EP.029 - Harry Nordlinger // Cartoonist behind "Vacuum Decay"

Episode 29 – Harry Nordlinger // Cartoonist.

“One of the unexpected side effects of creating the BEDROOM™ Podcast is that I feel more tuned in than ever to the creative talent pool of the Bay Area - and it’s thriving. Sure, it may be more expensive than ever to live here (a topic for another day), but that very pressure of surviving and thriving as an artist creates star-studded, diamond-like talent. And trust me, we’ve got some seriously bright artists in the 7x7 and beyond.

One of these creative killers is my new friend - and now my personal favorite comic artist in San Francisco - Harry Nordlinger. For a couple of years, I’ve been admiring the hand-drawn and painted movie flyers for the Balboa Theater and 4 Star Theater. It turns out the flyers I’ve been so captivated by were mostly created by two artists: one named Trey Flanigan (who I definitely need to get on the pod), and today’s guest in the BEDROOM™ for episode #29 - the coolest cat in the Outer Avenues of the Richmond District - Harry Nordlinger.

Harry is a cartoonist and puts out a horror comic called Vacuum Decay, and I swear, it’s one of my new favorite things. I’ve never really thought of myself as a “comic person,” but this one has me reconsidering. I picked up some issues at Mission: Comics & Art, and I’m infatuated. Harry’s work is dark - both in theme and tone - high-contrast in its inking, raw, original, and filled with influences from filmmaking and fringe culture.

In this episode of BEDROOM™, Harry shares how he first got into making comics and the backstory of how his critically acclaimed horror anthology Vacuum Decay came to life. He gives insight into his working process, and we even get into a friendly debate about digital vs. analog art, comics, and inking. We talk shop about his tools of the trade, painting covers with gouache, and punk rock art icon Raymond Pettibon. Harry also drops some exclusive news about what to expect in Vacuum Decay Issue #8, as well as details on his current project, a comic called Lazer Quest. We touch on how many indie comic artists juggle day jobs to fund their work, and the challenges of balancing art-making with making rent.

From there, we dive into some listener-submitted questions - including one from comic artist and BEDROOM™ alum Emma Munger, and another from Ashley Graham (also a BEDROOM™ alum), Art Director at The Fillmore, along with her partner and Harry’s friend, Ryan Andersen.

I also ask Harry about his other comics, Shadows Over Springfield and Night Cruising, and he shares the backstories behind those projects. On top of that, Harry talks about his day job designing flyers and working as a projectionist at the beloved Balboa Theater in the Outer Richmond.

Finally, we wrap things up with a round of BEDROOM BANTER™, where I rapid-fire some classic BEDROOM™ questions and Harry gives the fans what they’re here for. Big shoutout to Harry Nordlinger for coming on the pod. Welcome to the BEDROOM™, y’all. WORLDWIDE PEACE.” – PSG

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Harry Nordlinger's Socials & Websites
Harry's Instagram: @harrynordlinger
Vacuum Decay: www.vacuumdecay.com

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