comicsexperience.com

Monday, April 30, 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS: CE Alum Jeff Marsick Interviewed by Duane Swierczynski on Mulholland Books!

Writer and CE alum Jeff Marsick and artist Scott Barnett were just interviewed by Duane Swierczynski on the Mulholland Books website about their new comic book, Dead Man's Party.

Dead Man's Party is about an assassin who puts a contract out on his own head to a select group of his peers. It's a party that will allow him to go out on his own terms, at the top of his game. The invitations are sent...and then things go horribly wrong.

Interviewer Duane Swierczynski called Dead Man's Party, "one of the best single issues of a comic book I read last year...a fast-moving, lean and mean hit man thriller that contained some truly crazy surprises."

In addition to Dead Man's Party, Jeff Marsick is also the writer of the comic Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers. His artist collaborator on Dead Man's Party, Scott Barnett, has previously had work published by Image, Malibu, Chaos, Avatar, London Night Studios, and Topps, among others.

In the interview, Jeff and Scott discuss the inspiration for Dead Man's Party, the planned length of the story, how they collaborate in the creative process, and much more!

Mulholland Books is an imprint of Little, Brown and Company devoted to publishing the best in suspense fiction.

Interviewer Duane Swierczynski is the author of several acclaimed crime thrillers, including Severance Package (Minotaur, 2008), which has been optioned by Lionsgate Films. Duane is also a regular writer on many Marvel Comics properties, and currently writes Birds of Prey for DC Comics.


Read the full interview here:
Interview - Welcome to the Party, Pal





If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Andy Schmidt Interviewed on "Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib" on WNCJ!

In April, Andy Schmidt, former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder), was interviewed on Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib airing on WNJC-1360 AM in Philadelphia.

Fictional Frontiers is the nation’s only weekly radio program dedicated to a serious discussion of and about popular culture including film, television, comic books, literature, and other entertainment mediums.

Host Sohaib I. Awan called Comics Experience "the Jedi Temple of comic book training" (what an intro!) and they then went on to discuss the origins of Comics Experience, the curriculum and approach to the work, a description of how the live, online courses work, and much more!

If you missed the live radio broadcast, we're happy to provide a link to an extended version of Andy's interview right here:

Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib - (Episode 197) - Andy Schmidt Extended Exclusive

Sohaib is the host and founder of Fictional Frontiers. Prior to Fictional Frontiers, Sohaib was the founder and managing partner of The Law Offices of Sohaib Awan. He is also a member of the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA).

You can listen to Fictional Frontiers every week on WNJC or check out www.fictionalfrontiers.com for more information!


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Thursday, April 26, 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS: Bobby Curnow's "Battle Beasts" Ashcan from IDW Hits C2E2!

Writer Bobby Curnow had a new book debuting at C2E2 this year: the Battle Beasts ashcan published by IDW!

Bobby is both a Comics Experience alum and a member of the Creators Workshop, where he offers members pro critiques on their work.

Bobby wrote the Battle Beasts ashcan story, with art by Valerio Schiti (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Donatello, Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron), and a cover by Dan Brereton!

Battle Beasts is being produced by IDW in conjunction with Diamond Select Toys. In addition to the aschan, DST was also offering an exclusive promo Minimate of one of the book’s lead characters at C2E2. The story will continue in Battle Beasts #1 in July 2012, premiering at San Diego Comic-Con (July 11-15).

The ashcan focuses on a group of renegade Beasts who return to Earth to protect the ultimate weapon (and the human who activated it) from an armada of their violent brethren. It reprints the first eight pages of issue #1 in full color.

Bobby recently said, "Getting the chance to help create the new Battle Beasts in comic form has been a fantastic and supremely fun experience...IDW has a lot of experience finding riveting stories in toy-based licenses, and I hope Battle Beasts is no exception."

Bobby's new creator-owned miniseries, Night of 1,000 Wolves, arrives in stores in May. That title features artwork by Eisner-nominated artist Dave Wachter.

Bobby is also an editor at IDW where he began by editing titles like Robert Bloch's That Hellbound Train and John Layman and Alberto Ponticelli's Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths before moving on to his current position working on both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Godzilla franchises.

Congrats on Battle Beasts, Bobby!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

COMMUNITY NEWS: CE Alum Joe Sergi Annotates the History of Comics Censorship for CBLDF!

