Comics Experience Blog

WORKSHOP GUEST: Brian Wood Joins Creators Workshop LIVE 2/8/12!

2012-01-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday night, February 8, 2012, writer Brian Wood, will be joining us for an online Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Northlanders, Book Four from Vertigo/DC Comics!

Set in Viking Russia in A.D.1020, and with story elements from crime, history and survival fiction, Northlanders, Book Four: The Plague Widow follows the life of a remote settlement under siege by a contagious outbreak.

The residents of the village are so focused on shutting the outside world out, that they don't consider who they're shutting themselves in with...

Brian Wood has focused his career almost entirely on creator-owned work, with such original series as DMZ, Northlanders, Demo, and Local. He released his first series, Channel Zero, in 1997 to critical acclaim and has continued to produce comics and graphic novels ever since.

He’s become one of the most notable creators of the last decade, earning multiple Eisner Award nominations. Editions of his work have been published in close to a dozen foreign languages.

This year, Wood kicks off the second major phase of his career with the original series' The Massive, Anthem, and Mara, as well as Conan for Dark Horse Comics and The X-Men for Marvel.

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

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 #6 posted!

2012-01-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

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

In the sixth episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss "Comic Book Scripts".
As explained over on iFanboy:

"Recently, comics superstar Warren Ellis posted this piece on “What a Comics Script is For,” prompting a discussion between Josh and Andy, on what writers should be thinking about when putting together their script. "

Check out this new episode, plus all of the previous ones on iTunes, or listen to them right here:

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"

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

Andy Schmidt's "Submission Checklist" in Writer's Digest magazine!

2012-01-24T14:11:00.000-05:00

The February 2012 issue of Writer's Digest magazine contains an article on submitting your work to comic book publishers, written by former Marvel and IDW Editor and Comics Experience Founder Andy Schmidt.

The February issue contains a special section on "How to Submit Anything (& Everything!)," from screenplays to novels, and includes a section by Andy on "Graphic Novels & Comics."

In the two-page article, Andy offers an overview of how the comics industry works, and then provides a checklist of the key items to include in your submission, from captivating cover art to tips on writing your synopsis.

The February 2012 issue of Writer's Digest is available in print at your local newstand or bookstore, or you can order a PDF version directly from Writer's Digest right here.

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

Paul Tobin Joins Us LIVE Tomorrow Night! (1/24)

2012-01-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, writer Paul Tobin will be joining us LIVE and online for a Creators Workshop discussion of his career and his experiences writing for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Top Shelf and more!

As Rich Johnston has pointed out, Paul is arguably the most-read superhero writer working today, when you factor in his work on the widely reprinted "all ages" Marvel Adventures line, along with many custom comics, including recent toy and fast food promotional comics.

His recent Justice League comic book, included in cereal boxes as part if a DC Comics promotion, had several million copies printed!

In addition, to his extensive Marvel work, Paul has worked on such popular properties as the Falling Skies webseries, based on the TNT television show, Conan in Robert E. Howard's Savage Sword from Dark Horse, and Batman in the Batman 80-Page Giant, to name a few.

Paul has also published creator-owned work such as the critically acclaimed Gingerbread Girl with artist Colleen Coover, from Top Shelf.

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in this sure-to-be great discussion with Paul!

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

iFanboy's "Making Comics" with Andy Schmidt Podcast, Episodes #4 & #5 posted!

2012-01-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

The fourth and fifth episodes of iFanboy's Making Comics with Andy Schmidt podcast have been released!

In the fourth episode, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss getting "Good Feedback" on your work.
As explained over on iFanboy:

"One of the hardest things about making comics on your own is finding valuable feedback on how you’re doing...We’ll talk about what "good" feedback means, and how to get it."

And in the fifth episode, just released today, Josh and Andy chat about the important topic of "Convention Networking":

"Andy and Josh talk about the best way to take advantage of the many comic book conventions, and how you, as a new comic book creator can take the best advantage of them. Whether you’re trying to meet other creators or collaborators, or talk to editors or publishers, there’s a way to do it, and a way not to. "

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"

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

COMMUNITY NEWS: Paul Allor's Clockwork Anthology (& Scripts) on Graphicly!

2012-01-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Comics Experience alum and Book Club Manager Paul Allor has released his comic book anthology Clockwork, Vol. 1 on Graphicly.

And, for a limited time, you can read all twelve stories, totaling 60 pages of storytelling, for only 99 cents!

Graphicly digital comics can be read on your desktop, mobile phone, tablet, and the web.

Of special note for those interested in making comics, this digital version also contains the original scripts for all twelve stories as a Graphicly exclusive.

Paul is known on the Creators Workshop for his clean, concise scripts, and this is a great opportunity for writers to view the completed artwork along with the original scripts!

The book contains artwork by Comics Experience art alums and workshop members Ken Frederick and Carl Peterson, alongside well-known artists including JM Ken Niimura (I Kill Giants), Brett Weldele (Surrogates) and Nikki Cook (Memoir).

