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Sam Hester

@calgaryhester.bsky.social
1.3K followers 188 following 484 posts

Graphic recording, graphic medicine & comics journalism in Calgary/Moh'kinsstis, Canada. And I write a weekly newsletter full of comics from my old drawing book. Subscribe for free! samhester.substack.com

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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 1h
The past couple of weeks have been so busy, but now it's time to get back to work on a very fun project! In November, Joleyne (of ViClarity Inc.) & I are hosting a graphic recording workshop in Calgary. Spaces are filling up, but we still have room for YOU! www.the23rdstory.com/2026-worksho...
the23rdstory.com
2026 Workshop !
Together with Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel of ViClarity Inc ., I'm excited to let you know that we will be joining forces once again to host a two-day graphic recording workshop at Kensington Art Supply &...
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 1h
Enjoying the last (?) glimpse of some lovely autumn colours here in Calgary!
A paved path seen through an archway, with trees on each side. The leaves on the trees are reddish-orange in colour.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This week in The Drawing Book, a short comic strip about my mom's hallucinations. We wrote this story because talking about this problem out loud (and drawing pictures of it, too) helped us to feel that we had some power over it. samhester.substack.com/p/my-moms-gh...
samhester.substack.com
My mom’s ghosts
A comic strip about... hallucinations!
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Reposted by Sam Hester
Corey Hogan 🇨🇦 @coreyhogan.ca · 24/09/2026
25 days to referendum day and only 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 to request a special ballot to vote by mail. Lines could be long, processes could be confused, life happens. Don't wait. Lock in your vote to stay in Canada. REQUEST A MAIL-IN BALLOT BY 11:59PM FRIDAY
elections.ab.ca
Request a Special Ballot - Elections Alberta
Electors who are unable to vote in person may vote by mail by applying for a Special Ballot. You may choose to: Mail the ballot to your home address, Mail the ballot to an alternate address (e.g. for those working away from home, at school, on vacation, etc.), Pick the ballot up at your Returning Office or at Elections Alberta’s main office in Edmonton, or Arrange for a designate to pick it up from the...
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Reposted by Sam Hester
Jeremy Klaszus @klaszus.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Tomorrow (Thurs Sept 24) I'm moderating a panel at the Central Library on the history of western alienation in Alberta. Killer panel with political scientists Lisa Young @jlisayoung.bsky.social, Lori Williams & Anthony Sayers. You should come!
calgarylibrary.ca
History of Referendums and Western Alienation Sentiment in Alberta | Calgary Public Library
Have we been here before? As we head towards a much-discussed provincial referendum in October, let’s take a look in the rearview mirror and see how our histories can help inform the present moment. J...
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I worked with CBC News to make a comics explainer about Alberta's upcoming referendum! I wrote about that today in my comics newsletter, The Drawing Book. Take a look, and print a copy to share in your community! samhester.substack.com/p/alberta-re...
samhester.substack.com
Alberta Referendum comics!
Albertans are voting on October 19th. Here’s what you need to know.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
@paulisci.bsky.social This seems like a headline you might like?
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I wasn't sure if I should share this old comic strip, written 25 years ago, for an American anthology about the events of September 11th. But stories can create entry points to get us thinking about history, and history is important! So, here it is again... samhester.substack.com/p/a-look-bac...
samhester.substack.com
A look back at a comic about September 11
Remembering a story from twenty-five years ago
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I just learned this sad news last night. What a loss for our city and for history lovers everywhere. Harry did so much to inspire people to learn about the place we call home, and he used his knowledge of the past to make Calgary a better place today. He will be remembered.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Thanks!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Amanda, the administrative regulation says it took effect on Sept. 1, 2025. Do you know if this has been in place for a year already? Or maybe it took until now to start trying to enforce? Thanks for sharing this info!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Every week, I post comics from my old sketchbook journals from back when I was a flight attendant who was secretly trying to be an artist. Today's comic strip is a strange one: about an imaginary story spilling over into my real life! Read & subscribe for free: samhester.substack.com/p/my-imagina...
samhester.substack.com
My imaginary friend
A coffee pot and a secret story from the drawing book
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Thank you, I will check this out!!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I have been having fun doing this free daily puzzle where the goal is to come up with rare & unusual words. I'm curious about how folks come up with their words! I confess to perusing the works of Diana Wynne Jones and occasionally dipping into my "Gilbert & Sullivan Dictionary" !
