Visit to Cul de Sac manhole cover

If you're a fan of Richard Thompson's comic strip Cul de Sac, you can physically visit the inspiration for part of the strip in Virginia. That's exactly what I did last fall to show some appreciation to this manhole cover and do some dances and jumps, just like Alice. Richard watched his young daughter dance on the manhole cover one day and it inspired him to draw it in his strip! 

Pay your homage at 2511 North Harrison Street in Arlington (across from Duck Donuts). 

Baltimore Comic-Con is September 25-27, 2015

Baltimore Comic-Con 2015
Visit Curls Studio at Table 3011 in Kids Love Comics 

Friday, September 25 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 26 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 27 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Stop by to see Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con. We will be located in the Kids Love Comics pavilion at Table 3011. Click on the map image above (with Curls) to see a large map of where to find us. We will have the new Curls book collection available for purchase. I will be doing sketch commissions and we'll have some other surprises up our sleeves!

On Friday evening there is a Drink & Draw from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. I won't be able to make it, but you can bid on the three coasters I've already drawn in the image above. All proceeds go to Parkinson's research in honor of Team Cul de Sac.

On Saturday at 1:00 PM I'll be leading a live demo "Create Your Own Superhero Symbol" merging design skills with comics to make personal visual branding.

Here are some "Curls Studio Visits..." Convention Films, produced by Astray Productions, to get you in the mood!

2008 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFyPIiWnZFA


2007 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDUL8zNv5FQ


There are great guests appearing this year including: Neal Adams, Brooke A. Allen, Jeremy Bastian, Marty Baumann, Dave Bullock, Cliff Chiang, Frank Cho, Amy Chu, Steve Conley, Amanda Conner, Katie Cook, Darwyn Cooke, Jules Feiffer, John Gallagher, Bryan J.L. Glass, Dean Haspiel, Jamal Igle, Mark Mariano, Carla Speed McNeil, Terry Moore, Jimmy Palmiotti, Andrew Pepoy, David Petersen, Andy Runton, Mark Wheatley, Thom Zahler, and many more!

We hope to see you in a few days at Baltimore Comic-Con!

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

Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2014

This past weekend Curls Studio exhibited at Baltimore Comic-Con. This year the show expanded to three days. I was unable to attend Friday, but Joe was able to set up and bring Karen Michele, a model and SFX makeup artist he works with. Later on Friday evening, Joe and Karen checked up the Drink and Draw at Hooters, organized by Joe Sutliff. I had a sketch in the suction and the proceed go to Team Cul de Sac and the Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise money for Parkinson's research. 

In addition to the third day, the space also switched to a larger part of the Baltimore Convention Center. I thought it looks more updated and the lighting was much more crisp and bright. We always have a great time at Baltimore Comic-Con. For some reason this is a show I always reunite with a lot of former co-workers at as I've seen people from my past three professional jobs there. I even got to teach my co-worker's new baby to create his first high five!

I enjoyed signing these autograph cards a fan made. They got really creative with the clipping path! 

We were interviewed for the podcast Comix Gab, which you can listen to here: http://www.comixgab.com/post/97008787721/comix-gab-episode-13-the-team-goes-down-to

Oh yeah, and I made a Vine! 

Quite a few people picked up the exclusive Adventure Time cover I did for issue #29, which came out a couple months ago.

Many people also picked up Magic Bullet #9, a comic anthology composed of mostly Washington, DC creator. This issue's theme is western and I enjoyed editing it. Here is a photo of Nick Galifianakis and I. Nick created this wonderful cover art for us.

Our hope is to exhibit again at Baltimore next year (save the date for September 25-27, 2015), but in the meantime you can see us this Saturday at Small Press Expo in Bethesda, MD at Table H10.

Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2013

Being as it's the very last day of 2013, I should recap the fall touring season for Curls Studio. Excuses aside, it has been very busy for the past five months. Can't believe Baltimore Comic-Con was September 7-8, 2013 and we are just starting to recap it! 

