Awesome Con 2025

Curls Studio will be at the 12th year of Awesome Con in Artist Alley Table C-38 at the DC Convention Center April 4-6, 2025. Say hi and peruse our original comics, stickers, prints, enamel pins, magnets, and more! We will have the debut of issue 22 of Magic Bullet, a large format comics newspaper featuring Washington, DC based creators.

Awesome Con Short Film Festival presented by Joe Carabeo with Astray Productions will have three days of programming (see schedule below) as well as an award show and filmmaker meet-up on Saturday at 4:45PM in Room 204 (with cake to celebrate). Check out the wrestling belts the winners receive! Hope to see you at Awesome Con.

Friday, April 4 | Action, Horror, Sci Fi | 2:00-4:30 pm
Saturday, April 5 | Comedy, Drama | 2:00-4:30 pm
Saturday, April 5 | Awards Celebration | 4:45-5:45 pm
Sunday, April 6 | And Beyond! | 2:15-4:45 pm

VOTE FOR 2025 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
astrayproductions.com/vote

Awesome Con 2024 #SpringIntoAwesome

Curls Studio will be at the 11th year of Awesome Con at Table JR-05 from March 8-10, 2024 at the DC Convention Center. Please view the map above to locate us.

On Saturday "The Other Side of The Table: Lessons From Creators" will be taking place from 7:45-8:30PM in Room 206 featuring Maria Laura Sanapo, Jamar Nicholas, Marc Gaffen, and Carolyn Belefski. This is your in-person opportunity to ask us anything about the creative process and what it is like to be a comic creator.

Awesome Con Short Film Festival presented by Joe Carabeo with Astray Productions will have three days of programming as well as an award show and filmmaker meet-up on Saturday at 4:30PM in Room 202. Check out the wrestling belts the winners receive! Hope to see you at Awesome Con.

Baltimore Comic-Con and Small Press Expo are this weekend

Two shows are happening at the same time, so Curls Studio has cloned ourselves and will be exhibiting at both. The way we plan to do this is:

Joe Carabeo will be at Baltimore on Friday and Sunday / SPX on Saturday.
Carolyn Belefski will be at Baltimore on Saturday and SPX on Sunday.

Baltimore Comic-Con 2023
This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-10, 2023. Visit Curls Studio at Table K8 in Kids Love Comics inside Baltimore Convention Center. 

Friday, September 8 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 9 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 10 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(with VIP admission 30 minutes early each day)

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con in the Kids Love Comics section at Table K8. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us. Kids 10 and under get in free with paid adult admission.

Small Press Expo 2023
This year's Small Press Expo will be held September 9-10, 2023. Visit Curls Studio at Table K10 at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (5701 Marinelli Road Rockville, Maryland 20852). 

Saturday, September 9 -- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 10 -- NOON - 6:00 PM

Awesome Con is June 16-18, 2023

The tenth edition of Awesome Con is June 16-18, 2023 at the DC Convention Center -- it is with great pride that Curls Studio has exhibited at every Awesome Con since 2013! This year Curls Studio will be located at Table G06 in Artist Alley all three days. View the map above where the purple pulse signal circles are so you'll know where to find us. 

Joe Carabeo will be presenting the Awesome Con Short Film Fest. Each year fans gather to watch specially selected short films in the categories of comedy, drama, horror, action, science fiction, documentaries, and more. 

Join us Sunday, June 18 from Noon to 12:45PM for The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators in Room 209 featuring Simon Bisley, Sean Gordon Murphy, Dan Parent, Emily Whitten, and Carolyn Belefski

You have an idea. You write, draw, and concept that idea into a comic book. But the work doesn't end there. You have to either find a publisher or self-publish your work. We will focus on starting out in the comics industry as a small press writer and/or artist. Once you have your first few books created and completed it is a good idea to get out and meet people and exhibiting is a great way to push yourself forward because creating your comic is only the first step. Are you a creator considering exhibiting at Artist Alley or Small Press comic conventions? This panel will give you tips and suggestions on how to create your professional appearances from the POV of being behind the table. We will discuss the metamorphosis from attendee to exhibitor, effective table display design, how to talk and interact with people at your table and how to generate sales with your table pitch.

