katya?

Ariel: I'd never make it that far.

Chad: I do have to say that my very most favoritest moment of the whole night was Katya talking with Ru. That was RIDICULOUS!

Ariel: Katya brings me infinite amounts of joy. I wish I understood what was going on in her brain. It literally does not matter what question you ask her, she will just respond with hilarious nonsense. It's like if Miss Fame were possessed by Robin Williams.

Chad: Hearing Katya so crudely and creatively and candidly describe her feelings about Ru? Sheer gold.

Ariel: And Ru is equipped to roll with the joke, which is why she is the supreme leader.

Chad: Granted, Katya wants everyone and everything to pee on her. Still.

Ariel: Hey, everyone has a wheelhouse. Dumpster comedy works for Katya.

Chad: Yeah, she's doing alright. If Katya couldn't win, would Violet have been your next pick?

Ariel: Absolutely. I think she grew throughout the competition, she served incredible fashions (that she often sewed herself), she has legitimate performance talent, and against all odds I ended up kind of liking her. As a queen who started on the internet, I understand her personality.I have been mistaken for a jerk simply because I am socially awkward in front of other queens. It happens.

Chad: Yeah, I think she's a flawless queen with impeccable taste. Her performances don't always leave me gagging, but she deserved the crown. Part of me wants her to find a good financial planner and put away that prize money. But I'd also love to see her spend $100,000 on one REALLY amazing gown.

Ariel: HAHAHA she would pick a good one for sure. I think she's the right choice after Bianca. Ginger would never have lived up to Bianca's standard in terms of comedic performance, so they had to go with someone who wasn't aiming to be funny. Plus, Bianca always gets called out on wearing the same dress in different fabrics, and Violet won't have that problem.

Chad: I feel like the Drag Race takes over so much of queer pop culture each season. For good and bad. Now that it's over, what are you going to be talking about with all your squirrelfriends?

Ariel: Well, Season 3 of Reddit's LSFYL competition is about to get started, so that'll hold me over for a few months. After that, my life will be empty again.

Chad: As the winner of its first season, what will your role be? Fangirl?

Ariel: I'm hoping to be the Michelle Visage. Each week I'll throw on my judging wig and give some feedback on the performances. What about you? What happens to you when you stop drawing drag queens?

Chad: ...I haven't figured that out, yet.

Thanks so much to Ariel Italic for joining me this week, and thanks to all of you for sharing in Season 7 with me!

You can follow Ariel on Facebook or Instagram, and be sure to check out the reddit LSFYL competition-- there's still time to join!

Now is the perfect time to buy my Drag Race art on Etsy and pre-order my Season 7 collection, 70 QUEENS! (Yes, I decided on the Katya cover.)

You can also get a sneak peek at all my other projects on my Patreon page!

Oh! And I'll be at CAKEin Chicago THIS WEEKEND! It's an amazing, free comics show catering to the quirky, queer side of the spectrum.

Thanks again, everyone! You're the best!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 13

May 26, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

So, the "RuCap" week of each season always offers a break from the frantic pace of the show. It's a chance to reflect on the highs and lows of the past few months, and most importantly, to get a whole lot of catty commentary from all our favorite queens of past seasons. Has Season 7 felt a little weird? Yes. Do most viewers really care who wins? I don't, not really. But over the course of the season, we have gotten to meet some really stellar characters on this show, and I wanted to take some time this week to reflect on my own experience drawing them.

In past years, I've used the RuCap episode as a chance to go back and illustrate any of the important runway looks that I might have missed. But this season, I illustrated a lot of them, and there's only one outfit left that I was dying to draw:

I actually had a ton of fun illustrating Kennedy's look. Crazy feather/fur stuff! That mug! The blood! It may have been a totally crazy choice, and her story for the runway might not have made any sense, but it sure burned an image into our minds that will stay crystallized forever. (do you see what I did there?)

There have been plenty of complaints about this season's emphasis on scripted acting challenges, and rightfully so. But looking back, there were some legendary runway themes, too. Both the "Death Becomes Her" and "Bearded Beauty" ones just gave me life, so many stunning concepts and costumes that inspired some of my favorite Drag Race illustrations ever!

The "Conjoined Queens" and "Dancing Queens" challenges were trickier for me to draw, but I loved them. Such crazy creativity and just, well, craziness on that runway.

With a season of so many stunning creations, I wish their actual construction would have been more of a priority. I wanted to see these queens come up with them, or discuss their collaborators at home. It seems to me like the emphasis in editing was on interpersonal conflict rather than costume construction, and that we rarely saw the best looks being put together in the workroom so that they'd be more of a surprise on the runway. Which is fair, but it seems like a disservice to queens like Max and Violet who display such extraordinary vision and skill in their craft.

Trixie-icon-sketch

I felt like the season's focus on scripted comedy was a challenge for Trixie, too. Her strength is writing her own comedy, or improvising the bullshit and banter that's so special about live drag performances. It seemed like the show never knew what to do with Trixie, but I'm so glad that she won over so many new fans in her time on it.

I adore the queen, and I love depicting her shrink-wrapped aesthetic. When she was kicked off (the first time), I wanted to really boil down the essence of Trixie, to commemorate the quirky, ridiculousness of it all. And I'm thrilled that she uses that image on her official tank tops, which you've gotta break out for Pride season!

Someone remarked that my best work this season has been of Pearl's looks, and I can't really disagree. Going into this season, I wasn't quite sure what to expect of Pearl -- I knew her from her time in Chicago, and although I live for her look, I didn't know whether she'd bring much diversity to the runway or character to the workroom.

But she delivered. I mean, not always. She wasn't the most polished queen, and she didn't have the most gorgeous gowns. But there's something about her deranged approach to beauty that I find irresistible. She might not always pad, she might not always perform, but I always love what she's going for.

As I've mentioned a few times, Katya was my BenDeLaCreme this year -- my personal favorite, the one whose comedy and approach to drag just meshed with my own preferences the most. But in both cases, I struggled throughout the season trying to capture their likenesses! Katya's usual look is so striking, but so hard to pin down -- what makes her look like her? Obviously, it's SO much easier to depict the crazy characters she embodies so well.

Whenever I tried to depict Katya seriously, I struggled. Especially when trying to draw her incredible "Jet Set Eleganza" lip sync performance.

In my first few hours working on that illustration, I was trying to capture both her emotional intensity and her legendary legs as they did those slow-motion splits. But it just looked more and more awkward, and I was sure the piece would be an embarrassment.

I only turned it around at the very end when I realized I needed to crop her illustration differently, focusing solely on the arch of her back and her emotional intensity. But still, I was worried it was too simple, or the colors were too crazy, or.... I don't know. It was one of those pieces that put me through the wringer, questioning whether I should even share it online. Aside from its own merits as a piece of art, Katya's actual performance was so magnificent and memorable that it seems to have charged this fairly simple portrait with some of that same intensity. Or maybe it still sucks, I don't know.

In any case, I wanted to make one last, iconic portrait of my dear Katya. Something befitting her stupid talents and talented stupidity. And this happened:

I collect my favorite art from each season in little art books, (you can see all the previous season collections here) so I've been working through some ideas for who and what should be on the cover for Season 7. One of the final 3? I love Ginger, but I've been having a hell of a time capturing her likeness this season. Maybe Pearl or Violet? But which one? And then my personal favorites are Trixie and Katya, so.... well, here, take a look at my different sketches and let me know which one you'd like to see on 70 QUEENS!

Right now, in all honesty, I'm leaning toward the Katya one.

Regardless, I'll be putting together the book collection over the next two weeks, and I'll make it available for pre-order soon! While you wait, you can check out all my other Drag Race art on Etsy!

Or, if you'd rather not cover your walls with drag queens, you can support me viaPatreon!If you're not familiar with how that works, it's a way to support your favorite artists by sending a few bucks their way every month. I've just set it all up, so I'm going to keep it pretty simple right now, but I'm hoping to offer exclusive sneak peeks and sales to my supporters soon!

Patreon will be an ideal way to help me out once the Drag Race season wraps up, because I'll be turning my attention to The Cardboard Kingdom, a new collaborative comics project! I'm currently taking story submissions until June 15, then I'll pick a bunch of them to illustrate as fun, imaginative, socially-conscious kids' comics!

And FINALLY! If you're not sick of me after reading all this, you should come meet me at two shows coming up in June! CAKEin Chicago is a totally free and amazing indie comics show, full of talent, incredible art, and cool workshops! It will be June 6-7 at The Center on Halsted!

And FLAME CON is a new queer comics convention in Brooklyn! It's Saturday, June 13, and it will have SO MANY cool creators and special guests and stuff. Get tickets here!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 12

May 19, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Darienne Lake joins me this week to discuss the Drag Race! Darienne and I caught up at DragCon this past weekend, which was completely crazy and fabulous.

Darienne: People always wonder why this or that person got on the show when they know someone who is so much better. I try to explain that, for example, if you were going to cast a remake of Steel Magnolias, you wouldn't have 8 Ouisers.

Chad: Right, and the question is: what does "better" mean? More polished? A better performer?

Darienne: There are so many facets of what makes one performer "better" in a fan's eye. Some people live for fashion queens, some love camp. Some love the dancing divas. I think this year has a great variety of that.

Chad: It seems like a good season is all about finding the right cast of queens who will have the right amount of chemistry and drama. How do you think Season 7 fared in that regard?

Darienne: This year, I think the contestants take the competition very seriously, so it may come across as cutthroat.

Chad: Did you see this week's Untucked? I thought that came through so much -- the older queens, Ginger and Kennedy, made it clear that they would do whatever it took to win. Pearl and Violet were like, "why does this have to be a competition?" Do you think it's naive of Violet and Pearl to think they can get away with that approach?

Darienne: No. I think it helps us see their point of view.

Chad: Who do you sympathize with? Because you've done pageants in the past, right?

Darienne: I have. I never liked the feelings pageants brought out in me.

Chad: Did the Drag Race bring out your competitive edge, or was that different?

Darienne: Drag Race brought out the competitive side in me, but part of my competition style is alliances. I've always been a lover of reality competitions, and I've always known that nobody gets to the end without forming an alliance.

Chad: What alliance do you think helped you make it to the final challenge?

Darienne: In my case, I knew I had to listen and watch what was working with the judges.

Chad: In terms of your fashion? Or your personality?

Darienne: My fashion is shit and always has been.

Chad: I wouldn't agree with that, but I can see that you probably prioritize performance and comedy, right?

Darienne: As an overweight child, I never read fashion magazines because those looks were unattainable to me. I felt more importance should be in my entertainment value.

Chad: Sure, I can understand that.

Darienne: When I was picked on, it lessened when I could make the bullies laugh.

Chad: Do you see some of that same approach in Ginger Minj? Her focus on self-deprecating humor and entertainment?

Darienne: I do see that with Ginger, but I see she has such a strong desire to win.

Chad: Do you get the feeling that she's trying TOO hard? It seemed like she was really pleading her case to the judges this week. Do you think it's a fair point that it's time for a bigger queen to be crowned?

Darienne: I don't think there is ever a time for a big girl to be crowned. If you're well rounded, motivated, entertaining, and professional, you should represent the brand of America's next drag superstar.

Chad: Well, so there's the question: Who do you think WILL win this season, and who SHOULD?

Darienne: The final 3 all have reasons to be there. Ginger could win, because she has the chops to make it in this business. She's funny, engaging, talented, and direct.

Darienne: Violet could win, because she has something new and exciting for the audience. She also takes her craft very seriously and is very polished for someone who was 16 when RuPaul's Drag Race first came on TV.

Chad: ....and Pearl?

Darienne: Pearl could win, because she is that diamond in the rough that has been polished by the machine of RuPaul's Drag Race. She has grown emotionally on the show. She has had her spirit tested, broken, and rebuilt.