On Saturday, I was invited to join Amy Chu's panel, "Self Publishing: You Can Do It" featuring Jimmy Palmiotti, Danielle Corsetto, George O'Connor, Dean Haspiel, and myself. The audio is here, if you'd like to take a listen: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/baltimore-comic-con-self-publishing-panel/

I got to attend my first Harvey Awards, which is a nice dinner and awards show hosted on Saturday night. The winner for "Best Online Comics Work" was Mike Norton's Battlepug. Since he was not present, Baltimore Comic-Con asked me to accept the award on his behalf, but I didn't know who was going to win until the announcement was made to everyone. The lights were very blinding on stage, but my big joke was that I didn't fall down when stepping up to the stage, so that's winning half the battle!

On Sunday, I took part in the "Team Cul de Sac" panel with Chris Sparks, Joe Sutliff, Dawn Griffin, and Barbara Dale. Here is the link to audio from the panel: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/zarvox-presents-the-team-cul-de-sac-bcc13-panel

We were able to recruit a few people to walk with us for the Parkinson's walk in DC because of the awareness from this panel. Here is the blog recap for the walk: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2013/11/recap-team-cul-de-sac-at-moving-day-2013.html

It was the greatest feeling to see several people at the show - even co-workers from the past couple full-time jobs I've held. Curls Studio really appreciates the support and enjoys seeing people come to the table year after year.

More photos from Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 are located here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152089889767381.1073741839.50763422380&type=3

Hope to see you next year! Mark your calendars for a three-day show next year. It's September 5-7, 2014!

Recap: Team Cul de Sac at Moving Day 2013

On Sunday, November 10, 2013 several members of Team Cul de Sac joined up to walk for Moving Day in Washington, DC. We walked for Richard Thompson, the cartoonist of the comic strip, Cul de Sac. Richard was honored with the 2010 Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year from National Cartoonists Society. 

The day was a delight. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with the team and it was nice to have the Nationals ballpark all to ourselves! We got to meet the Teddy and George President characters too. Our team united visually as a gang by wearing black with turquoise bandanas. The walking team included Steve Artley, Kathy Artley, Joe Carabeo, Carolyn Belefski, David Hagen, Olivia Hagen, Hannah Schum, Roger Scott, and Joe Sutliff.

Steve Artley is the member of our team who raised the most funds, so he was invited to join Jared D. Cohen (CEO for Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area) in the Nationals dugout before the walk.

More than 1,500 people attended Moving Day DC. The event raised more than $325,000 to support programs and services provided by PFNCA. The program also supports the National Parkinson Foundation. 

At this moment our team has raised $1,610 and is ranked #31 out of the top 100 teams listed.

You can view more of our photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151980827217381.1073741836.50763422380&type=3

You can also donate for one more month to Team Cul de Sac: http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?team_id=10070&pg=team&fr_id=1430

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for taking the photos. A special thank you to all who donated!

Baltimore Comic-Con is September 7-8, 2013

Baltimore Comic-Con 2013
Visit Curls Studio at Table A99 in Artist Alley
Saturday, September 8 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 9 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(SHARP STREET ENTRANCE)

Stop by to see Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con. We will be located in Artist Alley at Table A99. Click on the map image above (with Curls) to see a large map of where to find us and click here to buy your tickets in advance. I will be doing sketch commissions and we'll have some new prints and other surprises up our sleeves!

Here are some "Curls Studio Visits..." Convention Films, produced by Astray Productions, to get you in the mood!

2008 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFyPIiWnZFA


2007 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDUL8zNv5FQ


In addition to having a table at Baltimore Comic-Con, two books I am a part of are nominated for Harvey Awards. The Harvey Awards, named after Harvey Kurtzman, are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. The Harvey Awards are presented annually at Baltimore Comic-Con to creators and publications that receive the most votes from their peers in the comics industry.

District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC is nominated for:
• Best Anthology

Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's is nominated for:
• Best Anthology
• Special Award for Humor in Comics
• Special Award for Excellence in Presentation
• Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Presentation

Cross your fingers! I hope to see you soon at Baltimore Comic-Con!

