The Comic Art of Lynn Johnston at The Embassy of Canada

On the evening of September 12, 2019 I was privileged to attend the opening of “The Comic Art of Lynn Johnston,” an art exhibition exploring the career of Canadian comic artist Lynn Johnston and the themes of her popular comic strip For Better or Worse at The Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC. The exhibit shows selections from the comic’s 30-year history, highlighting the characters that readers know and love, and includes content from The Washington Post, as well as original artwork and current projects.



It was get to be able to share a small moment and take a photo with Lynn, whom I’d seen briefly at past National Cartoonists Society events. My mom is a fan of For Better or Worse and she told me it was always the first thing she read in the newspaper and she lead me to my first exposure of Lynn Johnston’s work.

I will be updating my Instagram stories today to showcase my photos that contain more glimpses of the exhibit. The stories will be on my IG account (@Carolyn Belefski) at https://www.instagram.com/carolynbelefski for the next 24 hours. Thanks to The Embassy of Canada for a great opening event. Thanks to Bruce for taking our photo. We were glad to be a part of it!

“The Comic Art of Lynn Johnston” runs through January 31, 2020. The Embassy’s art gallery is located next to the Newseum at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, free of charge.

PREVIEWS Women In Comics Month: Interview with Carolyn Belefski

In honor of Women in Comics this March, PREVIEWSworld interviewed me. Have a small taste of the interview below, then read the full article here: 
https://previewsworld.com/Article/208975-Women-in-Comics-Month-Interview-with-Carolyn-Belefski

PREVIEWSworld: Who is your current comics employer?



Carolyn Belefski: Curls Studio.

PREVIEWSworld: What is your primary job title? In a quick phrase or two, could you define your job’s key responsibility?



Carolyn Belefski: Creative Director, all-encompassing roles ranging from writer, artist, letterer, colorist, editorial, promotion, and more

PREVIEWSworld: Could you please explain how your work helps make comics a reality? (Connect the dots for us. Where are you in the flow of getting a book into reader's hands?)



Carolyn Belefski: Making a finished self-published product takes quite an amount of additional effort because once the book is completed your creative resources need to flip to the business side. I’m there from start to finish: from when the idea comes into my head as I’m brushing my teeth, to the creation of full art and story, then the production phase, and physically selling the books in-person to people. It’s literally a hand-to-hand interaction: from my hand to the customer. It’s great that the audience gets to meet actual creators when they attend comic conventions. Since 2013 I’ve been making signing appearances during Free Comic Book Day at local stores. I’ve also exhibited at zine fests, craft shows, and a used book store. I’ve sold comics in many locations during book-related events: church, bowling alley, outside tent in a snowstorm, city hall, universities, art galleries, restaurants, fire department…

PREVIEWS Women In Comics Month: Interview with Carolyn Belefski

In honor of Women in Comics this March, PREVIEWSworld interviewed me. Have a small taste of the interview below, then read the full article here: 
http://www.previewsworld.com/Home/1/1/71/1264?articleID=160953

PREVIEWSworld: Tell us a little bit about yourself! What are you currently working on?



Carolyn Belefski: I'm a cartoonist and designer based out of the Washington, DC area. I have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a print run of all the "Curls" comic strips I've ever done collected into one book. I'm working on comic anthologies—I have a story in RISE #2 (MAR151438) from Northwest Press—and other activities with Curls Studio. I also produce a blood drive with the American Red Cross called "Cartoonists Draw Blood" and we'll be having a drive later this year on Halloween day. It's the perfect mix of blood and comics! Check out my portfolio online at www.CarolynBelefski.com to keep up with the latest news and view my creations.



PREVIEWSworld: How long have you been working with sequential art? What titles, companies, and creators have you worked with over your time in comics?



Carolyn Belefski: I've been creating comics professionally for about 6 years, but I knew I wanted to be involved with the arts from a young age. I write and draw the comic strip, Curls. I also work with writer Joe Carabeo on the comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes. Outside of self-publishing, I do freelance work and have completed projects with Clorox, Gannett, National Geographic, and more. Jimmy Palmiotti asked me to draw a pin-up for his book, Queen Crab (DEC110483), published by Image Comics. I also did a cover for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time book, published by BOOM! Studios. Recently, I was asked by The White House to do a series of comics for HealthCare.gov. I'm really excited to have had the opportunity to work with these people to create great experiences.

Recap: Stone Branch School of Art

Since today is International Women's Day (and to celebrate Women's History Month), Curls Studio was asked by Stone Branch School of Art to present our work and hold a workshop today. It was excellent to be able to showcase the work Joe and I have done to a younger audience and their parents. 

In addition to comics, I also showed and discussed design and freelance illustration projects from my portfolio as well. Then Joe projected his film reel and showed the latest Awesome Con commercial. 

After the talk we drew in the art room and made large buttons with our art on it. I also draw portraits of the children as well as dogs and zombies. I had a fun time drawing and interacting with a new group of folks! Thanks for having us.

Joe says: Had a blast presenting about the importance of art, storytelling and collaboration to the students at Stone Branch School of Art today. Its a great and inspiring art school full of exciting students. Carolyn Belefski and I are super honored and always thankful to be thought of for these speaking opportunities. Now dont waste time, go out there are make something.

Appearing at Stone Branch School of Art on Sunday, March 8, 2015

Welcome to March! It's officially Women's History Month and because of this Stone Branch School of Art in Rockville, Maryland has asked me to speak at their Comic Book Sundays event this coming Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 2PM to 4PM. I'll also be bringing Joe so he can discuss writing and filmmaking and how this cross-references with comics and storytelling. This is a public event for all-ages and it's free to attend.

Thanks to Edmond for designing this flyer announcement and we hope to see you there.

In other news, Curls: The Ultimate Book Collection is now 46% funded on Kickstarter. I launched it Monday night. It would be so awesome if we get to 50% or more before Monday evening (officially one full week). We are so close. It's the next step goal. Thanks to all who have already pledged -- check out the first update announcement.

Women in Comics Spotlight: Carolyn Belefski

Girls Read Comics Too has been blogging about female comic creators in their "Women in Comics Spotlight" feature.

Recently they contacted me for a Q&A session and the blog entry went up yesterday. Some of the questions included "Did you ever get advice about the field that you’d like to pass on?" and "In an ideal world, in what direction would you like to see your project evolve?"

Please click on this link to see the interview: http://girlsreadcomics.com/2011/08/08/women-in-comics-spotlight-carolyn-belefski

If you are interested in conducting an interview with me for your blog, publication, podcast, or other media outlet, please email info@curls-studio.com. Thank you!