Introducing the NCS Activity Book! The history of this project is that at the Chapter Chairs Meeting in May 2019 at Huntington Beach, CA I presented the idea to have an Activity Book and the reaction was, "Well then why don't you produce it?" At that point it became a personal mission to gather the best cartoonists with children's focused content. Originally this was going to be a printed book that the NCS would have debuted at the children's hospital visit I was organizing for this year's Reubens Weekend in Kansas City, MO. Of course, like mostly everything in 2020, the event was canceled due to Covid-19. The plan was after the hospital event we'd have it available for schools, libraries, book signings, future children’s hospital visits, etc. Instead, NCS has now made it available as a PDF that anyone can download and print out (hopefully we will eventually have a printed version). We are suggesting a donation of any amount you choose for the book, all the proceeds of which will go to the National Cartoonist Society Foundation, the charitable arm of the NCS, to help fund future “Cartooning for Kids” event programming.
One of the cool things for me is working with Sergio Aragonés during several chats over the phone and him asking me to color the cover. I also got to design the masthead, communicate directly with over fifty contributors, and create a page featuring my Curls characters! Huge thanksto everyone involved and the cartoonists for donating their time and skills to come up with original page material.
The all-ages book is 50 pages of puzzles and activities, all of which are done “coloring book” style so kids can both do the activity and color the pages. Inside you’ll find art by some of the biggest names in cartooning. If you are in need of some stay-at-home summer fun, pledge what you can for a PDF download by visiting www.nationalcartoonists.com/product/ncs-activity-book.
If you are looking for other fun activities to do this summer, check out
Earlier this month I attended the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards weekend (May 17-19). This was my forth Reubens appearance -- and my first that included attending the board member meeting. I had previously been to Pittsburgh in 2013, Washington, DC in 2015, and last year's in Philadelphia (2018 recap here). The event is known as "the Oscars of Cartooning" and took place in Huntington Beach, CA this year.
Part of my duties serving on the Board of Directors for National Cartoonists Society includes gathering items for our goody bags at the Reuben Weekend and NCSFest. I worked with Evellyn and Chelsea at Passion Planner and they were able to donate planners for our bag. Thanks also to Sakura for the art supplies!
I arrived early on Wednesday, May 15 to attend to board duties and the first thing I did was visit the 90 Years of Popeye exhibit at the Huntington Beach Art Center. If you live nearby, hopefully you get a chance to see it within the next few days because it closes on June 2. Look for my "Spin-Itch" art up on the wall! I believe the art will be auctioned off after the exhibit, so stay 'tooned for that information if you'd like to own some cool original art.
After visiting the art center, I ate lunch at Wahoo's Fish Taco. I went back two days later to give them some Curls stickers, so now the Curls "Cartoonist Never Die" sticker is immortalized at Wahoo's Downtown Huntington Beach -- please take some pictures if you find it in the wild. The restaurant also gave me some cool Wahoo's stickers as an exchange.
Other early activities included going to the Children's Hospital of Orange County for the NCS "Cartooning For Kids" program on Thursday, May 16. I helped by arranging goody bags as well as sketching for the patients. The goody bags were stuffed with a sketchbook, crayons, and shirt. It is very gratifying to draw at the hospital and the children loved it. Thanks to Molly Stromoski for taking photos and to Rick Stromoski for organizing. Then later that evening we had a free two-hour live signing at the hotel with boatloads of amazing creators.
On Friday, May 17 I walked to the pier and had breakfast at Ruby's Diner, which is located at the end of the pier. I walked upstairs to check out Jan & Dean's Tiki Lounge after the meal. I attended some of the panels back at the hotel. There were four rooms with overlapping panels, so I dropped in and out of some to get the most out of it. I meet Floyd Norman, an animator who worked directly with Walt Disney. Check out "Floyd Norman: An Animated Life" documentary on Netflix if you want to learn more about him and his life. He was the first African-American animator at Disney and worked on classics like Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians, and The Sword in the Stone. That evening our dinner was provided at the hotel and they had excellent Popeye themed food complete with a spinach bar, hamburgers, and delicious waffle fries.
Saturday and Sunday was the launch of NCSFest comic arts festival. After the business meeting and chapter chair meetings, I got to set-up at a tent outside on Main Street, which was very close to the pier. It was nice to be outside and exhibit at my first west coast comics event. I often joke that I've sold comics at venues like a bowling alley, fire department, churches, outdoor marketplaces, nightclubs, etc. I've even sold them by the Atlantic Ocean (Asbury Park Convention Hall) and now I hove sold them by the Pacific Ocean (Huntington Beach)... so Curls Studio comics are COAST TO COAST! I think that's phenomenal for sure.