CE alum, Workshop member -- and attorney -- Joe Sergi recently attended a C2E2 panel on the history of censorship presented by Charles Brownstein, the Executive Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF).

Joe is a big fan of the CBLDF and the work they do, protecting the First Amendment rights of creators, retailers, and libraries.

Inspired by the panel, Joe shared his notes on his Cup of Geek blog, along with extensive thoughts, pictures, and annotations on the history of censorship. And the CBLDF liked it so much, they published it on their own website!

Charles' presentation -- and Joe's article -- covers it all; from Dr. Frederick Wertham's campaign against comics to the underground comix movement, and from the Spider-Man "drug" issues to the more recent cases involving Manga.

Check out the CBLDF site to read Joe's article right here:

CBLDF’s History of Comics Censorship Presentation, Annotated by Joe Sergi’s Cup of Geek


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

COMMUNITY NEWS: "Vodka O'Clock" Podcast, Ep. 1206 Features 3 CE Alums Talking About "Making Comics"!

Episode 1206 of the Vodka O'Clock podcast, hosted by CE alum and Workshop member Elizabeth Amber-Love, recently featured two more CE alums, Amy Chu and Georgia Lee from Alpha Girl Comics. It was a Comics Experience trifecta!

Amber and her guests offered an inside perspective on making comics from women that have started their own imprint, Alpha Girl Comics.

Their work features a variety of genres and subject matter that appeal to teen+ readers of either gender, while being female-friendly, but not female exclusive.

Their creative teams include male contributors such as CE coloring instructor Chris Sotomayor, CE Workshop member and letterer E.T. Dollman, Editor Paul Allor (the CE Book Club Manager and alum) and others.

According to Amy Chu on the podcast, "We’re definitely into promoting positive female role models in stories...Ultimately we want a good strong protagonist that isn’t going to end up in a refrigerator."

Recent Alpha Girl projects include Amy's Girls Night Out, a collection of short stories by different artistic teams, and Georgia’s Meridien City series about a space detective in a world where the upper class dominates the only habitable areas on a planet.



Check out the full podcast here:
Vodka O'Clock Ep. 1206: Amy Chu & Georgia Lee from Alpha Girl Comics


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

COMMUNITY NEWS: CE Alum Janine Frederick Appears on "I Sell Comics" with the "Comic Book Men!"

On April 19, 2012, alum Janine Frederick was a special guest on the I Sell Comics podcast, discussing her past and upcoming projects as well as Comics Experience classes and the Creators Workshop.

I Sell Comics is the podcast recorded live at Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash, the home base of AMC's television show, Comic Book Men.

The podcast is hosted each week by two of the "Comic Book Men" themselves, Michael Zapcic and Ming Chen.

Janine, along with fellow guest Cliff Galbraith of Crucial Comics, chatted with Michael and Ming for over an hour.

Janine talked about her approach to writing, her experience as a down-to-the-wire finalist in the DC Comics/Zuda competition, what it's like being part of a comics couple (with her husband/artist, and CE alum, Ken Frederick), as well as a project they are both currently contributing to called The Hudson Valley Zombie Apocalypse.

Check out the podcast right here: I Sell Comics! #29
(Please note: the podcast contains explicit language!)


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

COMMUNITY NEWS: Genesis -- A New Anthology from Comics Experience Alums!

The latest anthology created by Comics Experience writing alums is now available!

Tales from the Comics Experience: Genesis is a 54-page, black and white trade paperback anthology that contains stories written during the September 2011 Intro to Comic Book Writing course.

In the past, a number of Comics Experience classes have teamed up to produce class anthologies after their course ended, and we're happy to have our September 2011 alums joining those ranks!

The stories in Genesis contain adventure, romance, and betrayal, and run the gamut from the brutalities of war to the fringes of space and beyond. The book also contains a Foreword by former Marvel and IDW Editor (and CE founder) Andy Schmidt.

The book may be ordered via IndyPlanet.

The writers -- now all CE alums! -- are Ivan Antonio, Tracie Burch, Matt Dansie, Allen Edger, Philip Jung, Chris Mosby, Keith Salmon, and G. Von Stoddard.

The cover and two interior stories are by CE art alum DaFu Yu.

Other artists contributing include CE alum Seth Martel, as well as Jordi Perez Estevez, Koong, Ozzy Longoria, Felipe Watanabe, and J.C. Grande.

