Written & illustrated by Sydney Austin

About the Project

My overarching theme for November’s Children focuses on the effects and consequences of neglecting mental illnesses. Using elements of fantasy, I explore the real-world consequences of having a mental illness through magic imagery and interpersonal communication between characters. Another theme I am tackling in this story is moral ambiguity.

I created November’s Children because advocating for mental health has always been a part of my work as an artist, and as someone who personally struggles with OCD and anxiety and incorporates that experience into my artistic expression. Presenting and expressing these themes in my work gives me the strength to show my vulnerability.

This story serves an audience who also struggles with their mental health. I hope to give them the courage to advocate for themselves as they see my characters do. November’s Children is also for those interested in supernatural, maritime historical, and fictional works.

As a maritime enthusiast, I felt that I always had to choose between art and maritime history, but with my thesis project, it was fun to work on these two interests in tandem throughout my time in graduate school. I have resumed working on this project after taking a short hiatus.