As part of the festivities, NCS created the opportunity to be a part of a group beach towel, which was for sale to the general public. I created Curls art for it and also used the art to create prints.
On Saturday I got to meet a creator who has inspired me since I discovered her Charm School comics in college. Elizabeth Watasin visited my booth and we chatted for quite a bit. I honestly don't know the next time I'll be back on the west coast, but we did talk about SDCC, as it is probably the best reason to be back -- although I think I'll only go if asked to be a guest in the future. It was a personal highlight of even making the journey out to California to see her as an extra bonus. I appreciate her taking the time to hang out with me at the booth -- everyone go check out her stuff!
Then Saturday was the Reuben Awards Banquet. I had a great time, despite people questioning me if I was a wife at the event. Sometimes this industry can be difficult to navigate as a woman, when people don't take you seriously as a cartoonist. I've had episodes of this even tabling at conventions where people think I'm the girlfriend or a booth babe, so it's nothing new. It just shows me that I have to work even harder and make better comics to let people know who I am and what I do.
Even after attending the black tie ceremony for the past three years, I somehow never had a red carpet photo, so I made effort to take one this year. This year's ceremony was very fun and the speeches were great. It was nice to see most of the winners in attendance instead of not being present. Those that were unable to make it had thank you videos and that was great to see instead of blank space when the winner is a no-show. Congratulations to Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), winner of the 2018 Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year.
On Sunday morning I gave a Pechakucha presentation. It was my first time speaking in the format of 20 slides timed at 20 seconds each and I was a little sporadic and excited. My topic was "First Aid for Cartoonists" and I think it went over well because I had a many folks come up to me later and discussions arose from the topic. Overall, we need to take better basic care of ourselves, mostly from sitting all day. After my presentation, I went back to Main Street for the second day of NCSFest. It had rained in the morning and the crowd was lighter than Saturday. The after party was BBQ at Old Crow Smokehouse.
On Monday I had some time in Huntington Beach because my flight was later in the day, so I did a beach walk to feel the sand in my toes and ate lunch at Bear Flag Fish Co.
Although it was my biggest journey and investment to attend to in the name of comics and my career at this moment, I had a great time and hung out with talented people at both NCSFest and Reubens Weekend. I made effort to meet as many new faces as I could and that was a success to me. Having the opportunity to sell comics to the public was helpful to cut the cost of flight and hotel and it was a refreshing environment to be in outside of the typical convention space. Thank you Bill Morrison, Steve McGarry, the board, and everyone who is a participant in National Cartoonists Society for hosting wonderful programming during this year's events.
You can see more photos on my Instagram (@CarolynBelefski). I also plan on doing a day where I show my adventures via the Instagram story feature, so follow along and hopefully you will catch it because the stories only stay up for 24 hours. Hope to see you on the 'gram!
Last month I attended the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards weekend (May 25-27). This was my third Reubens appearance -- and my first as a national board member. I had previously been to Pittsburgh (2013 recap here) and Washington, DC (2015 recap here). The event is known as "the Oscars of Cartooning."
On Friday I had the honor of drawing for patients and their families at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the NCS "Cartooning For Kids" program. National Cartoonists Society Foundation also arranged several goody bags stuffed with sketchbooks, coloring books, comics, and more. We've done a few hospital appearances in the DC area too. It is very gratifying to draw at the hospital and the children loved it. Thanks to Molly Stromoski for taking photos and to Rick Stromoski for organizing. Rick said the administrators of the hospital said it was their most successful event they've ever had.
Back at the host hotel there were several panels spread on all three days and I attended all of them: Exaggerating Caricature, The Family Circus Tree, John Hambrock: Walking the Tightrope, Spotlight on Will Henry's Wallace the Brave, From Comics to Animated Series and Beyond, Women Pioneers of Cartoon Art, The Golden Age of Cartooning in Connecticut, Reinventing Rube Goldberg, Salute to MAD Magazine
The Women Pioneers of Cartoon Art panel featured Cathy Guisewite, Lynn Johnston, Barbara Dale, Sandra Bell-Lundy, and Jan Eliot -- moderated by Ann Telnaes. After the panel, all the female cartoonists in attendance gathered together to take a photo. Thanks to Amy Sancetta (retired Associated Press staff photographer) for the photo. I also enjoy the back photo showing great camaraderie.
At the Reuben Awards Banquet I had a good time with Francis, Kristen, Ali, and the gang. I should have taken photos, but I didn't take any after the awards show. Thanks to Francis for visual proof that we were there. It felt nice to be around other cartoonists and meet several new ones.
