Toon Talks: TED-Style Presentations by Cartoonists

I am selected to present at "Toon Talks" during National Cartoonists Society’s 80th Annual Reuben Awards and Conference in Ohio on August 7. 

Five cartoonists. Five big ideas. Ten minutes each. Inspired by TED Talks, this fast-paced session features short, focused presentations on creative breakthroughs, business pivots, technical innovations, and career insights. Topics range from process to publishing, from style to strategy. After the presentations, join table conversations with speakers to dive deeper into the ideas that resonated with you. 

Presenters: Carolyn Belefski (How Comics Shape Minds and Health), Deon Parson (Making Traditional Comics in a Digital World), Jonathan Lemon (How to Hack Your Deadlines), Sonya Saturday (So Anyway, I Saved a Dollar), Tom Gammill (How I Learned To Draw). 

Registration link: https://ncs.glueup.com/event/80th-annual-ncs-conference-and-reuben-awards-173648

There will also be National Cartoonists Society Showcase on August 8 at The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum that I will be participating in (taking place after the conference). More details to come in the next blog post.

Recap: Fredericksburg Comic Con 2026

This past weekend Curls Studio had a fun time at Fredericksburg Comic Con with the Kids Love Comics crew. I got to meet fellow NCS member John Rose for the first time in-person. Joe got to unexpectedly meet writer Robert Venditti. I had a workshop "Emoji Comics with Carolyn Belefski" and drew this code to crack 🍍🍕👍. Reply where you stand on this controversial opinion. Thank you Incredible Conventions!

Fredericksburg Comic Con 2026

Fredericksburg Comic Con is July 11-12, 2026. There will be Kids Love Comics activities and workshops, arcade games, special guests (voice actors, wresters, and comic creators), artist alley, and exhibitors. 

On Sunday at 1PM join us for 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.

This will be the first time Curls Studio will visit Fredericksburg Comic Con. Hope to see you there!

Blossom Bash 2026

This past Sunday I participated in "Blossom Bash" an official National Cherry Blossom Festival event, transforming PenFed Plaza into a vibrant spring destination at Tysons Corner Center. 

ArtsFairfax hosted live chalk art contest inspired by America’s Semiquincentennial: In honor of America’s 250th, chalk art reflected the natural beauty of America's flora and fauna, celebrating the plants, animals, and landscapes that make our country beautiful. 

The event “paints PenFed Plaza pink” with a curated retailer market, live entertainment, family-friendly activations, giveaways, and interactive experiences—designed to drive regional attendance while spotlighting participating retailers and restaurants.

This was my first time at this one-day outdoor program. I heard from the other artists there that they had done the event in previous years. My art was inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms and I did a koi fish with blossom fins in the water with emphasis on movement and spring colors. 

It was definitely windy at this elevated outdoor event space and two of my name tags blew away. I am happy with my art given the parameters of the wind and physically doing it in a squat position. I rarely got on my knees, but they did advise artists to bring towels to roll up for protection. I did bring a bath towel, but didn't really use it. Many of the artists had skateboarding knee pads. I was starting to use up many of my main colors -- white, pink, and blue -- glad to make it through to complete with sparse resources. We had to tell PenFed event workers and attendees not to step on the art area (which was obviously sectioned in five foot squares with tape, so it was striking to see so many people oblivious to what we were doing -- for those that don't know the colors smear when being stepped on). It was an interesting challenge and I'm glad to be a part of it!

Recap: CulpeperCon 2026

Curls Studio experienced CulpeperCon this past Saturday with a display at their Artist Alley in the morning. Joe Carabeo debuted his new 2026 filmmaking reel during his presentation. I gave my "Fine Toon Your Life" comics workshop including an engaging Q&A segment in the afternoon. Several people walked away from the presentation with a freshly drawn comic and a start to their career in cartooning!

CulpeperCon 2026 is this Saturday

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 Curls Studio will be at Culpeper County Library for the 4th CulpeperCon. We will be giving a presentation and workshop in the afternoon. John Gallagher, the creator of Max Meow, will be giving this year's keynote at Noon.

Joe Carabeo presents How You Don’t Need Hollywood…But...
2:30-3:20PM

Filmmaking is a wonderful world, but is the reality of being a filmmaker right for you? Join Joe Carabeo as he shares a rare glimpse into his evolving process as a professional creative, while discussing the joys and hardships he endured in the evolution of being part of modern cinema making through his 20 years as a independent filmmaker and creator. 

Fine Toon Your Life with Carolyn Belefski
3:30-4:20PM

Welcome back CulpeperCon 3rd Edition Keynote Speaker, Carolyn Belefski!