Space-faring gorilla pirates, heart-broken robots, a beautiful gunfighter, and even a man on death row are among the cross-genre characters featured in Clockwork, Vol. 1.

Check it out on Graphicly right here!

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

WORKSHOP GUEST: Writer Michael Alan Nelson on Strengthening your Craft

2012-01-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

In last month's Comics Experience Creators Workshop, special guest Michael Alan Nelson spoke about his career writing a number of series for BOOM! Studios, including Hexed, 28 Days Later and, currently, Valen the Outcast.

During the discussion, Nelson advised workshop members to focus not just on their strengths, but on improving their weaknesses.

But, he said, creators should avoid thinking, "'Oh, my biggest weakness is that I work too hard.' No, be honest. Because that's what helps you improve and become a better writer."

Nelson used himself as an example. Coming from a prose background, he said, he had some difficulty adjusting to the space limitations of the comics medium.

"I would write too much dialogue, not understanding that there's only so much space on the page," he said. "I would get notes that said, you have to cut 50 percent of what's written. I had to learn how to find the most economical way to get something across."

By focusing on your weaknesses, Nelson said, you improve your craft and work to become a well-rounded creator, rather than a "one-note" writer or artist.

"We always want to be improving," he said. "We want to get better at our craft. And that's what it is; it's a craft, it's something we have to work hard for and learn how to do."

And Nelson's advice for strengthening your craft is simple: practice, improve, and gain input from others.

"Take criticism to heart," Nelson said. "If you bring your portfolio to an editor for a portfolio review, listen to what they have to say. Don't ask them, "do you like it?" Ask them, "does it work? What can I do to improve?"

Together, Nelson said, practicing your craft and networking with creators and editors are the best way to break into the comics industry.

"If you love telling stories, become the best storyteller you can be," he said. "Eventually, somebody will give you a chance."

Those interested in learning more about Nelson and his work can go to mansmachinery.blogspot.com.

Creators Workshop sessions take place every month, and feature special guests giving members real-world knowledge that will help them succeed in their comics career. Additionally monthly Creators Workshop Book Club sessions feature guest writers and artists discussing the craft and art of comics, as well as the business side of the comics profession.

Our next live Workshop will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2012. We'll be joined by special guest Paul Tobin, discussing his extensive work on the Marvel Adventures "all-ages" line as well as his work with DC Comics, Dark Horse, and Top Shelf.

Read more about the session with Paul Tobin right here.

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

-- Posted by Paul Allor

WORKSHOP GUEST: Comic Book Writer Paul Tobin Coming Soon!

2012-01-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

We're pleased to announce that on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, writer Paul Tobin will be joining us for a Creators Workshop discussion of his career and his experiences writing for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Top Shelf and more!

As Rich Johnston has pointed out, Paul is arguably the most-read superhero writer working today, when you factor in his work on the widely reprinted "all ages" Marvel Adventures line, along with many custom comics, including recent toy and fast food promotional comics.

His recent Justice League comic book, included in cereal boxes as part if a DC Comics promotion, had several million copies printed!

In addition, to his extensive Marvel work, Paul has worked on such popular properties as the Falling Skies webseries, based on the TNT television show, Conan in Robert E. Howard's Savage Sword from Dark Horse, and Batman in the Batman 80-Page Giant, to name a few.

Paul has also published creator-owned work such as the critically acclaimed Gingerbread Girl with artist Colleen Coover, published initially online by Top Shelf and now collected as a graphic novel.

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in this sure-to-be great discussion with Paul!

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

Breaking In / Making Comics TweetUp 1/4/12 - Last Questions Answered!

2012-01-11T12:09:00.001-05:00

We had a few "breaking in / making comics" questions that went unanswered at last week's first Comics Experience TweetUp (hashtag #CMXEXP), but former Marvel and IDW Editor and Comics Experience Founder, Andy Schmidt, took the time to provide the answers!

You can follow Andy (and Comics Experience) on Twitter at: @ComicExperience.

Now for the Q&A...

@davidbaillie
How important do you think it is it to attend US cons if you're hoping to break the US market but based elsewhere?

Andy Schmidt
This is a tough one and kind of hard to answer without more information, but I'd say if you're looking to get freelance work from American companies, going to American conventions, or at the very least a convention with American publishers, is a really valuable resource. Not being able to attend wouldn't prevent you from breaking in, but it just means that one (of many) resources isn't available to you. You can still reach out to American publishers and their employees via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and various online communities like the Bendis Boards or Kirkman's boards or Millarworld or a host of others. Heck, the Comics Experience Creators Workshop has several working professionals as a part of the community and that includes a handful of editors. So while it's a slight handicap, it's only that--a SLIGHT handicap.

@rdouek
When trying to build a relationship with an editor or publisher, can you send them work, without pitching? Or is that seen as annoying? I mean sending them things you've worked on but not looking to pitch them on.

Andy Schmidt
Writer or artist, it's fine to send editors work if they've said it's okay. There's a lot of fear about annoying people, and I get where that's coming from, but if you simply ask if it's okay on a person by person basis, you'll likely avoid falling into that trap. So if an editor says to go ahead and send your work, do so. Don't send them something every day, maybe once or twice a month at most. Often they'll even say something like, "Sure, that's fine with me. No more than once a month though please." I used to say that a lot.