On Sunday, we had a public signing at Philadelphia Free Library called Cartoonapalooza! Flip through the gallery of images on my Instagram post above. If you aren't following me on Instagram yet, I'm @CarolynBelefski (same handle on Twitter as well).
I didn't have much time to explore the city, but I did see Love Park, many statues, and the outside of the Masonic Temple. Food wise, I enjoyed a pretzel, an alligator sausage breakfast po' boy sandwich, and cinnamon ice cream at Reading Terminal Market.
Here is Toast (from the Curls comic strip) spreading jelly joy in the city of brotherly love.
We closed out the weekend with a "Philadelphia Freedom" Farewell Party that included a quiz about cartoons and a make-your-own cheesesteak station (there were also vegetarian options). Hummm, now I wish I had that second helping of cheesesteak!
Huge thanks to NCS for inviting me in be a part of their cartooning family. Thanks to the board and Bill Morrison for leadership and their devotion to cartoons, illustration, and storytelling.
I found out today that I'm being considered for an "Advertising / Product Illustration" Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society. The voting process is internal for current members of the NCS, so here is a shot of the password protected website. It is a honor to be considered among other talented illustrators.
It's best in these situations not to get my hopes up because I have additional skills to achieve in my career before true celebration. I wish everyone who is nominated the best of luck! Thanks to NCS.
This past weekend I attended my first National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards Weekend, held in Pittsburgh, PA at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Since February I've been co-chair of the Washington, DC chapter of NCS and I've been a member for over a year. Going in I knew this event as "The Oscars of Cartooning" and it certainly lived up to the hype.
Arriving mid-day Friday, the first stop I made was to Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks, PA (as it is my mission to visit as many pierogie places as possible). I ordered a kielbasa sandwich, breakfast pierogies, and haluski (noodles and cabbage). After eating, I drove to the hotel and got situated with my wonderful roommate and chair of the DC chapter, Teresa Roberts Logan. There were panels to attend and lots of new people to meet. That evening the Toonseum hosted us to view the gallery opening featuring every Reuben Award winner for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year! In addition, the mayor of Pittsburgh declared that day "Cartoonist Day."
There was a reception across the street at the August Wilson Center and then karaoke afterwards and a nearby club. The reception had pierogies and amazing table centerpieces with newspaper comics folded into flowers. It was really well-done. We did not stay into the night for the karaoke and went back in the hotel to hang out in the Speakeasy, a chill lounge tucked beneath the hotel lobby. I admired the wallpaper for the velvet texture.
One of the reasons I enjoyed attending the event was that cartooning is a very solitary profession and it was excellent to hang out with people who understand the life of creating and are super talented. Also a large majority of the people in NCS have been working for decades. They have seen the industry change several times with the rise of TV and now, the internet.
Saturday was the big day of the Reuben Awards, but before that we all attended panels and got to know each other more. There were also inspiring presentations by Mo Willems, Drew Friedman, and Brad Anderson.
Finally the moment arrived to get ready for the awards show (above is a photo of Amy Lago, Barbara Dale, myself, and Teresa). At first I didn't want to put too much emphasis on fashion, but a few days before I caved in and purchased a dress. Take my word for it, it was an affordable gold A-line style dress with mint accents. I also had a left-over can of spray glitter and Teresa was a good sport about trying some too. It came out pretty well as a nice shimmer. The evening was magical and fancy. We got to witness the second tie for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year - both Brian Crane and Rick Kirkman won. Congrats to all the winners and nominees!
Sunday was the first Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival and I signed in the morning. A lot of local comics enthusiasts arrived excited for the event. I did free sketches and the Toonseum supplied a donation jar, which many people contributed to for their fund for at-risk youth. I enjoyed meeting all the people there (above is a photo of Bill Janocha and I).
I also ran into Marcel Lamont Walker on the street at the festival. We had met before at Pittsburgh comics conventions we both exhibited at.
A highlight of the weekend was attending the women panel featuring Cathy Guisewite, Lynn Johnston, Terri Libenson, Hilary Price, and Jen Sorensen. What an amazing group of women with great stories to tell. I also liked the format in which Hilary Price moderated the panel because during the introduction of each panelist, they steped up to a projector and did live drawing. As an audience member it was special to see that - the pen strokes and decisions they made on the spot really helped literally paint a picture of their creations.
Afterwards a group of us had a late lunch at Primanti Brothers, the sandwich place that is known for putting fries in the sandwich. I had the closest thing to a Reuben, which was their Pastrami and Cheese.