Below is our schedule and the exhibit hall hours at very bottom. Hope to see you there! 

Awesome Con Short Film Festival: Horror, Sci Fi, Action
Friday, June 16
1:45 PM to 3:45 PM
Bot Stage - Room 202

 
Emoji Comics with Carolyn Belefski
Saturday, June 17
11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Awesome Con Jr. Workshops - Hall C

10 Years of Awesome Con

Saturday, June 17  
2:15 PM to 3:00 PM
Room 201

Awesome Con Short Film Festival: Comedy and Drama

Saturday, June 17  
3:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Bot Stage - Room 202 

Filmmaker Meet Up

Saturday, June 17  
5:45 PM to 7:00 PM
Room 103

The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators 

Panel Guests: Simon Bisley, Sean Gordon Murphy, Dan Parent, Emily Whitten, Carolyn Belefski 

Sunday, June 18

Noon to 12:45 PM 

Room 206 

 

Awesome Con Short Film Festival: And Beyond! 

Sunday, June 18

1:45 PM to 3:45 PM 

Bot Stage - Room 202 

Exhibit Hall Hours 

Friday, June 16 | 1:00pm - 8:00pm 

Saturday, June 17 | 10:00am - 7:00pm 

Sunday, June 18 | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Baltimore Comic-Con is October 28-30, 2022

Baltimore Comic-Con 2022

Visit Curls Studio at Table K17 in Kids Love Comics 

Friday, October 28 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 29 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 30 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con in the Kids Love Comics section at Table K17. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us. This year we are offering a special if you purchase $5 or more -- you can select a free print (five print options to select from). You can also earn a free print is you correctly guess who I'm cosplaying as on Sunday!

We are prepped for Halloween and will have our two Cartoonists Draw Blood anthologies we produced (Trick or Treat / Monsters). You can also bid on Carolyn Belefski's original art made for the Jill Thompson "Scary Godmother" themed yearbook as well as get your book signed at Booth K17 for the scavenger hunt. The Hero Initiative Art Auction takes places Saturday at 5:00 PM in Rooms 339-342.

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

As they say: I'll see you in Baltimore!

Small Press Expo is September 17-18, 2022

Join Curls Studio this weekend at Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. We'll be at Table K11. The Small Press Expo is North America’s premiere independent cartooning and comic arts festival. SPX brings together more than 4,000 cartoonists and comic arts enthusiasts every fall.

Small Press Expo
Visit Curls Studio at Table K11
Saturday, September 17 -- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 18 -- Noon - 6:00 PM
Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Awesome Con is June 3-5, 2022

We hope you can join us on June 3-5, 2022 for the ninth edition of Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center. Curls Studio will be located at table A11 in Artist Alley all three days. View the map above where the purple pulse signal circles are so you'll know where to find us.

Curls Studio has exhibited at every Awesome Con and this year will be the first time we will be taking part in Pin Bazaar (Collectible Enamel Pins) with my "Umbrella Watermelon" design, which will be available at table A11.

Kickoff the event on Friday, June 3 from 1:30pm to 2:15pm for The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators in Room 209 featuring John Gallagher, Kami Gracia, Sweeney Boo, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Carolyn Belefski.

You have an idea. You write, draw, and concept that idea into a comic book. But the work doesn't end there. You have to either find a publisher or self-publish your work. We will focus on starting out in the comics industry as a small press writer and/or artist. Once you have your first few books created and completed it is a good idea to get out and meet people and exhibiting is a great way to push yourself forward because creating your comic is only the first step. Are you a creator considering exhibiting at Artist Alley or Small Press comic conventions? This panel will give you tips and suggestions on how to create your professional appearances from the POV of being behind the table. We will discuss the metamorphosis from attendee to exhibitor, effective table display design, how to talk and interact with people at your table and how to generate sales with your table pitch.

After the panel join me Friday, June 3 from 3:00pm to 3:30pm for Emoji Comics with Carolyn Belefski at the Awesome Con Jr. Workshops area.

Joe Carabeo will be presenting the Awesome Con Short Film Fest. Each year fans gather to watch specially selected short films in the categories of comedy, drama, horror, action, science fiction, documentaries, and more.

