The Big Thank You Search of 2020

Several cartoonists have been working out a creative way to say thank you to all the generous volunteers and workers who are helping everyone during this crisis, and they’re asking for as many cartoonists as possible to hide 6 key symbols in their cartoons today -- Sunday, June 7th.

The icons are:
1. Mask (for medical workers and caregivers)
2. Steering wheel (for people who move our deliveries, supplies, mail, etc.)
3. Shopping cart (for grocery workers)
4. Apple (for teachers)
5. Fork (for restaurants and essential businesses that have stayed open)
6. Microscope (for medical researchers)

Each of these drawings is a symbol of gratitude for these dedicated people who have risked and sacrificed during this crisis. Can you find them all in my Curls comic strip? We are also asked to put a link to a charity we’d like to support and I selected American Red Cross because of all the work we’ve done with Cartoonists Draw Blood: www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html

Curls in Washington City Paper "Comic Debrief"

The March 27, 2015 edition of Washington City Paper featured a flow chart of the DC area's thriving comic creator scene. I'm happy that Curls was included with many other great reading options by independent creators (many of whom I've known for awhile or I met at Smudge earlier in the month).

You can read more about it here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2015/03/27/flow-chart-d-c-s-thriving-comic-creator-scene/

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

Curls Kickstarter is LIVE!

Hi everyone! I just launched the Curls Kickstarter a few minutes ago. You can take a look at the film and rewards and everything else here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/curls-the-ultimate-book-collection

The goal is to print a book of all the Curls comic strip I've ever made, but I also set up some fun reward packages for you. Check this out. 

1. A song by Mr. Bandit inspired by Curls
2. Your name in the book acknowledgements 
3. Computer wallpaper
4. Curls patch
5. Kickstarter exclusive button pack
6. Set of eight postcards featuring Curls inspired imagery created by Steve Conley (Bloop), Joshua Daniel (Dime-Store Noir), S. L. Gallant (G.I Joe), Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred), Lauren Jaslow (snarkystudios.), Teresa Roberts Logan (Laughing Redhead Studios), Arsia Rozegar (The Incredible Hulk), and Elizabeth Watasin (Charm School). 
7. Signed book with sketch
8. Curls Cowgirl Print
9. Kickstarter exclusive backer print
10. Avatar (original line art and color digital copy)
11. Toast doll
12. Pen Pals
13. Dinner with Carolyn and Joe
14. Carolyn and Joe speaking engagement

For the next 30 days, you'll be able to make pledges to help support this project, ranging from $1 to whatever amount you can contribute. You can select from the reward packages—listed on the right side. You can even pledge more than the minimum to get a reward if you want. Your credit card or other account will not be charged at the time you make your pledge. 

If we've reached our goal when the deadline arrives (Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 8:20 PM EST) then everyone gets charged the amount they pledged at once. If we don't meet our goal no fees are applied and everyone keeps their money. If we fail to meet the goal, then no one gets any rewards either—and that would not be a fun day.

Please help spread the word and tell your friends.

Thanks,
Carolyn

Awesome Con DC is April 20-21, 2013

Join Curls Studio at their Artist Alley table (#223) and the three panels Carolyn and Joe will be appearing on at Awesome Con DC. All the action will be happening April 20-21 at the DC Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place, NW). 

There are a ton of excellent programming events as well as celebrity guests including Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Billy West (Futurama, Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Looney Tunes), Phil LaMarr (Ghostbusters, MADtv, Pee-wee's Playhouse stage show), and Theodus Crane (The Walking Dead).

Tickets are available here: http://awesomecondc.com/tickets/

AWESOME CON SHOW HOURS
Saturday, April 20, 2013 10AM-7PM
Sunday, April 21, 2013 10AM-5PM

Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 3PM

Room 102B 

DISTRICT COMICS

Chronicling the unconventional history of our nation’s capital, District Comics has won numerous awards and has received critical acclaim across the U.S. Join the writers and artist who came together to honor our favorite city during this Q and A panel moderated by ComicsDC’s Mike Rhode. Panelists include Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Rafer Roberts, Andrew Cohen, Jacob Warrenfeltz, and Carolyn Belefski.

Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 6PM

Room 102B 
PRO WRESTLING TODAY: HOW WE'D BOOK IT
How would some of Awesome Con’s guests (Including DC101’s Mike Jones & Astray Productions’s Joe Carabeo) have written some of wrestling’s biggest storylines? We will also discuss current storylines with the audience.

Sunday, April 21, 2013 - 2PM
Room 102A 
CAROLYN & JOE SHOW: LIVE PODCAST RECORDING
The brainchild of mad scientist cartoonist Carolyn Belefski and Astray Productions film director Joe Carabeo; created to fight the oncoming apocalypse one deadly word at time. With special guest Theo Crane from The Walking Dead! (Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC)

Hope to see you there!

Curls Halloween Bookmarks

Here at Curls Studio, we are looking for a few good Street Team members to distribute these beautiful (or should I say boo-tiful) Curls bookmarks to their treat-or-treat visitors on the evening on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. 

The bookmarks feature a Halloween comic strip with Curls and Turtle Neck on the front side. On the back side, all the characters are presented. You can read the strip in the photo I took above. The bookmark is posing with my pumpkin named Hattie.

If you are willing to help, all you have to do is email "info@curls-studio.com" with your mailing address. It also may be helpful to know how many trick-or-treaters you might expect. Then, like magic, a pack of bookmarks will be sent your way. If you have any leftovers, you can give them out again in 2013, or give them to your local library, school, doctor's office, dentist, or any other place you think will help spread the word of Curls.

Thanks so much to everyone on Facebook and Twitter who have already volunteered to distribute. I think the children will really enjoy this Halloween and the Curls bookmarks. Spooks!

Audio - Comics in the District: A Discussion with Local Creators

For episode 186 of The Carolyn & Joe Show podcast, we posted audio from last month's "Comics in the District: A Discussion with Local Creators" panel. The panel moderator was Mike Rhode and the panelists were Carolyn Belefski, Steve Conley, Evan Keeling, Andrew Cohen, and Matt Dembicki.

Take a listen to the show here: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/1351/

Curls syndicated in "The Funnies"

My comic strip, Curls, is now being published monthly in a newspaper called "The Funnies" based out of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. You can pick up a copy and one of the locations below or if you are interested in a subscription of $18.50 for 12 issues, email me at info[at]curls-studio[dot]com and I will pass on more information on how to order.

Recap: Southern Maryland Comic Con 2012

On Saturday, July 7th, 2012 I attended my first Southern Maryland Comic Con run by Awesome Conventions. The venue was the roller skating rink at Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Maryland. It is always interesting to see where comic shows are held. I have exhibited in a bowling alley, a fire station, dirty bars, a church, a gay community center, and now... a roller skating rink! It was rad. The temperatures got to be a little high (around 100 degrees) but with the ice skating rink next door, you could walk by and catch a blast of cool.


It was my first show where I had to commute, set-up, table, and more on my own since Joe is on tour with The Beach Boys to document their 50 year anniversary. Joe wished he could be there for Curls Studio, but I told him to take the opportunity as it is once-in-a-lifetime and a chance he has earned by working many years to gain recognition in the industry.


I was a panelist on "Webcomics Discussion" supporting my comic strip, Curls. The other panelists were Steve Conley (Bloop) and Chris Flick (Capes-n-Babes). The panel was moderated by Fantastic Forum's Ulysses Campbell. Audio was recorded and you can listen to the full panel here as it is also this week's "Carolyn and Joe Show" podcast: http://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/webcomics-now/

I also got to judge the "Art Challenge" with Laura Inglis and Matt Slay. There were two categories: one for the younger kids with coloring book pages, the other with plan white paper where older kids could create their own vision. It was a little heard to watch some of the kids who didn't win at the end, but hopefully they will continue to create art. It reminded me of applying to the VCU Design Department at the end of Art Foundation and seeing some of the applicants who didn't get into the program. You can read about my experience that year in this comic: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/2008/07/foundation-year.html

Southern Maryland Comic Con was an enjoyable show with many great artists to meet and activities to do. A lot of people dressed up for the costume contest and you could tell everyone was having a fun time. I am excited I got to meet a whole bunch of new people and hope to be back again in the future.