Chad: Yeah, I really have no idea who will or should win. I seriously think at the Reunion that Ru should announce "The winner of Season 7 is...... KATYA!" That would be the most surprising and rewarding ending.

Darienne: I met Katya at DragCon, and she is exactly what you want and hope for.

Chad: (Yes, I know.)

Chad: Last year, there was a TON of discussion about your "edit," about whether you were depicted as much shadier than you really are. Do you feel like any of the top four queens got a particularly positive or negative edit this season?

Darienne: Violet may have gotten a little of the Courtney edit. Which was: fierce, but arrogant. Which, Courtney is anything but. She was and is so dear to me.

Chad: Yeah, all of my interactions with Courtney have been absolutely delightful. The same is true for you, too, which is why I'm so suspicious of those damn editors!

Darienne: I performed at Tracks in Denver on NYE, and Violet was a delight.

Chad: I feel like Pearl really got the "Adore" edit, where she's rough and inconsistent, and she's given second and third chances, but she fights her way to the finish line.

Darienne: Exactly my thoughts.

Chad: I don't know WHAT to make of Ginger's depiction on the show. I've had the feeling all along that she'll win, but not necessarily from her edit. I actually prefer her in interviews and on YouTube videos to her performances on the show.

Darienne: I think Kennedy came across as too stuck in her beliefs.

Chad: Sure. I do like her, and I think she's a complicated character. Brilliant performer, definitely knows what she's doing. Hearing about her family and her caregiving role really struck a chord for me.

Darienne: Yes, and Kennedy entertained me out of my seat when I saw her at the premier party.

Chad: Same with us! My boyfriend doesn't watch the show, but he came with me, and afterward, Kennedy was his favorite.

Darienne: I would probably put my money on Ginger to win. I think that she could handle the pressure, adoration, and critiques it takes.

Chad: Aside from the cash prize, do you think the crown matters a whole lot to the queens' careers?

Darienne: Not at all. Look at Milk and BenDela. Adore and Courtey. Katya and Trixie.

Chad: Yeah, I do think Ginger is the most grounded and professional queen to serve as the face of the show.

Darienne: Whoever it is, they have some big footsteps to follow. Bianca has been a trailblazer.

Chad: The one other thing I wanted to ask you was about internet fandom and backlash. It seems like Kennedy has gotten the brunt of it this season, without really deserving the negative attention she's gotten. How do you shrug off the haters?

Darienne: Mind over matter. Pay them no mind, because they don't matter. There is no way their comments will affect my life. I dealt with real bullies. With fists. I can deal with someone with an Internet connection.

Chad: Ha! Did you have any other thoughts on the Drag Race, drag in general, or on being Darienne Lake?

Darienne: RuPaul's Drag Race continues to keep me as a fan. Bringing more people to the shows in every bar around the world. It's children, parents, and grandparents who are coming to Battle of the Seasons tours and DragCon.

Chad: Yeah, you're right! That's so great to see! I had a lot of all-ages groups coming by my table at DragCon. It's so incredible to see whole families opening up and becoming more accepting.

Darienne: I'm blessed to be part of a groundbreaking television series.

Darienne will be performing in Cleveland May 30th, Ann Arbor, MI on June 5th, and Detroit on the 6th!

Find her at Dariennelake.com, Twitter, andFacebook!

And be sure to find all your favorite Drag Race prints, posters, and postcards at my Etsy Store!

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RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 11

May 12, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

This week, photographer Adam Ouahmane joins me to discuss this week's episode of the Drag Race! Adam is a Chicago fashion photographer who has worked with a number of notable queens. He brings a strong, conceptual edge to his portraits, and I've already shared a number of them throughout the season!

Chad: So, Adam, I wanted to talk to you about the Drag Race because you've collaborated with a ton of amazing queens in your work. You've done an entire series of photographs of Kim Chi and Shea Coulee, two of my favorite Chicago queens, and I believe you've worked with Trixie and Pearl, right?

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Adam: Correct.

Chad: You create some really stunning conceptual pieces with the queens -- how does that collaboration work? And what do you find interesting about working with drag queens?

Adam: I originally started out as a fashion photographer. While in college I enjoyed shooting crazy avant grade looks, and once I moved to Chicago, I realized that the market here for fashion is more toned down, clean, and commercial. All the new young models start here, so they like to keep them fresh. At the time, I was working at Beatnix on Halsted and noticed Kim Chi. I stumbled upon her Facebook, and she had that fashion look I like. So I approached her, and it all began from that. I am picky about who I approach to work with because I want the queens to have that high fashion edge. Sissy Spastik, Ruby Dee, Pearl, all the girls I've worked with have that fashion I like, and I have the freedom to work with them instead of agency models. As far as collaboration, we just text ideas, and I usually like for them to do make up in my studio so I can be hands-on and make sure it's perfect. And sometimes I sketch out the vision.

Chad: What did you think of the "Hello Kitty" theme of this week's challenge? Not exactly avant garde, is it?

Adam: To me it was. FINALLY! A non-acting challenge. It was avant garde in the sense that it is a fantasy. Something you won't wear everyday. I loved it.

Chad: Ha! Okay, that's good to hear. I agree that it was nice to see an unconventional fashion challenge -- FINALLY! The tie-in with Hello Kitty was a little random, but some of the queens really handled it well. And I must admit that I really liked the cartoony creations the queens came up with! Now, having worked with Pearl in the past, are you at all surprised to see her make it so far in the season?

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Adam: Not at all. She is very creative, and I always like to refer to drag queens as artists, and that she is. She is amazing at painting her face and coming up with super high fashion concepts.

Chad: I LOVED hearing how she's drawn the character of Pearl since she was ten! And you're right, she has a really cool, artful approach to her drag.

Adam: Her look last night was very Jeremy Scott for Moschino.

Chad: Your fashion references will go COMPLETELY over my head. But I admire you for knowing anything about that.

Adam: He did that Mcdonalds line, if that helps haha

Chad: I thought the minimal dress shape worked, given the crazy print she was working with. And the giant kitty head on top served as a playful, strange shape to make an unexpected silhouette.

Adam: Exactly. And I love a queen with no hair as part of the look.

Chad: What do you think of Violet? She certainly knows her fashion history, doesn't she?

Adam: Yes. I never heard of her prior to the show, but her looks are beyond amazing. I loved her Hello Kitty look, of course, and also her bearded DIOR look. Again, it is very fashion.

Chad: And she's never had to lip sync! I think she's stunning, and it seems like she's the most deserving of the crown -- if not for my beloved Katya! But my fear is that winning the season would further inflate Violet's ego. Can you imagine?

Adam: If it inflates her ego, so be it, as long as she doesn't become a bitch lol

Chad: Ha! I thought she was pretty bitchy early in the season, but I think it's more youthful bravado at this point.

Adam: Yeah, she's only, what, 22?

Chad: She's very, very young.

Adam: Now, what was your thoughts on Santino being back?

Chad: Ha! I've never had any problems with Santino, really. Seeing him flirt with Violet was hilaaaaarious! I think I did a spit take! As someone who's more involved in fashion, what do you think of him?

Adam: I was glad to have them change up the judges, but kinda regret it now, because they don't really have anything to do with the challenges, except for giving acting advice. I don't get Violet and Ginger's lust over him, but good for them.

Chad: Well, the queens have been holed up in those hotel rooms a lonnng time by this point in the season.

Adam: I used to get annoyed with him judging their fashion badly since (no disrespect towards him), he never had a great career in it. But now, I kind of wish he was back, since he has more of a say in it than say, Ross. They need to being Christian Siriano or Heatherette.

Chad: Now, are you the kind of fan who's outraged by this week's elimination? Or no?

Adam: Kind of. It's coming off very staged. Like someone does bad in a challenge, does a great lip-sync, and stays. Whereas someone does great in a challenge, great at a lip-sync, and is sent home, cough (Trixie) cough. And I'm talking about the second time around – Pearl and Trixie should have both stayed that first time.

Chad: Yeah, this season has had really frustrating eliminations. It definitely makes me feel less emotionally attached to the outcome of the show when the decisions feel so arbitrary. I'll say that Kennedy IS a magnificent performer, but I really hate it when queens jump off the stage and dance right in front of the judges. It just seems unfair, like LOOK AT ME DON'T LOOK AT HER NOW YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE HER

Adam: Yeah, they should have a rule about that.

Chad: I think that they should set up the lighting so that the area in front of the judges is just completely dark. So if a queen jumps down there, she'll just be a spastic silhouette.

Adam: Or have a shark tank in front of the stage.

Adam: The winner is never the most successful with any reality competition. Trixie is traveling the most out of all the girls.

Chad: Trixie and Katya are the shit. I think the show will really, really suffer without them in the top 3. I do think Katya totally deserved to be in the top, and she's been my favorite this season. However, I think she made the most of her time on the show, she left with grace, and I was SO glad she was able to bring in her Russian character for the challenge!

Adam: Aren't you mad at no photo challenge this season?

Chad: I'm frankly SHOCKED that there hasn't been a photo challenge. My guess is that the producers think acting challenges make for more lively TV? I don't know.

Adam: That's what bothers me, is the challenges. None of the queens act post the show, yet they all do photoshoots, sell their own products. I mean, have Betheny from NY Housewives on and judge them selling their brand. Have a photographer judge a beauty shoot where it's just about their face and giving expression. That's more interesting, to me, at least. They are losing the inspiration from Top Model and Project Runway, which was their original goal.

Chad: Well, I think Jinkx demonstrated that a "theater queen" can do really well and take drag into unexpected places. We've seen a number of queens do one woman shows, like Bianca, BenDeLaCreme, and others.

Adam: True.

Chad: But I do agree that they should have mixed it up more this season.

Adam: But Pearl, Fame, and Violet can do magazines, fashion, something new, you know?

Chad: Right, and the challenges this season have almost NOTHING to do with their approach to drag, except for the runway themes.

Adam: Exactly!

Adam: Can you believe it's almost over with?

Chad: Thank GOD! I'm sick of drawing these bitches. (I'm... mostly kidding.)

You can find Adam's photography on Facebookand his website! Seriously, his stuff is amazing.

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You can find prints of this week's art on my Etsy store, or you can meet me at DragCon this weekend in LA!

This week, they unveiled the show's programming, and it is incredible. Be there.

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 10

May 05, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Oliver Sava joins me this week to talk Drag Race! He's been covering the show for years at The AV Club, where he's a contributor on everything from comics to reality TV.

Chad: So, you've written about the Drag Race for a number of years for The AV Club, and you've covered So You Think You Can Dance, so I thought you would be great to chat with about this week's challenge and what's been going on in general this season. Even if you're not a drag or dancing EXPERT, you know what makes good TV.

Oliver: It's perfect, because my dance knowledge is about as extensive as most of the queens on this episode. I got to see a lot of professional dance working front of house at Harris Theater, and that combined with SYTYCD and some college dance classes has given me a pretty solid foundation.

Chad: So what did you make of this week's performances?

Oliver: The actual dance performances were all entertaining. Nothing was a trainwreck. I absolutely agree with the judges and think Violet and Katya were the strongest, but I also think the Vogue Tango is probably the easiest of the three styles. Just because these queens probably have some basic knowledge of voguing, and tango gives them a very specific attitude to play.

Chad: Right, Katya and Violet were sleek and sexy as shit. But who the hell can pull off "country robot?"

Oliver: Country Robot and CHARLESTON TWERK

Chad: How do you think the choreography handled the double-gender aspect of their costuming?

Oliver: I don't think it took advantage of that very well. I didn't see the correlation between the look and the dance beyond that they both combined different things. But I would have liked to see a stronger connection drawn between the two.

Chad: I thought there were moments of wit -- during Katya and Violet's routine, when one pushes the other down as "the man," and then they switch roles. But yeah, I felt like the divided drag looks were more distracting than anything. Wouldn't that concept have worked better in a photo shoot, where it could be more precisely arranged?

