Album Design for Nicole Belanus

I recently designed an album for musical artist Nicole Belanus called "The Grown Demos."

It was fun to design the sleeve packaging and CD -- plus Nicole is a great client to work with! Check out her tunes here. I like how she has tunes and I have toons. It's a great combo.

I designed album packaging! "The Grown Demos" by Nicole Belanus @beelines77 🌱 I'm a big music fan, so it was exciting to be a part of this project. Watch this space as I post the CD design tomorrow. Check out Nicole's tunes and also my toons (cartoons, that is) at www.CarolynBelefski.com. Thanks to Nicole for the opportunity and creative freedom. #music #design #albumcover #creative

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 17, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT

Let's Work Together
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please view my portfolio and reach out: http://www.CarolynBelefski.com.

Brand Identity for Stable Hands

Before the year ends, I wanted to display a project I completed earlier this year – identity design for Stable Hands Pet Care and Services. This project included designing and arranging printing for business cards and letterhead, as well as their services chart.

Stable Hands provides mid-day dog walks, pet sitting, and overnight stay services. Lara is an expert on the farm and specializes in horses and horse show grooming (she even has a Bachelors of Animal Science to prove it).

The logo design incorporates hands in an uplift horseshoe for luck and protection with the profiles of a cat and dog inside. The colors are friendly, approachable, and professional.

Thank you Lara and David for the opportunity to work with you to create your brand and congratulations on becoming a new independent business. If you are looking for pet care in the Virginia Beach area, please consider http://www.stablehandspcs.com.

Available for Freelance Work
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.CarolynBelefski.com.

Illustration for Citizens of Natstown Project

I've recently provided illustration for Citizens of Natstown and their new project, "Every Nats Game's A Story." The feature enables fans to recall their memories and help tell the story of what it's like to be a Washington Nationals fan. There are already many stories posted about personal fan experiences -- and you can submit yours too.

I've been to three games within the past decade, but my main connection to Nationals baseball is walking the stadium for Team Cul de Sac during Moving Day (Parkinson's Walk).

Available for Freelance Work

If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.carolynbelefski.com

The Making of Carolyn Belefski's White House Cartoons

A lot of people have been asking about the work I recently did for The White House, which was released this week on their social media platforms. Since I posted process and the concept sketch of the comic book cover I did for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time comic this past summer, I thought many artists and creative types would get a kick out of this project showcasing the Affordable Care Act. I enjoy seeing behind-the-scenes, but the final product is always what the public will see. Here you will get a glimpse behind the curtain.

The White House Office of Digital Strategy approached me with the concept of creating health care comics. They provided the personas (athletic, hipster, caregiver, etc.) and I developed sketches of the character designs for approval. Above you will see the first and only attempt of the character designs. Stage one complete!

At this time I also provided three layout options on how tell the story best on social media. The White House provided me with dimensions that were possible for the project. As you can see in the top right, we selected the character head in the center and the text surrounding that area so it would not get cropped on certain sites (like Twitter) in preview. 

To clarify, yes, it would get cropped, but the text would not get cut off. The image above shows how we considered how the crop would look like. This was the first one I completed, and once that was approved, I completed the other comics for each character. They provided me with a script and did allow me to contribute to the story. It was a total collaboration!

I must also correct myself, in an interview with Jen Sorensen posted earlier today, I mentioned there were no art edits, but I was mistaken because I remembered (while writing this blog) that there was one change. I originally drew the guy at the gym working out without a shirt and showing his nipples. They asked me not to show the nipples in the preview section (area viewed in social, the non black area above), but I decided to put a shirt on him instead of redrawing the whole image. I only had to erase the nipples, add sleeves, and color in the shirt in Photoshop. This change only took five minutes and was easier to do than redraw the whole panel. Work smarter, not harder! Perhaps I forgot about this change because it didn't take long to alter. I would have liked to include the nipples because it's funny and I like to call them pepperonis, but I don't know if America can take another wardrobe malfunction. But hey, the Super Bowl is this Sunday so maybe Katy Perry is planning to stun us.

Regarding color palette we agreed to have a minimal flat color look and I selected the colors. After the first one was approved, I hit the ground running with the same look and colors to make each comic connect and work together as a system.

Yesterday First Lady posted the athletic cartoon I illustrated for ‪#‎GetCovered‬ on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. Right now it has received 16,041 likes on Instagram. It feels good to have Michelle Obama and the rest of the world see my art. 

I know the health care debate is rough from all angles. Because of these illustrations, I've read people's comments calling me a sell out and telling me how to draw. I've also seen other media sites say this is The White House's attempt to make Obamacare seem cool. I take that as a compliment because my cartoons are cool! Another site called it childish. I have some news for them: Cartoons can be all-ages. Adults can enjoy them too. You can be "grown-up" and contribute to society, read comics, watch animation, or draw. I pay my mortgage, car bill, buy groceries, and commute to work every day. I can enjoy cartoons. Don't call us childish. Call us childlike. There is a difference.