Allen Edger acted as project Editor, with design/layout by G. Von Stoddard, and logo design by CE alums Rich Douek and G. Von Stoddard.

Congrats to everyone! We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

Check it out in print here:
Tales from the Comics Experience: Genesis

Or pick up a digital copy on Drive-Thru Comics!


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

COMMUNITY NEWS: New Trailer for Rich Douek's "Gutter Magic"

We've previously told you about alum and Workshop member Rich Douek's comic book Gutter Magic.

Well, Rich recently released a trailer promoting the planned five issue miniseries, written by Rich, with art by Brett Barkley, colors by CE alum Donna Gregory, and edits by CE staff member Paul Allor!

Gutter Magic tells a tale of sword, sorcery and sixguns in an alternate history where a magic-fueled World War II drove the world to the brink of apocalypse.

The trailer has been a big hit, even garnering coverage on Bleeding Cool! (What If Wizards Won World War II?)

Check out the trailer right below! Or check out Rich's site, SixGunComics.com for more info!





If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

iFanboy's "Making Comics" Podcast with Andy Schmidt, Episode #19 posted + Free Workhop Offer!

The nineteenth episode of iFanboy's Making Comics with Andy Schmidt podcast has been released!

And in this episode, Andy announces how you can gain entry to a FREE live, online Workshop on Breaking In! Check out the episode for details...

In this episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss "Where Should I Live?"

As explained over on iFanboy:
"Josh and Andy talk about what geography means to comics today, with the help of technology, but also the benefits of face to face contact in the various aspects of the comics industry..."
Check out this new episode, plus all of the previous ones on iTunes, or listen to them right here:

Listen to Episode #19, "Where Should I Live?"

Listen to Episode #18, "Comic Book Coloring with Chris Sotomayor"

Listen to Episode #17, "Art Portfolio with Robert Atkins"

Listen to Episode #16, "Conventions and Critique"

Listen to Episode #15, "Pitching"

Listen to Episode #14, "Making Time for Making Comics"

Listen to Episode #13, "Story"

Listen to Episode #12, "Marketing"

Listen to Episode #11, "Artist Portfolio"

Listen to Episode #10, "Inspiration"

Listen to Episode #9, "Online Networking"

Listen to Episode #8, "Building A Page"

Listen to Episode #7, "Professionialism"

Listen to Episode #6, "The Comic Book Script"

Listen to Episode #5, "Convention Networking"

Listen to Episode #4, "Good Feedback"

Listen to Episode #3, "Long Stories or Short Stories?"

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

"The Time of Reflection" is a Finalist in Eagle Awards Competition!

We're pleased to announce that writer Alex Wilson (a Comics Experience alum and Creators Workshop member) and artist Silvio dB had their submission, "The Time of Reflection," selected as one of the two finalists for the MCM Expo Award For New Visionaries (sometimes called "The Huntsman's Challenge" or the "Eagle Awards New Talent Competition").

The final winner will now be determined by a vote.

Please VOTE HERE before May 7, 2012! It only takes a few seconds.

"The Time of Reflection" was shortlisted in both categories of art and story and can be viewed in full on the Eagle Awards voting website OR on Alex Wilson's website right here.

The winning story will be included in May’s MCM London Comic Con show program, printed in conjunction with Snow White And The Huntsman from Universal Pictures. Universal will also provide a selection of prizes.

The contest, judged by Steve White, Tony Lee, and Mark Buckingham, required a dark fantasy story (complete with five pages of color art!) with only a month from announcement to deadline. Two other Creators Workshop members, Paul Allor and Amy Chu, also were named to the judges' shortlist!

Congratulations, Alex and Silvio! And good luck in the voting process!


Monday, April 23, 2012

Brandon Seifert Joins Creators Workshop LIVE Tomorrow Night, April 24th!

Just a reminder that tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 9pm Eastern Time, writer Brandon Seifert will be joining us live for an online Creators Workshop to discuss breaking in, his career, and his writing.

Brandon's break-out hit, Witch Doctor, was the first title published by Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics.

Witch Doctor is a medical horror comic written by Brandon and illustrated by Lukas Ketner, that has been called "House M.D. meets Fringe."

In the book, Vincent Morrow, excommunicated from the medical community, serves the world with both hands -- one in magic, one in medicine -- as earth's Sorcerer General.

