Recap: Curls Studio's Year of 2024

In January we kicked off the year with a  Make 100 Kickstarter project for Total Solar Eclipse Enamel Pin to celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse that visited North America on April 8. I got to view it from inside the path of totality in-person at Niagara Falls. I also got to visit Canada for a few hours (my first time going out of the country).

At Awesome Con I got to take part in the panel "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" with Maria Laura Sanapo, Chris Mariano, and Marc Gaffen. Joe Carabeo presented the Awesome Con Short Film Fest. 

To expand the crowdfunding opportunities, I took part in "Pintopia 2" from BackerKit by designing a Peach Fuzz Enamel Pin for my Pantone Color of the Year project (which I have been doing for the past five years). I also ran a Kickstarter for the Cicada design that was created in 2021, but I introduced a new colorway in 2024 to represent the green Annual Cicada.

A highlight of being in New York during the time of New York Comic Con was visiting Philippe Labaune Gallery for the Mike Mignola exhibit and getting to meet the artist himself! I also got to eat at Katz's Delicatessen and attend the Harvey Awards. Ay NYCC Curls Studio had a collaboration with Cakes with Character by Jean Schapowal in which we offered a large complementary pinback button if you visited both of our booths.

We continued to exhibit at comic conventions and events. Here is our 2024 Tour list:

March 8-10 • Awesome Con
May 19 • Comic Logic Spring Lot Con
June 23 • STORYBOX Comics Fair
August 17-18 • Fairfax Comic Con
September 14-15 • Small Press Expo
September 20-22 • Baltimore Comic-Con
October 17-20 • New York Comic Con
October 25 • McKay Used Books Book-or-Treat
October 27 • Comic Logic Fall Lot Con

Overall, I did a good amount of freelance work this year with design and illustrations and that is where a lot of my time went toward as well as networking to gain clients. Curls Studio is looking forward to 2025 with a goal of creating more comics and storytelling!

Periodical and Annual Cicada Enamel Pins on Kickstarter

If you missed my Periodical Cicada pin project in 2021 -- we are running a Kickstarter to raise funds to make more since they sold out and I'm adding a green colorway to represent the Annual Cicada. You can pledge using the link below until July 12, 2024:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/periodical-and-annual-cicada-enamel-pins 

Currently two different broods of cicadas that emerge every 13 and 17 years are appearing in 2024 (for the first time since 1803). It is now a good time to celebrate the cicadas again! 

Both pins are the same design structure and will be produced at 1.5" tall. We will be using matte gold plating and translucent enamel for the wings. Each pin will be fixed with a brown rubber clutch and is packaged with a backing card made from real oak wood. The design portrays an hourglass shape of the body made with the overlapping wings that evokes time passage.

Thank you for your support and for sharing this project with your friends and bug enthusiasts.

Peach Fuzz Enamel Pin - Part of Pintopia from BackerKit

Those of you who have been following my enamel pins designs might know that since 2020 I have been doing a project every year involving the PANTONE Color of the Year -- and this year the color is Peach Fuzz. 

We're raising funds to create limited edition soft enamel pins with a beautiful original illustrated Peach Fuzz design. The pins will be produced at 30mm tall with sleek rose gold plating. The inside of the eyes and pit nose will be represented with the etching technique. Each pin will be fixed with a clear rubber clutch and is presented with a backing card. 

 The 2024 PANTONE Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz -- captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance.  

There is a sense of comfort and longevity within the symbolism of a Peach. Whether your strong glutes bring all the boys to the yard or you simply enjoy the taste of a juicy bite -- Peach Fuzz is here for you!

This is my first time using BackerKit, but I have done crowdsourcing before with ten successful Kickstarter projects under my belt. This is also my first time being a part of their initiative Pintopia -- a celebration of creativity and collaboration from a diverse group of artists collectively running enamel pin crowdfunding projects from March 28 - April 18, 2024.

Back the Peach Fuzz campaign and my collaboration partner "Diagnoses & Dice" from Arledge Comics before Thursday at 4PM EST (1PM PDT) to receive both of our collab pins at no additional cost.