@JUNgKulture
When dealing with an editor in person, is it a bad thing to pitch more than one story?

Andy Schmidt
When in person, pitching is actually pretty rare unless you already know the editor fairly well. Regardless, it's not bad, per se. I might just start talking to figure it out as you go. Maybe ask to follow up with them with a couple of quick-fire ideas on characters that editor works on. That'll give you time to think and hone those ideas into concise, one-paragraph pitches to send in. That way you're giving him or her something polished and he or she is expecting to hear from you.

@bebernal
When creating a new story do YOU typically start with character or conflict?

Andy Schmidt
I typically start with character. But that's just me. I usually come up with a character I like. Other ways I've gone are: A title that worked for me and the rest fell into place, a high concept that seemed like fun to explore (then I figure out the right kind of character to go in that concept), a world that seems interesting and the kinds of people who might inhabit it.

@zipyrich
how often will a penciller ask for/make changes to finishes/inks independent of editor input?

Andy Schmidt
I think you're asking how often a penciler or finisher gets asked to make changes by an editor. If that's the question, it's sort of an avenue of last resort. If I can't cover a minor mistake with a tidy dialogue bit, a color correction, or something like that, and it's not a small error I can live with (and that means doesn't disrupt the story), THEN I'll ask an artist to make a change. There have been times when art has come in that hasn't been up to snuff and I've asked for art corrections at that time.

@Siennapup1024
What advice would you recommend for a writer trying to pitch a story to a publisher like DC comics?

Andy Schmidt
Have some other work to show in the comics field. Your own creator-owned book is great. Work published by other publishers. Most creators don't start at DC at Marvel. It can happen, but that's becoming rarer. If your only goal in comics is to write Batman, then right now you'll have to be more than better than Scott Snyder. You'll also have to be able to PROVE that you're better than Snyder, prove that you can deliver on deadline and prove that you can do it again and again. And most of that is covered by a body of work to support that assumption. And even then, you'll have to wait for Snyder to leave Batman when he chooses to do so. Sounds harsh, I know, but it's yet another case for why making your own comics with your own characters is such a great and rewarding thing to do.

@Strong_Within
What was toughest obstacle for you to overcome in your comic career in the beginning?

Andy Schmidt
Wow. I think learning the ropes of editorial at Marvel was really difficult for me. There were specific reasons for that in my case. I was in an office down a long hall from my boss, so it was really difficult to learn from him. In the office with my boss was his other assistant who had been working with him for about two years. They were a well-oiled machine so I was a third wheel for a while. In that six months, the smartest thing I did was talk and make friends with the good and talented people in Marvel's bullpen. I learned a lot about things I didn't know about production work, the importance of file sizes, copy safe, bleed, all these things that are extremely important to publishing good comics that doesn't get talked about a lot. Also, those guys were willing to do a little extra on my projects from time to time because we got along. I also talked with as many freelancers as I could and learned as much as I could from them. For that first six months, I felt like I was pretty useless and was likely to get let go at any moment--and I wouldn't have blamed them. Then, and I'm not sure whose idea this was, it could have been Tom, my boss's idea or it may have been Marc, his first assistant, or someone in management, I honestly don't know--but the decision was made for Marc and myself to swap desks. I moved in with Tom, allowing me to learn from him directly--and what a huge amount there was to learn from him. And it allowed Marc, who had done great work, to start to establish himself independently of Tom a bit more so he could move his career forward a bit more. It was really an elegant solution. But those six months were really tough for me. I think once I was in the office with Tom for a few months, he began to feel like he could depend on me more and that was when I was able to start growing as an editor and a collaborator.

@TDRBach
As an unknown, do you think I should focus on one idea--start a series--or throw a lot out there, multiple books?

Andy Schmidt
That's a tough one. I think that depends on a lot of factors, the first of which is how you work most effectively. Are you the type of person who really focuses on one thing and only that or do you enjoy bouncing from project to project? Also, your financial situation may come into play. If you're working on multiple projects, that could be a lot of money going away from you before you see any start to head your way. There are a lot of factors, but basically, I think it would come down to how you work and what's comfortable for you in your situation--and ultimately--what your real goals are.

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

Breaking In / Making Comics TweetUp 1/4/12 - Question & Answer Highlights!

2012-01-10T10:36:00.000-05:00

Last week, Comics Experience held its first TweetUp, using the hashtag #CMXEXP, allowing Twitter users to speak directly with comics professionals about breaking in and making comics.

Former Marvel and IDW editor Andy Schmidt, artist Robert Atkins and colorist Chris Sotomayor answered more than 70 questions on the comics craft, networking at conventions, preparing a great pitch and many other topics.

The Tweet Event participants all have Comics Experience courses beginning in January, including Introduction to Comic Book Writing, Introduction to Comic Book Coloring, and Advanced Comic Book Art.

