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.

March is Women's History Month

The above image is my Sketch Before Sleep entry (March 20, 2010) of Jackie Ormes, first female African American cartoonist.

Since March is Women's History Month, I want to know what female artists people are inspired by. On Twitter, my personal Facebook page, and the Curls Studio Facebook Fan Page I posted:

"March is Women's History Month - What female artists/comic artists are some of YOUR inspirations?" (Some female illustrators I enjoy are Elizabeth Watasin, Amanda Conner, Lauren Faust, and Raina Telgemeier.)

Some of the responses I have received included:

- "Jill Thompson and Amanda Conner."

- "Georgia O'Keeffe is the first artist I can remember "knowing": her history her art her life. But to this day when I need inspiration I turn to Cassatt's (japanese-esq) prints....."

- "Always loved Julie Doucet-very eye opening for a teen in the sticks."

- "Wendy Pini. Back in the 70's and early 80's her strips for Elfquest were awesome. She was the first female comic artist I knew of."

- "Kiki Smith, Annette Messager, Eva Hesse and the Louises Nevelson and Bourgeois!"

- "julie klausner, linda barry, cristy road just to name a few!"

Please comment below if you have any female artists you are influenced by and spread the word of Women's History Month.

Thanks,
Carolyn