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Yes, me too! I think of this anytime I hear the words "a loaf of bread."
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Hey friends! A little while back, I posted the news that I'm co-hosting a graphic recording workshop in Calgary, this November! But, I got the dates mixed up: It's happening on November 28 & 29th, a Saturday & Sunday. So, I'm just sharing this again - this time, with the correct info!
A colourful graphic titled "Graphic Recording Workshop" and featuring photos of Joleyne and Sam at work with markers. The workshop is happening on November 28 and 29, 2026. Details at www.the23rdstory.com.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I like to post old sketchbook comics every weekend. It's Sunday night - I almost didn't make it! But here's this week's story, a comic strip about my grandmother. samhester.substack.com/p/taking-the...
samhester.substack.com
Taking the plunge
An old comics story about my grandmother
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Hey friends! I'm hosting a graphic recording workshop in Calgary this November, with my friend Joleyne! We did this in 2024 and it was so much fun. It's high time we did it again! We really want you to join us, so we're offering an early bird discount. Details on my website www.the23rdstory.com!
A blue and yellow graphic with photos of Sam and Joleyne says, "early bird special! Save $200 if you sign up before September 30"
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
This week in The Drawing Book: fragments of an unfinished collection of long-ago Calgary indie comics. Straight from my sketchbook to you! samhester.substack.com/p/the-saturn...
Black and white ink drawing of a ringed planet and a space ship. Handwritten text says, "The drawing book presents The Saturn Return, in which I record the end of a cycle." This post is full of comics that don't lend themselves well to alt text, but hopefully the typed copy provides some context.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Hey, I'm on my way to the BUMP URBAN ART CONFERENCE at Contemporary Calgary! This year's theme is "Of Simmering, and the Surge." I've always like simmering as a metaphor (here's part of a comic I wrote about that in 1998). Just don't let your pot boil over. See you at #yycbump! yycbump.ca/festival/
A black and white comic strip. Panel 1: a busy guy cramming a lot into his day, Panel 2 says, "doing stuff is important, but often so is just simmering." The picture shows a pot simmering on a hot stove. Panel 3 says, "some things simmer for years," and shows my grandmother finally starting piano lessons at the age of 60.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
It's a grey, rainy afternoon, so here's some news to brighten the day: Announcing a two-day graphic recording workshop this November, co-hosted with Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel, at Kensington Art Supply in SE Calgary! Spots are limited and we expect this class to fill up! Details at www.the23rdstory.com
A colourful graphic titled "Graphic Recording Workshop" and featuring photos of Joleyne and Sam at work with markers. The workshop is happening on November 28 and 29, 2026. Details at www.the23rdstory.com.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Today in The Drawing Book: the usual batch of old Calgary sketchbook comics... but this one includes a shout-out to my favourite poem, "Ulysses!" samhester.substack.com/p/times-arro...
samhester.substack.com
"Time's Arrow, Time's Cycle"
Old Calgary comics and Tennyson's Ulysses
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Hello, drawing book readers! I wanted to share some photos and comics from my German travels this summer! samhester.substack.com/p/how-i-spen...
samhester.substack.com
How I spent my summer holidays
Comics & photos from my trip to Germany
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Good! This is not the kind of weather you want to get stuck outside in! ☀️ Hope the keys will turn up 😊
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Just saw this, do you need a lift???
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I'm checking in from my summer holiday in Germany... with a few more comics about German travels. And some updates about recent art projects! samhester.substack.com/p/the-drawin...
Colour drawing of me drawing in a busy coffee shop. Text says "The drawing book presents issue #6 May '04, Live from Cafe Extrablatt." This post is full of comics that don't lend themselves well to alt text, but hopefully the typed copy provides some context!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I've been seeing lots of lawn signs here in #yyc affirming that Alberta should remain in Canada. Here's mine #SorryNotSorry
A white lawn sign in a garden. On the sign is a red maple leaf and the handwritten words, "Not Sorry!"
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
That's a good guess!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Did you know? The Canada flag was designed by a Calgarian! You can read my new comic about George Stanley at @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social, along with @klaszus.bsky.social's deep dive into this little-known historical story. Happy Canada Day! www.sprawlcalgary.com/canadian-fla...
