When this year started, I was already going through a lot. I won’t elaborate because a lot of it is personal, but I will say that I was wronged, loved ones were wronged and I wronged others. Things just kept getting worse. I was not in a good place in the slightest. Family was cut off, friends were lost, and my motivation to do anything, even cartoons, was on life support.
One of the few things that kept me happy the first half of this year was the fact that I was getting the hang of living my life as “Jackeline Lopez”. I’ve felt more comfortable in my own skin for the first time in my life and, despite everything, my self love finally grew and flourished. It got to the point where, even when I messed up and was ashamed of how I behaved towards others, I didn’t hate myself. This feeling was so alien to me. Like I could take ownership and responsibility for being wrong and not think of myself as lower than a worm. “Is this what self esteem feels like?”
Another way this “self esteem” everyone’s been talking about has manifested in my life is ,obviously, the highlight of the year for me. This being the official launch of my new series, “Mad Mutants”! These characters (Brooke especially) are pretty new compared to others I’m relatively known for (certain British folk or a pickle perhaps) but to say they grew on me is an understatement. As the characters have grown with all the writing we’ve done, I’ve fallen in love with each and every one of them. But unlike the other shows I’ve worked on, I have a much healthier relationship with Mutants and other creative projects moving forward. I’ve finally learned to love my work without it overtaking my identity. There’s more to Jackie than just this series. A sentiment I never thought I’d feel.
Later on, Cheetoh Studios was gracious enough to give me a chance to animate for his content. And me and longtime friend, JCaluger, had the privilege to lead the animation for “Dudeguy and Dr. Jib”. Out of everything in my career as a freelancer, “Shakers Shapeshifter” is easily my favorite! The brilliant writing by Cheets and Joe Porter, the voice acting by Joe, VoicesbyCorey and Noves & the animation team’s efforts of bringing it all to life! That and the Mutants pilot marks the first time in my life where I made something I would actually sit down and watch. I’ve never felt more proud to be a cartoonist, animator, creative, whatever this job is called. Haha!
And as the year has progressed, I’ve thankfully made more friends and connections, after losing so many others. Whether it’d be through my colleagues at Cheetoh Studios, going downtown to that queer karaoke bar I love so much, or just getting to know my co workers at my tedious dayjob. But the bad stuff still keeps rearing its ugly head. Most notably financial troubles caused by economic problems beyond my control.
Overall, this year is a mixed bag. I’m sure it is for most people, let’s be real. Highs and lows all around. The lows are the lowest I’ve ever experienced but the highs are high enough to prop my head up and keep me going. While I don’t have high expectations for 2026, I at least got a lot planned and I hope to see it all through.
Happy 2026, Everyone! Thank you all for supporting me all this time!