Witch Doctor is both a sales and a critical success for Skybound, with positive coverage from IGN, Fangoria, io9, The AV Club, and many more. Writer Warren Ellis called the book "Mental."

Witch Doctor initially consisted of a four-issue miniseries and a one-shot, now collected in a trade paperback collection, "Under the Knife".

Brandon and Lukas are currently working on a second miniseries planned for 2012, titled Witch Doctor: Mal Practice.

Most recently, Brandon's writing appeared in Clive Barker's Hellraiser Annual #1, published by BOOM! Studios and in comic shops now!

Brandon has called Barker's work "a huge formative influence" on his work and on Witch Doctor.

In current Hellraiser continuity, Pinhead has became human again and Brandon's story explores that man, Captain Elliott Spencer's, adjustment to his return to humanity

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in what's sure to be a great discussion with Brandon on Witch Doctor, Skybound, Hellraiser and more!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Only 3 Seats Left in our 4/26 "Intro to Comic Book Art" Class!

In just over a week, on Thursday, April 26, 2012, our Introduction to Comic Book Art class begins!

We only have 3 seats left, so if you're interested, move fast!

The class will be taught by professional comic book penciler Robert Atkins (GI JOE, Snake Eyes, Heroes for Hire, Amazing Spider-Man)

In this six week course, you’ll learn how to improve your storytelling, what the professional standards are, how to avoid common pitfalls, how to build a great cover, and strategies to break into the business.

You’ll be asked to complete five pages of sequential comics pages under Robert's guidance and you’ll get all the behind-the-scenes tips he can pack into six weeks!

People at all levels -- from beginners to experienced artists -- are welcome.

If you'd like to read further thoughts from Robert on the class, you can check out his guest blog on the course here:

Robert Atkins on the Intro to Art course

Or check out this guest blog written by one of his former students, Gannon Beck:

Gannon Beck on Teaching Talent

Our courses are offered LIVE, online, and you can attend from wherever you live. You'll be able to see your instructor and his desktop, interact with your classmates, and discuss your classwork in real time.

And you'll be able to communicate with your classmates all week long in a special, dedicated online forum for just you and your class.

Sign up now right here!

Don't hesitate to contact me, Rob Anderson, at rob@ComicsExperience.com if you have any questions about our courses!


If you want to make comics, write or draw comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

iFanboy's "Making Comics" Podcast with Chris Sotomayor, Episode #18 posted!

The eighteenth episode of iFanboy's Making Comics with Andy Schmidt podcast has been released, and this episode features special guest Chris Sotomayor!

In this episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and pro colorist (and Comics Experience color instructor) Chris Sotomayor discuss "Comic Book Coloring."

As explained over on iFanboy:
"A colorist is often one of the most important, but overlooked creative elements of comics today...there’s a lot more to it than just knowing how to fill in the lines with Photoshop..."
Check out this new episode, plus all of the previous ones on iTunes, or listen to them right here:

Listen to Episode #18, "Comic Book Coloring with Chris Sotomayor"

Listen to Episode #17, "Art Portfolio with Robert Atkins"

Listen to Episode #16, "Conventions and Critique"

Listen to Episode #15, "Pitching"

Listen to Episode #14, "Making Time for Making Comics"

Listen to Episode #13, "Story"

Listen to Episode #12, "Marketing"

Listen to Episode #11, "Artist Portfolio"

Listen to Episode #10, "Inspiration"

Listen to Episode #9, "Online Networking"

Listen to Episode #8, "Building A Page"

Listen to Episode #7, "Professionialism"

Listen to Episode #6, "The Comic Book Script"

Listen to Episode #5, "Convention Networking"

Listen to Episode #4, "Good Feedback"

Listen to Episode #3, "Long Stories or Short Stories?"

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Comics Experience - C2E2 Report!

The 2012 C2E2 Convention was another great one for Comics Experience staff, alums, and Creators Workshop members!

On Friday, Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (former Marvel and IDW Editor) and our art instructor (and pro penciler) Robert Atkins held two art-focused panels: Comic Art and Storytelling and Building Your Art Portfolio.

In the Storytelling panel, the panelists discussed the elements of "Visual Success," from communication and action, to dynamics. There was also conversation about how to "read without words," the concept of active reader participation, and even the topic of photo reference. You can read a more detailed account of this panel on CE alum Joe Sergi's Cup of Geek website.

