A Day in the Life of Cottagecore Artist Julianna Brazill

In the verdant illustrated world of Julianna Brazill, cats walk upright and live in ivy-covered cottages, mice enjoy winter activities outside their cozy tree-trunk home, and squirrels drink coffee at a pâtisserie. These sweet scenes are likely familiar to readers of Seven Days, which occasionally publishes her drawings in addition to her biweekly comic.

As recognizable as her art has become in Vermont, Brazill, 39, was a complete unknown — and knew no one — when she moved here in 2012. Today, in addition to her published comic, her eye-catching illustrations can be found on merchandise at Barge Canal Market, Thirty-odd and Brio Coffeeworks in Burlington’s South End.

In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger spent a day with Brazill, touring her Burlington studio and Winooski home. Like her sassy comic alter ego, the artist loves gardens, coffee, awkward moments and her two cats, Clementine and PK (Porch Kitty).

“I just kind of draw what’s in my brain.” Julianna Brazill

Sollberger spoke with Seven Days about filming the episode.

Why did you decide to feature this artist?

This video came out last week in conjunction with Seven Days‘ Cartoon Issue, and Brazill was the perfect subject. I’ve been a fan of her work for some time. Her illustrations remind me of beloved vintage children’s books and afternoons spent daydreaming. Her comics are sassy, odd and laugh-out-loud funny. I wanted to meet the artist behind these unique creations.

How was the shoot?

Brazill is just as charming and witty as her work. We hit it off immediately and spent a hot afternoon lounging on her porch with her cats, who of course stole the show. Flipping through Brazill’s sketchbook and watching her doodle flowers at her kitchen table was exciting. Her process is simple: “I try not to let it involve a lot of thought,” she said. “I just kind of draw what’s in my brain.”

Were there any comical moments?

When Brazill’s 18-year-old cat, Clem, cried for cream on the kitchen counter, it reminded me of her comic called “Counter Terrorism Unit,” in which a naughty cat says, “One more step and the glass gets it!” Brazill’s comic alter ego responds, “You’re a monster!” In Brazill’s world, cats talk and it’s no big deal.

Later in the day, Brazill tried to shoo flies from her home by sliding a window screen up and down quickly — a technique she swears by. She was yelling, “Here’s the fly, get out, out, out, all of you out. You fool, out!” It felt like being inside one of her comics.

What appeals to you about her work?

One of Brazill’s doodles says, “Being alive is weird, at least there’s coffee.” That sounds about right, and you can even buy a button with this saying. In the midst of this complex and overwhelming digital world, it’s important to take time for comforting simple pleasures: a cup of joe, a cuddle with a feline, time in the garden. Brazill’s nostalgic work taps into that cozy, sweet spot without being too saccharine. As she put it, her goal is “highlighting the joys of everyday life and not forgetting the fact that we’re alive and how insane and amazing it is.”

The original print version of this article was headlined “Funny Lady | A day in the life of cottagecore comic artist and illustrator Julianna Brazill”