Cartoonist Mia Tran’s artwork humorously encapsulates the daily trials of being a woman, prompting laughter and relatable conversations among friends. Is there any greater relief than finally removing your bra at the end of a long day? The answer is a resounding no—unless, perhaps, it’s the sheer joy of unbuttoning your pants.
At just 21 years old, the Romanian-Canadian illustrator is based in Montreal and describes her work as a reflection of “life’s little annoyances, first-world dilemmas, and whimsical moments.”
The Complexities of Hair Maintenance
Ah yes, the complexities of maintaining hairlessness. Society dictates that women should be as smooth as possible—everywhere except for their heads, where voluminous hair is a must. The ritual of shaving legs, arms, underarms, and even toes can become a daunting task, requiring diligence to ensure every area is addressed.
Hairstyles and Humidity
Let’s not forget the intricate hairstyles we attempt to achieve, often inspired by countless YouTube tutorials. We’ve all been there, watching a beauty guru effortlessly straighten her waves, only to step outside and have humidity ruin our hard work in an instant. The fact that women don’t immediately throw their straighteners out of the window is a testament to the enduring hope we cling to.
The Makeup Struggle
And then there are the makeup tutorials, which often lead us to believe we can recreate a flawless look. “If this teen can nail a smokey eye, surely I, an experienced adult, can do it too,” we tell ourselves, only to find ourselves scrubbing off layers of eyeliner in frustration. This struggle often drives many women, including myself, to opt for lipstick instead, as it seems like a foolproof option. Just be careful not to touch anything after applying—it’s a delicate balance.
Photo Nightmares
You might think that with all our makeup practice, capturing a decent photo would be easy. However, after enduring the nightmare of new passport and ID photos, I can assure you that not even the best contouring will save you from those unflattering fluorescent lights.
Going Makeup-Free
Sometimes we decide to go sans makeup, only to be met with comments about looking “exhausted.” Thanks, but sometimes our faces just need a breather from the layers of cosmetic products we usually wear.
The Discomfort of Bras
Thankfully, many of our daily struggles remain unnoticed by the untrained eye. For instance, the sheer discomfort of wearing a bra. The unmatched satisfaction of finally taking it off in the evening is a feeling that cannot be overstated.
Summer Sweats
Moreover, let’s talk about the challenges posed by our anatomy. Yes, ladies sweat—especially during the hot summer months. It’s disconcerting to look down and see evidence of this on your shirt.
The Monthly Paradox
Any discussion about womanhood would be incomplete without touching on menstruation. Periods wreak havoc on our bodies, moods, and sometimes even our clothing, yet they serve to bring new life into the world. It’s a paradox we navigate every month, often leading to cravings for chocolate even when we’re trying to maintain professionalism at work.
Shared Experiences
Between the struggles of dealing with sweat, cravings, and perfecting that elusive cat-eye, being a woman comes with its own unique set of challenges. Thankfully, artists like Mia Tran capture the hilarity and absurdity of it all, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.
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In summary, Mia Tran’s illustrations resonate deeply with women, highlighting the humorous side of everyday struggles from makeup mishaps to the discomfort of bras and the monthly chaos of menstruation. Her work serves as a reminder that while womanhood can be challenging, it is also filled with shared laughter and understanding.