Recap: Cartoonists Draw Blood 2025

Thankful for all the cartoonists and blood donors who participated in "Cartoonists Draw Blood" last month at Gainesville United Methodist Church. We even had someone drive in from Virginia Beach! 

 

National Cartoonists Society -- Washington, DC chapter is represented by Colleen Doran, John Gallagher, Steve Artley, Joe Sutliff, Ruthi Postow, and Carolyn Belefski. Hopefully we will do another blood drive next year as tradition allows (we have been doing it since 2013). 

If you are in the Washington, DC area and want to host us at your blood drive, reach out to American Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region.

Cartoonists Draw Blood 2025

Cartoonists Draw Blood -- blood drive with the American Red Cross is taking place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 8AM-1:30PM at Gainesville United Methodist Church 13710 Milestone Court, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Blood donors meet local cartoonists and take home a complementary sketch after their appointment. As an added incentive, I believe the American Red Cross may be providing a limited edition pair of socks featuring PAC-MAN to blood donors.

Link to schedule appointments to donate blood: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=20155&driveType=all

Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/827009063524109

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRNspZ0jVeu

Please consider sharing this event notice on the socials -- it's a great way to be thankful and give back this season even if you can't give blood at this time.

Artists scheduled to appear: Colleen Doran, John Gallagher, Steve Artley, Joe Sutliff, Ruthi Postow, Carolyn Belefski

Pickle Party Announcement

Join us this Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque in Arlington, Virginia for their first annual Pickle Party from 2:30-4:30PM. I will be debuting two "Curls" inspired flavors — without added sugar in their homemade pickle contest. Will discuss later, but I want the flavors to be a surprise. For more information and ticket, click here: https://www.sloppymamas.com/pages/sloppy-mama-s-bbq-1st-annual-pickle-party

The Pickle Party ticket includes the pig roast, unlimited Czexican lager, Pickle Contest tastings, free goodies, auctions for fabulous prizes, and all things pickles—all while supporting the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).

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.

Visit to Cul de Sac manhole cover

If you're a fan of Richard Thompson's comic strip Cul de Sac, you can physically visit the inspiration for part of the strip in Virginia. That's exactly what I did last fall to show some appreciation to this manhole cover and do some dances and jumps, just like Alice. Richard watched his young daughter dance on the manhole cover one day and it inspired him to draw it in his strip! 

Pay your homage at 2511 North Harrison Street in Arlington (across from Duck Donuts). 

WOM CON 2020 is Tomorrow!

Announcing WOM CON: a special one-day WOMen run comics pop-up taking place both online and in-person on November 14th!

IN-PERSON: Get your con on with local cartoonists Laura Lee Gulledge (The Dark Matter of Mona Starr), Hannah England (Strawbunny), and Mariah Bryant (Six-Petal Pyramid) outside in front of The Bridge PAI in Charlottesville, Virginia.

This FREE family friendly outdoor event will feature a badge decoration station, in-person portfolio review and comics workshop, prizes for costumes, and projected livestream content from sister shows. Plus there will be comics, books, zines and art for sale. Social distancing and masks are required!

ONLINE: Tune in to see special WOM CON sister shows live-streaming from the studios of inspiring comics creators Jennifer Hayden (The Story of My Tits), Carolyn Belefski (Curls Studio), Paige Pumphrey (NYC Pinup queen), and Sarah Trustman (The Memory Arts) through our individual Instagram and Facebook pages! 

You can print off and decorate your own WOM CON badge at home.

PROGRAMMING:

9:50am Kick-off livestream on this event page
https://www.instagram.com/lauraleegulledge

10:00am Virtual Studio Visit with Carolyn Belefski
https://www.instagram.com/carolynbelefski

11:00am In-Person Portfolio Reviews with Hannah England

12:00pm Virtual Table Talk & FAQ with Jennifer Hayden
https://www.instagram.com/jenhaygoddess

1:00pm In-person Comics Workshop with Laura Lee Gulledge

2:00pm Virtual Comic Con Table Hangout Experience #AMA with Paigey Pumphrey
https://www.facebook.com/paige.pumphrey

3:00pm In-person Portfolio Reviews with Mariah Bryant

4:00pm Virtual Art & Storytelling for Memory with Q&A with Sarah Trustman
https://www.instagram.com/sarahtrustman

Fairfax Comic Con is August 24-25, 2019

Please join us for the second Fairfax Comic Con at Dulles Expo Center on August 24-25, 2019. Curls Studio will be at Table W16 selling original art and comics. Two exclusive prints featuring the show mascot (Fairfax Fox) will be available.

