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Mary Catherine Starr is a New England-based graphic designer, yoga teacher, illustrator and a mother of two. She creates candid and relatable comics about the many responsibilities that come with being a mom, inequality in the household, and the difficulties of always being the go-to parent.

Mary started making comics during the pandemic as a way to "vent about how hard life had become and to connect with like-minded moms" while "trapped" in her house with her family. Fast forward some years later, her account has evolved into a platform where moms who are experiencing injustice in their households, families, work, and relationships find a voice and support.

With over 305 thousand followers on Instagram and counting, Mary's work continues to resonate with mothers worldwide, reminding them that they're never alone in their unique adventures of motherhood.

More info: Instagram | marycatherinestarr.com | Facebook

Bored Panda got in touch with Mary to find out more about her creative process and to get a better understanding of how she found her love for drawing. The artist shared her story: "I've always been an artist and creative in one way or another but I started making these kinds of comics and illustrations in early 2020, right before the pandemic hit. What began as a small creative and therapeutic outlet for expressing my frustration over the challenges of modern motherhood has now become a huge part of my work in the world. I'm currently working on a book on this subject (coming out in March 2025 and published by Chronicle Books) and have started collaborating with brands and like-minded organizations to raise awareness of double standards, inequality, and the politics of motherhood."

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Creating art, despite some challenges, can be really enjoyable. For Mary, the most rewarding part of the creative process is seeing her work affect other people and help them make positive changes in their own lives. "The process of making art is wonderful, of course, but seeing your art actually make a difference and make people feel seen and understood is a feeling like no other. I am very grateful that I get to share my work with so many people."

Many moms who read Mary's comics find them relatable because they're going through similar things. We were curious to know how the artist feels about the special community and support that has grown around her work. "It is so rewarding and makes all of the challenging aspects of sharing my work feel completely worth it," Mary told us. "The women (and some men!) who follow my account are incredible—they're understanding, strong, open-minded, supportive, and fighting for change for future generations of women, girls, and mothers. They have a great sense of humor and aren't afraid to share their stories and experiences. The internet and social media can be a pretty ugly place—and I've definitely seen that side of it since starting this account—but my community is a really positive one despite talking about tough subjects."

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Balancing a career as a graphic designer, yoga teacher, illustrator, and mother of two is undoubtedly a juggling act. However, the artist revealed that she does not balance it all! "I try my best, but in order to do everything I do I am always dropping a ball somewhere and always feeling like I'm falling behind. This feeling is worth it because I'm not ready to give up any of my roles at this point (I love them all too much!), but eventually, something will have to give. That's just life. What has helped me continue to juggle these various passions is outsourcing some of our household needs and child care (family, babysitters, daycare, friends, etc.). And of course, my husband is very supportive of all of my work and does everything he can in order to enable me the time and space I need to work.

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As for staying creative? My life is my inspiration so there's never a shortage of ideas—the challenge is finding the time to express all of them."

#8

A Comic About Tired Mom During Valentine's

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Brendan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Dad, my mind is constantly going at 100mph. Just thinking about all the stuff I have to do around the house/with the kids is exhausting.

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#9

A Comic About A Mom Needing Space

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Brendan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fortunately, I get to WFH three days a week, so I get plenty of space. Sadly, my wife has to go into the office every day, so she craves her own time. I take the kids out on the weekend to give her a bit of time, but it's not enough.

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Mary wanted to point out that her comics are not about bashing men or husbands. "The double standards that I explore and the issues around household inequality that so many of us are dealing with (and that I depict in my work) did not come about in a vacuum; they are a product of social conditioning and societal messaging and they hurt all of us—men and women, moms and dads. I cannot speak for all of my community, but I know that the majority of us fiercely love our lives, our partners, and our children, and yet, we’re also extremely frustrated by the lack of support in our culture and in our households. My goal is to raise awareness of these issues and ignite change."

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#10

A Comic About Packing For A Family Trip

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Pancake_Pansexual_Panda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why mom AND kids together? For my family, all of our stuff are together, or we have our own suitcase.

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#11

A Comic About Balance

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Paul C.
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get to the glass, cut the rope behind you and abseil down into the wine.

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#17

A Comic About Different Views On Dad And Mom

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WindySwede
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"well i'm just the babysitter" /jk (as someones seems to thing that daddies are taking care of their children without mom).

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#20

A Comic About "New Year, Same Us"

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Brendan
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's us too. The thing is we're happy doing this, as we're still in each other's company. Sometimes, you just want to zone out together.

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#22

A Comic About Snow Day Fantasy

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Pancake_Pansexual_Panda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kinda feel bad for the mom tbh, dad looking at phone as if he doesn't care, two kids showing attention to mom, probably because the dad doesn't give the kids much attention unlike the mom.

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#24

A Comic About Bringing Groceries In From The Car

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Nice Beast Ludo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband carries in all the groceries and I put them all away. I enjoy it and hate the first part so it works out well

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#25

A Comic About Eating Halloween Candies

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Kerri
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Halloween is my friend's birthday. It's become one of my favorite holidays since we've been friends

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#28

A Comic About A Mom Practicing Yoga At Home

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Kim
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heartrate went up watching this and not because I was looking forward to yoga

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#29

A Comic About Wearing A Tank Top While Holding A Toddler

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Nice Beast Ludo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think I could breastfeed a toddler. I stopped once the teeth were prominent

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#30

A Comic About A Mom Trying To Find Work/Life Balance

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Judith Thompson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These cartoons were so depressing. Nothing has changed in the 50+ years since I had babies

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#31

A Comic About Different Views On Working Man And Woman

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FrostyStyx
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or a bad mother for putting her work over her kids. Been there. It stinks.

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#34

A Comic About Mom During Christmas Period

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Brendan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't wait to spend all our money on toys they'll discard by New Year's.

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#35

A Comic About Finding Balance

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