You can follow our instructors on Twitter right here:

@ComicExperience -- Andy Schmidt
@SotoColor -- Chris "Soto" Sotomayor
@RobertAtkinsArt -- Robert Atkins

Here are just a few of the questions and answers from the event. And tomorrow we'll hit some of the questions we weren't able to answer during the live session!

---- WRITING ----
@rdouek
When someone says "good idea, but you need to push it", what are some good strategies for doing that?

Andy Schmidt
For "pushing it" what I do is take my concept and circle it in the middle of a sheet of paper. Then I draw lines out like spokes on an old wheel. At the end of each spoke, I come up with something unique that comes from the concept. How it affects young people, mothers, different races, politics, the weather, the economy, the environment, and so on. Pushing a concept means you may not be getting the full potential out of it yet.

@joesergi1
What is the one thing I could do today to be a better writer?

Andy Schmidt
Write something you're not good at or haven't done yet. Stretch genre and format. and do the research on those things.

@bebernal
Do you like when a script has camera angle suggestions often?

Robert Atkins
No, Unless it is specific to story or mood. I take them as suggestions. If I find a better composition I will use it

Andy Schmidt
I don't like camera angle suggestions often. Most artists have better ideas on this than most writers (general rule) .

---- ART ----
@DangerDigest
Do you have any personal rules for when it's appropriate to break action out of a panel border or into the bleed?

Robert Atkins
Only when it leads to the next consecutive panel, never move the action backwards. It's RARELY necessary.

@trobinson79
What should a penciler focus on first when he hasn't drawn in 8 years (i.e. me)

Andy Schmidt
Panel layout, I think. I could always tell the guys who weren't into telling stories from their panel layouts. The guys who do want to tell stories, have nice, clean layouts. I wanted to know what the story was FIRST

Robert Atkins
Sketching in a sketchbook, figures, places, hands and faces. ALWAYS draw on your free time to get back into a groove.

---- COLORING ----
@LewisJasonR
Any tips on when it's appropriate to add textures and how much?

Chris Sotomayor
As long as it doesn't distract the reader, you're okay. But I always recommend a subtle touch so as not to clutter. Also, more open line art can sometimes support the use of textures pretty well. But again, a subtle touch is best.

@rdouek
I'm already married. Will taking your coloring class cause me to leave my wife for it?

Chris Sotomayor
No, but it'll make your marriage better. You'll gain a better understanding of each other's needs.

@rdouek
IS THERE ANYTHING YOUR CLASS CAN'T DO? :)

Chris Sotomayor
My class is Supreme and all encompassing!

@RobertEAnderson
For those who didn't ALREADY know Chris Sotomayor’s Coloring class is better than marriage, read here: http://blog.comicsexperience.com/2011/09/soto-on-why-coloring-class-is-better.html

@lewisjasonr
Any Time management tips for colorists?

Chris Sotomayor
Try to section your day & see how long it realistically takes to color a page. Set small goals & learn the quick keys.

---- CONVENTIONS AND NETWORKING----
@foreignmatter
What is the best way to approach a con? I have no experience in this and am a writer.

Andy Schmidt
I think you want to approach a con as a place to meet people. It's not really a place to pitch your story ideas. Sad but true. But you can really start to get to know people that way and that's great. You can start seeing them as friends instead of intimidating people to talk to. And that's a very cool feeling (and a good sign).

Robert Atkins
If you’re a writer by yourself at a con, have plenty of product and a concise, descriptive salespitch. Also something to give away, postcards, free comic, stickers . Don’t let them leave empty handed. If you cant hit a con (expense or schedule) create a presence online (Facebook, Twitter, Deviantart, etc).

Andy Schmidt
And product could mean more than your books. Dog tags with the logos, shot glasses, nic-nak stuff.

@RapidCityComic
I have written lots of scripts, and published comics. How can I get editors to read them?

Andy Schmidt
Sadly, I know of no way to force someone to read your comics. I think what you want to do is target where you're sending them. Try to get to know the people you want to read them and see how open to it they are. Additionally, the more coverage you can get on your comics, that always helps. But target the editors you think would like it. Personalize your correspondence with them. A lot of it is networking and that's harder work than a lot of people realize.

---- PITCHING ----
@trobinson79
If I was to pitch art to an editor, what are they exactly looking for in a portfolio?

Andy Schmidt
1. Clean storytelling. 2. Dynamic art. 3. unique execution (or voice). And in that order.

Robert Atkins
Clean storytelling, reproducible pages/style of art, competant figure work and environments. 3-6 pages story, 1 pinup.

@trobinson79
Good tips for the portfolio, but good gosh - my mind's a blur. What's a pinup?

Robert Atkins
Cover image. You only want one, but make it your best. It isn’t even necessary and the editor will focus on your pages.

@LukeABarnett
How can a pitch really stand out from crowd - for both an email pitch and in-person.

Andy Schmidt
It's easier than you think. Clarity and follow through help. Most pitches have big problems. Just the basics put you at the top of the heap. But be concise and remember to TELL THE STORY. Make your pitch EXCITING to read.