UPDATE (September 2, 2013)

I am invited to be on two panels at Baltimore Comic-Con.

Saturday, September 8 -- Room 305 -- 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Self Publishing: You Can Do It
Featuring: Amy Chu, Jimmy Palmiotti, Danielle Corsetto, George O'Connor, Carolyn Belefski

Sunday, September 9 -- Room 301 -- 11:00 AM to Noon
Team Cul de Sac
When Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his friend Chris Sparks began a fundraising effort to honor his friend. With Richard’s support, he asked others to donate artwork featuring the Cul de Sac characters for a Team Cul de Sac book with proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. The resulting book was nominated for four Harvey Awards. How did it do? Come to the panel and Chris Sparks and Mike Rhode will let you know! The fundraising continues as Joe Sutliff talks about the Drink and Draw event from this past Friday and Carolyn Belefski talks about the upcoming Moving Day Parkinson’s walk. Any other contributors are welcome to join in on stage. Plus, there will be fun things for sale!

Harvey Award Nominations 2013

Two books my work is published in were announced earlier today as nominees for Harvey Awards in the same category (Best Anthology). I have work in Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's and District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC.

Team Cul de Sac is also nominated in the categories of Special Award for Humor in Comics, Special Award for Excellence in Presentation, and Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Presentation. Way to go, Team!

The Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art and will be presented at this year's Baltimore Comic-Con on September 7, 2013. Curls Studio will also be exhibiting at the show in Artist Alley.

View all the nominees here: http://www.harveyawards.org/2013-final-ballot/

If you'd like to be a part of the Team Cul de Sac Moving Day Walk on November 10, 2013 in Washington, DC, you can sign up here: http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?team_id=10070&pg=team&fr_id=1430

Registration is now open for Moving Day (NOV 10)

Registration is now OPEN to join TEAM CUL DE SAC for Moving Day on Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 11:30AM at Nationals Park in Washington, DC.

Please encourage your friends to sign up to walk and/or contribute a donation. It is a free cost to join the team to walk -- the walk is 2 miles. All donations benefit the National Parkinson Foundation.

Here is our team link: http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?team_id=10070&pg=team&fr_id=1430

Thanks to Richard Thompson and Chris Sparks for starting up the team for the book -- now the mission and outreach will carry on in other outlets. Please email me at info@curls-studio.com if you have any questions regarding the walk. I hope to see you this November.

For more info about Team Cul de Sac, please visit http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com or read all my previous posts here.

"Team Cul de Sac - Parkinson's Walk" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Cul-de-Sac-Parkinsons-Walk/470349846375079

Recap: National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards Weekend 2013

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."

Team Cul de Sac - Eisner Award Nomination

Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's (edited by Chris Sparks, published by Andrews McMeel) is nominated for "Best Comics-Related Book" in the 2013 Eisner Awards.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards is considered the "Oscars" of comics and are given out at a gala ceremony at San Diego Comic-Con. This year the awards are celebrating their 25th year.

It was great to be a part of this book with my contribution, 'Cul de Sac Meets Curls.' Thanks to Chris Sparks and Richard Thompson. To learn more about this project, you can read my past blogs about it here.

If you are a comics professional, you can cast your vote here: http://www.eisnervote.com

I am also planning a 'Team Cul de Sac' team to walk for Moving Day on November 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. Registration is not open yet, but if you want to participate or donate, please email 'info[at]curls-studio.com' to be added to our interest list.

Anthology Books of 2012

Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's and District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC were two anthologies I was glad to be a part of this year. I've already started to reminisce about 2012, even though we still have a little over one month left. The great thing about both of these projects is that they are a team effort.

Team Cul de Sac, lead by Chris Sparks, is a cartoon community dedicated to honoring Richard Thompson's comic strip, Cul de Sac. Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which led to him retire the strip this year. You can follow his blog with current updates on his brain stimulation surgery here. Being a part of this project, I was able to attend two book signing events, one of which was at One More Page in Arlington, VA and the other at Politics and Prose in DC. I was also able to take part in the panel at Baltimore Comic-Con. All the original art was auctioned off and so far the project has raised $100,951.42 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Here is a photo of the Obama family visiting the site of the first Team Cul de Sac book signing, One More Page. The Team Cul de Sac book is on the counter display. The Team Cul de Sac book was also recently included in Tom Spurgeon's The Comics Reporter 2012 Holiday Shopping Guide.

