Hey everyone, how are you all doing? Are you spending more time dissociating than usual? That's normal. In an act of radical self-care, I bought myself not one but two pairs of glasses because there's nothing more satisfying than matching frames and outfits. I’m still in denial about my near-nearsightedness, let’s just pretend it’s gonna get better somehow, like a bad cold or something.

Recap’

The Quebec National Assembly has adopted a surprise motion about the importance of regulating the use of generative AI in the art and culture. The vote was unanimous and even though it’s not even close to a bill proposal, it’s a hell of a first step. The movement was started by illustrators, cartoonists and authors: we have more power than we give ourselves credit for.

Chapter 6 of Pupilles is fully inked so that means there's just one more to go! We’re now entering the final few miles and Team Pups is churning out pages at an impressive pace. The next month will be dedicated to inking the last chapter and starting the final lettering. The level of talent poured into this comic is just unbelievable. I'm starting to fantasize about the physical book, which is always a good sign.

I still think that Angine de Poitrine is the soundtrack to an anxiety attack and/or the musical equivalent of missing a step, but that doesn't stop them from being damn good musicians. Holy shit. It's so refreshing to see a band/concept that doesn't take itself (too) seriously. I couldn't help myself.

Sketches! I've done quite a bit of drawing this winter, go see the rest on Patreon!

Announcements

Hohohoho it's official, I'm going to Lausanne Comics Festival in Switzerland this spring! After being non-invited to Saint-Malo and Angoulême getting cancelled, this time I’m traveling for real. I'll have the privilege to be part of a top-notch Quebec delegation, in addition to being featured in an exhibition on Quebec comic authors.

I've been drawing storefronts, various buildings and houses for quite some time now. I really enjoy doing it, and I've decided to open up a limited number of commissions in the very near future. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here's what I've done in the past if it’s something you’d like to get for yourself. Facades and buildings.

That's all for February. I can hear my running shoes whispering my name in the closet. Until warmer weather gets here, take care! See you in April!

Featured print: Paul’s Boutique

This month's print is an illustration of Paul's Boutique, a legendary, very old, very crooked record store on Mont-Royal street. This is the first print in my series on thrift stores and second-hand shops in Montreal.

For the entire month of March, shipping is free in Canada on this print only.* It may seem like a small thing, but it's a substantial discount on your final bill. Plus, every order comes with a little surprise gift. Don’t miss out!

*Shipping charges will be added for additional items.

The Cab Post is and ALWAYS be free. If you like what I do, visit my online shop, which contains signed books, art prints, stickers and fanzines. You can also leave a contribution of your choice on Patreon, which will give you access to tons of exclusive posts. This newsletter is made by hand, for humans; each share, subscription, purchase or contribution is immensely appreciated.

• Website and portfolio

• Online shop

• Utown (webcomic)

• Patreon

• Buy my books (CA) (US)

Cool stuff

• Not here, not gone, the new album from Blackwater Holylight. Velvet-doom-metal!

• Gorillaz released a short, 8-minute film called The Mountain, the Moon Cave and the Sad God, which is surprisingly more visually tame than what they usually put out. The beautiful “traditional” animation was done by The Line studio, with Jamie Hewlett as the director. In any case, I can't wait to listen to the new albumThe Mountain which was just released.

• I ordered and received Andi Watson's sketchbook and I’m gulping up the inspiration as if it were a good cocktail. I love looking at drawings and sketches and wondering “how did he draw this? What’s that pencil, that texture?” There's still magic in this world.

• Please watch and appreciate this short essay by Hunter Scott about why taking up a photography practice is life changing. Going outside and noticing things is so, so so important and I think he nails the concept perfectly. I could write a thousand words on this (maybe I will one day) but please don’t pass on this video. Also, remember: literally EVERYONE now has a camera on them at all times. Photography Changes Everything.

• It was Hourly Comic Day in February and, as usual, Boum posted some delightful little slices of life. Patreon or on Bluesky!

• WALKMAN WALKMAN WALKMAN

• Cool artist: Raymond Besinger, a local illustrator whose work I adore. Check out his restorations of old government publications. (I swear, it's more exciting than it sounds).

Natural talent is nothing compared to the ability to keep making shit long after everyone else has given up.

Ethan Kocak