More event photos can be scene on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016658442381.447678.50763422380&type=3

Thanks to Fantastic Forum for the photo of the "Webcomics Discussion" panel.

Comics in the District: A Discussion with Local Creators - This Sunday

On Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 5:15PM I will be a panelist for "Comics in the District: A Discussion with Local Creators" at the DC Jewish Community Center (1529 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20036). The discussion is free to attend and will be moderated by Mike Rhode of ComicsDC blog fame.

Panelists:
• Carolyn Belefski (Founder of Curls Studio which creates and self-publishes original comics, designs and illustrations; including the comic strip Curls)
• Steve Conley (Award-winning designer, illustrator and cartoonist; writer and artist of Bloop Comic)
• Evan Keeling (Illustrator, Designer & Comic Book Artist, co-founder of the DC Conspiracy)
• Andrew Cohen (a small-press comic-book creator; www.howzitfunnies.blogspot.com)
• Matt Dembicki (editor and contributing writer/artist to DC Comics; co-founder of the D.C. Conspiracy, a comics creators collective)

This event coincides with "The History of Invulnerability" play going on at Theater J right now. Here is by 5x5 response comic I created after seeing the performance last month: http://www.curls-studio.com/curls/?p=1663

More information can be found here.

Southern Maryland Comic Con on July 7, 2012

Curls Studio will be at Southern Maryland Comic Con on Saturday, July 7, 2012 from 10AM to 5PM at Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Maryland. Admission is $10 and children age 10 and under get in free. Drawings will be held every hour for free stuff and Convention Cash. Hold on to your tickets!


Visit Curls Studio at table A3 and check out all the goodness in the event schedule here.

I was asked to take part in a panel at noon called "Webcomic Discussion" - on the stage on the left side of the room. The creators of Bloop, Curls, and Capes n Babes – Steve Conley, Carolyn Belefski, and Chris Flick, respectively – will discuss their methods and experiences creating some of today’s top webcomics.

Visit the Curls Studio Facebook page to snag a $2 off coupon in the "Photos" secton.

RSVP on Facebook here.

Hope to see you there! Waldorf Worldwide, y'all.



XOXO,
Carolyn

Curls: The History of Invulnerability

I was asked by Theater J in the DC Jewish Community Center to attend a play and went to the first DC area public performance of The History of Invulnerability on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. After the performance, there was a 15 minute Q&A with the artistic director and playwright. I did this Curls strip about the play and was inspired by the colors and the character of Jerry Siegel, the co-creator of Superman. If you look close, you'll be able to see Curls, Toast, and Turtle Neck enjoying the play, Mystery Science Theater 3000 style. I don't want to tell too much more about the play, because I'd give away too much!

The DCJCC is providing the code "DCCOMICS" to my friends and readers - tell them Carolyn Belefski sent you. This saves you $10 on any performance (the play ends on July 8th). The code can be used either online at theaterj.org or by calling 800-494-4897.

I will be a panelist for "Beyond the Stage: The History of Invulnerability" post-show discussion on Sunday, July 8 at 5:15PM for "Comics in the District: A Discussion with Local Creators." This panel will be free for all to attend.

Washington District of Columbia Jewish Community Center
1529 16th Street, NW
Washington DC 20036

Here is some more information about the play:
Behind every great superhero is a determined creator. In 1930s America, that creator was usually a young Jewish man with an active imagination. Katz’s play illuminates the story of Jerry Siegel — the brains behind Superman’s brawn—and the imagined struggle between the creative father and his uber-mensch son. Siegel wrestles to retain control of his famous comic book sensation as America is drawn into WWII. Recommended for ages 16 and up due to mature themes and brief, modest nudity.

If you see the performance, let me know what you thought!

Thanks,
Carolyn

Subscribe to Curls!

The Cartoonist Studio Contest Outcome

I recently received word that my comic strip will not proceed in The Cartoonist Studio contest round 8 (of 10). Thanks to all who voted and supported. I really appreciate it. If you have any feedback or suggestions about the strip or comments on the contest, shoot me an email at info[@]curls-studio.com. I think we went far on a clean run and could not have done it without your votes.