The weekend concluded with a Roaring 20's farewell party. Excellent food was served and a live band played the hits. I left as the sun began to set and took the 4-hour drive home. It was a great weekend and everyone was friendly and supportive. I thank the NCS for allowing me to be a part of their cartooning family. I also wish to thank all the people who helped plan the event and the time and energy Tom and Anna Richmond devote to NCS. Also thank you to Chris Sparks who continues to push Team Cul de Sac to greater levels.
Many more photos are up on the Curls Studio Facebook page. Check them out here and give us a "Like."
I will be in Pittsburgh this weekend and participating in the Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival from 11AM to Noon at August Wilson Center on Sunday, May 26, 2013. Hundreds of cartoonists will be in town for the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards. Below is a taste of what to expect. Hope to meet you there!
The First Annual Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival
Sunday, May 26, 2013
10:00 AM-5:00 PM (street festival begins at Noon) Liberty Avenue between 9th & 10th
The ToonSeum will host the first ever exhibition of Reuben Award winners featuring a who’s who of comics and cartooning spanning over 60 years and rarely seen original art. At the August Wilson Center there will be original art from the classic animated series Fat Albert on display in their gallery. Admission to the street festival is free. $5 admission gets access to exhibitions at the ToonSeum and artists signing booths.
10:00 AM-11:00 AM at ToonSeum
Jan Eliot - Stone Soup
Patrick McDonnell - Mutts
Brian Walker - Hi & Lois
11:00 AM- Noon at August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA)
Brian Crane - Pickles
Greg Evans - Luann
Rob Rogers - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
John Rose - Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
John Stevens - Caricatoonist
Carolyn Belefski - Curls
Noon-1:00 PM at August Wilson Center
Paul Fell - Paul Fell Cartoons
Jeff Keane - Family Circus
Bunny Hoest - The Lockhorns, Laugh Parade, Howard Huge
Bill Morrison - Simpsons Comics
Laurie Triefeldt - World of Wonder
Sandra Bell-Lundy - Between Friends
1:00 PM-2:00 PM at August Wilson Center
Mark Tatulli - Lio
Jerry Van Amerongen - Ballad Street
Greg Walker - Beetle Bailey
Tom Richmond - Mad Magazine
1:15 PM-2:15 PM at Bricolage Women in Cartooning Panel
* TIX EVENT
Cathy Guisewite - Cathy
Lynn Johnston - For Better or Worse
Terri Libenson - The Pajama Diaries
Hilary Price - Rhymes with Orange
Jen Sorensen - Slowpoke
2:00 PM-3:00 PM at August Wilson Center
Jason Chatfield - Ginger Meggs
Barbara Dale - Dale Cards
Jeff Knurek - Jumble "That Scrambled Word Game"
Mo Willems - Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
3:00 PM-4:00 PM at August Wilson Center
Daryll Collins - Scholastic, Highlights and Boys Life
Paul Combs - Drawn by Fire
John Hambrock - The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee- King Features
March 22 • CulpeperCon (Keynote Speaker)
April 4-6 • Awesome Con
May 18 • Comic Logic Spring Lot Con
June 28-29 • Tidewater Comicon
August 23-24 • Fairfax Comic Con
September 13-14 • Small Press Expo
October 9-12 • New York Comic Con
October 17-19 • Baltimore Comic-Con
October 26 • Comic Logic Fall Lot Con
November 15 • Local Author Book Festival
Donate to Curls Studio
If you enjoy Curls Studio products, please donate to keep us motivated and in action! We travel locally in DC, MD, and VA... but also need your support to pay for printing costs and travel expenses for events like New York Comic Con. Your help is needed and appreciated. You never know what could come your way if you donate to Curls Studio.
Carolyn Belefski creates and publishes original comics and illustrations. Carolyn writes and draws the comic strip Curls. She also collaborates with writer Joe Carabeo on the comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes.
In 2010, Curls was nominated for the Friends of Lulu Kim Yale Award to recognize women in cartooning. In 2013 and 2014 Carolyn was voted Best Visual Artist runner-up for Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. awards.
Carolyn became a National Cartoonists Society member in 2012, and is currently serving as a Washington, DC chapter Co-chair. With NCS, she started “Cartoonists Draw Blood” in Washington, DC by connecting with the American Red Cross, gathering local cartoonists, and organizing a blood drive where blood donors receive a sketch from a cartoonist.
Carolyn serves as editor-in-chief of Magic Bullet, Washington, DC’s comics newspaper anthology.
Carolyn has exhibited at New York Comic Con, Baltimore Comic-Con, Awesome Con, Small Press Expo, Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival, Philly Alternative Comic Con, and many other comic conventions and art fairs.
CONTACT
info(at)curls-studio.com