Oliver: Maybe something even bigger than a photoshoot. Something that really forces the viewer to look at the relationship between the male and female halves. It's a visual that speaks so directly to the dynamic at the center of the show that I wanted it to get more attention

Chad: Maybe a segment like Stephen Colbert used to do: "Formidable Opponent!" Where he literally argues with himself over some topic, with just the camera orientation (and tie color) switching with each "side."

Chad: But it sounds like, overall, you enjoyed this week's challenge, right?

Oliver: I thought it was solid, but far from my favorite this season. It tries to do too much. And I don't necessarily mean in terms of the work the queens have to do.

Chad: I feel like that's a recurring theme this season. The producers get so caught up in their own clever concepts and shove the queens along to get it all shot for the episode. My general feeling about this season is that the challenges are just too heavily scripted, where the comedy is baked into the challenge, rather than forcing the queens to bring their own inventiveness to it.

Oliver: I totally agree with that.

Chad: Just let Ginger, Katya, or Trixie riff in front of a crowd, and you'll get comedy gold! Or even give them a talk show challenge, like Season 1 and Season 6! We're not getting enough improvisation challenges, and we're not getting fashion challenges. So we're not able to see the queens' wit (a la Trixie, Ginger, and Katya) or their visual creativity (Pearl, Violet, and Max.) That's the end of my rant, sorry. I was annoyed by this week's challenge.

Oliver: I think you're totally right, though. Lots of the queens reading lines. Or singing lyrics. Or dancing choreography. That is given to them by someone else.

Chad: I would have loved a more thoughtful "split gender" runway theme that wasn't catering to the challenges of dancing in the outfit.

Oliver: I agree. How would they interpret the male half if they didn't have to wear a tux?

Chad: Well, if you noticed, pretty much all the tuxes were actually just spandex bodysuits. I'm guessing that was for convenience and versatility. And what if they didn't have to divide the drag looks right down the middle? What kind of edgier, androgynous looks would we have gotten?

Oliver: The costuming confused me. I wrote about it in my review, but I just didn't know what the queens had to sew, and if they had to sew, what they were using.

Chad: I heard on reddit that Trixie said at a viewing party that they did, in fact, have to construct the garments in the workroom. Which sounds correct, given that each queen had a look catering to their dance style. In your review, you also had some interesting thoughts on Ginger and Trixie's issues on the show. You think Ginger is playing a pretty nuanced game, don't you?

Oliver: I get the impression that her struggles aren't as real as she makes them out to be. I went to the Season 7 premiere party and got to talk to Ginger, and she explicitly mentioned being a musical theater performer, and doing a little digging online revealed that she's also a costume designer. You've gotta dance and sew to do those things. You don't have to be an expert at them, but you need to have a basic knowledge to excel.

Chad: Yeah, she's been in the game a LONG time! She had this fabulous interview on Feast of Fun where she describes acting in a Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast for more than a year when she was 19!So right, when she says, "I'm not a dancer," that's not exactly true. She may feel insecure about dancing, it might not be her strength, but she makes a living as a musical theater performer and drag queen. You think she's playing up her vulnerability to be more likable to the judges and the viewership?

Oliver: I definitely think she's exaggerating her weaknesses. But I also just get a performative vibe from her in general.

Chad: I'm still pretty sure she's being set up to win the season, but I'm not rooting for her, yet.

Oliver: I'm all about Katya.

Chad: The issue is that Ginger comes across incredibly well in interviews and in her performances on Youtube. But something about her depiction on the show just isn't sticking with me.

Oliver: I don't really have a great idea of who the Ginger Minj character is. But a lot of the queens this season don't necessarily project a strong personality in drag.

Chad: The feeling I get is that the show has been depicting her as folksier and shadier than she really is. In interviews, she comes across as very well-grounded, smart, sweet, and hilarious.

Oliver: Is it the show, or is it her, though? They can't edit it if you don't do it. If you've been watching a show for six seasons, you know what works and what doesn't.

Chad: Well, right, I really have no idea. I do know that Trixie and Katya both LOVE Ginger, which is good enough for me. Because, yes, I love Katya, too, and I was very sorry and frustrated to see Trixie go. It felt like a very arbitrary decision. Like they just didn't know what to do with Trixie after they brought her back!

Oliver: Ginj beat Trixie in that lip sync, though.

Chad: Yeah, I dunno. I hate the way they edit those lip syncs. I just want a split screen that shows both queens in a medium shot. Because I am a boring old man who wants to see his queens.

Oliver: They should do that as an online exclusive thing.

Chad: Yup!

Oliver: Lip Sync Split-Screen, sponsored by SquareSpace.

Chad: Ha! So, speaking of SquareSpace.... What do you think of Untucked this year?

Oliver: I'm a few episodes behind, which should tell you how high of a priority Untucked is now that it's online

Chad: What, really??

Oliver: Yeah, I don't love it. I get what they're going for, but it doesn't have the same energy as before.

Chad: Okay, I think that's fair. I'm sure the response to its stylistic change has been divided. But I LOVE it. So much. Here's my take on it: I think they had barely any budget for it this year. So they tried a ballsy approach, tried something different.

Oliver: I miss the tight space. It was like putting animals in a cage, sticking tired drag queens in the Interior Illusions lounge with alcohol and watching them claw at each other.

Chad: But I think it's so intimate, crazy, and unstructured. There are moments of hilarity, of poignance, and of Katya just twerking in the parking lot.

Oliver: It does feel more real, which is fun.

Chad: I just think it's shot in such a fresh way, where you really get the feel for what it's like to spend twelve hours with a bunch of tired queens, and honestly, I wish they'd approach the whole show the same way. I don't think they WILL, but I can wish for it.

Oliver: There have been some solid moments. I really liked Violet's "I get it, I'm a bitch" moment. But I don't think I want a raw, grounded RuPaul's Drag Race. I like it silly and overblown. I just think this episode lacked focus.

Chad: Yeah, and you're probably in the majority with the rest of this show's fans. I just feel like most of the episodes this season have felt too rushed, too arbitrary, without any room for the queens to breathe and to shine.

Oliver: Is Violet the only queen that hasn't lip synced?

Chad: Hm. Seems so! What do you think of Violet?

Oliver: There's also not much interpersonal drama this season. I appreciate Violet because she was stirring shit up! That makes for interesting TV.

Chad: Although we've seen her deal with the "bitch" characterization, we know next to nothing about her personal life or her history. Where are her childhood tales of adversity? Parental acceptance?

Oliver: Maybe she didn't have to struggle.

Chad: Right, maybe there's no drama to mine. Do you have any other thoughts on this season, this episode, or any particular queens?

Oliver: 1) Two thumbs up for boy-Pearl with facial hair. 2) Flassez-da. 3) Rachael Harris' face when RuPaul pulled off her skirt. That is how I would look the entire time if I was a guest judge on this show.

Chad: Agreed, I love a scruffy Pearl. Too bad it was painted on!

Oliver: It was a good week for Pearl, who I'm shocked is still in the competition.

Chad: Why are you shocked Pearl is still in the game? Because she lives her life in slow motion?

Oliver: It definitely feels like she's coasting her way through, but it's not bad. That's just her personality

Chad: That it is.

Oliver: She's managed to keep that aloofness, but there's more energy behind her performance now. She's starting to have fun, and it's making a big improvement.

You can find Oliver's weekly write-ups of the Drag Race right here! You can also check out all his other writing for The AV Cluband for The LA Times Hero Complex! Oliver is also on Twitter.

If you like this week's art, check out the posters, prints, and postcards available on my Etsy store!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 9

April 28, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me this week is Joan Waters, a young queen who's relatively new to the Chicago drag scene, but she's awesome and funny and she's John Waters' biggest stalker or something.

Chad: I'm excited to talk with you this week! If I'm not mistaken, you're quite a fan of John Waters, right Or, wait, is he your dad?

Joan: My dad actually does look like John Waters. Now I'm having a serious Oedipal or Electrical problem.

Chad: Is he half of your namesake?

Joan: Yes!My mom used to let me watch anything -- which was bad judgment on her part, because I had inherently bad taste and went straight for Pink Flamingos. I love trashy queens, and I love campy queens, and you don't get trashier or campier than John. Or Divine!

Chad: So what did you think of his involvement with this episode? What does it mean for John Waters to be on RuPaul's Drag Race?

Joan: It's a validation in part of his significance in drag history. He helped craft the original drag superstar in Divine, so it's only appropriate that he should visit to help find the Next Drag Superstar! Divine and John really moved drag in a new direction. It was always counterculture, but it was never as shocking or funny until they rubbed their filthy hands all over it.

Chad: Do you see any parallels between John Waters and Ru? Both are known for being quite transgressive in their early work, but they've both grown their respective empires in more mainstream directions.

Joan: Yes! John and Ru started as far underground as you can (six feet under or closer to the Kelly Mantle of the Earth). But both were such bright, hot commodities that it was only natural that mainstream straight culture would want a fucking piece of that action. Their points of view are unique and even their mainstream work has been badass.

Chad: Yeah, that's a fair point of view. I think they've both maintained their visibility and ensured their longevity by commercializing their creative empires like that. For better or worse, perhaps, it's a necessary evil.

Joan: John Waters exemplifies a "make it work" temperament with all of his films. He and his team would break laws and film with barely any funds, get arrested, and it was all in good fun.

Chad: So what did you think of this week's challenge? Did it capture that same spirit?

Joan: This week's challenge was exciting and frustrating for me because it was definitely a "watered" down version of his most subversive films through the lens of his more palatable and commercial films and musicals like Hairspray and Cry Baby. It was a little sweet and not as shitty as I had hoped. I just pray that the children look at his work for themselves. And honestly, the only one that was offensively bad in a John Waters way was Pearl, Violet and Fame... and they lost!

Chad: Yeah, I felt the same way. I LOVED seeing the queens adopt crazier makeup, and even the "pretty" queens like Fame and Violet embraced a really ugly, fun expressivity.

Joan: Yes! I thought Fame got the shit end of the dog.

Chad: But it felt like they were largely IMITATING a subversive queen from 30 years ago rather than being transgressive in their own right.

Joan: Totally. Lightning doesn't strike twice, and neither did Divine (unless provoked).

Chad: I would have preferred to see the queens' own take on the material -- how would they have interpreted their own script based on an iconic John Waters scene?

Joan: I think Katya is doing well in spite of the writing.

Chad: She brought a zany physicality to it that was just magnificent. Katya is everything.

Joan: She has been fighting through the generic and giving me spastic hooker burned by John Waters and morphasized into a comedy legend Glamazon. I love how the girls in Untucked this week were happy with the idea of Katya winning the whole competition. (She should.)

Chad: Yeah, like I've said before, I think she's this season's Alaska -- not necessarily the most vulnerable, not really an underdog, not the showstopper. But the one who's consistently hilarious, bizarre, and surprising.

Joan: Chad, all will be lost if you don't draw Edith Massey this week. I didn't even know she was still alive. Oh that was Ginger? Edith was as much of a John Waters staple as Divine, and it was honestly so refreshing to see Ginger nail it. That was the best casting since me in that group scene I did last week.

Chad: Ha! Ginger was great. She's a consistently solid performer, and I still think she's getting the "winner's edit" this season.

Joan: Oh, definitely. I wouldn't mind it so much if only her runway was a little better.

Chad: Yeah, she feels like the "safe" pick as the winner -- she's funny as hell, she's reliable, and she's lovable. But she's not as much "out of the box" as Katya and Trixie are with their humor, or as Violet and Pearl are with their deranged fashion.

Joan: And I think that her "ugly" runway looked suspiciously like something she could've worn almost any other week.

Chad: Yeah, I would have liked to see something crazier from her on the runway. This week was a really mixed bag for that.

