Recap: Curls Studio's Year of 2022

Looking back on 2022 it seemed to be another transitional year -- still getting back into the swing of things with lots of changes behind-the-scenes. Comic conventions ramped back up and we exhibited at 10 events (including our first time at Maryland STEM Festival). I started experimenting with new custom booth designs at a few of the shows (a nod to Lucy's psychiatry booth from Peanuts happened at Small Press Expo). I even started cosplaying in 2022 -- that's something I never thought I'd be doing!

Curls Studio kicked off the year with a successful Kickstater campaign for "Thank You Mom" hard enamel pins to celebrate Mother's Day on May 8. We also debuted a new soft enamel pin at Awesome Con called "Watermelon Umbrella Rainbow Duck," which was part of the event's collectable pin program. 

My illustrations were published in Ranger Rick magazine and I was featured in Uppercase magazine to discuss creativity. I Love To Write Day's 20th Anniversary featured new Curls comic strips to celebrate the creative process.

Sporadically throughout the year I continued Carolyn's Creative Challenge with a few new project prompts.

At New York Comic Con we showcased a new charm with the Pizza Face character and had a great time in the city -- we even got to play some ping pong and go to Coney Island.

The "DC Region Cartoonists" poster released in the fall and features 25 cartoonists from the area. If you want more information about how to order a poster, let me know.

I did a lot of studying at STEM and STEAM events and attended a few art exhibits. I read a bunch of books, took notes, wrote a lot, and drew in my sketchbook. Loads of ideas were generated on paper and are now marinating in my brain. I also changed up my diet and workout routine quite a bit and am living a healthier lifestyle. We are looking forward to what this new year will bring!

Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2022

Every weekend in October Curls Studio exhibited or attended a convention of some sort. We ended the month with Baltimore Comic-Con on October 28-30 and had a wonderful time tabling amongst the best and brightest in the Kids Love Comics section. This year's table layout was great and the show even had signage for Kids Love Comics and Artist Alley, which was beneficial to both attendees and exhibitors so everyone knew the show floor well. On Saturday I wore my Curls Utz parody shirt (Curlz) and we started the day giving Jamar Nicholas "Leon's Favorite Cake" which is German Chocolate Cake with buttercream frosting and crushed pistachios on top. We did this to celebrate his new book with Scholastic. Later in the day I attended John Gallagher's art seminar at our Kids Love Comics pavilion.

We debuted the "DC Region Cartoonists" poster featuring both National Cartoonists Society members and non-members who all live within an hour or so of Washington, DC (you can never get the timing just right with all the traffic around here). Here is a photo of me dressed as Abby Hatcher and Mark Wheatley with the poster. This is my first time officially cosplaying at a show because I thought it would be a fun surprise and so close to Halloween so why not (although if you look closely at my SPX outfit and booth display from earlier this year, you could come to the conclusion that maybe I was Lucy from Peanuts). If you would like to purchase a poster, please contact me. 

On Sunday I got to meet Jill Thompson and showed her my page in the Scary Godmother Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook. The original piece was auctioned off on Saturday at the show and the family who purchased it came by the Curls Studio table to have me personalize the back. I was happy to see so many people enjoying the book and collecting everyone's autographs. I also had a blast next to Mark and Chris Mariano and talking about their book, Loud Cow. 

Be on the lookout for a special episode of the Unpacking Peanuts podcast called Charles Schulz 100th Birthday party. Hosts Jimmy Gownley and Harold Buchholz interviewed me and others for the show and I look forward to listening as well as checking out their other episodes.

You can purchase the shirts I wore at Baltimore Comic-Con from my Cotton Bureau shop and there's also my online store for mostly everything else if you could not make it to the show in-person. Curls Studio would like to thank the show organizers and volunteers for hosting this event. Next year SPX and Baltimore Comic-Con are on the same weekend in early September, so we'll have to figure out how to do that because I don't want to pick between them (both are so good for different reasons). We might have to do a set-up where Joe and I will be at different shows on different days and mix it up. We will figure it all out and you'll see all the details right here on the blog and our socials.