Here are some of my event recaps and other links related to Team Cul de Sac: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/search/label/Team%20Cul%20de%20Sac

If you are interested in purchasing Team Cul de Sac you can order directly from this link. We all wish Richard luck and look forward to any future creative projects he'll be a part of.


District Comics is another project I was able to contribute to this year. District Comics contains many stories about Washington, DC that you would not normally read about in a traditional history book. Matt Dembicki is the editor and he really got a great group of mostly local creators to structure something that had never been done before. We were able to attend book signings at One More Page in Arlington, VA and Locust Moon Comics and Movies in Philadelphia, PA.

I worked with Joe Carabeo on the 11-page "Spytini" story about Elizabeth Bentley "The Red Spy Queen" and her activities in Georgetown, primarily at the restaurant Martin's Tavern. To prepare for the book, Joe and I ate at the restaurant and did research on the visuals there and I took reference photos. I used a different art approach and a lot of people have remarked that it is a more mature style.

The Washington Post recently ranked District Comics as a Top 10 Graphic/Comics Reads of 2012. It makes for a great gift this holiday season and an honor to be recognized alongside with books like Drama by Raina Telegemeier, Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis, and Drawn Together by Aline and R. Crumb. District Comics was also recognized by winning a 2012 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA.

Here is a whole rundown of the press District Comics has stirred up this year:
Washington City Paper (cover story during the week of SPX)
Huffington Post
Comic Book Resources
Kirkus Book Reviews
Scripps Howards Foundation Wire
DCist
Panel Patter
Comic Related

Here are some previous blogs I wrote about District Comics: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/search/label/District%20Comics

Recap: New York Comic Con 2012

This year New York Comic Con took place October 11-14, 2012. Curls Studio drove up on Thursday morning to be set-up and ready for the crowds at the Javits Center. The Thursday morning is my favorite time during NYCC, because once we arrange our table, we go to the main floor to witness the huge displays being put up for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Lego, and more. At this time, no one is around and we can use of exhibitor passes to get in and experience the set-up process and not be engulfed by crowds. By being behind-the-scenes you can observe a lot and by having this access it also helps to see where everything is and have a game plan with what you want to visit during this calm-before-the-storm.

We were lucky to have Brian Sarvis with us for all four days of the convention because whenever we stepped away, he could handle the table. Lauren Jaslow also helped on Friday and it was her first NYCC experience.

Our table was W13 in Artist Alley. Leading up to the start of the convention, all I could hear were mumblings of other creators who were skeptical of the placement of Artist Alley. The location had moved away from the main floor, where it had been in previous years, and was now located in Javits North (if you were at NYCC in 2011, this was the area where the celebrity wing was). To get there, you have to walk a ramp going away from the main floor. Exhibitors were concerned traffic would not come because of this further location and thinking that Artist Alley would be away from the action. At this time, I had already accepted the fact that Artist Alley had moved and all I could hope for is that people would know where to find us and that NYCC had proper signage to guide attendees. I had already written a blog that included maps clearly marked, so I tried my best to prepare the Curls Studio fan base beforehand.

In my opinion, there was no problem with the Artist Alley placement in the North Pavilion. First of all, this was the largest Artist Alley in history. More space leads to more exhibitors and more breathing room to take it all in. Also in previous years, Artist Alley had been placed near loud video game competitions. We were competing with all this noise and action going around us. We had to step away from our table to do a couple of interviews last year due to poor sound quality. This year, I felt like we could talk to the attendees and not feel rushed. We could actually focus and have conversations about what we do and not have to sacrifice communication for being next to noise and other distractions. Artist Alley was it's own large room and we had it to ourselves. Also attendees who enjoy Artist Alley would not miss us - they still knew where to find us - and I felt even attendees who were not familiar with comic conventions still discovered the Artist Alley section as a break from the more hectic main hall. As you can see in the first photo above, the crowds did come to Artist Alley!