In this workshop, cartoonist Carolyn Belefski will teach how to turn humor of your everyday life into clever, relatable comic strips -- because if it’s going to happen to you, it might as well be funny.

Awesome Con 2026

Curls Studio will be at the 13th year of Awesome Con in Artist Alley Table C-36 at the DC Convention Center March 13-15, 2026. Say hi and peruse our original comics, stickers, prints, enamel pins, magnets, and more! We will have the debut of issue 24 of Magic Bullet, a large format comics newspaper featuring Washington, DC based creators.

A new edition of "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" is Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:15AM to Noon in Room 204. We have a massive amount of panelists joining us from a wide variety of backgrounds in comics, podcasting, films, and other creative outlets. If you ever wonder how to break into the industry or enhance your career, this is the place for your professional development. Panel participants: Shawn Martinbrough, Clint McElroy, Jimmy Gownley, Kata Kane, Rich Woodall, Joseph Schmalke, Carolyn Belefski

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. Hope to see you at Awesome Con.

Friday, March 13 | Horror, Sci Fi, Action | 6:45-9:45 pm
Saturday, March 14 | Comedy, Drama | 1:30-4:30 pm
Saturday, March 14 | Awards Celebration | 4:45-5:45 pm
Sunday, March 15 | And Beyond! | 2:00-5:00 pm

VOTE FOR 2026 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
astrayproductions.com/vote

Fairfax Comic Con is August 23-24, 2025

Join us at Dulles Expo Center (4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151) this August 23-24, 2025 (SAT 10:30AM-5PM (VIP 10AM), SUN 10AM-4PM) for Fairfax Comic Con. 

Comic creators Joe Carabeo and Carolyn Belefski will be exhibiting with Curls Studio -- please swing by to say hello and browse the merchandise. 

All weekend: Kids Love Comics will host an activity and coloring table with coloring sheets, how-to’s, crayons and markers, kids and their parents are invited to let their inner artist explore! 

1PM on Saturday "Comic Costume Academy with Carolyn Belefski"

Every hero needs a logo! Join artist and designer Carolyn Belefski (Curls) and learn how to incorporate graphic design elements to create an icon and establish your own powerful visual identity. Kids can then place the logos on the provided capes, and… up, up, and away!*

*Kids Love Comics does not guarantee kids will actually fly

Children 10 and under get in free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Parking is free. Hope to see you there!

Recap: CulpeperCon 2025

I had a great time at CulpeperCon on March 22, 2025 hosted by the Culpeper County Library. Curls Studio came into town the day before to settle in since the keynote would start at 9AM. We got to see some of the town and visited two comic shops in the area (Collector's Den and Final Boss -- both locations had posters up to advertise CulpeperCon). Since the event coincided with the town's Restaurant Week, we got to take advantage of the incentive at Pinto Thai, where a robot served us our dinner meal! This is the first time I've had a robot bring meals to the table. 

My keynote was titled, "How Comics Shape Minds and Health" -- showcasing some of my portfolio in the beginning so people who don't know me have a background on what I've done so far, including some items I don't show too often. I showcased how reading comics enhance our brains and different ways of thinking and then went into my "Cartoonists First Aid" which focuses on nutrition and encourages physical movement. I provided stretches and mobility poses to implement for people who work desk and knowledge jobs. The keynote speech is available for watching on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7ELa3KbJ4k

After my keynote, many people came up to me saying they learned a lot and were going to try to take more breaks throughout the day. Some people were familiar with my work and still had no idea some of the work I showed from my portfolio in the beginning. I was good to get that instant feedback to know people got inspired to become healthy because if you aren't healthy you can't draw, write, or achieve your larger goals in life. 

At CulpeperCon I got my blood pressure checked at UVA Health's table, saw the robotics section, painted a rubber duck as Curls, saw the escape room table, and more. It was cool to have the whole library absorbed into a comic con event with activities and multiple tables filled with local businesses, artists, games, and more. Thank you to the keynote sponsor Fountain Hall and to Friends of the Culpeper County Library for putting this event on and thinking to ask me to be a part of the event.

CulpeperCon 2025 Keynote Speaker

Join us at CulpeperCon for a celebration of graphic novels, pop culture, and storytelling -- connecting fans and creators through interactive events, art, and community. The event has many activities lined up: Bingo, Lego, Special Effects Makeup, Cosplay Contest, Games, Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Scavenger Hunt, and more. 

I've been asked to be the keynote speaker at 9AM on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Hope to see you there!

Culpeper Con is Culpeper County Library's premier annual graphic novel and comic book convention, hosted by the Friends of the Culpeper County Library. Culpeper County Public Library is in the Southgate Shopping Center (271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA 22701).