Thanks again,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Seven

Yes! CURLS has made it to ROUND 7 (out of 10) in The Cartoonist Studio contest. Thank you for all the votes and please continue to vote as often as you can!


Here is how you can support "Curls" - You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

XOXO,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Six

We have made it... half-way through The Cartoonist Studio contest! We are now advanced to week six (out of ten). As you can see in the photo below, the SUPER BURRITO exists in real life. I ate at a Mexican restaurant and battled Super Burrito.



THANK YOU to everyone for putting up with my constant self promotion and for all your votes, Twitter RTs, and Facebook posts. The contest is gonna get tight, so I'll need your support even more in coming weeks. I'd really encourage you all to reach out and tell your friends and networks about Curls. I could not have done it without your votes and I'm very proud of getting this far.


Here is how you can support "Curls" - You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

XOXO,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Five

Hooray: "Curls" has advanced to round five in The Cartoonist Studio competition. The full contest is ten weeks long, so once we finish this week it will be the half-way point. Thank you to everyone who has voted and helped Curls advance in this contest. The winner receives a run on gocomics.com and the chance to be surrounded by other great comic strips like Luann, Cul de Sac, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and more.


Here is how you can support "Curls" - You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

Thanks for your support. Let's make it to the half-way point and beyond!

XOXO,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Four

Great news: "Curls" has advanced to round four in The Cartoonist Studio competition. The full contest is ten weeks long. Thank you to everyone who has voted and helped Curls advance in this contest. The winner receives a run on gocomics.com and the chance to be surrounded by other great comic strips like Luann, Cul de Sac, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and more.


Here is how you can support "Curls" - You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

Thanks for your support. I really appreciate the fans of Curls Studio.

XOXO,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Three

The news: "Curls" has advanced to round three in The Cartoonist Studio competition. The full contest is ten weeks long. Thank you to everyone who has voted and helped Curls advance in this contest. The winner receives a run on gocomics.com and the chance to be surrounded by other great comic strips like Luann, Cul de Sac, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and more.


Here is how you can support "Curls" - You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

Thanks for your support. I really appreciate the fans of Curls Studio.

XOXO,
Carolyn

Vote for Curls – Advance to Week Two

Good news: "Curls" has advanced to round two in The Cartoonist Studio competition. The full contest is ten weeks long and I would greatly appreciate your votes. It was hard to determine the exact results from week one, and I do not know if the site posted any, but from what I could tell, Curls positioned around 21st place out of 133 entries. Thank you to everyone who voted last week and helped Curls advance to this week.

If you haven't voted yet, you will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com (it only takes one minute). Then search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" on the voting page and click to cast your vote: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

If you have been voting, please continue to support the Curls comic strip: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

You can vote every six hours -- four times a day. Thank you for your time and consideration. I understand it may be difficult to vote every six hours, but please vote when you can or whenever you're online.

The winner receives a run on gocomics.com and the chance to be surrounded by other great comic strips like Luann, Cul de Sac, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and more. Thanks for making a dream of mine as a cartoonist become one step closer.

XOXO,
Carolyn

VOTE CURLS in The Cartoonist Studio Contest

I have entered my comic strip "Curls" into The Cartoonist Studio Contest. The competition is going on right now and I'd really appreciate your vote. You will need to create an account on thecartooniststudio.com - then you can cast one vote for one cartoonist every six hours. There are many, many strips in the contest, so your vote does matter. You can vote four times a day -- every six hours.

Search for "Curls" or "Carolyn Belefski" to cast your vote here: http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Vote

The way I understand how the contest will be run is: there will be ten rounds of voting, one new cartoon per week will be shown from each contestant. The lowest 10% of the polls at the end of each week will be eliminated, until the final week where the remaining comic will be the winner. Judges will also determine who will be the final winner. The winner of the contest has the opportunity to run their comic on the gocomics.com website, which is good exposure and could lead to greater things. More eyes on Curls is always a positive thing and if you are a fan of my strip, please consider voting and telling your friends. Thank you for your support!

If you follow me on Twitter or are a fan of Curls Studio on Facebook, please bear with me as I promote the contest. It feels like I have to promote it every 6 hours! Thanks for you patience, in advance.

CURLS CHARACTER SHEET