Ahoy-hoy!
It is I, Regan Smith (no, not that one).
I’ve been writing professionally since 2009, and drawing crappy comics intermittently since 2015, previously under the moniker Night Fart.
In a former life I was Co-Captain of the Minneapolis-based events organization Grown-Up Club, and Co-Founder of the literary magazine Paper Darts. I’ve started and abandoned an untold number of creative projects in the interim, with many more to come (including this one maybe?? Who knows!!!).
I really like candy, Rambo: First Blood, and hyperlinks.
Scroll on down to read more about Tree Rat.
“There’s nothing fun on the internet anymore.”
-Me, roughly every time I’ve gone on
the internet since 2014ish
“I guess I should make myself something fun on the internet then.”
-Me, the night I made this.
I know newsletters are more en vogue these days, but I for one miss vaguely demented personal websites/blogs. That’s basically all Tree Rat is, and it’s mostly for my own entertainment, but you’re welcome to take a gander. As you’ll soon learn, I have a very cool and interesting life (and also dance quite sensually), so you’re in good hands.
Still scared and confused? Visit our FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
So many of you were emailing, texting, calling, or hunting me down on the street then body slamming me and shouting “the people demand answers!!” in my face that I decided to create this helpful FAQ.
What’s a tree rat?
“Tree rat” is a slang term for squirrels, the most majestic animal on the planet. I love squirrels and have a tattoo of one on my arm. I don’t consider “tree rat” derogatory since rats are also great. Visit The Navin R. Johnson Squirrel Gallery for an immersive and unforgettable squirrel experience.
What do you mean when you say there’s nothing fun on the internet anymore? What about [name of person/newsletter/channel, etc.]?
You’re right, I bet [name of person/newsletter/channel, etc.] is really fun and I’m glad you enjoy it. I also have several persons/newsletters/channels I enjoy. That said, for me and a lot of other Millennials, there was a golden age of the internet that today’s internet just can’t compare to. It was dumb, funny, weird, and characterized by actual websites that you actually had to visit and click around in. That’s the kind of internet I miss–the less commodified, TikToky, influencery kind–and the kind I’d like to see reemerge someday.
Also, and I cannot stress this enough, AI blows.
Why did you make Tree Rat? No offense, but it seems kind of self-absorbed.
Extreme offense taken. Like many adults I’ve found myself getting both more bored and more boring as I age, which is a huge bummer. I made Tree Rat because I wanted a creative outlet that wasn’t social media or a newsletter. It’s self-absorbed because making fun of myself is one of my most beloved forms of entertainment.
There’s a lot of second person on this site, who are you talking to?
My patron saint of arts and culture, Navin R. Johnson.
Does anyone actually ask you these questions?
Yes.