Fairfax Comic Con is August 17-18, 2024

Join us at Dulles Expo Center (4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151) this Saturday and Sunday (SAT 11AM-5PM (VIP 10AM), SUN 11AM-4PM) for Fairfax Comic Con. 

Comic creators Joe Carabeo and Carolyn Belefski will be exhibiting with Curls Studio -- please swing by to say hello and browse the merchandise. 

 All weekend: Kids Love Comics will host an activity and coloring table with coloring sheets, how-to’s, crayons and markers, kids and their parents are invited to let their inner artist explore! 

1PM on Sunday "Comic Costume Academy with Carolyn Belefski"
Every hero needs a logo! Join artist and designer Carolyn Belefski (Curls) and learn how to incorporate graphic design elements to create an icon and establish your own powerful visual identity. Kids can then place the logos on the provided capes, and… up, up, and away! 

Children 10 and under get in free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Parking is free. Hope to see you there!

Fairfax Comic Con is August 26-27, 2023

I'll be a special guest at Fairfax Comic Con on August 26-27, 2023 at Dulles Expo Center from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (VIP entrance opens at 10 AM). 

On Sunday at Noon I'll be leading a workshop at Kids Love Comics! called "Create Your Own Superhero Symbol."

Children ages 10 and younger are free if they are accompanied by an adult at all times. Tickets and more info here: www.fairfaxcomiccon.com

Hope to see you there!

Because Science Craft Lab Grand Opening

Curls Studio will be at Because Science Adams Morgan on Saturday, June 24 from 1-3PM to celebrate the launch of the Craft Lab! We will be doing STEAM projects from #CarolynsCreativeChallenge and more. Bring the whole family and join us at 1759 Columbia Road, NW in Washington DC for Opening Day.

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

Maryland STEM Festival Art Contest Kick-Off Event

Come to the Maryland STEM Festival Art Contest Kick-Off Event at Howard Community College this Saturday, September 10 from 9AM to Noon in the Science, Engineering, and Technology Building (SET). A free, fun family event for all! I was invited to speak about art and encourage young students in grades K-12 to enter in the Art Contest (this year's theme is Cybersecurity and Information Technology). Winning entries will be announced in a live event at the National Cryptologic Museum.

I will have Curls Studio comics, books, pins, stickers, and other merchandise available for purchase.

For guidelines about the art contest and more information about the event click on the link: https://marylandstemfestival.org

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.

Recap: Baltimore Comic-Con 2021

We had a fun time at Baltimore Comic-Con 2021, a three day show which wrapped on Sunday. Since it's what Curls Studio likes to call a "transitional" year, much like New York Comic Con was with the requirements of temperature checks, vaccination (or a negative test for those age four or younger), and masks -- the goal was to have fun and enjoy our time together.

I participated in the exclusive "Trick or Treat" BCC Yearbook and got to meet the person who pledged on my original Curls Halloween art. He came to the table after the auction with the piece and took a photo with me, so that was cool. I also premiered my new "Emoji Comics" workshop (which came with sign language interpreter).

Thank you to all the guests, retailers, volunteers, fans, and everyone else that made the show possible. Mark your calendars now for next year October 28-30, 2022!

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!

2021 Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) -- Expo and Discord Stream

I'm proud to be selected to be a part of Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) for the first time, even if it's a virtual appearance this year. CXC is based in Columbus, Ohio and is all about making connections between people with a passion for the art of cartoons -- a comics, art, and animation festival. The event is founded by curator of The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Lucy Shelton Caswell -- along with the husband and wife team behind Cartoon Books, Columbus native Jeff Smith (Bone) and his wife Vijaya Iyer. 

This year's event lasts four days (September 30 - October 3, 2021) and is a combination of in-person and online events. I'm part of the Expo (curated online marketplace) and I'll be doing a Discord meet-up on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 8:00 to 8:30 PM EST. Hope you can spend part of your Saturday evening with me! 

The CXC Discord server is where you can interact with CXC Exhibitors and participate in demos, live drawing sessions, and gameful cartooning events.

Join the Discord server here: http://cartooncrossroadscolumbus.org/discord

New to Discord? Read about it here: https://discord.com/why-discord-is-different

Look for the Exhibitors Showcase channel to watch the video, and use the #discussion channel to interact live!

Don’t want to use Discord? Watch this event on the CXC Discord public stream: https://www.twitch.tv/cxcfestival_discord

Carolyn Belefski Discord Stream: https://www.cartooncrossroadscolumbus.org/?session=carolyn-belefski-discord-stream

CXC Expo: https://www.cartooncrossroadscolumbus.org/?page_id=3708