Here is the link to Peach Fuzz: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/carolyn-belefski/peach-fuzz-enamel-pin

Here is the link to Diagnoses & Dice: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/arledge-comics/diagnoses-dice-an-enamel-pin-collection

The more Pintopia pins you back, the more FREE pins you can earn. ✨ 

⚔️ 2 FREE Cross Collaborative Pins if you back both pins from a cross collab project pair

💯 1 FREE Full-Color Pintopia 2024 Pin once ALL projects are 100% funded 

🏆 1 FREE Gold Pintopia 2024 Pin if you back 5 projects or more

Total Solar Eclipse Enamel Pin - Make 100 Kickstarter

Every January, Kickstarter celebrates the new year with Make 100, an annual call for projects that offer exactly 100 rewards. They encourage their creator community to think big and create small, and have fun with these first projects of the new year.  Each campaign offers specialized, limited-edition rewards for backers. You can help us welcome the new year by supporting a Make 100 campaign, or you can launch your own campaign between now and January 31. 

I started doing the #Make100 incentive in 2018 when I drew 100 Sad Fish. In 2020 I designed the Blue Rose enamel pin, 2021 was Banana Bandana, 2022 was "Thank you Mom" Mother's Day enamel pin, and last year was the Red Rose enamel pin. Part of the inspiration with some of the projects was from PANTONE Color of the Year selections and I still plan to design a project based on this year's color (Peach Fuzz). However with 2024 already zipping by right before our eyes, I realize a more pressing event is coming our way. 

We're raising funds to produce 100 limited edition soft enamel pins with a friendly celestial original illustrated design to celebrate the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse visiting North America on April 8, 2024. The pins will be 30mm diameter with production effects that include antique silver plating with etching on the moon craters. Each pin will be fixed with a magnet and comes with a backing card. The design portrays a happy moon with rosy cheeks, crescent eyes, and the Sun's corona showcased with white glow-in-the-dark enamel. 

You can read more about the project and pledge here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/total-solar-eclipse-enamel-pin-make-100

At this point, I've managed and delivered nine successful Kickstarter projects, so I am very dependable and have grown a nice following for the enamel pins. It would be great to have your support if you think you would wear or display this pin or give it as a gift. Thank you!

Firefly Lightning Bug Enamel Pin Kickstarter

Branching off of the Cicada design I made a couple years ago, I wanted to acknowledge the Firefly Lightning Bug! So here we go with a glow-in-the-dark pin: www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/firefly-lightning-bug-enamel-pin

We're raising funds to produce limited edition hard enamel pins with a modern original illustrated Firefly, Lightning Bug, Glowworm design by Carolyn Belefski. The pins will be 30mm tall and production effects include matte gold plating with etching on the base of the lightbulb with translucent enamel for the wings. Each pin will be fixed with a rubber clutch and comes with a backing card made from real oak wood. The design portrays a light bulb shape of the body that will feature glow-in-the-dark enamel.

The pin also makes a great gift for any fan of insects, nature, design, and science -- it is wearable art and a conversation starter. You can wear your Firefly pin to summer picnics, forest hikes, camping trips, and even business meetings as a lapel pin.

This is my first time designing with glow-in-the-dark enamel and I believe the subject matter is fitting for the occasion because with each pin I create I'm always looking for striking production techniques. I like how this design utilizes the light bulb shape because it also represents innovation, ideas, and dreams. It also showcases overcoming darkness by adding your light to the world.

Hope you can become a backer and/or help spread the message on the socials or directly to your friends -- the pledge timeline ends on June 30, 2023. Thank you!

Red Rose - Make 100 Kickstarter

We're taking part in Kickstarter's Make 100 incentive raising funds to produce 100 limited edition hard enamel pins with a beautiful original illustrated Red Rose design. The pins will be produced at 30mm tall with sleek rose gold plating and red glitter color. Each pin will be fixed with a clear rubber clutch and come with a backing card. The first 25 pledges will receive a 3" tall holographic die cut sticker featuring Red Rose as a thanks to you from Curls Studio. There are also several opportunities to purchase additional products I've created through the "add-on" feature while pledging.

The 2022 PANTONE Color of the Year is Viva Magenta -- vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative. There is a sense of romantic love, passion, courage, and action within the symbolism of a Red Rose.

Hoping that you can pledge $10 plus shipping today to support this project and make it come to life.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/red-rose-make-100

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!

Thank You Mom - Make 100 Kickstarter

We're taking part in Kickstarter's Make 100 incentive raising funds to produce 100 limited edition hard enamel pins with a beautiful original illustrated Mother's Day design. The pins will be produced at 30mm tall with sleek rose gold plating and purple glitter color to represent the mother. Each pin will be fixed with a clear rubber clutch and come with a backing card.