Cartoonists Draw Blood is expanding to NYC in 2018

I've been working behind-the-scenes throughout the year trying to connect National Cartoonists Society chapter chairs with the correct American Red Cross representative connection in their region to expand “Cartoonists Draw Blood” events beyond Washington, DC. We are excited to announce the Manhattan chapter of NCS will be joining in this October 25! Not gonna lie, it's been hard to get the right people to help hook everything together, but this is a great start to make this program grow. I've heard interest from other chapters, so hopefully by this time next year I'd like to add a few more cities to the list and get the blood pumping.

Big thanks to American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, and all the volunteer cartoonists who will be donating their time and talents to the blood drive -- as well as encouraging blood donation.

Here are the two “Cartoonists Draw Blood” drives we have this year. I'll be representing at the DC event tomorrow morning.

WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, October 20, 2018
9AM - 1PM
Palisades Community Church
5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Schedule your appointment in advance with this link (walk-ins are also welcome):
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades

MANHATTAN
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Noon - 5PM
The King's College, Student Union
56 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Here is the National Cartoonists Society website announcement about the events: http://www.reuben.org/2018/10/cartoonists-draw-blood-events-in-dc-nyc

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 20, 2018

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 6th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (same location as last year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 9AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades&fbclid=IwAR2S_VRfkPXaW4uwX-zcZ8dOFQm-EJrQ31p5wMMV96sNaafOFm3MllhHJFk

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done five previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of several hundred people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our second comics anthology, "Monsters" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have been donated to American Red Cross after printing costs). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2179785222302469

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 21, 2017

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 5th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 8AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (new location this year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 8AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org -- search keyword “PALISADES” 

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done four previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 250 people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our first comics anthology, "Trick or Treat" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have already been donated to American Red Cross). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1551371271590710/

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

KidsCon is this Saturday at Fantom Comics

Please join Curls Studio this Saturday, April 8, 2017 from Noon to 4PM for KidsCon at Fantom Comics – located at 2010 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Fantom Comics says:

Our favorite time of year is finally here: Fantom KidsCon! We had a blast last year, and we're hoping to make this year's con even bigger and better than before!

Comics conventions are fun for all ages, but if your littlest nerds aren't ready for the hustle and bustle of bigger venues, bring them to Fantom for a day of fun and activities!

We'll have tons of workshops, kid-friendly vendors, a costume parade, and lots of "super" special guests!

We can't wait to see you there!

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1861345447487903

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 4th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (across the street from Takoma Metro) at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com. You may also register yourself online using this link.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done three previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 200 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, Liz Reed, Joe Sutliff, Kyra Taub, and Art Hondros.
  In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Free parking is available all weekend in the Takoma Metro parking lot across the street.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/491187757755990

American Red Cross Press Release: http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/local/washington-dc/Cartoonists-Draw-Blood-event

Recent podcast interview with participating cartoonist Joe Sutliff on the Carolyn and Joe Show: carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/joe-sutliff

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Recap: Tidewater Comicon 2016

A video posted by JOE (@astrayj) on May 22, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

This past weekend Curls Studio took part in their first appearance at Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on May 21 and 22. We had a great time meeting new people and expanding our readership to a new location.

After Joe's interview at Arlington Independent Media, we drive down to Virginia Beach on Friday. The traffic was not very steady and it was a lot of stop and go. We were able to check out a few local restaurants such as Tupelo Honey Cafe, Chicho's Pizza, Commune, Whitner's BBQ, and Pelon's Baja Grill. I didn't get to see the boardwalk and only caught small glimpses of the town. We were mostly at the convention center or eating with pals!

At the show we premiered a new product, which is a joint effort between Gina from Super Sox Shop and myself. We now have custom-made pencil cases! I designed the fabric and Gina assembled and sewed the pencil cases. Right now we have two designs: Art Supplies and characters from my Curls comic strip. You might remember that last year Gina and I teamed up to make the dress I wore at the Reuben Awards ceremony!

Speaking of fashion, we are now SOLD OUT of all aqua colored "Heart Comics" shirts. There is a limited supply of the asphalt color, so if you are interested in the shirt, please check out the store, as I can not guarantee that the shirt will still be available in a few weeks and I do not plan on creating more of this design.