Here is more about the show from their website:

Fairfax Comic Con is a new annual comic convention brought to you by Tidewater Comicon and the diehard comic fans of Fairfax County, Virginia. We want to be a family friendly event that brings fans from far and wide for two fun filled days in Fairfax. Ok, admittedly we tried to put as many F’s in that last sentence as we could. Fantastic!

Children age 10 and under are free! Get your passes and find out more information in advance here: www.fairfaxcomiccon.com

Cartoon Art Exhibition at Ridgetop Coffee and Tea Gallery

View this post on Instagram

Big thanks to my friend Danny for helping me put up part of my art show featuring "Curls" comic strips at the beautiful @ridgetopcoffee in Sterling, Virginia. ☕ Prints and original art are available for purchase directly from the wall -- simply contact staff. Stay 'tooned for an announcement about a "Meet The Artist" event where I'll have exclusive illustrations, comic books, buttons, and more. www.CarolynBelefski.com #Curls #CurlsStudio #coffee #ridgetopcoffee #art #comicstrips #exhibit #sofa #gallery #cartoon

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Oct 22, 2018 at 6:23pm PDT

A new exhibition by Carolyn Belefski is open at the Ridgetop Coffee and Tea Art Gallery (21631 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, VA). The show features 16 "Curls" comic strip prints and 15 original ink art pieces that will be on display until November 30.

A “Meet The Artist” event will take place on November 18 from 9AM to 12 Noon and will feature comic books, original art, buttons, prints, and other rare items available for purchase. Carolyn will be available to autograph items and visitors will have the opportunity to buy affordable art and gifts in advance of the holiday shopping rush.

Please connect with Ridgetop employees if you are interested in purchasing art directly from the walls.

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/255319051835562

Monday-Friday 7AM to 9PM
Saturday-Sunday 8AM to 4PM

Fairfax Comic Con is August 25-26, 2018

Please join us for the first-ever Fairfax Comic Con at Dulles Expo Center on August 25-26, 2018. Curls Studio will be at Table 221 selling original art and new books (some publicly unannounced specials).

I will also be signing exclusive prints the show asked me to produce. My concept features Fairfax Fox and the Tidewater Shark (as an airplane -- to bring the Dulles airport location into the mix).

On Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 3PM in the Kids Love Comics section, I'll be hosting "Create Your Own Superhero Symbol with Carolyn Belefski." Every hero needs a logo! Many superheroes have personal branding on their outfits and My Little Pony characters even have cutie marks! Join artist and designer Carolyn Belefski and learn how to incorporate graphic design elements to create an icon and establish your own powerful visual identity.

Here is more about the show from their website:

Fairfax Comic Con is a new annual comic convention brought to you by Tidewater Comicon and the diehard comic fans of Fairfax County, Virginia. Our first year we plan on a smaller show with a strong focus on comic book creators and a few surprise guests. We want to be a family friendly event that brings fans from far and wide for two fun filled days in Fairfax. Ok, admittedly we tried to put as many F’s in that last sentence as we could. Fantastic!

Children age 10 and under are free! Get your passes and find out more information in advance here: www.fairfaxcomiccon.com

Album Design for Nicole Belanus

I recently designed an album for musical artist Nicole Belanus called "The Grown Demos."

It was fun to design the sleeve packaging and CD -- plus Nicole is a great client to work with! Check out her tunes here. I like how she has tunes and I have toons. It's a great combo.

I designed album packaging! "The Grown Demos" by Nicole Belanus @beelines77 🌱 I'm a big music fan, so it was exciting to be a part of this project. Watch this space as I post the CD design tomorrow. Check out Nicole's tunes and also my toons (cartoons, that is) at www.CarolynBelefski.com. Thanks to Nicole for the opportunity and creative freedom. #music #design #albumcover #creative

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 17, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT

Let's Work Together
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please view my portfolio and reach out: http://www.CarolynBelefski.com.