Exhibit Hall Hours

Friday, June 3 | 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 4 | 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday, June 5 | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Short Film Fest Hours

Friday, June 3 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Room 204
Horror, Sci Fi, Action

Saturday, June 4 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Room 204
Comedy and Drama

Sunday, June 5 | 3:00 pm - 5:00pm | Room 204
Animation, Docs and More Awesome Films

Tidewater Comicon is May 14-15, 2022

Curls Studio will be at Tidewater Comicon on May 14-15, 2022 (Artist Alley Booth C9) at the Virginia Beach Convention Center with celebrity guests, comic book creators, voice actors, and much more. Children 10 and under get in free with the purchase of a regular adult pass.

Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

SHOW HOURS
Saturday: 10:30am-6pm (VIP entry 10am) Sunday: 11:30am-4pm (VIP entry 11am)

KIDS LOVE COMICS PANELS

Saturday, May 14, 2022 • Noon
Draw A Little Dream with Chris Mariano and Carolyn Belefski
Chris Mariano interviews kids and parents about their strangest dreams. Professional artists bring their dreams to life on the drawing board.

Sunday, May 15, 2022 • 1pm
Emoji Comics with Carolyn Belefski
We’ve used them in texts and social media, now cartoonist Carolyn Belefski shows you how to use emojis in comics. From designing these easy-to-draw icons to using them to tell a story, this workshop will surely play with your emotions.

Southern Maryland Comic-Con 2021 is this Saturday

This coming Saturday, November 13, 2021 I'll be a guest at Southern Maryland Comic-Con from 10 AM to 4PM. The last time I exhibited at this show was in 2019 (our last show before the pandemic shut down). I'll be happy to be back in Waldorf Worldwide at Capital Clubhouse 3033 Waldorf Market Place Waldorf, MD 20603.

There will be a costume cosplay contest at 2PM. This is a great opportunity to meet local artists and purchase unique items for your holiday shopping list.

Baltimore Comic-Con is October 22-24, 2021

Baltimore Comic-Con 2021

Visit Curls Studio at Table K14 in Kids Love Comics 

Friday, October 22 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 23 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 24 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con in the Kids Love Comics section at Table K14. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us. This year we are offering a special if you purchase $5 or more -- you can select a free print (five print options to select from).

On Saturday at 4:00 PM I'll be doing "Emoji Comics" workshop at Kids Love Comics pavilion. Then directly after at 5:00 PM in Room 325 you can bid on my original Curls Halloween art at the live Art Auction.

I'll be signing the exclusive "Trick or Treat" BCC Yearbooks at the Curls Studio table as well.

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

We hope to see you this weekend at Baltimore Comic-Con!

Awesome Con is August 20-22, 2021

We hope you can join us on August 20-22, 2021 for the eighth edition of Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center. Curls Studio will be located at table D11 in Artist Alley all three days. View the map above where the yellow pulse signal circles are so you'll know where to find us.

Join me Saturday, August 21 from 11:30am to Noon for Create Your Superhero Symbol with Carolyn Belefski at the Awesome Con Jr. Workshops area.

Joe Carabeo will be presenting the Awesome Con Short Film Fest. Each year fans gather to watch specially selected short films in the categories of comedy, drama, horror, action, science fiction, documentaries, and more.

Exhibit Hall Hours

Friday, August 20 | Noon - 8:00pm
Saturday, August 21 | 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday, August 22 | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Short Film Fest Hours

Friday, August 20 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Room 150AB
Sci Fi, Action and Horror

Saturday, August 21 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Room 150AB
Comedy and Drama

Sunday, August 22 | 3:00 pm - 5:00pm | Room 150AB
Awesome Docs and More

Southern Maryland Comic-Con is this Saturday

This coming Saturday, November 9, 2019 is Southern Maryland Comic-Con. Curls Studio will be there and we hope you can join us from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

The last time we exhibited at this show was Saturday, November 9, 2013, so we are happy to be back in Waldorf Worldwide after six years on the dot!

We will also have some of the latest copies of Magic Bullet #19 available for free. 

Admission is $12 presale on the website and children ages 10 and under get in free!