Joan: I can't tell if the runway was successful because I hated it, or if I was supposed to hate it. I'm just confused.

Chad: I wanted to see more diabolically ugly shit walk down that runway.

Joan: When I think of ugly, I don't think of a church lady or a teenage schoolgirl from Japan.

Chad: Violet was going in the right direction, definitely. I liked Katya's ragged hair and ridiculous color scheme. Kennedy at least had a character that worked in that context. Pearl's choice was especially odd.

Joan: Theyre drag queens! They should hear “ugly” and run to Jiggly Caliente's closet.

Chad: I thought Fame looked pretty magnificent, especially from the neck up. That makeup That wig!

Joan: I love Fame. Her head is fine, and her fashion is fabulous.

Chad: I thought her performance was *fine* this week. Like, she's not one of those pretty queens who gets stuck in her head, unable to let loose. She gave an expressive and fun performance, if not a nuanced or varied one.

Joan: It was a tough outfit to do a lip sync in. She looked like a fashionable Humpty Dumpty.

Chad: I wanted to see her do some better spin moves, like Detox in her amazing "jellyfish" outfit from Season 5.

Joan: Yes! That's one of my all time favorites lip syncs. I think it's confusing that they didn't use a Divine song, but whatever. Someone on reddit brilliantly pointed out that they should've used “I'm So Beautiful,” which would've been a better song to contrast with the ugly fashion.

Chad: Ha! Agreed. The last two weeks have presented some really offbeat, unexpected challenges in an otherwise slightly underwhelming season. What are you hoping for next?

Joan: I would love for them to have an actual sewing challenge. An individual fashion challenge. Or something challenging like the Presidential Debate was in Season Four. Right now, I'm lacking chances for the girls to shine individually. I don't need any more acting challenges.

Chad: If you could present a truly transgressive challenge to the show to really push boundaries and mess shit up, what would you want to see?

Joan: Good question. I'd love to get them out of the studio like they did a while back. Get those queens on the street during the day or in a Walmart. Make them create something for real on a dime, or actually make them walk children in nature like Shelly Long in Troop Beverly Hills. That I'd live for.

Chad: Yeah, I love seeing them get by on only their own wit and resilience. That's what the stand-up comedy challenge is good for, or Season 5's Roast. I'd also LOVE to see them do something like reddit's Lip Sync For Your Life competition. Like, here's a video camera, now make something crazy tonight in your hotel room.

Joan: They should do that when I get on for Season 13.

Chad: What, you think just because you WON reddit's LSFYL challenge last year, you're something special??

Joan: Don't call me special when you know I'm just handicapped, Chad.

Chad: What do you have going on that you'd like to plug, Joan?

Joan: As far as plugs, I'm working on my website now... which will be hosted at fat-twink.com. OUT OF SYNC, my original sitcom about drag queens starring Lucy Stoole and Trannika Rex, has wrapped principal photography and will premiere in Chicago this summer. I'm hosting the 3rd season of Reddit's Lip Sync for Your Life competition at reddit.com/r/LSFYL. And you can find me every other Wednesday performing and checking my Grindr onstage at Fabitat in the basement bar of Double Door.

You can also find Joan Waters on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The lovely photos of Joan are by Marisa KM.

Check out all the fabulous posters, prints, and postcards available at my Etsy store!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 8

April 21, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout, Uncategorized

Joining me this week to talk Drag Race is Kim Chi! She's a phenomenal Chicago queen who performs all over. She's amazing.

Chad: So, I'm kind of sick of all the constant discussion about this season, whether it's any good, and "When is Trixie coming back?". At least this week, we finally have an answer.

Kim: In a season filled with group acting challenges, this episode finally gave me everything I needed! We got to see more of the eliminated queens' personalities and the remaining queens' creativity and crafting skills!

Chad: I know! FINALLY! Some CRAFTING! Design! And it was really fabulous to see all those girls together again. UNTUCKED was particularly special and filled me with goodness. Now, when I heard that there would be this conjoined twin challenge, I was kind of hoping that the eliminated queen would get to make over her partner! Wouldn't you have killed to see Trixie paint Pearl?

Kim: That would've been great, but that could've gone wrong in so many ways! This season's queens aren't as big of saboteurs as the previous seasons, but I can just imagine some eliminated queen painting a busted mug on a polished queen out of spite. Who wants to see Miss Fame with a beard, anyway?

Chad: Ha! Yeah, that's very true. And I think the top 7 did a superb job. How weird is it for a queen to have someone else do their makeup? Is it uncomfortable? Fun?

Kim: I think it depends on the queen. In the pageant system, a lot of the girls get their mug painted by a make up artist or another queen whose mug they admire in order to bring up their level of polish. Some queens will never have another queen paint their mug in order to continuously improve their skills and hone their signature make up style. When I first started, Pearl and Kahmora Hall painted my face just to show me how they do their mug, and it was a great learning experience for me! I think it's refreshing to see different products and different skills being done to yourself to expose you to a variety of techniques.

Chad: Do you think any of the queens gave their twin a particularly notable transformation? Taught them a few new tricks?

Kim: Trixie's transformation was definitely notable! We're so used to seeing her with cartoony, deranged make up, it was a refreshing change of pace to see her with no bottom eyeliner and white waterline. I'm sure they were on a time crunch to get everything done, so I don't necessarily know if anyone learned new tricks, but I thought everyone looked amazing!

Chad: Agreed! I love Trixie's usual look, but she and Pearl did such a great job of giving themselves enough of a family resemblance that it really worked!

Kim: Also, their look had a strong concept and a visual narrative that fit both of their drag personas really well.

Chad: Katya and Kasha really stole the show, too! I feel like they were a very, very close second. But Trixie's elimination always felt very weird to me, and it seemed like a setup to her inevitable return.

Kim: Trixie hardly got a storyline before her elimination, which was very weird to me, as well. I know her very well, and she's an extremely funny person with a sick, twisted sense of humor, and that hardly got portrayed on the show prior to her elimination. Katya/Kasha's look had a strong visual narrative as well, but Pearl and Trixie managed to serve both glamour, camp and comedy, which is why I think they ultimately won.

Chad: Yeah, that's a good point. Although twins, they managed to serve two very different, but related, looks. What do you think Trixie will make of her second chance?

Kim: I think Trixie will definitely make the most out of her second chance! I can't think of another person who's more deserving of this opportunity. For the first three years of her doing drag, lots of people in her hometown didn't understand her look or her sense of humor, and she really had to fight for her existence. Once she started performing in Chicago, everything changed. People were responding extremely well to her numbers, and she built quite a fanbase. Even though it would cost her a lot of money to travel into the city every weekend, she would take all of her drag on a train or a bus, come down here for a booking only to head right back home with no money in her pocket. She has such a strong work ethic, it's mind blowing to me, because I've never seen anyone who worked as hard as she did. One time, her bus broke down on the highway, so she got off and walked down the ramp to catch a cab so she could make it to the gig. Another time, Amtrak lost her luggage, so she whipped up a quick outfit out of things she had laying around and did her make up with cotton swabs. Which is why it broke my heart to see her go on episode four. She hustles so much and is so humble, I really want her to take this crown and showcase her talent to the world. Even though she's so well known now, she manages to stay the exact same person she was before. Self sufficient, easy going, and always punctual.

Chad: I'm hoping that Trixie really has a chance to shine in next week's John Waters challenge! Man, I can only imagine what Ginger, Katya, and Trixie will cook up for that! It seems like it will be perfect for their respective styles and sensibilities.

Kim: Trixie will ace the John Waters challenge! Her deranged sense of humor will be perfect for it!

Chad: Yeah, Trixie is amazing. I'm so glad I got to see her perform in Chicago before she got too famous for us! But seriously, for the record: Was that your green dress she was sent home in?

Kim: Everyone assumes that dress is mine, but it's Trixie's dress that I borrowed! She told me to hold onto it as long as I want, and after episode four, it all made sense. I'm assuming she doesn't want to travel in the dress she got eliminated in! Come on, cultural sensitivity!

Chad: Well, you ARE the secret asian queen of Season 7! Has it been weird to see your name keep popping up in Drag Race forums this season? Flattering? Funny?

Kim: I was there, you never saw me because I managed to evade the camera with my secret ninja skills! It is really flattering, and I'm grateful, but it is a bit overwhelming! I can't fly, teleport or raise anyone from the dead. I'm just an Asian man in a wig doing k-pop numbers and wearing big, crazy outfits.

Chad: Wait, you're a MAN?

Kim: Shhh it's a secret. Secret Asian queen full of manly secrets

Chad: So, aside from your frenemy Trixie, is there anyone else you're rooting for this season?

Kim: With every episode, I am extremely impressed and inspired by Violet's looks! For someone so young, her taste level and execution are impeccable! I will go as far as to say some of her looks are legendary! Miss Fame is incredibly sweet and quirky. I enjoy every moment she's talking on the screen. Pearl's been coming out of her shell (pun intended) and the audience is finally able to see the fun, quirky side of her.

Chad: I agree that Violet is pretty much amazing, and I love that she's making an effort to open up and show some warmth to the other queens. She'll clearly always have an attitude, but maybe she deserves it! I agree that Miss Fame is phenomenal. Do you think Ru is giving her a hard time with that goddamn "head" joke?

Kim: She gave me good head with the knife look last week.

Chad: I think if Ru kept asking me "How is your head?" I would just try to keep coming up with more deranged answers. Like, "Toothy." "A little drooly." "There may be blood."

Kim: LOL! let's get you on this show so you can draw yourself every week

Chad: Ugh, self portraits are so indulgent!

Kim: Aren't all drag queens a little self-indulgent to a degree, though? Being creatures of vanity and all?

Chad: I think it's fair to say that, yes, when one spends hours a day on their makeup, they might be a little preoccupied with their looks!

Kim: Some of us, not enough time on our make up.

Kim: Oh, and how could I forget Katya, who is basically a one-liner factory?

Chad: I'm SO glad to see that she seems to have loosened up over the last few episodes. She seems to have more fun with the judges on the runway, and she got major props from the other queens this week in Untucked! Her own neuroses are clearly her worst enemy, since everyone else loves the hell out of her.

Kim: Her humor never seems forced, and it feels authentic to her. I can't wait to see all the other jokes she's got in her head!

Chad: Yeah, she seems endlessly authentic. And she almost never turns her humor on the other queens – it's pretty much always endearingly self-deprecating. She has a very weird, witty, meta sense of humor as a drag queen, almost like Alaska. And here's hoping she ascends to super stardom like her, too!

Kim: If you can't make fun of yourself, how in the hell are you gonna make fun of someone else, right?

Chad: AMEN!

If you don't already, you must follow Kim Chi on Instagram,Facebook, and Twitter. Her photographic collaborations with Adam Ouahmane are stunning works of art. And she's funny as hell.

Kim will be at Hysteria by the Bad Kids collective at the Metro Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 4th! She'll be hosting GayGlow at Hydrate on June 5th, Milwaukee Pride on June 6th, and then Iowa City Pride (with Trixie, Katya, and Sasha Belle) on June 18th! She'll be hosting Neverland's Bougie Ball on June 27th and the Chicago Pride closing party June 28th.

She's also a regular performer at Trannika's Most Wanted everything third Monday at Scarlet in Chicago, and at Berlin's Drag Matinee on Sundays!

As always, you can find my art on my Etsy store! And you can find ME at C2E2 in Chicago this weekend!! I'll be in Artist Alley, Table A-4! I'll have my queen art and comics, and I'm dying to meet all of you.

Last week, I launched an exciting new collaborative comic project called The Cardboard Kingdom! I'm seeking your story ideas for some imaginative, fun children's comics! Click here to find out more and submit your stories!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 7

April 14, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Hello! Due to scheduling conflicts, I wasn't able to do an interview discussion for this week's episode. The Snatch Game is always a hot mess, but usually there's at least one shining star who emerges above the fray. In Season 5, it was Jinkx, and in Season 6, BenDeLaCreme stole the show, but Adore and Bianca were both magnificent, too. This season, I thought a lot of the performances were solid, but not stellar. I would have picked Katya for the win, but that's true pretty much every week.