In the Portfolio panel, Andy and Robert discussed all the ins and outs of building and showing your portfolio -- what to include, what to exclude, and even how to physically present it!

Also, quite a number of Comics Experience alums were in attendance, and several were exhibiting, including Amy Chu (alum & Workshop member) showing off Meridien City (1 and 2 in one volume!) and Girls Night Out. And artist and alum Carl Peterson was another member displaying his artwork in Artists Alley!

Of course, no major convention would be complete without a Comics Experience meet-up, which took place Friday after the panels.

The meet-up was attended by (clockwise, from left): Amy Chu, Jim Murray, Andy Schmidt, Joe Sergi, Brian Gilman, J.D. Oliva, Craig Schmidt, and Carl Peterson, as well as (not pictured here) Robert Atkins and Paul Allor.

We hope to see you at the next convention!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Monday, April 16, 2012

Brandon Seifert Joins Creators Workshop LIVE Tuesday, April 24th!

On Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 9pm Eastern Time, writer Brandon Seifert will be joining us live for an online Creators Workshop to discuss breaking in, his career, and his writing.

Brandon's break-out hit, Witch Doctor, was the first title published by Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics.

Witch Doctor is a medical horror comic written by Brandon and illustrated by Lukas Ketner, that has been called "House M.D. meets Fringe."

In the book, Vincent Morrow, excommunicated from the medical community, serves the world with both hands -- one in magic, one in medicine -- as earth's Sorcerer General.

Witch Doctor is both a sales and a critical success for Skybound, with positive coverage from IGN, Fangoria, io9, The AV Club, and many more. Writer Warren Ellis called the book "Mental."

Witch Doctor initially consisted of a four-issue miniseries and a one-shot, now collected in a trade paperback collection, "Under the Knife".

Brandon and Lukas are currently working on a second miniseries planned for 2012, titled Witch Doctor: Mal Practice.

Most recently, Brandon's writing appeared in Clive Barker's Hellraiser Annual #1, published by BOOM! Studios and in comic shops now!

Brandon has called Barker's work "a huge formative influence" on his work and on Witch Doctor.

In current Hellraiser continuity, Pinhead has became human again and Brandon's story explores that man, Captain Elliott Spencer's, adjustment to his return to humanity

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in what's sure to be a great discussion with Brandon on Witch Doctor, Skybound, Hellraiser and more!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Comics Experience at C2E2!

If you're going to the C2E2 Convention this weekend, make sure to check out the Comics Experience panels, as well as exhibiting instructors, alums and Workshop members!

Here's where you can find everyone:
  • Art instructor and pro penciler Robert Atkins will be exhibiting at table N5
  • Writer Amy Chu (alum & Workshop member) will be at table D6, with copies of her comics Meridien City (1 and 2 in one volume!) and Girls Night Out. That latter volume is edited by CE staffer Paul Allor, who will also be in attendance at the show.
  • Artist Carl Peterson (alum and Workshop member) will be at table A14.
  • Writer and IDW Editor Bobby Curnow (alum and pro critiquer on the Workshop) won't be there in person, but you can pick up an ashcan preview of his new Battle Beasts series at Diamond Select Toys, booth 311.
Plus, don't miss our panels hosted by Comics Experience founder, and former Marvel and IDW Editor, Andy Schmidt along with Robert Atkins!
Comics Experience: Comic Art and Storytelling
Friday, April 13, 2012
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM in Room N426b
The greatest Comic book minds of our time divulge the greatest secrets of all time. Join us for the top tips for telling a clear and great story in comics. How, as an artist, do you approach great looking art and telling a story? How's it different from illustration work? What is the process used by most working professionals? These insights are not to be missed.

Comics Experience: Building Your Art Portfolio
Friday, April 13, 2012
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM in Room N426c
The most useful panel you’ll ever attend as an artist. Let’s cut through everything else and get right to getting you work! How to prepare your portfolio: what to include, where to get good scripts to draw from, what NOT to include, and how to handle a portfolio review in a professional manner (in other words, how to turn a negative into a positive!).
We hope to see you there!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

iFanboy's "Making Comics" Podcast with Robert Atkins, Episode #17 posted!

The seventeenth episode of iFanboy's Making Comics with Andy Schmidt podcast has been released, and this episode features special guest Robert Atkins!

In this episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and pro penciler (and Comics Experience art instructor) Robert Atkins discuss "Art Portfolios."