Another point I want to make is that I have worked for conservative and liberal clients. You may have conservative and liberal friends. Or friends who are environmental. Or libertarian. Or friends who like pizza crust or don't (for the record, I'm not friends with those people). I am an equal opportunity artist and I work with people who want to work with me.

Part of why I took this gig on was because I was extremely pleased that The White House was interested in publishing comics and trying something different. Reaching out to new audiences who are visual learners or experimenting with Instagram is not a bad thing. I know how politics work, but please -- attacking art as a medium is an all-time low. Anyone remember prehistoric cave paintings? This is history. Art is history.

I also took on this assignment because it is important to take care of yourself and know what your options are. I like how many of the characters in this series are aiming to be the best version of themselves they can be. The images showcase healthy eating and exercising, which are important to me. Taking care of yourself and your body shows self respect and I wish more Americans and humans overall showed that initiative.

Not all the comics have been posted on their social media accounts at this time, but you can view them all by visiting WhiteHouse.gov or by looking below. The caregiver cartoon has been animated and is on The White House Instagram account.

Thank you to The White House for this opportunity and thank you to so many people online who have "liked" and commented and reposted. If you enjoyed these cartoons, please read my comic strip Curls and the other fun things I create to make others smile. I really do enjoy being Cartoonist for America.

Available for Freelance Work
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.carolynbelefski.com

Illustrations for NASW ACI

Earlier this year I worked on a freelance design project with Anne Likes Red. I was contacted to create and illustrate several characters for a postcard set, animated promotional video, and trade show display for NASW Assurance Services, Inc. focusing on professional liability insurance for social workers.

Watch the animated film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEGy0vqduZY

Let's Work Together!

If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.behance.net/CarolynBelefski

Brand Identity for Audrey Maiurano Family Dentistry

I recently worked on a freelance design project for my good friend, Audrey Maiurano. Full disclosure: we have known each other for nearly half our lives, so when Audrey started her own dentist business she immediately thought of me to create her logo and branding collateral. A friendship evolves to include a client relationship as we grow up together! 

Here is the initial sketch that sparked the final logo. I did several concepts to provide many options, but this was the one I liked best and that Audrey selected as well. Sometimes the first idea is the best idea. 

Here is the final design. This "Sweet Tooth House" concept encompasses the client's initials AM, which form to create a house and tooth. The house represents family care and trust. The tooth resembles a heart shape as well as helps to create the door. The mark could be duplicated into a repeated pattern, which could be used in other materials.

I was also able to design and arrange printing for Audrey's business cards (which included a custom map on the back) and letterhead, as well as refer her to Joe Carabeo at Astray Productions, who photographed her headshots. 

Thank you Audrey for the opportunity to work with you to create your brand and congratulations on becoming a businesswoman and successful dentist. If you are looking for a dentist in the northern Virginia area, please consider http://www.springfielddentalclinic.com.

Available for Freelance Work
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.behance.net/CarolynBelefski

The Making of Carolyn Belefski's Adventure Time Cover

Check it out! I did an exclusive comic cover for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time #29 published by Boom! Studios. It's a limited edition Cards, Comics, and Collectibles cover. Thank you for the opportunity.

Here is a rare glimpse at my thumbnail concept sketch. I provided five concepts to select from and they went with the underwater cover.

It feels good to say I am one of the talented Adventure Time artists. I'll have the covers at my table for Baltimore Comic-Con, SPX, and New York Comic Con (Curls Studio be at Small Press, booth 1162). See you then!

More Illustrations for Clorox Ick-tionary

Clorox has recently posted more of my original illustrations in their Ick-tionary campaign. Below are three more: Lick Service, Txture, and Hover Crap. I know there are a couple more I did for them that they have yet to publish and hope there will be more to come as their vocabulary grows.

This is a fun campaign, especially when dealing with some disgusting material. I love to inject humor and illustrations whenever possible.

To see my previous Clorox Ick-tionary illustrations, visit: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2013/04/illustrations-for-clorox-ick-tionary.html

Available for Freelance Work

If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. You may also check out my portfolio here: http://www.behance.net/CarolynBelefski

Illustrations for Clorox Ick-tionary

The Clorox® Company is partnering with award-winning writer, comedian and mom, Carol Leifer, who has written for shows such as Modern Family and Seinfeld, to launch the Clorox® Ick-tionary, a wiki-style dictionary of everyday ick that parents everywhere and others are all-too familiar with. 

I was asked to illustrate in the project and devise sketches based on the concepts and word usage. Once approved, I created the final vector illustrations to showcase the ick. The words I have Illustrated so far are Ranch Guessing, Air-traffic Control, and Oh-Sol-Me-ato.

The Clorox® Ick-tionary will also be brought to life over the next few weeks through an interactive mobile experience – a 12’ glass truck accompanied with a variety of interactive word-play activations and digital experiences – that will be making stops in Washington, D.C., Nashville and San Francisco.

This is really a amazing and fun project and I'm happy to be a part of it. It's also great to say I've done freelance work for Clorox, a very recognizable brand. 