Comics at McKay in Manassas, VA on Saturday, April 22, 2017

Please join Curls Studio at McKay Used Books this Saturday, April 22 from 11AM to 5PM. Sean Causley, creator of Panda Force, will also be there. This is McKay's second comics event!

If you are planning to go for this small comic con, you can also bring in your used records, movies, books, etc. Look at their website for details about what they can except for store credit or cash/check.

McKay is located at 8345 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109 in the Manaport Shopping Center across from the Manassas Mall. Stop by to say hello and pick up gifts for your loved ones. I will draw a sketch in every book purchased and would enjoy meeting you in-person. See you there!

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1004567566341382

Comics at McKay in Manassas, VA this Saturday

Please join us for Curls Studio's last public appearance of 2016 at McKay Used Books this Saturday, December 3 from 11AM to 5PM. Sean Causley, creator of Panda Force, will also be there. This is McKay's first comics event!

If you are planning to go for this small comic con, you can also bring in your used records, movies, books, etc. Look at their website for details about what they can except for store credit or cash/check.

McKay is located at 8345 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109 in the Manaport Shopping Center across from the Manassas Mall. Stop by to say hello and pick up holiday gifts for your loved ones. I will draw a sketch in every book purchased and would enjoy meeting you in-person. See you there!

Facebook Invite and RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/251152548635195

Cartooning for Kids 2016

The DC Chapter of National Cartoonists Society had our first "Cartooning for Kids" event at Inova Children’s Hospital on November 15, 2016. National Cartoonists Society Foundation provided the hospital with about 50 goody bags, coloring books, crayon boxes, and comic books. After stuffing the bags, us cartoonists divided to cover three floors of the building. Each of us did different activities with the kids, such as drawing, coloring, giving cartooning tips, or playing Pictionary.

My own personal experience was very rejuvenating. I shared the room with Joe Sutliff and we concentrated on two children in particular, Benjamin and Najah. Benjamin had his much loved stuffed dog named Toby with him and when I draw Toby it caused Benjamin to light up! It was a great sight to see. Najah celebrated her 14th birthday that day, so I draw her with her birthday crown. She was very interested in learning how to create balloon/bubble lettering, so Joe and I showed her how. She also educated me on some reality shows, including her favorite, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.

Thanks to Rick Stromoski for organizing the shipment of goody bags and thanks to NCS for this initiative. Thanks to our cartoonists Mike Jenkins, Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Sean Causley, and Joe Sutliff for participating. We plan to do more of these hospital visits in 2017.

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 4th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (across the street from Takoma Metro) at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com. You may also register yourself online using this link.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done three previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 200 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, Liz Reed, Joe Sutliff, Kyra Taub, and Art Hondros.
  In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Free parking is available all weekend in the Takoma Metro parking lot across the street.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/491187757755990

American Red Cross Press Release: http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/local/washington-dc/Cartoonists-Draw-Blood-event

Recent podcast interview with participating cartoonist Joe Sutliff on the Carolyn and Joe Show: carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/joe-sutliff

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Recap: Tidewater Comicon 2016

A video posted by JOE (@astrayj) on May 22, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

This past weekend Curls Studio took part in their first appearance at Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on May 21 and 22. We had a great time meeting new people and expanding our readership to a new location.

After Joe's interview at Arlington Independent Media, we drive down to Virginia Beach on Friday. The traffic was not very steady and it was a lot of stop and go. We were able to check out a few local restaurants such as Tupelo Honey Cafe, Chicho's Pizza, Commune, Whitner's BBQ, and Pelon's Baja Grill. I didn't get to see the boardwalk and only caught small glimpses of the town. We were mostly at the convention center or eating with pals!

At the show we premiered a new product, which is a joint effort between Gina from Super Sox Shop and myself. We now have custom-made pencil cases! I designed the fabric and Gina assembled and sewed the pencil cases. Right now we have two designs: Art Supplies and characters from my Curls comic strip. You might remember that last year Gina and I teamed up to make the dress I wore at the Reuben Awards ceremony!