Drawing of a Canada flag, with text that says "Curious Calgary #22 by Sam Hester. The Calgarian who created Canada's flag." Logo: The Sprawl
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Belated thanks Heather! It was very fun to work on! 🙂
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Yikes! Glad you are ok, & hope it all clears up before you have to head out again!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
👀 Hope you made it ok!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
I hope you do! As another obsessive notetaker, I can assure you it can be quite fun 🙂
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Notes from @calgaryartsdev.bsky.social report to the community today. Pretty inspiring stuff!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
I feel like @paulisci.bsky.social might have thought about this claim (& this headline)
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
This week in the drawing book, some reflections on aging... written when I was 29! samhester.substack.com/p/is-it-true...
samhester.substack.com
Is it true that I'm no longer young?
Looking back on a comic I wrote about aging... when I was 29
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Reposted by Sam Hester
Brett Bergie 🏳️‍⚧️ @brettbergie.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Let’s get this one back, #YYCBike
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Long ago, I somehow ended up on a mass email list w/ some critics & authors, including Jane Yolen. If asked about my "claim to fame," I still sometimes think "I was once on an email list w/ Jane Yolen!" To the young me, that proximity was a big deal! Her work was so important to me & so many others!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
This week in The Drawing Book, my (free!) comics blog: When life throws you curve balls, keep a sketchbook journal! samhester.substack.com/p/sketching-...
samhester.substack.com
Sketching my way through a year full of changes
In this week's Drawing Book: some good old memories.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Putting a new Curious Calgary zine into my neighbourhood zine box! This one is about the @ucalgary.bsky.social arch, which did not start life as an arch! Take a look at the comic at @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social to learn the arch's origin story.
An old newspaper box now has colourful zines in it.A pile of red and yellow folded paper zines about the UCagary arch.
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Reposted by Sam Hester
Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 27/05/2026
Here's a fun way to learn more about the realities of Alberta separation. nextstepsalberta.ca
nextstepsalberta.ca
Next Steps Alberta | Fact or Fiction Quiz
Distinguish between facts and fiction regarding the Alberta independence movement with our interactive survey.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
My household is looking forward to watching this video!!!!!
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
When I hear "no to the nine," I think of these guys from LOTR.
An old box set of the original Canadian edition of The Lord of the Rings, featuring an illustration of some of the nine black riders (illustration by the amazing Pauline Baynes)
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Here's a random picture from an old sketchbook to celebrate Bob Dylan's 85th birthday! "There was an old man," indeed. You can listen to that 2002 Toronto performance of "Under the Red Sky" here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLQG...
Black & white drawing of me saying "wow" and seeing Bob & band on the stage, singing "There was an old man"
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
This week in The Drawing Book: an old comic strip about my friend's wedding! Every week I post comics from my old sketchbooks about life in Calgary. You can subscribe for free! samhester.substack.com/p/wedding-co...
samhester.substack.com
Wedding comics
A comic strip I wrote about my friend's wedding back in 2002.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
This week in The Drawing Book: some literary sketchnotes and a request to my readers! samhester.substack.com/p/literary-s...
samhester.substack.com
Literary Sketchnotes
...and a question for you?
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Paging @paulisci.bsky.social, I think you need to see this one
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Just a couple of comics pages for those multitasking mamas out there! Happy Mother's Day! samhester.substack.com/p/happy-moth...
samhester.substack.com
Happy Mother's Day!
Comics for multitasking mamas
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
It's Mother's Day, so here are some notes from a 2019 Edmonton Public Library conference about how librarians help incarcerated mothers. It's on my mind today, because the federal government plans to cut library workers at federal penitentiaries. Seems like a bad idea💔 www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
A drawing made with markers. Handwritten text reads, "There's nothing private. We're in the room with them while they're reading." Picture shows a smiling woman looking at another woman reading from a book. Reading woman is saying, "Love you forever." Text reads, "We record women reading and we send the recordings out to their children and grandchildren." Picture shows a child listening to a device with words coming out of it, "Love you forever," and a picture of a heart.
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Sam Hester @calgaryhester.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Hey, #yyc's Refinery Park is in the news! www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO3w... I learned about Refinery Park when I wrote a comic strip about it for @sprawlcalgary.bsky.social in 2024. You can read the comic here: www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-zine...
youtube.com
Imperial makes plan for vacant land 25 years after refinery contamination scare
YouTube video by CBC News Alberta
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