Tom Graham on Drawing 'Drag Race'

As a lover of comic books, superheroes, sci-fi and pop culture from an early age, my love of drag is really an extension of this. Like so many people, my obsession started with watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, at a time when I was starting to really embrace my own identity.  

Watching the show and going to live performances, I started to realise that, for me, drag really is no different from superheroes putting on a cape. It is a heightened alter ego, which presents someone as a more powerful, more confident version of themselves, able to unlock a power inside themselves that they may never be able to express in day-to-day life. 

In my artwork, I try to encapsulate this, whilst also presenting a performer’s character in a style reminiscent of comic books and old pulp magazines. 

By Tom Graham

Lazy Susan / Lemon / Kween Kong / Flor / Hannah Conda / Spankie Jackzon /

Max Drag Queen / Isis Avis Loren / Bianca Del Rio / Cheryl Hole

Bio: Tom Graham is an illustrator, lover of sci-fi, avant-garde fashion and drag culture from the UK. Follow him at: www.tomgrahamillustration.co.uk – Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TGIllustration 

Instagram: @TomDraws – X: @TomDraws – Facebook: TGIllustration