Sunday, May 8, 2022 is Mother's Day and as a way to celebrate this momentous day I've designed a lovely hard enamel pin as wearable art. The design features a floral motif of mother and child forming a heart shape surrounded by a growing nest of greens. The embrace and swirls convey the emotion of motherhood with a touch of art deco style to represent a contemporary symbol of unconditional love.

I have been inspired by Pantone's Color of the Year announcements for many years and two years ago I started to create projects featuring the selected colors. Last December I was interviewed and quoted by the Wall Street Journal discussing Color of the Year.

The 2022 PANTONE Color of the Year is Very Peri -- Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.

Hoping that you can pledge $10 plus shipping today to support this project and make it come to life.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/thank-you-mom-make-100

Santa Turtle Hard Enamel Pin Kickstarter

We're raising funds to produce limited edition hard enamel pins with an original illustrated Santa Turtle character design. The pins will be produced at 1.5" wide with a real jingle bell attachment. Other features include gold plating and backstamp. Each pin will be fixed with a green rubber clutch and come with a backing card on soft touch paper to evoke the warm and fuzzy mood of the season.

The campaign will end on November 4, 2021 so I can have time to produce, package, and ship out the pins in a timely manner for the holiday season. Santa Turtle is a jolly turtle who lives in the North Pole with Santa Claus providing encouragement to the working elves by ringing a bell to cheer the Christmas crew. The character first appeared in my comic strip, Curls.

I'm happy to pull out all the bells (and whistles?) with design features that challenge what a pin can be as wearable art or fashion accessory. The Santa Turtle pin makes a great gift for any fan of the holiday season -- it is a conversation starter and will also resonate with anyone who enjoys turtles, storytelling, fantasy, music, or nature.

Please consider a pledge to this Kickstarter and pass the limited edition opportunity on to your friends to spread the holiday jingle jangle! Thank you.

Pledge today: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/santa-turtle-enamel-pin

Cicada Hard Enamel Pin Kickstarter

We're raising funds to produce limited edition hard enamel pins with a modern original illustrated Periodical Cicada design. The pins will be produced at 1.5" tall with two red rhinestones to represent the cicada eyes. Other features include matte gold plating and translucent enamel for the wings. Each pin will be fixed with a brown rubber clutch and come with a backing card. The design portrays an hourglass shape of the body made with the overlapping wings that evokes time passage.  

The campaign launched last Wednesday and will go thru the month of June. I've been fascinated by cicadas ever since I was young and remember collecting their exoskeletons in a square plastic strawberry container at my grandparent's house. I also am fond of wearing them on my shirt as a cicada brooch -- and that is what inspired this creative project.

If you feel the need to wear a cicada all the time, then please pledge to the Kickstarter. We'd enjoy your support and fondness for this exciting insect. Please pass this limited edition opportunity on to your friends as well! Thank you.

Pledge today: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/cicada-enamel-pin

Blue Rose - Make 100 Kickstarter Update

Here's an update on our Kickstarter "Make 100" incentive raising funds to produce 100 limited edition hard enamel pins with a beautiful original illustrated Blue Rose design. It's absolutely fabulous news: all of the classic blue glitter with rose gold plating pins are pledged for!

Since we still have 17 days left in the campaign, I figured it would be best to expand and offer Blue Rose 2.0 -- same design, but with different color and plating -- turquoise glitter, gold plating, and blue rubber clutch.

Please consider pledging $10 plus shipping today to spread the Blue Rose flair.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/blue-rose-make-100

Blue Rose - Make 100 Kickstarter

We're taking part in Kickstarter's Make 100 incentive raising funds to produce 100 limited edition hard enamel pins with a beautiful original illustrated Blue Rose design. The pins will be produced at 30mm tall with sleek rose gold plating and blue glitter color. Each pin will be fixed with a clear rubber clutch and come with a backing card.

I became enamored with blue roses about a decade ago because they symbolize unattainable love and longing to attain the impossible, as a Blue Rose does not exist in nature. The 2020 PANTONE Color of the Year is Classic Blue -- instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. There is a sense of mystery, rarity, and hope within the symbolism of a Blue Rose.

You may want to give the pin as a gift to someone getting married who can wear "something blue" as tradition. You may want to give two or share the pin with a friend. You may want a reminder to stop and smell the roses or a symbolic physical representation of waiting for true love.

Hoping that you can pledge $10 plus shipping today to support this project and make it come to life.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/blue-rose-make-100