I was at the table most of the time. The only other thing I did at NYCC that strayed far from the table was to see WWE Wrestling Superstar Dolph Ziggler for an autograph signing at the Mattel booth. This only took 30 minutes of my time, as I got a ticket to go early Saturday morning and later got in line at the scheduled time later in the day to meet him. I brought Toast with me to take a photo with him. We love his hair because it looks like spaghetti. From this one short experience of leaving the table, I realized how massive NYCC is on a Saturday. If you did not have a destination in mind of where to go, you could easily get lost in the shuffle.

I also saw the Team Cul de Sac book at the GoComics booth, which was exciting to be a part of that and see it come to life.

On Saturday night we ate at Krolewski Jadio for Polish cuisine in Brooklyn. The building entrance is guarded with two men in armor and the place was dressed up for Halloween. We ordered the Polish Plate, pierogies, and more. The food tasted great and I highly recommend it.

Back at NYCC on Sunday, I got to meet Juanjo Guarnido, the artist of Blacksad, one of my favorite graphic novels. I did not know he was going to be there, but luckily I was chatting with Rafer Roberts about Blacksad and he told me the artist was there. I got Juanjo Guarnido to sign my sketchbook and he drew a small head of Blacksad for me. It was certainly a highlight to meet him. I also briefly took a break to see Elmo at the Variant Stage for Kids Day.

At the table, I got to meet  a lot of new people who were just discovering Curls Studio for the first time, by means of just walking around and exploring the scene. Also a few folks dropped by from previous years. It's pretty amazing how they were able to find the Curls Studio table again! We also were at the table when a handful of classmates we knew from VCU stopped by. It seemed like everyone was at NYCC! Here is a video from pugglesformuggles about her NYCC experience. Here is a video interview from glcorps2002 where I talk about the books that Curls Studio creates.

A lot of people expressed interest in Kid Roxy this year, which was exciting to see. We hope to have a new Kid Roxy book out in 2013.

I was also impressed with the quality of cosplay and the costumes this year. It seems like everyone overall stepped up their game. Also apparently female Loki is very popular.

On Sunday night after we fully packed and the convention was over, we ate dinner at La Taverna in Brooklyn. This restaurant served delicious Italian food and I had the grilled salmon. We got some rest to prepare us for our Monday as a "free" day in New York, since we were in town. We looked for the set of HBO's Boardwalk Empire, which we knew was in Brooklyn, and turned out it was very close by LaTaverna, where we had been the night before. The set was closed off and they were not filming, but we were able to see the top of some of the boardwalk buildings and small glimpses of the boardwalk wood. One of the billboards were tossed aside for "Adam's Black Jack Gum" and I took a photo with that.

We then went to the new location of Forbidden Planet comic book store, which is next to the Strand bookstore. We went to Little Italy and ate at Sal's for brick oven pizza and then headed home.

Thanks to my pal, Nadia, for letting us stay at her place. Also big thanks to Mike Negin who did an awesome job of coordinating Artist Alley. Thank to everyone we met and we hope to be back in 2013 for NYCC.

Looks for more photos on the Curls Studio Facebook page and give us a "Like" too! Also check in with AstrayJ on Instrgram. He took a lot of photos documenting Curls Studio's experiences at NYCC.

Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2012

On August 8 and 9, 2012 Curls Studio experienced another successful Baltimore Comic-Con. The weekend was filled with fun and the opportunity to meet new and old friends at the convention.

One highlight was signing "Topps" creator cards created by a fan. Above is a Instagram image Joe took of a card. There was also another card of me with our winning image from National Doughnut Day.

On Saturday night a bunch of us got together at Pratt Street Ale House and worked on a jam piece sketch. It was great to connect with other cartoonists.