I was very surprised and sorry to see Max go. Some queens seem to get second and third chances on this show, but Max didn't. Although I think she has the most intriguing aesthetic this season, she was perhaps too reserved a character to make for good reality television.

As always, you can find all my latest art on Etsy!You'll also be able to find me at C2E2 in Chicago next week! I'll be in Artist Alley, Table A4.

I'll also be announcing a super-exciting new comics project tomorrow. So stay tuned!!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 6

April 07, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout, Uncategorized

Joining me to talk Drag Race this week is Shea Couleé, one of my absolute favorite queens in Chicago!

Chad: I've been hearing a lot of complaints about this season. And while I do think there have been issues with the pacing, with Ru's decisions, and with the constant group challenges, this episode was a real turning point for me. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

Shea: The jury is still out on this season. I want to like it, really I do. I feel like having known Trixie and Pearl beforehand really made me wanna be invested in the show. But as of right now, I feel like I am having a hard time staying invested on the journey of Season 7.

Chad: Fair enough. Did this episode stand out to you, or not? I got really engaged in Jaidynn's storyline and performance. The runway slayed me. And for once, Ru made a decision I agreed with.

Shea: I really liked hearing more about Jaidynn. I struggle with the same lack of support from my family due to a strict Christian upbringing, and it allowed me to identify with her more. I really do like Jaidynn. I find her quite lovable, and her humility and passion are very endearing.

Shea: The group challenges thus far, I feel, have made it difficult for the queens to stand out on their own. I feel like they're not getting the chance to shine and do what they really feel represents themselves because they are confined to group challenges.

Chad: Yeah, agreed. It can make for good drama when the queens butt heads and are forced to work together, but I think it's been a bit overdone. Even Violet said so!

Shea: Oh yeah! But all of the conflicts the producers are highlighting seem snatched from thin air. They open up a storyline of conflict between queens each episode, and they never see it through. There's not conclusion, they never really address it the next episode, and then start something new. It's all just so trivial and transparent.

Chad: Yeah, I guess that's why this episode felt like a breath of fresh air. Kind of. Jaidynn has her very real struggles. Miss Fame is her own worst enemy. Max had his issues with the other queen's raunchiness.

Shea: Yeah? Like why was max's disinterest in talking about sex with the other queens even a storyline?

Chad: Well, I think it's kind of interesting, because Max's relationship to the other queens has been an ongoing issue. Whether they get her or not, whether they think she's uptight.

Shea: What are the producers trying to show us with Max? I don't get the direction Max's storyline is going. Frankly, I'm bored.

Chad: Well, here's my take on Max: He's an artist. Of a different kind than we usually see on this show. I really live for most of his runway looks. Just really different, lovely stuff. A very refined and unusual aesthetic.

Shea: I have really liked them. I have.

Chad: The issue of Max's relationship to the other queens and to their raunchy conversations is intriguing to me because that sort of thing has been on my mind: Queens tend to favor raunchy humor, they can get up to sexual hijinks onstage, and even with the audience. By hijinks, I just mean flirtation, touching, etc. Mostly.

Shea: SOME.

Chad: And where do you draw the line as a performer? What if that's not your bag?

Shea: Like for me, though my character is very sexy, I'm careful about how raunchy my interactions are with people because they can easily take it overboard. I think for Drag, no comedy should really be off limits. It's all about the approach and having a good understanding of your audience. A good performer knows when to draw the line. I may touch a patron, but it's nothing more than a face caress, a hand on the shoulder, or a kiss on the cheek. It's all very innocent – I don't have to try to be raunchy, because when you see me, you just get it.

Chad: Ha! I do.

Shea: And people also get that I am not the type of girl who will tolerate someone getting fresh with her. I'll put you in your place really quick if I feel you're being disrespectful.

Chad: Good to hear! But to sum up: you're not into Max and whatever story is being told about her this season?

Shea: I'm not. I wish I was. I wish that we were given more insight to the artist Max is. But her edit is just not doing her any favors. I feel like I'm not going to get anything more out of Max, and I'm bored...

Chad: Do you think it's fair to criticize her for the consistency of her runway looks and gray hair?

Shea: No. Pearl is always blonde? So is RUPAUL. Michele just likes to critique queens who don't fit her aesthetic for drag

Chad: I guess that the gray hair is more distinctive than a typical blond wig, so it sticks out more.

Shea: True.

Chad: So, you mentioned that a lot of the conflicts and storylines so far have lacked teeth. However, it does seem like a recurring issue is Pearl's attitude and efforts to open up more. What do you make of her time on the show?

Shea: That's just Pearl. I think the same thing happened to her in Chicago – Girls are rattled by her confidence. And when that happens, people put a target on your back, so that they can highlight any weaknesses there are. Pearl's attitude is obviously a defense mechanism. She puts up a wall and looks down her nose so as to not appear weak or vulnerable. But we saw that wall break after her lip sync against Trixie.

Chad: Yeah, good point. She's SUCH a divisive queen. She has a ton of vocal fans, a lot of people who are over her, and a whole lot more people who like to Photoshop her face anywhere and everywhere

Shea:She is definitely the meme queen for season 7.

Chad: I think it's her irreverence, the fact that she doesn't seem to take things seriously. Some people love it that she talks back to Mama Ru, whereas others see that as a cardinal sin.

Shea: But being polarizing keeps people talking, and that's what you want, so that you can continue getting booked after your season is over...

Chad: Yeah, and I don't think she has anything to worry about in that regard.

Shea: Nah. She'll be fine.

Chad: Another figure I've been fascinated by this season has been Miss Fame.

Shea: OMG YEAH!

Chad: I had assumed we wouldn't see much personality from her, but man! She's such a character!

Shea: Not what I expected her to be like. She's a whackadoodle, and I find it endearing.

Chad: I can totally understand the other queens' frustration with her, but I find her really endearing, too.

Shea: I don't know what planet she's from, but I'm glad she picked Earth to visit.

Chad: Ross's reply to her emotional explosion was priceless: "I feel like I'm dating you."

Shea: I KNOW! I died! I love that we get more Ross this season. I love him...

Chad: The other main queens that I drew this week and want to talk about are Violet and Katya. And Kennedy's RIDICULOUS runway look.

Shea: Kennedy was a hot mess.

Chad: She kept explaining the story behind her runway outfit, and I JUST DIDN'T GET IT. She was a dead rooster? She was a dead rooster. She died of cock.

Shea: She was a mess. She died of bad taste.

Shea: These challenges have been very acting heavy this season. I know one of the challenge producers, and literally ALL of them are writers, actors, and comedians with theatre and film backgrounds. So naturally, they think about writing scripts and creating stories before they think about making looks out of garbage and hand-me-downs.

Chad: You know what we HAVEN'T seen at all this season? A photo challenge.

Shea: Nope.

Chad: Or even a good design challenge.

Shea: I don't know if we really will.

Chad: Is that why the runway looks usually seem like an afterthought?

Shea: Yeah, but I was into the runway this week, though some girls clearly missed the point. I get that the theme is death. But some of them forgot completely about GLAMOUR!

Chad: I thought the runway looks were REALLY strong!

Shea: Same, same.

Chad: Yeah, Kennedy's was some crazy roadkill catastrophe. Kandy's was sleek, but too simple.

Shea: It looked so cheap. My mom used the fabric from Kandy's dress to make throw pillows in the guest bedroom at our house. NO JOKE.

Chad: Ginger's was a little weird. Was she eaten by a bear? Because it looks more like she had killed a bear and was wearing its hide.

Shea: Agreed! That coat is from fucking URBAN OUTFITTER.

Chad: But Katya, Max, Violet, Pearl, and Fame. They all got it! Katya wasn't necessarily GLAMOROUS, but come on.

Shea: Agreed. I LAUGHED out loud when I saw her.

Chad: I really liked Jaidynn's, though it didn't deliver on the glamour as much.

Shea: I guess it's not ALL about the glamour. But you have to SELL IT.

Chad: Right. Pearl's outfit was apparently thrown together at the last minute (as discussed in Untucked) but her crazy runway walk sold it.

Shea: Totally. You HAVE to, or no one will care.

Shea Couleé hosts #FACE every Wednesday at Hydrate in Chicago! She's in The Naughty Little Cabaret this Saturday at Mother's Bar. You can catch her on Tony Soto Show, out every Wednesday. And you can find her on Facebook and Twitter!

Thanks to Adam Ouahmane, the photographer of Shea's stunning portrait featured here. Check out his fashion photography at his website and his drag photography on Facebook!

My Drag Race art is available on posters, prints, and postcards! Find them at my Etsy Store!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 5

April 01, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me this week is Terry Blas! He's a cartoonist and a friend -- we talk about this week's episode, missing Trixie, and drawing drag queens.

Chad: So, Terry, how much did you miss Trixie this episode?

Terry: So much I can't even describe. She was definitely missed and I think she would have really soared in the challenge this episode. I still don't understand her elimination.

Chad: Yeah, you and I both saw her perform in Seattle last week, and she read the other queens to filth!

Terry: It was incredible to see her perform. Especially the week after her elimination. Her material was so on point and funny. I'm glad you and I got a glimpse of what else she could have brought to the show.

Chad: So, wasn't it nice that the mini-challenge featured an homage to a dedicated fan artist of the Drag Race? Did your heart skip a beat when Ru was announcing it?

Terry: Yes! I love that so many people do Drag Race fan art now and it's always nice to see that showcased on the actual show. The paper outfits really are fun and amazing! I especially love the Klaus Nomi Malone Courtney look, and of course the ones the queens made were really fun. I thought they were all really funny.

Chad: Yeah, I was really impressed when I first saw those paper pieces last season! Obviously, none of the queens displayed the same artistry, but I loved Katya and Kasha's schtick-- it convinced me that they were going to dominate the main challenge! What did you think of Pearl this episode?

Terry: You know, I like the looks Pearl has shown so far (especially that bearded Mugatu look), but in this episode, it became really obvious that she has a lot of growing to do. She is still relying on RuPaul and other queens to bolster her up and give her confidence. It reminds me of Ru's Season 1 rant during the reunion where she yelled at Tammy Brown: "It's not my job to make you feel good all the time!" During her confessional she had this Laganja moment of: "Back home everybody loves me! I don't understand!" But really, that doesn't mean anything when you're on this show.

Chad: Huh, I can definitely see that. It seems like both Violet and Pearl are these really young, talented queens with a lot of shit to figure out. We saw Violet express that in Untucked, and Pearl dealt with it in the main episode. Honestly, I was pretty stunned at her showdown with Ru in the workroom. She seems pretty much totally oblivious or uninterested in following the rules of reality television or following the prompts of the producers. You saw it in her "Meet the Queens" videos, passing on questions, essentially not giving one shit.

Terry: Right. In one way she is not playing by the rules of the show, but in another way that's not helping her progress.

Chad: What do you think made her come back to the workroom after her abrupt departure?

Terry: I think Pearl needed a cry and a cigarette, and then she was fine. She mentioned in Untucked that she didn't want to look back and feel like she had wasted the opportunity she had been given, and I think that was what did it. And probably the glaring looks from Mrs. Kasha Davis.

Chad: Yeah, Mrs. Davis wasn't happy with Pearl. Did you know that she's auditioned seven times? Did she mention that?

Terry: She might have slipped it in there a few times. She's definitely worked hard to get on the show, so I can see why she'd be frustrated at some of the other queens who feel like giving up or going home.

Chad: Well, speaking of Kasha, what do you make of her time on the show?