Capital Clubhouse

3033 Waldorf Market Place

Waldorf, MD 20603

Baltimore Comic-Con is October 18-20, 2019

Baltimore Comic-Con 2019
Visit Curls Studio at Table 3021 in Kids Love Comics 

Friday, October 18 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 19 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 20 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con in the Kids Love Comics section at Table 3021. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us.

I'll be signing Blacksad yearbooks and you can bid on the original art this Saturday at 5:00 PM.

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

We hope to see you this weekend at Baltimore Comic-Con!

Small Press Expo is September 14-15, 2019

Join Curls Studio this weekend at Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. We'll be at Table B11 with the "convention exclusive" Curls book -- you can only purchase this in-person at shows. We'll also be running deals on prints and our "Mystery Fun Pack" if you like surprises. The Small Press Expo is North America’s premiere independent cartooning and comic arts festival. SPX brings together more than 4,000 cartoonists and comic arts enthusiasts every fall.

Small Press Expo
Visit Curls Studio at Table B11
Saturday, September 14 -- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 15 -- Noon - 6:00 PM
Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Admission: Saturday $15, Sunday $10, or $20 for both days

Awesome Con is April 26 - 29, 2019

We hope you can join us April 26-29, 2019 for the seventh edition of Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center. Curls Studio will be located at table R12 in Artist Alley all three days. View the map above where the purple pulse signal circles are so you'll know where to find us.

So here's the deals. Yes, I wrote DEALS (plural): Get the new Curls book (convention exclusive), one print, one button, and a sticker for $10 buckaroos. Thanks for all your support -- our fans are AWESOME.


In addition to exhibiting, we have a few panels and workshops we'll be taking part in -- plus Joe is producing the Awesome Con Film Festival, which is in it’s third year. Check out all the details below:

Create Your Own Superhero Symbol with Carolyn Belefski
Sunday | 2:00-2:45PM | Kids Stage

The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators
Sunday | 3:30-4:15PM | Room 149

Are you a creator considering exhibiting at Artist Alley or Small Press comic conventions? This panel will give you tips and suggestions on how to create your professional appearances from the POV of being behind the table. We will discuss the metamorphosis from attendee to exhibitor, effective table display design, how to talk and interact with people at your table, and how to generate sales with your table pitch. We will highlight the process of starting a comic book tour on a low budget and methods of attracting potential readers by promoting your appearances and will take questions and comments, as this will be a conversation on multiple subjects regarding how to build rewarding convention appearances from the ground up.

Panelists: Laura Lee Gulledge, Mark Mariano, Carolyn Belefski
Moderator: Joe Carabeo

AWESOME CON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

HORROR, ACTION, SCI-FI
Friday | 2:00-3:45PM | Room 101

DRAMA, COMEDY
Saturday | 12:00-1:45PM | Room 101

DOCUMENTARY AND MORE
Sunday | 12:00-1:45PM | Room 101

New York Comic Con 2018 - Booth 1162 on the Show Floor

You can find Curls Studio ALL FOUR DAYS (October 4-7) of New York Comic Con 2018 at Small Press, Booth 1162. Please say hello and introduce yourself!

I'll also be signing at National Cartoonists Society Booth 304 on Thursday from 1-4PM, but the rest of the time I'll be at Booth 1162.

New York Comic Con is held at the Javits Center (655 West 34th Street) in Midtown Manhattan. 

SHOW FLOOR HOURS - VISIT BOOTH 1162

Thursday, October 4 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday, October 5 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 6 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 7 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. We hope you can join us there! 

Baltimore Comic-Con is September 28-30, 2018

Baltimore Comic-Con 2018
Visit Curls Studio at Table 3014 in Kids Love Comics 

Friday, September 28 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 29 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 30 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con in the Kids Love Comics section at Table 3014. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us. We will have the Curls book collection available, the "Toast of the Town" hard enamel pin, and the new "Cartoonists Draw Blood: Monsters" anthology available for purchase. We'll also have a panel about Cartoonists Draw Blood on Sunday.

