Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2021

We had a fun time at Baltimore Comic-Con 2021, a three day show which wrapped on Sunday. Since it's what Curls Studio likes to call a "transitional" year, much like New York Comic Con was with the requirements of temperature checks, vaccination (or a negative test for those age four or younger), and masks -- the goal was to have fun and enjoy our time together.

I participated in the exclusive "Trick or Treat" BCC Yearbook and got to meet the person who pledged on my original Curls Halloween art. He came to the table after the auction with the piece and took a photo with me, so that was cool. I also premiered my new "Emoji Comics" workshop (which came with sign language interpreter).

Thank you to all the guests, retailers, volunteers, fans, and everyone else that made the show possible. Mark your calendars now for next year October 28-30, 2022!

The Other Side of the Table: Lessons From Creators 2011

In 2011, I organized a panel at New York Comic Con to discuss the life of comics creators and help others become creators by revealing convention tips. Astray Productions filmed the panel on Friday, October 14, 2011 and it is now available to watch on YouTube.

Creating your product is only half the work it takes to succeed in the comics industry. What about the other half that we don't see as clearly after the product is released to the world? This panel will explore what it is like to be on the other side of the table, as a creator. We will discuss what it takes to exhibit at conventions, promote yourself, and gain a loyal audience - from the POV of professionals already behind the table. Join creators Raina Telgemeier (Smile, The Baby-Sitters Club), David Gallaher (High Moon, Box 13) Reilly Brown (Amazing Spider-Man, Power Play) and Carolyn Belefski (Curls, The Legettes) in this conversation, moderated by Joe Carabeo.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSIYPkCHqU

If you prefer audio only, take a listen to this podcast: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/the-other-side-of-the-table-2/

You can also watch the 2010 edition of "The Other Side of the Table" at NYCC here: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-side-of-table-lessons-from.html

Recap: Asbury Park Comic Con 2

On September 29, 2012, Curls Studio journeyed north to Asbury Park, New Jersey for the lovely second edition of Asbury Park Comic Con. The first show was this past May (read that recap here), and with a bit over two months left in the year, it is safe to say that Asbury is the show that is fresh with attitude we enjoy. The attendees are eager to try new material, which is always a plus. Many of them were attending their first comic show.

If you haven't been to this event yet, you must make plans to attend the next one. First of all, it's in a kitschy throwback bowling alley, Asbury Lanes. I love the environment. The organizers may be expanding to the Asbury Park Convention Hall directly on the boardwalk for future shows. Hopefully this will allow for more exhibitors and more breathing room, but at the same time I will miss the bowling alley for old times sake. The convention hall space looks like it will be a lot of fun in it's own right.

I like to visit the town of Asbury Park because I see something new every time and artistic character is incorporated into the landscape. We also enjoyed hanging out with our pals Lauren Jaslow, Dre Grigoropol, Rafer Roberts, Reilly Brown, Dean Haspiel, Dave Ryan, and everyone else we met at the show. Big ups to Cliff Galbraith who runs the show. We really appreciate the fact that shows like this exist with people starting something fun for all.

The following day, we ate at Frank's Deli Restaurant for breakfast, walked around Asbury for a couple hours, then drove to Red Bank to visit Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, the comic book shop owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith. There is a lot of movie memorabilia inside from Clerks, Zack & Miri Make a Porno, and more. There is original art on the wall and we spotted some inks by Jimmy Palmiotti. The joint is vibrant and best described as well-decorated pop culture clutter. We saw the area where they record podcasts and AMC's Comic Book Men show. Toast even came with us and got to meet Buddy Christ from Dogma. Kevin Smith is a big influence to Joe and I and it was a worthwhile trip to make since we were in the area and have been wanting to visit for awhile. Take a listen to Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes talking about Curls Studio here.

You can check out more photos of Asbury Park Comic Con 2 on the Curls Studio Facebook page. Give us a "Like" and let's be friends.

New York Comic Con 2011 - Panel and Table B16

Curls Studio will be at New York Comic Con 2011 with a panel on the evening of Friday, October 14 and four full days at Artist Alley, Table B16!

We are BACK with a second year of the panel, "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators." This year I got creators that expand the spectrum of comics into the digital world. I am very excited to have Raina Telgemeier - she recently won an Eisner Award for Smile, David Gallaher - of the Eisner nominated High Moon, Reilly Brown - who recently worked on Amazing Spider-Man and now has a creator-owned comic called Power Play, and myself as panelists with Joe Carabeo as moderator.

Some of the panelists have gracefully offered to do giveaways of their books. We will be offering a copy of Smile, Box 13, Carnival Anthology, and possibly more to active audience participants.


In addition, Dave Sim sent me a copy of his book, Ultimate Cerebus Guide to Self-Publishing, which will be given away to one lucky audience member. Thank you to Dave Sim who even illustrated a custom title page for our panel.

Without further ado, here is more information about the panel. Please mark it on you calendars and join us!


The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators
Date: Friday, October 14
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: 1B03
Creating your product is only half the work it takes to succeed in the comics industry. What about the other half that we don't see as clearly after the product is released to the world? This panel will explore what it is like to be on the other side of the table, as a creator. We will discuss what it takes to exhibit at conventions, promote yourself, and gain a loyal audience - from the POV of professionals already behind the table. Join creators Raina Telgemeier (Smile, The Baby-Sitters Club), David Gallaher (High Moon, Box 13) Reilly Brown (Amazing Spider-Man, Power Play) and Carolyn Belefski (Curls, The Legettes) in this conversation, moderated by Joe Carabeo.


Join up at "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" Facebook page to get the conversation rolling: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Other-Side-of-the-Table/158861870794106

In addition to the panel, you can find Curls Studio ALL FOUR DAYS of the convention at Artist Alley, Table B16. See the map image above to locate us or use NYCC's Map Your Show to plan your weekend.

Professional Only Hours:
Thursday, October 13, 2011 -- Noon - 7:00 PM

Open to the Public:
Friday, October 14, 2011 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 15, 2011 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2011 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention, located at the Jacob K. Javits Center at 655 West 34th Street. We hope you can join us there!

Tickets for the New York Comic Con are available right here.

XOXO,
Carolyn