We did interviews with Fantastic Forum and Drew "Iron Man" Crowder. I got to participate on the "Team Cul de Sac" panel with many other wonderful contributors to the book and editor, Chris Sparks. You can listen to the audio here: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/team-cul-de-sac-panel-at-baltimore-comic-con-12/

The only item I purchased was the con-exclusive "2012 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook," made to celebrate 15 years of Liberty Meadows with several different artists takes on Frank Cho's characters. I wish I had known or been asked to contribute because Liberty Meadows is certainly an early influence on my work. I first met Frank Cho at an appearance he did with Playboy Playmate Tiffany Taylor at a comic shop in Georgetown while I was in my college years. My comic, Curls, was even likened to Liberty Meadows by a reviewer at Starburst Magazine. Congrats to Frank Cho for all those years of fun!

You can view more photos on the Curls Studio Facebook page - and be sure to "Like" us while you're at it: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151146769547381.467502.50763422380&type=1

We look forward to exhibiting next year. I already reserved a table, so we hope to see you there for sure. Mark your calendar for September 7 and 8, 2013.

Audio - Team Cul de Sac Panel at Baltimore Comic-Con 2012

For episode 191 of The Carolyn & Joe Show podcast, we broadcasted recorded audio from the Team Cul de Sac Panel at Baltimore Comic-Con 2012.

When Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his friend Chris Sparks began a fundraising effort. With Richard's support, he asked others to donate artwork featuring the Cul de Sac characters for a Team Cul de Sac book with proceeds going to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research.

Group photo by Bruce Guthrie: Carolyn Belefski, Dawn Griffin, Roger Langridge, Matt Dembicki, Donna Lewis, Shannon "SL" Gallant (in front with black shirt), Mike Rhode, Chris Sparks, Steve Conley, Joe Sutliff.

Take a listen: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/team-cul-de-sac-panel-at-baltimore-comic-con-12/

Team Cul de Sac panel Saturday at Baltimore Comic-Con

Hello everyone! I know this is last minute, but I was recently asked to join the Team Cul de Sac panel this Saturday at Baltimore Comic-Con. Hope to see you there. We will be available to sign your Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's books too. Aside for the panel, I will be located at Table A81 in Artist Alley the rest of the weekend. Here is more information and a map so you can find Curls Studio: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2012/08/baltimore-comic-con-is-september-8-9.html

Baltimore Comic-Con
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Room 302-303
11:00-12:00 - Team Cul de Sac
When Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his friend Chris Sparks began a fundraising effort to honor his friend. With Richard's support, he asked others to donate artwork featuring the Cul de Sac characters for a Team Cul de Sac book with proceeds going to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research. Now, join Chris Sparks and other members of Team Cul de Sac including Steve Conley, Matt Dembicki, SL Gallant, Roger Langridge, Dawn Griffin, Carolyn Belefski, and others as they discuss the project and their continuing efforts to raise funds in Richard's name.

Recap: Team Cul de Sac Book Signing at Politics & Prose

On July 11, 2012, I attended the second book signing for Team Cul de Sac at Politics & Prose in Washington, DC (read more about the first signing and launch party here).

If you don't know about Team Cul de Sac, you can read more about the project in their blog here, but it is a group of cartoonists lead by project organizer, Chris Sparks, who created some cartoons and illustrations to honor Richard Thompson and his comic strip, Cul de Sac. Richard is a great cartoonist... so great even that he won the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year" in 2010! Unfortunately, he has also been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

All of the original art for the Team Cul de Sac book was auctioned off earlier this year thru Heritage Auctions. You can still purchase the lovely Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s book thru Sparking Design or Amazon to help the cause because the team is connected to the Michael J. Fox Foundation and some of the proceeds go toward Parkinson's research.


The second signing included a presentation by Chris Sparks and speech by Nick Galifianakis. I was happy Richard was also there in attendance. We signed books for almost two hours and really enjoyed meeting everyone who came to support. Thanks to Barbara Sutliff for the photo of the contributors sign and Steve and Kathy Artley for the photo of the team signing books.