Speaking of fashion, we are now SOLD OUT of all aqua colored "Heart Comics" shirts. There is a limited supply of the asphalt color, so if you are interested in the shirt, please check out the store, as I can not guarantee that the shirt will still be available in a few weeks and I do not plan on creating more of this design.

One of the great takeaways from Tidewater was enjoying the inventive "homemade" cosplay worn by attendees. We also appreciated everyone's excitement about comics. Thanks to everyone who but on the show and everyone who stopped by our table.

Our next convention is in less than two weeks -- we'll be at Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center on June 3-5, 2016.

Tidewater Comicon is May 21-22, 2016

Visit Curls Studio at Artist Alley Table A314 during Tidewater Comicon 2016 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center!

Saturday, May 21: 10AM-6PM
Sunday, May 22: 10AM-5PM

This will be our first appearance at this convention plus we'll be hitting the Virginia Beach area for the first time.

Last year Tidewater Comicon doubled the space for the show and broke it’s previous attendance record with over 16,000 excited fans and families.

This year special guests Ernie Hudson, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, C. Martin Croker, and more will be appearing.

Kids 12 and under are FREE to attend with a paid adult. Hope to see you there.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/978956835557605

Recap: Free Comic Book Day 2016

Free Comic Book Day is rocking here at The Amazing Comic Shop here in Fairfax at university mall. Come on out and get some Comics and say hi to CURLS STUDIO ( @carolynbelefski and @astrayj ) #curlsstudiotour2016 #curlsstudio @dernhelm #badasscomicbookstorerunner #carolynandjoeadventures #carolynbelefski #cartoonist #joecarabeo #writer #amazingcomicshop #fcbd #freecomicbookday #comicbooks #va #nova #dmv #dc #astray www.curls-studio.com

A video posted by JOE (@astrayj) on May 7, 2016 at 8:16am PDT

This past Saturday, May 7, 2016 Curls Studio participated in Free Comic Book Day at the Amazing Comic Shop in Fairfax, Virginia. We were there from 10:30 AM until 5:45 PM. Thanks to everyone we met and thanks to the Amazing Comic Shop for hosting us -- it was a fun day!

I always think that FCBD is the kickoff of summer -- it happens the first Saturday of every May. The Kentucky Derby is also this day and there is usually a superhero movie opening that weekend as well -- this year is Captain America: Civil War. 

Our next appearance will be Tidewater Comicon on May 21-22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center followed by at Awesome Con on June 3-5 at the DC Convention Center. Hope to see you then. We'll be updating the blog with information on what panels we'll be on and our booth location in a map. Please check back here before the conventions for the latest news.

Free Comic Book Day 2016 is this Saturday!

Join Curls Studio this Saturday, May 7, 2016 for Free Comic Book Day at The Amazing Comic Shop in University Mall near George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. We will be there when the store opens at 10:30AM and continuing until mid-afternoon.

We will have our original comic books for sale and I'll be able to draw a sketch for you inside books if requested. We hope to meet you soon!

Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Different shops have policies on how many free comics you can receive, but you will receive at least one free comic if you enter a participating shop location.

Brand Identity for Stable Hands

Before the year ends, I wanted to display a project I completed earlier this year – identity design for Stable Hands Pet Care and Services. This project included designing and arranging printing for business cards and letterhead, as well as their services chart.

Stable Hands provides mid-day dog walks, pet sitting, and overnight stay services. Lara is an expert on the farm and specializes in horses and horse show grooming (she even has a Bachelors of Animal Science to prove it).

The logo design incorporates hands in an uplift horseshoe for luck and protection with the profiles of a cat and dog inside. The colors are friendly, approachable, and professional.

Thank you Lara and David for the opportunity to work with you to create your brand and congratulations on becoming a new independent business. If you are looking for pet care in the Virginia Beach area, please consider http://www.stablehandspcs.com.

Available for Freelance Work
If you are interested in my illustration and/or design skills, please email Carolyn Belefski at info@curls-studio.com. View my portfolio: http://www.CarolynBelefski.com.

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 31, 2015

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing a blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors this Halloween -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church near Takoma Metro at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done two previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of up to 120 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, T.R. Logan, Liz Reed, and Joe Sutliff.

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is on Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502045900106928

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen