Curls Kickstarter Update — It's the Final Countdown

Hi everyone,

Spring is here and the Curls Kickstarter is coming to a close in less than two days. Thank you so much for pledging and being a part of this project. We are 98% funded and only $118 away from the $5,000 goal. The Kickstarter will end on March 25 at 8:20 PM.

This week, I've been asked to appear on the Earth Station One podcast, did a Q&A for Comic Book Interviews, and Examiner.com has written about the project.

If you've missed my previous updates, you can go to the Curls Kickstarter page and click the "Updates" tab to learn more about the progress we've made each week as well as listen to several other podcasts I've been on. I also want to take this time to say thanks for putting up with the promotion everyday on social media. My goal is to be entertaining and not annoying. Hopefully that worked out for everyone who saw posts at all times of the day. If you don't follow me online yet, you can connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, and more. I've been following backers and people who have helped promote the Kickstarter.

Now is everyone's last chance to join in the fun -- some people may be discovering Curls for the first time! Send your friends a direct link -- http://kck.st/1EprkMX -- or use the "Share this project" button under the video to connect with your pals on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Embed Video or Widget on your website or blog.

Thank you all again for being a part of my life with this project. I really appreciate your support and interest.

XOXO,

Carolyn

P.S. If you are near the Pittsburgh area, I'll be at PIX: Pittsburgh Indy Comix Expo this Saturday. Hope to see you there or at one of the other events on tour this year.

Curls Kickstarter Update — Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Hi everyone, 

Hope you are having a great St. Patrick's Day and are enjoying this green image of Turtle Neck. We are gaining momentum online, but still need the actual pledges to raise $1,325 within the next week (ending March 25 at 8:20 PM) to make this project happen. Thanks to all of you who have supported me monetarily -- you are good luck.

I've been making the rounds on many podcasts and doing interviews. Take a listen Liz Reed's podcast People I Think Are Cool and read this interview getting a lot of action from PREVIEWS for Women in Comics Month. Yes, the news is out! I am a woman. It's shocking.

If you're looking for even more entertainment, listen to Curls Studio plugging the Kickstarter project on The Dollar Bin podcast. You can also meet hosts Adam and Shawn this weekend at SC Comicon and look at their new Comic Stars anthology. Tell them I said hi!

Hashtag Comics named the Curls Kickstarter as their "Kickstarter of the Week" and the Comics and Coffee podcast (00:35:37) included Curls in their first-ever top Comic-Book Kickstarter Picks!

Two new pledge levels have recently been added. One includes the exclusive cover I illustrated for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time comic book and the other is an opportunity for you to have a walk-on role in the Curls comic strip (you keep the original art and more). Check them out if you are interested!

Send your friends a direct link -- http://kck.st/1EprkMX -- or use the "Share this project" button under the video to connect with your pals on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Embed Video or Widget on your website or blog. All the backers of this project are my inspiration to push forward in our last week of the campaign.

 XOXO,
 
 
Carolyn

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.

Curls Kickstarter Update — Want to be a Cartoon?

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for pledging to the Curls Kickstarter. I've been promoting when I can and we've got a lot of people posting on Twitter and Facebook -- which is great.

Recently Bleeding Cool asked me to write about Curls and professional wrestler Sonjay Dutt tweeted about the project. I was also on The JellyVision Show podcast and have already recorded with other podcasts -- they will be releasing the episodes soon.

Our top pledge level is for the Curls book, which is awesome because that's the reason why we are doing this Kickstarter together. I also want to let you all know about another popular pledge level -- the $100 Avatar level. This is a cool opportunity to turn yourself, a friend, or family member into a cartoon! It makes for a great gift and you get to keep the original line art and received a color digital file. How cool is that? You also receive a Kickstarter exclusive signed and numbered Curls print, the Curls cowgirl print, Curls book with autograph and sketch from myself, postcard set, Kickstarter exclusive button pack, Curls patch, computer wallpaper, your name printed in the book acknowledgements, and song. 

Check out the image above of my pal, Lara. This illustrates the process steps and shows you an example of the custom cartoon avatars I can create for you.

We have 13 more days and $1,845 to raise to make this project come to life and become a reality. I believe we can do this.

Send your friends a direct link -- http://kck.st/1EprkMX -- or use the "Share this project" button under the video to connect with your pals on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Embed Video or Widget on your website or blog.

All the backers of this project inspire me to keep creating. Thanks for the encouragement.

XOXO,
 

Carolyn

Curls on Bleeding Cool "Curls is Here to Make Comics Fun Again!"

Bleeding Cool asked me to write about Curls and the Kickstarter going on right now to print all the strips in one book. Take the article for a read -- you may learn something new or be inspired! If you haven't already supported, now is the best time to get into or discover my comic strip, Curls. We are currently over 60% with 16 days to go. Take a look at the video and pledge levels -- our most popular levels are the book and level where I can draw your avatar (you keep the original line art and receive a digital copy). If we don't reach the goal by March 25 at 8:20 PM no one who has pledged gets charged and the book project won't happen at this time.

I'm excited that some of my heroes in the comics industry have tweeted or retweeted news about the Kickstarter (Raina Telgemeier, Brad Guigar, Jimmy Palmiotti, Kenneth Rocafort, Dean Haspiel, Teresa Roberts Logan, and Elizabeth Watasin to name a few). Now if I could only get Michelle Obama to Instagram again! I wish. 

Pledge to the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/curls-the-ultimate-book-collection

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.

Curls Kickstarter Update -- 60% Funded

Hi everyone,

I just got back inside from shoveling snow. Now I'm happy to be by the warmth of this glowing monitor. It means so much to me and I love to make other people happy with art and stories, so I'm thrilled to have people joining me on this Curls Kickstarter adventure.

Today we passed the $3,000 mark and became 60% funded.

There's still a lot to accomplish and we have 19 days to do it.

I'm excited that some of my heroes in the comics industry have tweeted or retweeted news about the Kickstarter (Raina Telgemeier, Brad Guigar, Jimmy Palmiotti, Kenneth Rocafort, Dean Haspiel, and Elizabeth Watasin to name a few). Now if I could only get Michelle Obama to Instagram again! I wish. 

Since this is my first Kickstarter, I'd like to know if you have any suggestions on how I can make the currently running campaign better or if there are backer rewards you'd like me to offer that I have not thought of.

We've recently been covered online by ComicsDC, Comics in Education, and Team Cul de Sac. Are there any media outlets or specific interest niches you think would dig the Curls comic strip? Maybe you yourself have a blog and want to help get the world out? Reach out to me at info@curls-studio.com if you have any ideas.

I did some math and if everyone who has already pledged recruited at least one person each to pledge for the Curls book, we would be 100% funded. Send your friends a direct link -- http://kck.st/1EprkMX -- or use the "Share this project" button under the video to connect with your pals on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Embed Video or Widget on your website or blog. 

Thanks! 

XOXO,

Carolyn

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.