By: Emily Johnson
Updated: Aug. 8, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 8, 2016
Cartoonist Mia Thompson has an extraordinary knack for illustrating the daily challenges women face, making her artwork both relatable and amusing. Few experiences rival the bliss of shedding your bra at the end of a long day. Or perhaps the relief of loosening your pants is a close second.
At just 21 years old, this Romanian-Canadian artist, who resides in Montreal, creates comics that draw inspiration from her life, everyday dilemmas, and general whimsical themes.
The Complexities of Personal Grooming
Take, for instance, the complexities of personal grooming. Society often expects women to maintain a near hairless appearance—except for the hair on our heads, which must be voluminous. From shaving legs and arms to addressing underarms and bikini lines, it can be a daunting task to remember every spot that needs attention.
Hairstyling Woes
Then there’s the matter of hairstyling. We’ve all watched those YouTube tutorials where the model achieves perfect waves in mere minutes. What they conveniently omit is how humidity can transform your efforts into a frizzy mess moments after stepping outside. The fact that many women persist rather than toss their straighteners shows resilience.
Makeup Trials
And how about those moments when we decide to experiment with new looks? The makeup tutorials are no less daunting. “If this teenager can nail a smokey eye, surely I—an experienced woman—can do it too,” we convince ourselves, only to end up frustrated and scrubbing off layers of eyeliner.
This struggle often leads many to opt for something simpler, like lipstick. It’s a one-step process, making it feel like an achievable success. Just remember to avoid touching your face until it’s set!
The Challenge of Capturing the Perfect Photo
You might assume that with enough makeup experience, capturing a decent photo would be easy. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. After moving recently and undergoing the torture of new passport and DMV photos, it’s clear that no amount of contouring can save you from harsh fluorescent lighting.
Going Makeup-Free
And let’s not overlook the times we choose to go makeup-free, only to be told we look “so tired” and should get more rest. Thanks for the concern, but our faces are merely enjoying a break from the heavy makeup we often wear.
Hidden Struggles
Some struggles, however, remain hidden from view. For instance, the discomfort of wearing a bra is a shared experience among many women. The unparalleled joy of removing it at the end of the day is truly unmatched.
Moreover, if you didn’t know, breasts can perspire, particularly during the hot months. It’s quite uncomfortable to see sweat marks on your shirt, as if broadcasting your discomfort for all to see.
The Monthly Ordeal
Of course, no discussion about womanhood would be complete without acknowledging the monthly ordeal of menstruation. Periods wreak havoc on our bodies and moods but also serve as a reminder of our ability to bring new life into the world. Sometimes, they lead to unexpected cravings, like indulging in chocolate during work hours, regardless of the professional setting.
Between issues like perspiration, cravings, and the quest for the perfect cat-eye eyeliner, being a woman comes with its unique set of challenges. Thankfully, artists like Thompson are around to humorously document the absurdities of these experiences.
This article was initially published on Aug. 8, 2016.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s illustrations humorously depict the countless, often unspoken challenges women face daily, from grooming struggles to the complexities of personal appearance. Her work serves as a delightful reminder of the shared experiences women navigate, while also inviting laughter and camaraderie among friends.
Keyphrase: Daily struggles of womanhood
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