Sunday, September 30 -- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 347-348 – CARTOONISTS DRAW BLOOD
Join artists from “Cartoonists Draw Blood” and National Cartoonists Society as they discuss our partnership with the American Red Cross. Since 2013, Carolyn Belefski has organized several of the finest cartoonists in the Washington, DC area to devote their time and talents to sketch for blood donors annually. The reason is simple: it’s a great opportunity for cartoonists to serve their community while showcasing their art skills and encouraging blood donation – a single donation has the potential to save as many as three lives! The “Cartoonists Draw Blood” crew has expanded their activities beyond the drive by exhibiting work in gallery shows and producing anthology books. Learn about how they create their projects and how you have the potential to create comics for good.

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

We hope to see you this weekend at Baltimore Comic-Con!

Small Press Expo is September 15-16, 2018

Small Press Expo

Visit Curls Studio at Table E4

Saturday, September 15 -- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 16 -- Noon - 6:00 PM

Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center

5701 Marinelli Road

North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Admission: Saturday $15, Sunday $10, or $20 for both days

I hope to see you as we celebrate the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books and the discovery of new creative talent at SPX. Please click the map above to locate Curls Studio sharing Table E4. 

See you soon at SPX!

Awesome Con is March 30 - April 1, 2018

We hope you can join us this weekend for the sixth edition of Awesome Con on March 30 - April 1, 2018 at the DC Convention Center. Curls Studio will be located at table R17 in Artist Alley. View the map above where the pink pulse signal circles are so you'll know where to find us.

In addition to exhibiting, we have a few panels we'll be taking part in:

The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators
3/30/2018 / 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM / 202 B
Are you a creator considering exhibiting at Artist Alley or Small Press comic conventions? This panel will give you tips and suggestions on how to create your professional appearances from the POV of being behind the table. We will discuss the metamorphosis from attendee to exhibitor, effective table display design, how to talk and interact with people at your table, and how to generate sales with your table pitch. We will highlight the process of starting a comic book tour on a low budget and methods of attracting potential readers by promoting your appearances and will take questions and comments, as this will be a conversation on multiple subjects regarding how to build rewarding convention appearances from the ground up.
Panelists: Chrissie Zullo, Thom Zahler, Carolyn Belefski
Moderator: Joe Carabeo

Awesome Con Short Film Fest: Horror, Action, Sci-Fi
3/30/2018 / 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM / 101
Finish your day of insanity at Awesome Con by grabbing some popcorn, all your friends, and a seat, as Joe Carabeo (Director, Astray Productions, Project Resolution) brings to Awesome Con for the second time, The Awesome Con Short Film Festival! Day 1 of the fest is Sci Fi, Action and Horror Edition! You won't wanna miss watching some selected works of, Kuni Ohi, Hunter Brumfield, Stuart Willis, Sonja O'Hara, Joe Carabeo, Brian Pennington and Karen Gill-Pennington and more! These films will send you to another planet, or give you nightmares. The filmmakers will also have a Q&A Conversation after the screenings.

Awesome Con Short Film Fest: Comedy and Drama
3/310/2018 / 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM / 101
Take a break from the insanity of Awesome Con by grabbing some popcorn, all your friends, and a seat, as Joe Carabeo (Director, Astray Productions, Project Resolution) brings to Awesome Con for the 2nd time, an Awesome Con Short Film Festival! Day 2 of the festival is the Comedy and Drama Edition! Enjoy selected short films from Amy Jo Johnson, Joe Carabeo, Jai Jamison, Joey Tran, Nick Leveski, Aaron Grant and Megan Holly! These films will ether make you cry, fall out of your seat laughing, or just feel all the feels. The filmmakers will also have a exclusive Q&A Conversation after the screenings. 

New York Comic Con 2017 - Booth 1162 on the Show Floor

You can find Curls Studio ALL FOUR DAYS (October 5-8) of New York Comic Con 2017 at Small Press, Booth 1162. We will be joined again with Teresa Roberts Logan of Laughing Redhead Studio in the same booth location. Please say hello and introduce yourself!

New York Comic Con is held at the Javits Center (655 West 34th Street) in Midtown Manhattan. 

SHOW FLOOR HOURS - VISIT BOOTH 1162

Thursday, October 5 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday, October 6 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 7 • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 8 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. We hope you can join us there!