Terry: I think she could have lasted a bit longer. Again, I don't understand this week's elimination. Looking down the road, I don't see us getting much out of Kandy Ho. I had a strange feeling that Kasha would be leaving, though, when before the intro music she had beef with another contestant... because Tempest did in episode one, and Sasha did in episode two.

Chad: Yeah, I agree that Kasha could probably offer more to the show than Kandy at this point. But I felt like their lip sync performances were both really good, so it could have gone either way. Now, I really liked the Despy challenge. What about you?

Terry: I'm still not sure. It's all very vague. What IS a Despy anyway? Essentially, it was a comedy/joke writing challenge disguised as an award show. It was presented in an entertaining way, but I did miss the standard runway and runway music. What did you like about it?

Chad: Well, frankly, when Ru explained the main challenge, I didn't know what the hell he was talking about. However, once it was underway, I thought it was a cleverly constructed challenge that essentially revolved around reading all the other queens. It was fun to see the queens struggle with jokes in the workroom. However, I felt like Kathy Griffin was instructed to just yell nonsense at the queens rather than be remotely helpful.

Terry: One thing I did like was how it showed us what a good attitude Jaidynn had. Essentially, she said, “I don't know how to write jokes but I'm gonna sit down and do this!” She's really growing on me 'cause of her positive attitude.

Chad: Frankly, I love Jaidynn. Ever since her "Meet the Queens" video, I've been digging her expressivity and enthusiasm. I'm surprised she's not a bigger presence on the show!

Terry: It's always hard for some of them to shine, especially early on when there are so many of them there.

Chad: Yeah, she's not a "funny queen" in that she struggles to write a joke, but she's just good TV!

Terry: As I was watching this episode, I was struggling to pick out visually interesting looks that I would want to draw, so I was curious to hear what you thought of the runway looks.

Chad: Well, I mean, there weren't really runway looks. The episode was like Season 5's roast of Ru. They just wore the same outfits they had for the main challenge. But I'm doing a similar thing as I did back then -- rather than focus on style, I'm featuring my favorite jokes alongside the queens.

Terry: Nice!

Chad: You know who else I really enjoyed this week? Miss Fame.

Terry: Miss Fame and the cuts of all her chicken love?

Chad: Of the three "Glamour Girls," she actually seems the most extroverted and quirky.

Terry: I think Miss Fame is a bit more goofy than she realizes. I like that aspect of her. She could really be dynamite if she embraces that a bit more.

Chad: You know who her personality reminds me of? Joslyn Fox! In the way that she's unabashedly goofy and enthusiastic, even if she's not always in on the joke.

Terry: Totally. Very much like Joslyn.

Chad: Terry, you were raised in Idaho, right? Did you ever raise chickens?

Terry: HAHAH! Yes, I was raised in Idaho. No chickens. There are a lot of sheep and horses and llamas in Boise where I grew up, though. Picture Napoleon Dynamite.

Chad: Excellent. I grew up in central Wisconsin, so it was mostly just cows there.

Terry: Were you surprised to see a video from home for one of the contestants in this Untucked?

Chad: I was, yes.

Terry: I wasn't sure if they were going to do it. We hadn't seen one, yet, despite Ginger mentioning that Kasha got one last week, which we obviously didn't see.

Chad: Especially because it was so abrupt! One minute, we're having this amazing moment with Violet, and all of a sudden, it was Ginger's time to cry.

Terry: Totally! This was supposed to be Violet's moment! From what we are being shown, I'm predicting Ginger in the top 3 at least.

Chad: Yeah, I have this gut feeling that she'll win this season. And Untucked helped solidify that. I think she's led a hard life, dealt with a lot of challenges, and she's emerged as a talented performer with a huge heart! She's just the kind of queen who can excel at challenges and get the audience to really root for her.

Terry: I really love her. Apparently, she does all these Disney songs which I'd love to see, but I'll have to watch them on YouTube. Clearly, I don't think anyone at Logo is getting the rights to songs from Frozen. Which is sort of an interesting point about the show I guess. Sometimes, we never really get to see what makes some of these queens so amazing in their own shows. Ginger can't do Disney on Drag Race. A lot of these queens who do one woman comedy shows that are brilliant aren't going to be showcased in that way for television. It makes me feel like it's really important to still go out and support the queens at their clubs when they perform.

Chad: Yeah, absolutely. And I always hope that the queens use their notoriety from the show to go on and perform in whatever crazy plays, films, or quirky YouTube videos that they want!

Chad: You know who I thought was going to win this challenge? Katya.

Terry: I thought she would win the challenge too! But I also thought Jaidynn would win last week. I don't understand some of the decisions being made.

Chad: Well, I mean... clearly, the winners and losers, week to week, are specifically chosen to highlight certain storylines and don't actually result from the merits of the performances.

Terry: I would definitely agree with that.

Chad: It's been true of past seasons, but it seems to come up every week in Season 7. Queens who surpass expectations are chosen over other queens who may have objectively done much better. I thought Katya's jokes slayed, especially her Bob Ross "acceptance speech" It was a great dose of her absurdist humor that she highlights in her YouTube videos and her Tumblr.

Terry: Yes, I loved that Katya won a Despy and got to throw out a few more jokes. She is emerging as another contestant I think will go far, and likely be top 3.

Chad: Here's hoping!

Terry: And frankly, I liked her wig and how "flat" it was. It was a different look from all the big drag hair we often see.

Chad: Yeah, she looked good, girl. It was literally the only complaint the judges had for her.

Terry: She might have been my favorite look from last night.

Chad: I thought Pearl looked especially stunning last night, as did Max.Violet was divine. That gown was ridiculous. As an artist, which queen's likeness most appeals to you?

Terry: Well, Trixie, obviously. I wish we'd gotten more episodes so we could have had more looks, but for me, she had the most fully realized drag character and used it well in the challenges. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like Max, but I really do, and I'll be drawing her, too. I'm surprised Michelle didn't read her for wearing a gray wig again. I actually think Max would looks great as a redhead, at least just once. I also have to admit I like Pearl's looks. They're striking.

Chad: Yeah, you know something funny? When Pearl first started performing in Chicago, she only ever wore white outfits. It was really striking, but it was clear that, if you want to have some versatility and perform frequently, you need more variety! I wonder whether Max's preference for gray wigs will remain when he's performing every night in the wake of the Drag Race. Because my impression is that he didn't perform in drag very regularly prior to the show.

Terry: Yeah, after so many performances, you're probably just tired of doing something similar over and over.

Chad: And eventually the audience (or Michelle Visage) will want to see something else!

Terry: I think Max is probably smart for having this branded gray, black, and white look... but I see her changing it up after a while.

Chad: That being said, aside from the consistent hair color, I think Max has demonstrated a wide range of looks and can pretty much rule the runway. Who do you think would be the hardest to draw of Season 7?

Terry: I want to draw Ginger, but I think she might difficult to draw. She and Kennedy Davenport seem to have striking features I'm not sure I'd capture well.

Chad: Yeah, I find both pretty difficult to draw. Usually, the really distinctive queens are the easiest, but there's something about both those queens that's still a challenge! Katya, despite being one of my favorites, is still really hard for me to capture. Because how do you make her look different than the other "Pretty blonde" queens?

Terry: But you still do it well. (Chad's note: Not this week!)

Chad: Well, I favor her crazy looks, which tend to be easier.

Terry: Yeah, it's a little easier, I suppose, when she comes out in a Russian military-inspired outfit for people to recognize: That's Katya. Do you feel less pressure in creating a likeness when there is a crazy outfit, or do you always feel like it's gotta be perfect?

Chad: That's a good question! I started drawing the Drag Race in Season 3, where Raja and Manila both wore such distinctive outfits that you didn't need a good facial likeness to make them recognizable. Which was ideal, since my drawing skills were pretty rudimentary back then!

I do definitely feel more pressure to capture a likeness when the image is all about glamour. Like, with someone like Pearl, who paints her own face so damn well, how do you match that?

Terry: I know. I feel that pressure, but sometimes I just have to tell myself, "done is beautiful too," and move on.

Chad: Ha! Good words to live by.

Check out Terry's comics, illustrations, and depictions of Drag Race queens at his website! (Pictured to the right is his illustration of Trixie's "Jet Set" look!)

You can follow Terry Blas on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. Listen to his Gnerd Podcasthere! (Gay + Nerd, get it?) And you'll find both of us at RuPaul's DragCon in LA, May 16-17!

As always, you can get posters, prints, and postcards of my Drag Race work at my Etsy store!

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 4

March 24, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me this week is Dixie Lynn Cartwright! She's a real sweetheart when she's not being a total a#%hole. But seriously, she's great. Generally.

Chad: So, Dixie, we OBVIOUSLY have a lot to discuss/critique/bitch about in this episode.

Dixie: Lord, yes.

Chad: But I wanted to speak with you in the first place because of your own work writing and performing song parodies. So, before we gnash teeth and rend our clothes, let's talk about this week's challenge.

Dixie: Well, first off, I love that the producers are catching on to this ridiculous, fun, stupid side of drag that I adore. Obviously, DWV brought drag musical parodies to a whole 'notha level, but it's really grown. I think it's incredibly exciting to be able to use comedy and music to creatively tell a story or a dumb joke. It's my drag dream come true.

Chad: I liked the general concepts of the different parodies. I thought "Tan With You" wasn't brilliant, but it had funny visuals and slapstick goofiness. The "Sissy That Walk" parody was really smart, since impersonations are an endless source of material. And I LOVED the idea of Ginger's team riffing on Ru's various merchandising and licensing hijinks.

Dixie: Which one was your favorite?

Chad: Overall, my favorite was actually "Get Ready to Clock." Even though those three queens were stuck with each other and seemed an odd match, I found all three impersonations really funny and spot-on. What about you?

Dixie: I agree, totally. I think "Get Ready To Clock" was fully developed and the girls werecompletely focused on their characters. I didn't agree with the critiques of Max at all. Courtney is not a large character. Doing an Australian accent with a blonde wig and some lip gloss is the epitome of Courtney (ooo... is that a read?). I thought everyone did well. Violet, although not my favorite, did her best Adore, and I didn't mind it. I agree with Michelle that she could've done more. The parody that I was MOST excited about was "Tan With You."

Chad: Oh yeah?

Dixie: It's a concept that is right up my alley. It's ridiculous, it ridicules trainwreck Z-list celebrities with felony convictions, and it has the potential for great sight gags.

Chad: Did they deliver?

Dixie: Outside of Katya, no... no, they didn't deliver.

Chad: Katya's quirky characters are a gift to us all. Bless that bitch.

Dixie: Trixie was adorable and should be given a lot more credit for developing the concept. And if Pearl is on your team, play up her drugged-up persona. Have her fall asleep in the tanning bed and she stays silent the entire video. Have her emerge at the end dazed and confused (as always) and crispy. Miss Fame was okay. I feel like my personal feelings for her cloud my judgment.

Chad: What are your personal feelings about her? Deep-seated jealousy of any queen whose beauty rivals your own? I basically imagine you as alternating between Disney princess and villain.

Dixie: My dream is to be Disney's first true villain princess.

Chad: I actually have been kind of charmed by Miss Fame over the past few episodes. I feel like she's actually fairly goofy and doesn't take things too seriously.

Dixie: Miss Fame is beautiful. Absolutely. She knows her look. I admire her for that. My look changes weekly, depending on the lighting and how much I've had to drink that day. However, she seems intensely insecure in her strong opinions and non-stop mouth. I don't read it as bitchy, I read it as trying too hard. That is tough for me to stomach... possibly because I do the same thing...

Chad: Ha!

Dixie: ...that's your cue, Chad. "Oh no. Dixie. That's not you at all."

Chad: Do you struggle with that?I was wondering, because you have a very sharp tongue and a sweet charm, too. I feel like you handle that balance well. I think it's interesting how certain queens can pull off bitchiness, and others can't.