As explained over on iFanboy:
"The portfolio is the resume of the aspiring comic book artist...Robert talks about what should be in your portfolio and what shouldn't be..."
Check out this new episode, plus all of the previous ones on iTunes, or listen to them right here:

Listen to Episode #17, "Art Portfolio with Robert Atkins"

Listen to Episode #16, "Conventions and Critique"

Listen to Episode #15, "Pitching"

Listen to Episode #14, "Making Time for Making Comics"

Listen to Episode #13, "Story"

Listen to Episode #12, "Marketing"

Listen to Episode #11, "Artist Portfolio"

Listen to Episode #10, "Inspiration"

Listen to Episode #9, "Online Networking"

Listen to Episode #8, "Building A Page"

Listen to Episode #7, "Professionialism"

Listen to Episode #6, "The Comic Book Script"

Listen to Episode #5, "Convention Networking"

Listen to Episode #4, "Good Feedback"

Listen to Episode #3, "Long Stories or Short Stories?"

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Three CE Alums Named to Judges' Shortlist in Eagle Awards/MCM Challenge!

Yesterday, April 10, 2012, the finalists were announced in the Eagle Awards/MCM Huntsman’s Challenge new comics talent competition.

We're thrilled to share the news that submissions from THREE Comics Experience alums and Workshop members placed in the Judges' Shortlist!

In the category of Best Story, CE alum and staff member, Paul Allor, placed third with his story "The Edge of the Village," with art by Dwa, and colors by Donna Gregory.

And also in the category of Best Story, CE alum Alex Wilson tied for fourth place with his story, "The Time of Reflection," with art and colors by Silvio dB!

The art by Silvio dB in Alex's story ALSO tied for third place in the second category of Best Art! (Shown at left.)

And also tying for third place for Best Art was a submission by yet another CE alum, Amy Chu, entitled "Long Live the Emperor," featuring art and colors by Cabral! (Shown below.)

To have stories submitted by three Workshop members and alums take FOUR of the spots on the Judges' Shortlist is quite an accomplishment.

We want to send a big congratulations to all those named, as well as to all our Comics Experience alums and members who submitted to the contest, despite the tight submission deadline!

Keep making comics!


If you want to make comics, write or draw comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Brian Wood on Creating a "Sense of Place" in Stories

Writer Brian Wood is known for creating a sense of place in his stories. Whether it's war-torn New York, Viking-age Europe or scattered cities across North America, Wood's stories invite readers in by creating a place that feels real and lived-in.

In the last Creators Workshop Book Club session on Northlanders, Wood talked about the purpose of this technique, and the drawbacks that come with it.

"It sort of comes naturally to me, and that's not always a good thing," Wood said. "A lot of it is really the artist's work, and what I ask the artist to do. In certain books like DMZ, Ricardo [Burchielli] and everybody that worked on that book deserves a lot of praise for killing themselves on cityscapes and backgrounds. It was very, very difficult stuff I asked them to do, in order to be accurate to the real world, and to communicate all this history in the making."

Wood said he has come to expect "a certain kind of comic to come out of my brain that requires a lot of the artist, and that's kind of not really fair. So I've tried to rein it in a bit."

Still, he said, place can play an important role in a story, and in building a readership.

"I think one of the keys to writing anything is to give the reader a point of access," Wood said. This helps them relate to the story, and "accept it as being real or as being real enough. And I've found it's been very effective to use place for that. When you create a world that does feel so real and believable, that has a level of detail that the characters live in, I think that helps the reader buy into it."

Other topics Brian discussed include his journey into comics, the origin of Norhtlanders, writing shorter stories vs. longer arcs, research, fight scenes, and the differing markets for retail and digital comics.

Brian has several works out now or coming soon, including the original series' The Massive, Anthem, and Mara, as well as Conan for Dark Horse Comics and The X-Men for Marvel.

Our next guests on the Creators Workshop Book Club are Jeff Parker and Steve Lieber discussing their miniseries, Underground, published by Image Comics!

Creators Workshop Book Club sessions take place every month, featuring guest writers and artists discussing the craft and art of comics, as well as the business side of things. Additional live Workshop sessions take place every month, giving members real-world knowledge that will help them succeed in their comics career.

There's still plenty of time to sign up before the next session. We hope to see you there.