Be sure to check out more of my portfolio here: http://www.behance.net/CarolynBelefski

Commissioned Illustration for Child's Playroom

I was asked by a family to illustrate a young girl named Sophia playing with her dog, Bully, for a wall graphic in Sophia's playroom.

Here is a process sketch. I was able to work from photos of the girl and the dog.

And here is the final 46" x 72" graphic. Currently, the walls of the playroom are lime green.

I really like the illustration with a sky blue background and provided the client with that option as well. I told her we could also use the image for birthday parties or greeting cards.

Here is the illustration the client cut and designed to fit a goodie bag for Sophia's birthday party. I would love to design more custom wall graphics or party items!

Client Feedback
I loooooove it! It's great!!!

Available for Freelance Work
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com.

Del Ray Baby Logo

Before we officially wrap up 2011, I wanted to post a logo identity I worked on back in August. It is for Del Ray Baby, an online community developed to support, inform, and engage the families with young children in the neighborhood of Del Ray in city of Alexandria, Virginia.


Above you can sneak a peek into my sketch process. I always like to draw with pen and paper before working on the computer. I wanted to create something that wasn't a typical baby thing (rattles, alphabet playing blocks, etc.). My inspirations were a sun and moon reference as a fresh take on the Ying and Yang symbolism.

Something that interested me was making sure it can be for boy or girl with a neutral color reference that evokes happiness in the cheerful, bright smile. Another great thing is that it can be viewed as one or two faces working together (if you have more than one child). This logo has global recognition and is an easy read.



The Del Ray Baby logo is now on merchandise such as onesies, shirts, water bottles, tote bags, and more.

It was a fun project and I hope I'll be able to do more freelance work in the future.

Available for Freelance Work
If you are are creative director, art director or designer interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email me at info@curls-studio.com.

Recap: GV Expo 2011

Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo spoke on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 as part of the annual DC Metro Final Cut Users Group special event taking place at the Government Video Expo, the East Coast’s largest pro video and broadcast expo.

It was interesting because most of the other speakers there were discussing very high tech stuff, such as the Arri Alexa camera and Autodesk Smoke. Curls Studio and Astray Productions presented some of our latest work along with glimpses of our how our process works while focusing on the topic of fun and how you can interject elements of yourself into projects to make it fun. I hope the attendees really appreciated our presentation and believe it was refreshing to see some practical effects and low tech innovation. We also made a film around one minute long that encompasses all 365 of my Sketch Before Sleep illustrations. I think it turned out to be really amazing.


We gave away a mystery box in the raffle at the end of the day. It's confidential.


Thanks to Rodney Mitchell (who is pictured with Joe and I in the photo above) for inviting us to speak.

Speaking at GV Expo on Nov. 30

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 as part of the annual DC Metro Final Cut Users Group special event taking place at the Government Video Expo, Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo will be bringing their own brand of fun by speaking live at this amazing event. This will definitively be a happening not to be missed, especially if you’ve heard their weekly podcast, The Carolyn & Joe Show!

Register now to attend the East Coast’s largest pro video and broadcast expo. It's free to attend.

Agenda
• Smoke on Mac Demo with Autodesk's Ken La Rue! Demo on a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt!
• Carolyn and Joe - Meet the creators of Curls Studio and Astray Productions and their hostile world domination of COMICS, DESIGN, FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY and more!
• Dennis Boni showcases the amazing ARRI ALEXA camera
• Keynote - Gary Adcock
• Robbie Carman - Colorist
• Toolfarm Plug-in Demo (Dan Warvi/Michele Yamazaki)
• Jeff Greenberg
• Winner's Circle Raffle

Recap: Bleeding the Narrative at UMD

"Bleeding the Narrative: Comics in Art and Culture" was on September 9, 2011. The University of Maryland gathered five creators who were in town the day before Small Press Expo: Jim Rugg, Robert Ullman, Monica Gallagher, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Carolyn Belefski.


The event started with each of us presenting about ten minutes worth of material. I talked about my influences, inspirations, design work, illustration, freelance work, and comics.


After our presentations, we took questions from the audience for about an hour more.



Guests were able to come up to us one-on-one to ask questions after the roundtable. They also served soda and cookies at the reception. I got enquiries about graphic design and was happy to give advice to the students. About half of the audience planned on going to SPX that weekend - an added plus was that SPX provided free passes to all roundtable attendees!



I was very impressed with my fellow panelists and their quality work. I left the event feeling inspired to create after our discussion.



You can listen to audio of the roundtable here:
http://curls-studio.com/media/bleeding/umbc1.mp3
http://curls-studio.com/media/bleeding/umbc2.mp3

Here is my presentation, so you can follow along with the visuals: http://curls-studio.com/media/bleeding/umbc_presentation_carolynbelefski.pdf
(All personal work, comics, and freelance design projects © Carolyn Belefski and Curls Studio)

Thanks to all who attended the event or who are listening to it now. Drop me a line at info[at]curls-studio.com, if you have any follow-up questions.