Recap: Curls Studio's Year of 2022

Looking back on 2022 it seemed to be another transitional year -- still getting back into the swing of things with lots of changes behind-the-scenes. Comic conventions ramped back up and we exhibited at 10 events (including our first time at Maryland STEM Festival). I started experimenting with new custom booth designs at a few of the shows (a nod to Lucy's psychiatry booth from Peanuts happened at Small Press Expo). I even started cosplaying in 2022 -- that's something I never thought I'd be doing!

Curls Studio kicked off the year with a successful Kickstater campaign for "Thank You Mom" hard enamel pins to celebrate Mother's Day on May 8. We also debuted a new soft enamel pin at Awesome Con called "Watermelon Umbrella Rainbow Duck," which was part of the event's collectable pin program. 

My illustrations were published in Ranger Rick magazine and I was featured in Uppercase magazine to discuss creativity. I Love To Write Day's 20th Anniversary featured new Curls comic strips to celebrate the creative process.

Sporadically throughout the year I continued Carolyn's Creative Challenge with a few new project prompts.

At New York Comic Con we showcased a new charm with the Pizza Face character and had a great time in the city -- we even got to play some ping pong and go to Coney Island.

The "DC Region Cartoonists" poster released in the fall and features 25 cartoonists from the area. If you want more information about how to order a poster, let me know.

I did a lot of studying at STEM and STEAM events and attended a few art exhibits. I read a bunch of books, took notes, wrote a lot, and drew in my sketchbook. Loads of ideas were generated on paper and are now marinating in my brain. I also changed up my diet and workout routine quite a bit and am living a healthier lifestyle. We are looking forward to what this new year will bring!

Recap: Curls Studio's Year of 2021

Curls Studio calls 2021 a transitional year, as nothing was certain and we went with the flow of change. Last year all the comic conventions were canceled due to the pandemic, but this year we got to exhibit at a few in-person events during the second half of the year (Awesome Con in DC, New York Comic Con, Baltimore Comic-Con, and Southern Maryland Comic Con). I was selected to be a part of Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) for the first time, as a virtual appearance. So comic conventions happened thanks to amazing staff and volunteers and we applaud them for making it possible!

Other major occurrences that happened was that I somehow had the energy to run three successful Kickstarter campaigns in one year (Banana Bandana™, Cicada hard enamel pin, and Santa Turtle hard enamel pin). I really enjoyed celebrating the periodical cicadas this year (we won't see them again until 2048!). I am proud of all the projects we brought to life.

Sporadically throughout the year I continued Carolyn's Creative Challenge with a few new project prompts.

In July I served as a Rambassador for VCU Alumni Night at a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game.

I was a guest on the Generation GC podcast and had a great time talking about the band Good Charlotte (and yes, I visited La Plata High School for a second time during my stint in Waldorf for Southern Maryland Comic Con). 

Another cool thing that happened this year is a Wall Street Journal reporter reached out to me for an interview about Color of the Year and Pantone -- I got quoted in the article for both print and online editions.

Also along the lines of publishing, Black Magic Tales was recently printed in the new Magic Bullet #20 comics newspaper.

Not too sure what 2022 will bring. In many ways 2021 can be viewed at as worse than 2020, but then there is an optimistic side that could be viewed as it can only get better from here. The best thing I can hope for you is that you be safe and happy -- take good care of yourself by eating well and exercising. I want us to be around for the next Cicada uprising in 2048 and the years beyond. That's something to live for!

Generation GC Podcast Guest

I've been "Counting The Days" and now I'm a guest on the Generation GC podcast -- episode 78! Take a listen as we discuss the band Good Charlotte and a bit about my art career. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/078-counting-the-days-x-carolyn-belefski/id1506785273?i=1000538413257

I created a new Curls comic strip called "GC Baby" to celebrate (http://www.curls-studio.com/curls/comic/gc-baby). Thank you to Molly Hudelson for having me on your show.

Recap: Southern Maryland Comic-Con 2019

This past Saturday, November 9, 2019 Curls Studio exhibited at Southern Maryland Comic-Con in Waldorf, MD. We had a fine time meeting everyone and talking about our comics.

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Only 31 books will be made and they are now available in the online store! 2.75" x 4.25" mini book showcases all the “HijINKs!” I created during Inktober 2019. Each book has a one-of-a-kind HijINK! on the front cover the and is signed and numbered. The book premiered last Saturday at Southern Maryland Comic-Con and is now available for purchase at www.CarolynBelefski.com/store. #inktober #inkmaster #inktober2019 #hijinks #ink #southernmarylandcomiccon #somdcc #experimental #book #art

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Nov 11, 2019 at 12:17pm PST

I debuted the Inktober 2019 HijINKs! book that features all 31 experimental ink creations I made from ink, water, a straw, and white gel pen. Each book has a one-of-a-kind HijINK! on the front and is signed and numbered -- only 31 books will be made. The books are now available for purchase at www.carolynbelefski.com/store.

Since we were minutes away from La Plata High School, I took a trip and used the opportunity to visit the school where many of the members of Good Charlotte attended. Back at the convention, I enjoyed viewing the cosplay costume contest and we had a fun time. Thanks to everyone who stopped by.