Picture a young artist weaving tales of ice, love, and cosmic adventure—meet Tillie Walden! Born in 1996, this American graphic novelist and former competitive figure skater has taken the comics world by storm with her heartfelt, visually stunning stories. From her Eisner Award-winning memoir Spinning to the dreamy sci-fi epic On a Sunbeam, Walden’s work captures the messy beauty of growing up, making her a beacon for readers and creators alike.
The Making of Tillie Walden
Growing up between New Jersey and Austin, Texas, Tillie Walden’s early life was shaped by movement—both geographic and on the ice. A competitive figure skater for 12 years, she spent her mornings gliding through routines before dawn. Named after her artist grandmother, Walden found her creative spark in high school, inspired by manga and a transformative workshop with comics legend Scott McCloud. Ditching fine art for storytelling, she enrolled at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont, where her career began to soar.
Tillie Walden’s Unforgettable Stories
Walden’s graphic novels are a blend of raw emotion, queer narratives, and breathtaking art. Her debut, The End of Summer (2015), is a haunting melodrama set in a secluded castle, showcasing her knack for surreal architecture and emotional depth. Spinning (2017), her Eisner-winning memoir, dives into her skating years, exploring her coming-of-age as a lesbian with unflinching honesty. On a Sunbeam (2018), a sprawling sci-fi webcomic-turned-graphic-novel, weaves love and loss across space, earning an LA Times Book Prize. Are You Listening? (2020), another Eisner winner, follows two women on a magical road trip, cementing Walden’s signature style: clean inks, dreamy colors, and intimate storytelling.
Her work often centers queer teenage relationships, blending the mundane with the surreal. From crumbling buildings to vast starscapes, Walden’s art creates worlds that feel both personal and infinite, resonating with readers navigating their own identities.
Why Tillie Walden Matters
At just 22, Walden became one of the youngest Eisner Award winners, a testament to her prodigious talent. Named Vermont’s Cartoonist Laureate for 2023–2026, she’s redefining graphic novels by prioritizing emotional authenticity and queer representation. Her stories offer a lifeline to young readers, especially those grappling with identity, while inspiring a new wave of cartoonists. Teaching at the Center for Cartoon Studies and collaborating with her wife, Emma Hunsinger, Walden continues to shape the future of comics.
About Tillie Walden
- Born: 1996 in San Diego, California
- Key Works: Spinning, On a Sunbeam, Are You Listening?, The End of Summer
- Awards: 2018 Eisner Award (Best Reality-Based Work), 2020 Eisner Award (Best Graphic Album-New), 2016 Ignatz Award
- Fun Fact: She’s married to fellow cartoonist Emma Hunsinger, and they welcomed their son, Walter, in 2023.
Ready to fall in love with Tillie Walden’s worlds? Grab Spinning or On a Sunbeam and dive into her heartfelt, dazzling graphic novels!