About the Artist

Sarah Michele Szeszol

@GalacticTurnip · She/Her · They/Them

Sarah Michele Szeszol (she/they), also known as GalacticTurnip, is a Chicago-based freelance comic artist and illustrator, known for fanart and original artwork exploring themes of neurodivergence, queerness, and magical realism. With a background in vocal performance and opera, Sarah brings an actor's sense of timing, expression, and emotional depth to their comics. They've contributed to several Star Trek anthologies and are recognized for vibrant colors and dynamic sequential art. Outside of art, Sarah enjoys Aikido, magical farming sims, and working as a teen librarian.

Chicago, IL

[email protected]

708-645-6102

Freelance since 2016

Curriculum Vitae

Art Resume

🎓 Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Information Library Science, Focus in Library Management

August 2020 – May 2022

DePaul University Chicago

Bachelor of Music and Art

September 2014 – June 2018

💼 Professional Experience

Illustrator & Art Vendor | Freelance

2016 – Current

Sells artwork at conventions such as C2E2, Starbee Indy, and Warrior Con
Manufactures prints, buttons, and stickers from scratch using Canon Printer, Cricut 3, and button machine
Sells original artwork on online store
Participates in and has been published in zines, anthologies, and collaborations with other creators
Receives and creates commissions for individuals

📚 Published Work

Queer Sports Anthology: "Game Changer"

10 page comic (2024) · Written by Brent Fisher · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol · Published by StarkedDuck Press

"Monty & Rose: A True Story of a Pair of Endangered Piping Plovers Who Raised a Family in Chicago"

30 page illustrated children's book (2024) · Written by Susan Szeszol · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol · Publishing in Progress

Zine O'biology 2024: "Study and Comparison of the Vulcan & Romulan Brain"

Scientific illustrations accompanying a written article (2024) · Written by Letters · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol · Edited by AnarTTyn

Live Long & Pinup Calendar: "Spock January 2025" & "Kirk April 2026"

Two pinup illustrations for two calendar collections (2024) · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

Trek Tribute Zine 2021: "Jurassic Spirk"

5 page black and white comic (2021) · Written and Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

Uhura Bang 2021: "All Hail the Queen"

Single page illustration (2021) · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

T'hy'la Bang 2022: "The Perils of Shoreleave"

Two illustrations accompanying a written fanfiction (2022) · Written by Ophelia_j · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

This Simple Feeling Zine 2021: "Cowboy Kiss"

Two page spread illustration (2021) · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

T'hy'la Bang 2020: "The Love Starship"

Two illustrations accompanying a written fanfiction (2020) · Written by Spookypremontions · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

Star Trek Valentine Bang 2021: "Clearly" & "The Valentine Affair"

Multiple illustrations accompanying fanfiction (2021) · Sara_Q & Ideascornucopia · Illustrated by Sarah Szeszol

"Illogicons" – Art Collaboration with LeJourSobre

Collection of 6 button designs (2021) · Created by Sarah Szeszol & LeJourSobre

🏆 Competitions & Awards

2nd and 3rd Place Winner

Melrose Park Chalk Art Festival, 2015, 2016, 2017

People's Choice Award Winner

Melrose Park Chalk Art Festival, 2015, 2016, 2017

2nd Place Winner

Kleinman Vocal Competition, 2017