Dixie: The balance comes with practice from being in front of people. She doesn't have a lot of performance experience, so she hasn't had a chance to hone those skills. When I first started hosting, I was just mean. I thought it was funny in the moment, then I'd go home and feel terrible about what I said. Not because it wasn't funny, but because I didn't know how to say something bitchy and then recover. Trannika Valtrex does a great job at ribbing people, but then immediately thanking them or brushing it off so that they are now in on the joke. It takes practice. When I'm in front of an audience that knows me (my family, the night-shift staff at the free clinic, etc.), I'm much more bitchy, because they get that I'm not coming from a dark place. If it's a new audience, I try to stay positive.

Dixie: What did you think of the green looks? I'm interested to see which ones you drew.

Chad: So! I didn't really love this runway.

Dixie: Me neither. I don't like color themes. It's too vague, yet they judge so specifically.

Chad: I'm a HUGE sucker for powdered wig looks, so I had to draw Max. But I didn't actually like her pasties, so I awkwardly came up with a pose that hid them.

Dixie: I LOVED the pasties. I didn't get the negative reaction to them

Chad: I liked the idea of them. But they were so dark and glittery compared to the light, matte effect of the rest of his look!

Dixie: Max is so, so good. She's going far. She has to.

Chad: I LOVE how Max approaches drag as a visual artist.

Dixie: It's something I don't truly understand, honestly. I'm kind of with Kandy in that I just want to be sparkly and pretty, but the more I venture into drag as art, I love it. It's something I truly admire in her.

Chad: Well, you're not just trying to be pretty and sparkly. You're also trying, and at times even succeeding, to be funny and charming and entertaining.

Dixie: Chad Sell. Drawing famous drag queens and reading lesser known, yet more beautiful drag queens since 2012.

Chad: I loved Pearl's runway look, because I adore anyone who comes down the runway looking like a forgotten GI JOE villainess.

Dixie: Agreed. However... NO PADS.

Chad: Yeah. I was forgiving in that respect.

Dixie: I like the long, lean thing...but NO PADS. I used to think that I didn't need pads... let's just say, those images are buried deep somewhere. Had she had just a little bump, I would have loved it.

Chad: Pearl's a weirdo. It doesn't always work, but I love her for it. When I first heard that Pearl had been cast on the show, I was definitely excited and happy for her. I've always loved her looks and her style, but I was kind of baffled about how she'd come across on the show, since she's exactly like that in real life.

Dixie: I like Pearl. I really do, but she said it herself: Trixie probably deserves to be there more than her. Who is to say who deserves something more than the other really, but I do think Trixie is so versatile and has much more to give. My main beef with Trixie's elimination is that Pearl was warned multiple times that she needed to wake up and show more. Trixie wasn't. She was barely critiqued in this episode. Where is her second chance? Where are her warnings?

Chad: Right, I think she was safe every week, so she really never got any feedback! She performedreally consistently and was a fabulous personality on the show.

Dixie: I think WE think she was a fabulous personality on the show because we are more familiar with her than most, but I don't think we truly saw her personality. She was safe. She stayed in the middle, but she didn't shine yet. Her time was coming.

Chad: Yes, I'm certainly biased in regards to Trixie.

Dixie: We all are. Sidetrack exploded when she sashayed away. Truly. One giant audible gasp from a combination of many large groups of people. It was like nothing I've ever witnessed before.

Chad: I don't think it made any sense to send her home so early. At all. But she's gotten a ton of exposure, she's doing gigs all over the world. She didn't have long on this show, but she made it count.

Dixie: She had the potential to do so much. There are so many challenges left, and she is one person that you could count on to make you chuckle. Even if she wasn't going to knock it out of the park, she definitely would make every challenge fun.

Chad: And she's one of the season 7 queens who's extremely active online – so if fans need more Mattel, they should follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Grindr, etc. [And buy her T shirt. And buy my own Trixie prints! Do it.]

Dixie: Oh, for sure. She's all over the place. I love when queens pimp themselves out. It shows gumption. (dixielynncartwright.com)

Chad: Both Trixie and Katya's online antics are utterly priceless.

Dixie: I LOVE watching Katya's weekly videos following the new episodes. She's quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

Chad: She's my BenDeLaCreme of the season – my personal favorite, even though I don't expect her to win.

Dixie: Oh god. Does that mean we'll have to take your belt and shoelaces from you when she's gone, too? I didn't think you were going to make it.

Chad: I think losing Bendela so early aged me about 20 years. I've lost that shiny veneer of innocence and naivete. Nothing gets through to me now. Nothing at all.

Dixie: Your forehead is still shiny though, so that's something.

Chad: ...

Dixie: Bitchy/Sweet. Balance.

Chad: If I had ever seen your forehead when it wasn't buried under foundation, maybe I could make cracks about your complexion, too!

Dixie: The paint stick is doing its job.

Okay, just for that, I'm going to plug my stuff before I plug Dixie's various shows. Buy this week's art on Etsy! If you're in Seattle and happen to have tickets to Emerald City Comic Con, find me at Table F-01 in Artist's Alley this weekend!

If you're in Chicago, you have plenty of opportunities to go see Dixie Lynn Cartwright! She'll be starring in her own show at Berlin Nightclub on April 1st at 9pm. It's called “Dixie Wins A Talent Show,” in which she (obviously) wins a talent show as other contestants vie for second and third place.

Dixie hosts weekly RPDR viewing parties at Sidetrack in Boystown. She'll also be performing in The Bitchfest Club, which is an 80's parody musical running every weekend from April 10 to May 17 at Hydrate.

Dixie posts a ton of good stuff on her YouTube channel, and you can also find her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and at dixielynncartwright.com!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 3

March 18, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me to talk DRAG RACE this week is Lucy Stoole! She's a colorful, creative, and crazy queen in Chicago. I was dying to talk to her about this week's episode and how it did (or didn't) deal with the wonderful world of genderfuck drag. -----------------------------

Chad: This episode had A LOT. A goofy granny mini-challenge, a Shakespearean acting challenge, and then a legendary runway. But obviously, I want to talk about beards.

Lucy: One of my favorite subjects!

Chad: You have a wondrous beard yourself, Lucy. I assume it is grown naturally and lovingly.

Lucy: Why thank you! It requires plenty of maintenance, but it's worth it.

Chad: How do you think the queens did with this week's challenge?

Lucy: You know, I think most of them did a great job! And even the ones who failed miserably still manged to look somewhat attractive. I was really surprised how so many of them just happened to have these perfect lacefronts for this challenge.

Chad: Who were your favorites?

Lucy: Max really infused her personal style into this challenge in a cool way. Baberham Lincoln was flawlessly executed, but I think my favorite was Violet. Second runner up, Trixie Mattel for looking like my long distant cousin.

Chad: I thought Max looked like a fabulous Batman villain, and I started drawing his look as soon as I saw it in the sneak previews!

Lucy: How could you not? It was one of the first looks I saw, and I definitely slow clapped.

Chad: What are your thoughts on Max overall?

Lucy: I'm really into her fantasy. I think she's also a sweet girl and a talented artist. I feel like she has a really complete vision of what she's going for and who she is as an artist. Accent and all.

Chad: Yeah, I think she's providing the most consistently excellent and artistic looks, so far. I feel like she got a bit more screen time this episode – it was great to see her take charge of her team and console Jaidynn during the acting challenge.

Lucy: That was another moment that made me like her even more.

Chad: But I feel like Max is fairly restrained and overly polite, which is holding her back from grabbing people's attention on the show.

Lucy: She's going to need to open up to the viewers and the other girls a bit more. As it stands, I feel like we don't know enough to really connect with her. She's this beautiful mannequin.

Chad: Ha! A very creative one.

Lucy: Speaking of mannequins, Pearl's beard was pretty badass, too.

Chad: Yeah, absolutely. I loved the crazy hair, the clever use of the devil's tail. The beard felt very...

Chad and Lucy at the same time: Ryan Burke!

Lucy: OMG HAHAH

Chad: You were thinking the same thing?

Lucy: First thing I thought of when I saw it!

Chad: Yeah, I love Pearl's inventiveness. It might not always work, and she might be half-asleep, but she's always such a vision.

Lucy: The thing I like most about Pearl is her polished looks and her emptiness. It just reminds me of those heroin chic models of the past. She's like this drugged-up-ex-model turned house wife you want to hang out with, even though she can barely stay awake.

Chad: I agree about Katya -- definitely an extremely clever look, probably one of the most memorable that will come out of this season! I loved how the short, curly hairdo blended perfectly with the signature Lincoln beard.

Lucy: And that suit jacket with the men's shirt and gown on the bottom?!?!? SO into it.

Chad: You said you liked Violet's the most – what about it?

Lucy: It just seemed so natural to me. It wasn't like the beard was an extra costume piece. She was just this beautiful vintage prom date who just so happened to have a beard. It felt similar to what I do in drag, or at least what I'm trying to put across.

Chad: Yeah, I was especially intrigued by Violet this week. It wasn't as immediately striking to me, but as I've looked at it more and drawn it, I've come to love it. It was such a lovely combination of virginal, vintage prom dress with this very elegant, adorable hairdo and beard. Just a very unexpected combination and sublime result.

Lucy: So perfect! This girl is really a force to be reckoned with.

Chad: Did you perform at the Drag Matinee she came up to Chicago for?

Lucy: No, but I was out in the crowd. One of my best friends moved to Atlanta and gogo dances at one of the bars she works at. She called me "Lucy Stooles," but I remember being so starstruck by her pink latex beauty that I was just like "HIIIIIII! YOU KNOW MY NAME?!?!?"

Chad: What do you think about her depiction on the show? It seems like she's having a hard time connecting with the other queens so far and always getting picked last!

Lucy: I don't think she's malicious in any way, just young and equipped with a bit of an ego. But I'd have a big head, too, if my waist was 4 inches and everything I ever wore was immaculate.

Chad: Yeah, I think Violet exemplifies the arrogance of youth that some of the older queens were bemoaning this episode.

Lucy: Absolutely!!!!

Chad: Kasha, Ginger, Jasmine, and Kennedy came across as a little bitter while discussing the others. And I get that, especially regarding Violet! But there's something to be said about the glorious glamour and inventiveness that Pearl, Violet, Trixie, and Miss Fame bring to the show!

Lucy: Oh yeah! We all caught that bitterness during that discussion!

Chad: It must be so galling to see these queens who were probably inspired to do drag BY the show, and often for just a year or two!

Lucy: I'd be a bit bitter about that if I was in their shoes, for sure. But I'd also see that as my advantage and not be so threatened.

Chad: This generational issue was pretty prominent last season, too. I would guess as the show continues, the gap will widen – pre-RPDR queens versus those who were raised on it!

Lucy: I think some of the older girls really let that get into their heads and make them doubt themselves. And I can't blame them for it because this is definitely a youth driven society in all forms. But I'd feel pretty confident standing next to anybody on that stage once I got there. I'm also crazy, so...

Chad: So, that's something I wanted to ask you about. I think it's fair to say that you're a somewhat edgy queen who's interested in pushing some boundaries and challenging the expectations for typical drag performance. What are your thoughts on the Drag Race in general, and what it means for the show to have a challenge like this week's Bearded Beauties?

Lucy: Well, the one thing I was really surprised by was the lack of history and any other mention to bearded drag and its place in the community. It's awesome that we have people like Conchita Wurst and Mathu Anderson as popular spokespeople for genderfuck drag, but it would have been nice to give some sort of background info to the masses.I also thought it would be cool if the contestants had a chance to talk about gender and gender identity a bit more. I'm sure that all the girls had something to say on this subject and we never really heard anything from them, negative or not.

Chad: I agree 100%! I wanted to know who was comfortable with the idea of fucking with drag, who was into it, and who just wanted to pack her bags, paint on a chinstrap, and go home.