If we do any more events, I'll be sure to let you know about them. For now, enjoy this photo gallery from this event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151047817727381.451263.50763422380&type=1

Team Cul de Sac - Book Signing on July 11

I will be at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW in Washington, DC) this Wednesday, July 11 at 7PM for the Team Cul de Sac book signing and presentation by editor Chris Sparks. There will be many other local creators and contributors to the book in attendance.

Richard Thompson, the Cul de Sac cartoonist, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009 and began working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise awareness of this illness. Chris Sparks organized Team Cul de Sac, which has solicited work from various graphic artists including Bill Watterson and Gary Trudeau, the proceeds of which have benefitted Team Fox, the Foundation’s fundraising arm.

Last month was the book launch and all the books sold out within the first hour of signing. You can read my recap and view photos of that event here. Be sure to get there early to purchase your book and have it signed.

RSVP to the event and share with your friends on Facebook here.

For more information about the Team Cul de Sac project, visit their website: http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com

See you this Wednesday,
Carolyn

Dollar Bin Friends Assembled Volume 5: Showcase

If you'll be at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC this weekend, be on the look-out for The Dollar Bin and their 5th annual Friends Assembled anthology. This year's theme is "Showcase" and required a pin-up style contribution. Joe Carabeo delivered the scenario for this Kid Roxy art in Friends Assembled, so be sure to pick a copy up while you are there.

The Dollar Bin will also be covering many of the panels and interviewing people all over the convention hall. Another thing to check out while you're there is Team Cul de Sac and Chris Sparks representing at Heroes Con. Many other great people such as Bryan JL Glass, Thom Zahler, and Rafer Roberts will be at the event as well. If you'll be exhibiting at Heroes Con this weekend, feel free to add your name and booth info in the comments!

I hope everyone has a good time. Even though Curls Studio isn't physically present, we are glad to be included in The Dollar Bin's Friends Assembled anthology.

If you are interested in reading Kid Roxy or any of our other books, visit our online store to purchase: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cartooncarolyn

Recap: Team Cul de Sac Book Signing and Release Party

On Sunday, June 10, 2012 a few dozen cartoonists attended a book signing at One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia to celebrate the release of Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s. The book contains original artwork from cartoonists and illustrators inspired by Richard Thompson’s comic strip Cul de Sac, including Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) and Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury). The originals were recently sold at an online auction, which raised $47,000, for Team Cul de Sac, which is part of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.


The place was packed and I heard from an online post by Michael Rhode that the 75 books the store had ordered for the signing sold out! Usually at conventions, perhaps being that they are six hours per day and can last a full weekend or more, I have some lag time in between fans and customers at the table. There might be a ten minute gap before another person swings by. At this two hour book signing, I can say it's the most consistent crowd flow of signing book, after book, after book. We all must have signed around 100 or more books each!


This event was so fun! The man himself, Richard Thompson, creator of Cul de Sac (and 2011 'Cartoonist of the Year' Reuben award winner) was there along with the book's editor, Chris Sparks. Many local creators and comic supporters came out in droves to attend the signing. It was a large gathering of talent with combined forces ready to battle Parkinson's disease and come together to honor Richard Thompson. It was a delight to see this level of commitment and respect for Richard. Straddling a career field myself in the design and advertising industries, I can say most cartoonists are friendly people who really come together for a cause. It's hard to imagine another group of people making such an effort to raise money in a selfless way. It genuinely felt like everyone who came to the event was there for Richard, and that's the memory I will take with me for the rest of my life. It is an honor to be a part of this project.


The book is really beautiful and I urge you to purchase it and see all the art for yourself. It is currently $16.73 (list price $29.99) on Amazon.


If you missed this signing, there will be another one on July 11, 2012 at 7PM which will include a presentation with Chris Sparks at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC. Please RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!

More event photos can be scene on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150940960942381.439013.50763422380&type=3

Thanks to Bruce Guthrie for taking the group photo. All other photos were taken by Joe Carabeo.

To learn more about Team Cul de Sac, visit: http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com

I hope to see you on July 11!