-- Posted by Paul Allor

Monday, April 9, 2012

Tomorrow Night! Jeff Parker & Steve Lieber Join Creators Workshop LIVE

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 9pm Eastern Time, Jeff Parker and Steve Lieber will be joining us for an online Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Underground published by Image Comics!

Underground follows the story of Park Ranger Wesley Fischer as she tries to save Stillwater Cave--and then has to save herself.

Writer Jeff Parker is a comics writer based in Portland. Originally from North Carolina, Jeff drew comics for publishers DC and Malibu before moving to Los Angeles to do storyboard animation (The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot), commercials, and music videos.

He released his self-published adventure graphic novel The Interman in 2003 to industry acclaim, and soon after began writing regularly for Marvel Comics.

Jeff has written numerous titles for Marvel, including acclaimed runs on Agents of Atlas, X-Men-First Class, Thunderbolts, Hulk, and the Marvel Adventures line.

Parker also created Mysterius The Unfathomable with cartoonist Tom Fowler, published by Wildstorm. He is a founding member of Periscope Studio, the largest studio of freelance comics artists in North America.

As recently announced at Emerald City Comic Con, Jeff's's Portland-based murder mystery webcomic Bucko, on which he collaborates with artist Erika Moen, will be released in print this September by Dark Horse Comics.

Illustrator Steve Lieber is a cartoonist in Portland, Oregon. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and studied comic book art at the Joe Kubert School.

His comics have been published by DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, Carus, Oni, Dupuis and many others.

Steve has worked on characters and properties like Batman, Superman, Hellboy, Star Trek, Road to Perdition, and GI Joe, but he’s best known as the artist of the Eisner-winning graphic novel Whiteout. Whiteout was adapted by Warner Brothers as a movie starring Kate Beckinsale. He’s a founding member of Periscope Studio.

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in what's sure to be a great discussion!


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

C2E2 Comics Experience Convention Panels!

If you have an interest in making comics and will be attending the C2E2 comic convention in Chicago, April 13-15, 2012, make sure to check out our Comics Experience convention panels!

Both panels will be hosted by Comics Experience founder, and former Marvel and IDW Editor, Andy Schmidt.

And both panels will include a number of special guests, including professional penciler and Comics Experience art instructor, Robert Atkins!

Mark your schedule for these sessions!
Comics Experience: Comic Art and Storytelling
Friday, April 13, 2012
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM in Room N426b
The greatest Comic book minds of our time divulge the greatest secrets of all time. Join us for the top tips for telling a clear and great story in comics. How, as an artist, do you approach great looking art and telling a story? How's it different from illustration work? What is the process used by most working professionals? These insights are not to be missed.

Comics Experience: Building Your Art Portfolio
Friday, April 13, 2012
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM in Room N426c
The most useful panel you’ll ever attend as an artist. Let’s cut through everything else and get right to getting you work! How to prepare your portfolio: what to include, where to get good scripts to draw from, what NOT to include, and how to handle a portfolio review in a professional manner (in other words, how to turn a negative into a positive!).

We hope to see you there!



If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

iFanboy's "Making Comics" with Andy Schmidt Podcast, Episode #16 posted!

The sixteenth episode of iFanboy's Making Comics with Andy Schmidt podcast has been released!

In this episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss "Conventions and Critique."

As explained over on iFanboy:
"A listener writes in with a question about using conventions as a beginning creator to get good and honest critiques of his work. Andy and Josh talk about the hows and whys of such a tactic."
Check out this new episode, plus all of the previous ones on iTunes, or listen to them right here:

Listen to Episode #16, "Conventions and Critique"

Listen to Episode #15, "Pitching"

Listen to Episode #14, "Making Time for Making Comics"

Listen to Episode #13, "Story"

Listen to Episode #12, "Marketing"

Listen to Episode #11, "Artist Portfolio"

Listen to Episode #10, "Inspiration"

Listen to Episode #9, "Online Networking"

Listen to Episode #8, "Building A Page"

Listen to Episode #7, "Professionialism"

Listen to Episode #6, "The Comic Book Script"

Listen to Episode #5, "Convention Networking"

Listen to Episode #4, "Good Feedback"

Listen to Episode #3, "Long Stories or Short Stories?"

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"


If you want to make comics, write, draw, letter, and color comics, or improve as a comics creator, you'll find like-minded friends and colleagues in our online workshops and courses. We hope to see you there!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

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