Hilary Campbell, AKA “Toons”

Hilary Campbell is a cartoonist, illustrator, and filmmaker. Her cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Alta, Catapult, and more. Her debut graphic memoir Murder Book (Andrews McMeel, 2021) was called “fun and freewheeling” by Publisher’s Weekly and was shortlisted for Best Nonfiction of the Year at Bouchercon. In 2023, her journal What Did I Do Today? was released, and she is currently at work on her second graphic nonfiction book, The Joy of Snacking. Hilary also runs an Etsy shop where she offers custom-made orders and freelance illustration. Her past clients include The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Law & Order, Forensic Files, PlutoTV, NBC’s The Good Place, Basecamp, Elvie, JOKR, Dinnerly, RxR Realty, The Gates Foundation, La Prenda Wines, and more.

As a filmmaker, Hilary creates documentary films. Her first short, This Is Not The End, a vignette about her family shot on B&W 16mm, won top prizes at the No Budget Film Fest and SF IndieFest before becoming a Vimeo Staff Pick. Her second film, Small Talk, premiered at the Slamdance Digital Bolex Fearless Filmmaking Showcase, where it was awarded the Grand Prize, and went on to screen at Rooftop Films, Nantucket Film Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, and others. She is currently in post-production on her third film, Uncle Jim, which received the Rooftop Films Short Filmmakers Grant for completion.

What were you like as a teen?
HA!! I mean, my best friend and I thought we were HILARIOUS, but I’m not sure others agreed. I did not have comedy goals at all. I thought I was a very very serious writer and artist but I also was pretty shy and extremely focused seeing every important movie ever made. I had a list of all the Oscar winners and I’d get a new movie every weekend at this place called Movie Merchants (RIP video stores). I wanted to be a theater kid but was so nervous about it that I only ever went for the background roles. Do you know how much regret I have over this???
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
So many of them. I was in the mailroom at WME. That is where I came to understand the power of fear. I cried every day in the bathroom while my heels were bleeding. I worked as a PA at a theme park design company. I didn’t actually do anything, so I was doodling at my desk the whole time. People assumed I was busy! Which of course… I was.
But my real start was I somehow became the manager of the Slamdance Film Festival at age 23 and I feel everything and every person I met there is why/how I was able to pursue a career in the arts. It was the most (and still is) the most inspiring community.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
When Jim Gaffigan said he would refer to me as “Toons.” JK, but really. Also, selling my first cartoon to The New Yorker obviously changed my life.
When you were coming up in/around comedy, what helped you stick with it? 
I want to laugh, myself. Like I want to make people laugh but I also just love love love laughing. It feels so incredible.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Absolutely, a huge amount. So many male comedians have treated me like shit. It’s hard to be above it! I’ve run home crying. I’ve taken things personally. I’ve felt like a f*cking idiot. For me, I handle it with two things. Really good friends who support me and also narrowing my focus to what matters. And it ain’t the assholes.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian? 
Write everything down.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“Go to the spaces where you are welcome.” You don’t have to go to the shitty club in the city just because other people are.
Worst comedy advice you ever got? 
“I think your tampon is hanging out of your dress.”
How has being funny helped you in your life? 
It’s the only way I’ve learned to deal with trauma. I don’t know what I’d do without laughter.
What specific things should a novice comedy writer do to shape their voice?
Be on stage.
Don’t think you have to write for 6 months to get something “right” before you’re going to try it out on stage, because you’ll get up there and it’ll all change. On that note, when it comes to sharing writing, drawing, films, etc. Don’t hold back from sharing. It’s important to get your work out there. If you need something to be so perfect before you share it, you never will.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into the  comedy world?
Maria Bamford is my hero. When I was in college, I found the web series that she made at home in Duluth during what she calls “a mental breakdown.” I was having my own mental breakdown and her comedy made me feel alive.
Do you have a writing routine?
I’m not strict about anything other than “I need to fill my notebooks.” Whether it’s doodles, full blown comics, lines of dialogue, a new joke, or something I saw on the street. I am compelled to write everything down all the time. It’s kind of a sickness, but it’s what keeps me going.
What is your go-to show when you’ve had a bad day?
Frasier, Law & Order, Veep
What single word always cracks you up?
horny
Last thoughts?
Don’t be silenced, y’all!