Robert Atkins
Solid art, good story. Quality will always stand out. Editors get a lot of samples, not many are good

---- BREAKING IN ----
@joesergi1
If you had one tip on breaking in, what would it be?

Andy Schmidt
Be yourself and be confident (even if being confident is not being yourself) ;) It really does make a difference though.

Chris Sotomayor
Learn everything about your craft. And don't be a douche when interacting with people in this business. This is a small business. Word gets around if you act unprofessionally.

Robert Atkins
It'll help to define "douche" in this context...basically have a balance: looking out for yourself and helping others

@joesergi1
@ComicExperience @RobertAtkinsArt @SotoColor what is a common mistake you see new creators make in artwork, writing, or coloring?

Chris Sotomayor
In coloring, too many FX that don't have any bearing on the storytelling. Nonsense.

Robert Atkins
Overconfidence when they are still amateurs...it's annoying. Poor presentation as well

Chris Sotomayor
Yes, if you're working your way in, don't say you're better than this guy or that. This is a small business, and it'll get around. Again, don't be a douche.

Andy Schmidt
Writers write one type of character, pencilers have messy layouts, colorists rely on special effects. 3 common mistakes.

@PaulAllor
Could you explain what you mean by 'writers write one type of character'?

Andy Schmidt
Usually it's the stoic tough guy. But some will write a bunch of stoic tough guys. I'd like to see a comedic character, children, women, older people, different races, political beliefs, and so on.

@HAMMEROFTIM
How old is "too old" to begin a comic career?

Robert Atkins
Never too old, it depends on how good you are, or if you're bringing something original/marketable

@RobertEAnderson
You're NEVER too old, if you've got will & imagination!

@Andy Schmidt
NEVER TOO OLD TO START SOMETHING YOU LOVE! I mean it. I really do. If you love it, DO IT. You can make a comic tomorrow

---- SELF-PUBLISHING, WEB-PUBLISHING AND MARKETING ----
@danriveraprime
Do you feel that putting out a web comic is worth the expense in order to get exposure?

Andy Schmidt
I think you can only determine that on your own goals and finances. It's an option. But if you do that, how are you going to drive people to your site to see it? You need a plan to get folks there to read it!

@LukeABarnett
What's the best way 2 get an artist collaborator if u can't pay a page rate early on?

Robert Atkins
Make sure they're not married or have any bills to pay ... I’m not joking. The artist HAS to be just as excited about it or a co-plotter to feel invested.

Chris Sotomayor
Troll Artist Alley at cons and be upfront about expectations. Also, there are other means of compensation besides money. Chances are that they'll be looking for exposure, as much as you.

@GolemLord
Offer them partial page rate or offer them partnership in the enterprise.

Robert Atkins
Partial page rate is better than no page rate every time. fyi

Thanks to everyone who participated in the TweetUp Event. To learn more about Comics Experience, check out the classesand Workshop, or sign up for our newsletter.

-- Posted by Paul Allor

Scott Snyder Joins Creators Workshop LIVE Tomorrow Night! (1/10/12)

2012-01-09T11:52:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, January 10, 2012, writer Scott Snyder, will be joining us for an online Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of American Vampire, Volume 1 from Vertigo/DC Comics!

Volume 1 of American Vampire follows two stories: one written by Scott Snyder and the other by Stephen King, with art by Rafael Albuquereque.

In Scott's story, set in 1920's Los Angeles, we follow Pearl, a young woman who is turned into a vampire and sets out on a path of revenge against European Vampires who tortured and abused her.

Scott is the red-hot writer of Batman and Swamp Thing from DC Comics, as well as the horror title Severed from Image.

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in this sure-to-be great discussion with Scott!

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

Comic Book Writing Class SOLD OUT! Only Couple Slots Left in Coloring & Advanced Art!

2012-01-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

Our latest Introduction to Comic book Writing course has sold out once again!

The class, which doesn't start for another week, will be taught by former Marvel and IDW Editor, Andy Schmidt. Next up will be our Advanced Comic Book Writing course, followed by another session of Intro to Comic Book Writing later this year. The course and exact schedule will be posted in the next few weeks.

We have only one spot left in our Introduction to Comic Book Coloring, starting tomorrow night, Monday, January 9th, and only two spots in our Advanced Comic Book Art class, beginning this Thursday, January 12th. Sign up soon, if you want to join these classes!

In the meantime, any writers or artists wishing to work on their craft are welcome to join our on-going Comic Creators Workshop! You can read more about that right here.

We hope to see you there!

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

Andy Schmidt's "2011 Year in Review"-- Part II -- The Courses

2012-01-05T12:35:00.005-05:00

As I spoke about a few days ago, 2011 was a huge year for Comics Experience. It was also a huge year for me and my family. Most noteworthy for me was the addition of Oliver Nicholas Schmidt to our family on January 28th of 2011. He was born in San Diego and knows more about making comics than any of his peers the same age in the area.

Of course, we also moved across the country this year to Rhode Island. Why Rhode Island? The weather! It was much too nice in San Diego. I like dramatic weather!