One of the great takeaways from Tidewater was enjoying the inventive "homemade" cosplay worn by attendees. We also appreciated everyone's excitement about comics. Thanks to everyone who but on the show and everyone who stopped by our table.

Our next convention is in less than two weeks -- we'll be at Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center on June 3-5, 2016.

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 31, 2015

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing a blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors this Halloween -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church near Takoma Metro at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done two previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of up to 120 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, T.R. Logan, Liz Reed, and Joe Sutliff.

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is on Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502045900106928

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Asbury Park Comic Con is this Saturday

Curls Studio has had such a great time at the past two Asbury Park Comic Con events, that we decided to exhibit for the third edition. This time around the event is taking place at the much larger Convention Hall, directly on the boardwalk on the Jersey shore. The organizers have also added a cosplay contest and panel discussions to the festivities. Each event gets bigger and better!

There are some really great guests including Bob Camp (co-creator of The Ren & Stimpy Show), Al Jaffee (MAD magazine), Dean Haspiel (HBO's Bored to Death), Stephanie Buscema (My Little Pony cover artist), Michael Uslan (executive producer of many Batman films), Brian O'Halloran (Dante Hicks from Kevin Smith's Clerks films), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden), the guys from AMC's Comic Book Men, and many more!

Tickets are available online thru March 29 for $12, but if you pay at the door they will be $15. Also I just found out that parking fees do not go in effect until April, so hooray for free parking in the entire town of Asbury Park!

We hope to see you this Saturday, March 29, 2013 from 10AM to 6PM.

VA Comicon is OCT. 29-30

Curls Studio will be exhibiting in the Small Press Pavilion of Terror this coming weekend at VA Comicon. This is the show's 25th anniversary and our first time exhibiting at VA Comicon. The main reason why we wanted to be at this show is because James O'Barr, creator of The Crow, will be there.

The VA Comicon is at the Crowne Plaza West (6531 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230) on Saturday and Sunday October 29-30 from 10AM to 4PM! There will be a Costume Contest Sunday afternoon with $500 in cash prizes! Admission is only $10 for the whole weekend and children under 12 are free with a paying adult.

I will have large 12" x 12" prints of some of my more haunting Sketch Before Sleep illustrations on matte linen paper available for purchase: Beetlejuice, Elvira, Shrunken Head Guy from Beetlejuice, Frankenstein, Uncle Fester...


In addition Joe and I will be speaking at "Small Press Chit-Chat" with Dan Nokes on Sunday from 11:30 to 11:55AM. View the programming schedule in the image above to find out more.


Small Press Pavilion of Terror: James O’Barr, Blue Milk Special, Mark Bode, Dan Fogel, Chris Otto, Curls Studio, Iconograph Studios, Jason Crawley, Bill Meiggs, Bill McKay, Daniel Govar, Dan Nokes/21st Century Sandshark Studios, Jesse Cowan, Matt Slay

Come in costume - let's make it fun! We hope to see you there in all your spookiness.

Amber Love at B16 NYCC Saturday

Curls Studio is pleased to announce that Cosplay, Pin-Up Model Amber Love will be joining us at Artist Alley, Table B16 on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from Noon to 1 or 2PMish! She will be signing the above print, which was specifically created for this year's New York Comic Con. It's an EXCLUSIVE.

You can also find her all over the convention. Here is her full schedule: http://www.amberunmasked.com/find-me-at-nycc/

She writes:

"People have been asking me what costumes I’ll be wearing and it’s going to be a low key costuming year for me. I’ll be one of the LEGETTE super spies for the CURLS STUDIO booth (B16) on Saturday from noon until at least 1:00 or 2:00 with Carolyn Belefski. I love Carolyn’s art so much and the fact that she created burlesque super spies is pretty darn fantastic! Find me there. Carolyn’s art was featured on our t-shirts for the 2010 Wonder Woman Day at Comic Fusion."

Don't forget Curls Studio will be at "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" on Friday from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at 1B03. Here is more info about our NYCC plans: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-york-comic-con-2011-panel-and-table.html

This exclusive print is listed under "Show Special" on the NYCC website here: http://nycc11.mapyourshow.com/5_0/exhibitor_details.cfm?exhid=338259

See you in one week!

XOXO,
Carolyn