Lucy: HAHAHAHAHA

Chad: The show tends to focus on the personalities and conflicts among the cast, rather than the social context you're interested in. (Sadly)

Lucy: I know! It's the biggest of wishful thinking on my behalf. But it also brings up a lot of questions about what the show is really doing for the drag community and for the gay community.

Chad: Absolutely.

Lucy: If you have a platform this huge that can reach audiences worldwide and even shape people's perceptions, why not use it for all the good you can?

Chad: The challenge felt more like a nod to the trend of bearded queens, like Milk, Mathu, and Conchita, rather than an earnest exploration of gender and beauty standards.

Lucy: EXACTLY! A trend! Just like what I was called when I first started doing drag – a trend, a gimmick or a crutch.

Chad: And then weirdly enough, with the show featuring a challenge like this, it renders it more mainstream and less subversive, for better or worse.

Lucy: Absolutely! If you really wanted to showcase bearded beauty, put one of us on your show, Ru!

Chad: Yeah, I do have to say that, given the success of Milk on the show, I really expected at least one truly genderfucking queen this season. And although I LOVE most of the season 7 cast, I was disappointed.

Lucy: It seems like they're edging closer to it, but it's still something they're just not so sure about. Which surprises the hell out of me! RuPaul has seen it all! Homegirl has been in the trenches for thirty years, and she can't tell me she herself hasn't been inspired by the cast of characters she grew up around.

Chad: That's a fair point!

Lucy: I want girls that embody the spirit of the Cockettes and the attitude of Divine with the art of Leigh Bowery.

Chad: Oh god, if anyone reading this hasn't watched The Cockettes documentary, they must go experience it now.

Lucy: IMMEDIATELY!

Chad: But see, this is the counterpoint --This isn't how I feel, but this is me speculating about the POV of Ru and of the Drag Race producers – I think it's very, very, very hard to make a TV show and to be culturally relevant. And one of the crucial things necessary to that is to be *entertaining.* And I think the concern is that some segments of the audience will immediately disengage as soon as they feel like they're being lectured to or challenged.

Lucy: Very true!

Chad: AND, weirdly, not everyone wants to fuck shit up like you and I might like to.

Lucy: Don't I know it!

Chad: I think it's entirely fair to question the choices of the show, and we saw that happen in a BIG way last year. Inevitably, whenever one figure becomes a prominent voice in an otherwise disenfranchised community, they'll shoulder some responsibility and scrutiny for that position.

Lucy: I just feel so strongly about the gender warriors in drag who are great talents and don't get the spotlight that they deserve.

Chad: Then give some Lucy Stoole shout outs, girl! School the children! And me!

Lucy: Grace Towers, who owns the San Fran and has the bushy sex princess on lock. Helvetika Black is one of the smartest and trash mouthed beauties I've never had the pleasure of meeting. Branden Hollywood is in Florida making that state better one lqqk at a time. Queens like Anna Bortionwho look like the gothic version of Trixie Mattel, and who also dons a beard when he/she feels like it.

Chad: I love Glitz Glam, too!

Lucy: OMFG! So epic!!! Him and Klitorika Browne really inspired me to go crazy with color. And they're just the tip of the furry iceberg. So many people are starting to question what the purpose of this art form is to society and themselves, and it's bringing about some really great work.

Chad: Yeah, absolutely! Did you have any other thoughts on the show/drag/beards that you wanted to share?

Lucy: Overall, I thought the show and the challenge were a great stepping stone in the Drag Race herstory. I think it showcased beautiful artists adapting to and positively showcasing their versatility (minus that pube bush on Kennedy's face). I also hope and dream that this challenge will end up inspiring producers and Ru herself to bust that box wide open and bring some more diverse drag/genderfuck/queer performers to the Ru-niverse. Especially me. Hahahahahah

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Isn't Lucy great? She's busy, too! She hosts FABITATevery second and fourth Wednesday at Door No. 3 -- next week's headliner is "bear daddy supreme," Big Dipper! She's at Berlin Nightclub for LQQKSevery first Thursday and for GLO every second Sunday. She also hosts QUEEN! on Sundays at smartbar. And you can always find her on Facebook,Instagram,Twitter, or Tumblr!(The stunning photo on the right is by Kater Jane. Such a masterpiece.)

And as always, you can find a ton of this week's art on my Etsy store!

RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 7, Episode 2

March 11, 2015 by Chad Sell in Blogging the Drag Race, The Sellout

Joining me to talk DRAG RACE this week is Trannika Rex! She's a towering figure in the Chicago drag scene and a close friend of Trixie Mattel. I joined her at Scarlet Bar, where she hosts a weekly viewing party for the show. --------------------------------------------------

Chad: So, Season 7. Everyone's wondering how long this show can last. If they're at the point where they're letting someone like Trixie Mattel on, it can't be long, right?

Trannika: I think the show switched things up at the right time, but I always do wonder how long this can go on. It should also be said that Drag Race doesn't really exist to have a winner or loser, it's more just a series of GIFs that I can use as responses on tumblr threads. Anyone who thinks this is a serious competition hasn't been following along at home. Eventually, it'll just devolve into a prank show where RuPaul just does mean stuff to drag queens, and there isn't even a prize anymore.

Chad: But tell me what you really think.

Trannika: The only reason last season existed, as far as I'm concerned, was so that someone would make the Adore Delano / Lumpy Space Princess mashup, and the only reason this season exists is so that people can photoshop Pearl making a stank face onto the moon from the Teletubbies.

Chad: Yeah. Worth it. I agree that, aside from a hefty cash prize, it really doesn't matter who wins each season. But I do love that it provides a platform for some talented queens. I mean, you MUST be surprised by the reactions Trixie has gotten, right?

Trannika: Trixie is one of the most talented queens I've ever known. And drag aside, one of the most considerate, kind people I'll ever know. With that said, she also has a fucking repulsive, disgusting sense of humor that not everyone can appreciate. We saw that this week with Jasmine. In Chicago, me, Trixie, Kim Chi, & Shea Coulee would just sit downstairs painting at Berlin and call each other garbage clowns and make fun of each other's beards and have a good ole time. The audience is used to me making fart sounds while the girls perform, and Trixie would tell dead baby jokes on the mic, and it's totally normal, but I guess that level of severity isn't normal everywhere. But everyone is going to end up loving her because she is lovable. She's kind. She's insane, but she just speaks in a different language. On her planet, people paint like that and talk in puns.

Chad: So, I think you do have an amazing group of queens here in Chicago. And I love you for helping to foster that.

Trannika: Thank you!

I tried to find a good picture with all the girls, and I had a fun time trying, but I couldn't quite find one.

Chad: It must be strange to see a good friend depicted through the surreal lens of reality TV. But as long as she's fairly true to herself and is received well, both of which seem to be the case, isn't that overall a good thing?

Trannika: It's fucking weird to see anyone that you know on TV, especially a show that makes everyone look like a cartoon stereotype. But the most important thing here is that she still posts pictures with me on on Instagram, so let's all be thankful.

Chad: Truly, a kind and generous soul, that Trixie.

Chad: So, last question about her: She was team leader this episode. Should she ever be put in charge of other drag queens?

Trannika: Some people are better foremen than worker bees, and I think she might be a better worker bee.

Chad: I did love her schoolteacher response to Violet in the workroom, though!

Trannika: I would have responded the same way. Violet has kind of an immature way of answering questions. "Violet, how was your day today?" "Well I'm so skinny I forgot it was Tuesday." Like... You didn't really give me any information in your response, but you did brag about something totally unrelated.

Chad: Violet is definitely one of the most visible and polarizing queens so far. She's getting major "bitch edit" despite being crazy talented. You've worked with her, right? Can she turn it out?

Trannika: Every one of Violet's looks are fucking insane. Her eye is impeccable. I brought her to the Drag Matinee at Berlin, and she was perfectly well behaved and looked amazing. The audience was way into it.

Chad: Yeah, I'm into it. Maybe she'll do something irredeemable further down the line, but I'm digging her. I may not want to be on a TEAM with her, but I'll watch her and draw her.

Chad: One of the other really standout queens so far is Ginger. She's clearly going to win, right?

Trannika: Ginger is getting the Jinkx/ Sharon/ Bianca edit, so I think she's top three, easily. Even though her dress didn't really apply to the challenge, she won. Even though the mini challenge was in no way a competition, she wins. The show has never been subtle about pushing a storyline.

Chad: Yeah, I think she's a really well-rounded entertainer -- she's funny, she sings, she gives a lot of the best one-liners. Her runway looks aren't ASTOUNDING, but they're often cute and colorful and really well-suited to her. I think she's lovable, and she's going to win.

Trannika: I think she has a good shot. I wanna hang out with her.

Chad: One of my other absolute favorites is Katya, who has a gleefully demented sense of humor and style. I was actually kind of surprised that the judges liked her runway look -- I loved it, but it was crazy. How much floral print is too much floral print?

Trannika: I would wear that outfit, but it also looked like a glorified separates set from Forever 21. I'm from Florida – floral print is, like, the little black dress of the south.

Chad: Were you at all amused by the Glamazonian Airways performances, or is that when you were bringing in the buckets of Fireball from the back?

Trannika: I thought the songs were funny, but Ginger's team got the way funnier one. I was also drunker by the time the second one came on, though.

Chad: I really loved Trixie, Kasha, and Ginger in the challenge.

Trannika: Same.

Chad: I thought Kasha was a standout, possibly because this is the first time she stood out at all, but I dug her campy/crazy schtick.

Trannika: Kasha is cool, but she's so quiet outside of the challenges. Maybe she's not funny in interviews, because I feel like I only see her on the runway for ten minutes each episode.

Chad: The extended fart joke was lame. I think you're the only queen who can get away with fart jokes.

Trannika: Farts are funny, but I'm from Florida, and I didn't have any friends when I was little, so you learn to laugh alone.

Chad: See, the sad irony is that it's so much more fun to laugh at the farts of others than at your own.

Trannika: Farts are funniest when they're short, not when they go on too long and sound like they're asking a question at the end. We get it, you're a fart, stop hammering the joke.

Chad: You really are a comic genius. So, the last queen I wanted to discuss was Sasha. Poor Sasha, who tragically overthunk her strategy for snatching the crown. Or, uh, what do you think that strategy was?

Trannika: She said that she thought she was too ambitious, or that she overthunk it, and I feel like that's the opposite of what happened. There wasn't really anything going on. It was neither here nor there. That being said, I would still kick it with her. I mean the challenge wasn't a Midwest approachability challenge, so she didn't nail it, but I think she'll grow from this. She just seemed out of her element.

Chad: Yeah, I think she's a cool queen, but she just didn't really know what she was bringing to the competition. I'm going to puke in my mouth a little, but she needs to brand herself better.

Trannika: I feel like she could match me in Fireball shots.

Chad: Did you have any other thoughts on the show, the queens, or drag in general?

Trannika: I still miss "she mail," I'm glad Moby could get his shift covered at Starbucks so he could be there for ten minutes, Trixie needs to try harder to remove lip stain two days later, where was Ross?

Chad: What do we need to tell the children about where to find you and the trail of destruction you leave in your wake?

Trannika: Drag Matinee is every Saturday at Berlin at 10. #Ridikulous is at Scarlet every Friday. Drag Race double viewings are every Monday at Scarlet at 8. Trannika's Most Wanted is every third Monday at Scarlet with Kim Chi, Valentine, Shea Coulee, and Kahmora Hall after Drag Race. The Piss & Vinegar comedy show is every second Wednesday at Berlin at 9. I'm co-hosting the Milwaukee Pride dance pavilion with Trixie June 5, 6, & 7. & I haven't talked to my dad since he died.

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If you haven't had enough of her, find Trannika on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TRANNIKAREX.COM!

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And if you haven't had enough of me, buy my stuff on Etsy and hang it on your wall forever.

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?

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

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.

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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!