The big news for Comics Experience was that this year we offered more courses than any previous year and also had more students than any previous year. This thing seems to really be catching on!

We offered our perennials -- Introduction to Comic Book Writing, Introduction to Comic Book Art, Introduction to Comic Book Coloring, and Lettering and Production. All done online, live and with your course instructor right there with you (digitally). Being able to interact so directly with the instructors is key to the success of these courses.

We added a new course this year: Comic Book Editing and Project Management which ran the second half of the year and was a big hit. I have to admit, I had been resistant to doing this course because I felt like it was too close to home for me. I wasn't sure I'd have enough distance from it to really do it justice. Probably in part because of that nervousness, I think it was a success. I was determined to make it really stand apart from any other class, not overlapping any of the material covered in the other courses and it went over very well. What a relief!

Another interesting thing that we found was that between the Creators Workshop growing, and more courses filling up -- EVERY CLASS but one sold out this year. We had more people taking multiple courses this year than ever before. They just kept feeding into one another. We also had our first two people complete taking every introductory course offered. Congratulations, Amy and Joe!

It's been a very heartening thing to see the way people keep coming back and soaking up all the information and the fun in comics. And it's great to see that word of mouth still has a lot of power.

We're all very grateful to everyone who has taken a course, joined the Creators Workshop, retweeted our tweets, liked the Facebook page, and attended a convention panel. Thanks for your support.

And if it's the right time for you to start making comics, this month is the perfect time to jump in, with three courses beginning soon. There are only a handful of seats left for each of these courses, so act quickly!

Introduction to Comic Book Writing
with Andy Schmidt
Begins January 16, 2012!

Intro to Comic Book Coloring
with Chris "Soto" Sotomayor
Begins January 9, 2012!

Advanced Comic Book Art
with Robert Atkins
Begins January 12, 2012!

We'd love to see you in a course or joining the Creators Workshop this year! Join us and start making your dreams come true!

Happy New Year!

Andy Schmidt
Comics Experience Founder
January 4, 2012

TONIGHT! - TweetUp on Breaking In/Making Comics!

2012-01-04T09:56:00.005-05:00

Tonight, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 8pm Eastern Time, Comics Experience instructors will be answering questions about making comics and breaking in during a live Twitter Event.

You can ask our comic book writing, art, and coloring instructors your burning questions.

Please make sure to use the hashtag #CMXEXP on all your questions or comments, like so:

@Sotocolor Why are you so awesome? #CMXEXP

Starting at 8pm Eastern Time, just begin tweeting your questions to any of our instructors:

@ComicExperience -- Andy Schmidt
@SotoColor -- Chris "Soto" Sotomayor
@RobertAtkinsArt -- Robert Atkins

This "Tweet Event" leads up to the start of our three courses -- Intro to Comic Book Writing, Intro to Comic Book Coloring, and Advanced Comic Book Art -- all beginning in January and open for enrollment right now, with just a couple slots left open in each course!

Don't miss this chance to ask comic book professionals your questions! "See" you at the TweetUp!...

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" with Andy Schmidt Podcast Episode #3 posted!

2012-01-03T11:20:00.004-05:00

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

In the third episode, listen in as iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss "Long Stories or Short Stories?"

As explained over on iFanboy:

"This week, we discuss how long you should go! Should you start making short stories, or go for the long epic tale that’s been festering in your brain for as long as you can remember. What’s the best way to start? We’ve got our take on the long and the short of it, when it comes to comics."

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

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"

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

Andy Schmidt's "2011 Year in Review"-- Part I -- The Creators Workshop

2012-01-02T19:15:00.010-05:00

Comics Experience has really grown significantly in 2011. And I don't mean that we just added new courses as well as new activities in the Creators Workshop. The membership has tripled in the last 12 months and just keeps on growing. I mention this because it's astonishing. We've done no advertising, we've done almost no promotion for Comics Experience. We post on Twitter occasionally and we have our blog and a Newsletter for those who sign up for it. That's it.

So when talking with Rob Anderson, our General Manager and Paul Allor, our Book Club Manager, we wondered why membership has been growing so fast. And it comes down to one huge thing. Word of mouth. Our Workshop members and course attendees are talking up how comprehensive, fun, and intensive the courses and workshop are. But even more than that, they're talking about our community.

2011 saw our first in-person meetings at conventions. Almost every major convention in the United States -- like NYCC and SDCC, just to name two -- had a Comics Experience meet-up where we all got together at night, continued to get to know each other, swapped stories, and compared notes on the convention. We'd do this about halfway through the convention so that we could all strategize the second half of the show. Members have been helping other members meet with comics editors and publishers, or taking them by to meet great artists or talented writers.

The community -- the genuine desire for everyone else in the Workshop to succeed -- more so than anything else, has made Comics Experience's Creators Workshop an untouchable success.

And as membership has grown, we've been feeding those funds from member's payments right back into the content. There's a Book Club where we review a graphic novel together with at least one of the creators. These sessions usually last about two hours.

Just last month we were pleased to welcome Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise) to discuss his awesome book Echo. Before that we had Joshua Hale Fialkov (Elk's Run, I, Vampire, Tumor) on to discuss his Top Cow book Echoes. (No, it wasn't a themed book club, but Echo and Echoes are both fantastic books!) And we had in Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Frankenstein, Essex County) to discuss Sweet Tooth before that!

Coming up just next week, Scott Snyder (Batman, Detective Comics, Swamp Thing, Severed) is joining us to discuss American Vampire, Volume 1, his Vertigo book.

And all of those top-notch guests have come about because our membership has grown and we've been able to bring Rob and Paul on board to bolster up the programs. We've had more Workshop meetings on topics and with creators in 2011 than I thought possible.

Last month's session with Michael Alan Nelson gave us some great insight into breaking into comics and his relationship with BOOM! Studios, a continually growing comics publisher.

Coming up, we've got a session with Drew Gaska who is the only person I know of who was able to license properties from Fox directly -- not through a known publisher. He actually got Fox's attention HIMSELF and got licenses for Planet of the Apes and Space 1999. He's going to talk with us about just how he went about doing that.

Paul Tobin will be joining us to discuss his career writing "all ages" superhero comics. His credits include Marvel Adventures Spider-Man and every other Marvel Adventures book (in addition to work with DC Comics, Dark Horse, and Top Shelf)! He may just be the most widely read superhero writer working today as his work gets repurposed and distributed through more channels -- and more "custom" and promotional comics -- than any other mainline superhero books.

Every month, we've got writer and artist members of our community receiving professional critiques from outstanding comics creators. Michael Alan Nelson (Valen the Outcast, 28 Days Later), Chuck Dixon (Batman, Punisher, G.I. Joe), Peter David (Incredible Hulk, X-Factor, Supergirl), Mike Costa (Blackhawks, G.I. Joe: Cobra), and many more have done professional reviews for our community members.

I'm committed to making the Creators Workshop the BEST place for budding comics creators to hone their skills, learn every aspect of the comics business, and network effectively.

When the Workshop was created in 2010, I honestly thought it would be several years before we'd be able to say that we achieved that goal. But only a little over a year later, we're there. But don't worry, there's plenty more we have planned as membership continues to grow. We're not content with being the best, we want to be the only place worth considering!

2011 also saw several success stories from Comics Experience Alumni and Workshop members. We had more than twice as many comics published by our alums this year than in the previous four years combined! My sincere congratulations go out to everyone (too many to name) who published their own books and who had their work published by others! Nice work!

This last year, our members and alumni were published by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, and many more! We've also had alumni on staff at Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, and DC Comics. Congratulations to you all!

Okay, I feel like I've talked enough and I've only covered the Creators Workshop, really. So maybe I'll get a chance to write about the courses in the next few days. (You can still sign up for the Introduction to Comic Book Writing, Introduction to Comic Book Coloring, and Advanced Comic Book Art courses right now -- although all three are close to selling out!)

If you're interested in making comics -- writing, penciling, inking, coloring, or lettering -- there's no better place to get started, to learn, to practice, to grow, and to start getting your work out there! If you've got a genuine love of comics and interest, join us today -- the Creators Workshop only gets better with each new member!

Thank you to all Comics Experience alumni and Creators Workshop members for your continued support and spreading the good word!

Happy New Year!

Andy Schmidt
Comics Experience Founder
January 2, 2012

Read PART II of Andy's 2011 Year in Review right here.

Twitter Event 1/4/12 on Breaking In & Making Comics!

2011-12-29T13:40:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, Comics Experience instructors will be answering questions about making comics and breaking in during a live Twitter Event.

You can ask our comic book writing, art, and coloring instructors your burning questions starting at 8pm Eastern Time!

Please use the hashtag #CMXEXP on all your questions, like so:

@Sotocolor Why are you so awesome? #CMXEXP

This "Tweet Event" leads up to the start of our three courses -- Intro to Comic Book Writing, Intro to Comic Book Coloring, and Advanced Comic Book Art -- all beginning in January and open for enrollment right now!

Starting at 8pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, just begin tweeting your questions to any of our instructors:

@ComicExperience -- Andy Schmidt
@SotoColor -- Chris "Soto" Sotomayor
@RobertAtkinsArt -- Robert Atkins

Don't miss this chance to ask comic book professionals your questions! Here's the full info on each of our instructors and their upcoming classes...

--------------------------
Intro to Comic Book Writing will be taught by former Marvel and IDW Editor and writer, Andy Schmidt.

During his time at Marvel, Andy worked on nearly every major character in the Marvel canon, and edited hit titles such as X-Factor, the Annihilation saga, Alias, and more.

At IDW, he managed major franchises like GI Joe and Transformers. He is also the author of the Eagle Award-winning book, The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels, published by Impact Books.

In this six-week course, not only will you learn comic book writing from a pro, but the course will be packed with practical, real-world advice on the industry and "breaking in" to help you pursue your career in comics!

That's why Comics Experience alum, Nick Spencer, tweeted:

"For all aspiring comic pros asking for advice on craft/breaking in, I once again highly recommend Andy Schmidt's @ComicExperience courses."

A few years ago, Nick had to move to New York City to take Comics Experience classes (check out his guest blog here to read that tale). But you don't have to move, now that the courses are online. This one will sell out fast!

Introduction to Comic Book Writing with Andy Schmidt
Begins January 16, 2012!

--------------------------
Advanced Comic Book Art will be taught by Robert Atkins, a professional comic book artist who has worked on G.I. Joe, Snake Eyes, Amazing Spider-Man, Heroes for Hire, Ultimatum Fantastic Four: Requiem and many others.

If you have already taken the Intro to Comic Book Art class (a prerequisite to enrolling for the Advanced class), then this is your next step toward a career in comics!

In this seven-week intensive course, you'll expand on the skills you've already developed with extended workshopping of your storytelling pages, and discussion of networking within the industry, finding good scripts to work from, how to pencil for inking and for coloring, and rendering textures and objects -- all with a focus on achieving a professional level of finishing and getting published!

You can read what one of Robert's former students had to say about his teaching skills right here. Or check out Robert's art and read his own thoughts on the Advanced Comic Book Art course in this recent Guest Blog right here.

Advanced Comic Book Art with Robert Atkins
Begins January 12, 2012!
--------------------------
Intro to Comic Book Coloring will be taught by Chris Sotomayor (aka Soto), professional colorist on countless Marvel titles (Spider-Man, X-Men, The Avengers, etc.).

In this six-week intensive class for colorists, you'll learn all the necessary tools and tricks for not only coloring with Photoshop, but also how to tell great stories through color. You’ll get access to all the tools of the trade, tips on how to break in, and you’ll be working with Chris on the pages you color for the class.
Plus, the class will have a session with special guest Rob Schwager, whose coloring credits include the current Ghost Rider, as well as Jonah Hex, Green Lantern, and Superman.

You can read Soto's own thoughts on the class right here...OR read why the class is even better than marriage right here!

Intro to Comic Book Coloring with Soto
Begins January 9, 2012!

--------------------------
Our courses are now 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.

We hope to see you in our courses or as part of our Creators Workshop community. Sign up now!

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" with Andy Schmidt Podcast Episode #2 posted!

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

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

In the second episode, listen in as iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt discuss "Finding Collaborators."

As explained over on iFanboy:

"This week, we discuss the challenge of finding collaborators, whether it be a comic book writer looking for an artist, or vice versa. The relationship is an important one, and it’s of the utmost importance to find the right partners when making comics. Andy and Josh talk about the right ways to go about the search, and what to look for in a partner, given both of their experience."

Listen to Episode #2, "Finding Collaborators"

Listen to Episode #1, "Start Writing"

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

Only a Few Slots Left in January Comic Book Courses!

2011-12-26T09:43:00.003-05:00

We're getting close to selling out all of our comic book courses scheduled for January.

A new year is approaching and many people will be making resolutions. Will any of yours relate to flexing your creative muscles? Or to pursuing your dream of making comics?

If yes, then check out what some of our alums have said about Comics Experience -- both our classes and our online community -- right here.

Make 2012 YOUR year for breaking in or making comics, and sign up now...

Introduction to Comic Book Writing
with Andy Schmidt
Begins January 16, 2012!

Intro to Comic Book Coloring
with Chris "Soto" Sotomayor
Begins January 9, 2012!

Advanced Comic Book Art
with Robert Atkins
Begins January 12, 2012!

Read more about each course and our instructors right here!

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

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

Advanced Comic Book Writing Course coming in Spring 2012!

2011-12-22T11:29:00.009-05:00

We have a full slate of classes open for enrollment for January 2012 -- so why mention the Advanced Comic Book Writing course now, before it's even open for enrollment?

The reason is simple: the Introduction to Comic Book Writing class is a prerequisite for enrollment in the upcoming Advanced Class. And January will be the last Intro class offered before the Advanced class opens for enrollment.

As soon as any Intro class ends, the first question we get is -- and we get it often -- "when will the next Advanced class be offered?"

Well, we generally offer the Advanced Courses only once a year...so if you want to join us for both Intro and Advanced Comic Book Writing in 2012 -- and you haven't previously taken our Intro course, NOW is the time to jump on board, before the Intro class sells out.

Make 2012 your year for pursuing your comics career!

Here's the full slate of courses for January:

--------------------------
Intro to Comic Book Writing will be taught by former Marvel and IDW Editor and writer, Andy Schmidt.

During his time at Marvel, Andy worked on nearly every major character in the Marvel canon, and edited hit titles such as X-Factor, the Annihilation saga, Alias, and more.

At IDW, he managed major franchises like GI Joe and Transformers. He is also the author of the Eagle Award-winning book, The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels, published by Impact Books.

In this six-week course, not only will you learn comic book writing from a pro, but the course will be packed with practical, real-world advice on the industry and "breaking in" to help you pursue your career in comics!

That's why Comics Experience alum, Nick Spencer, tweeted:

"For all aspiring comic pros asking for advice on craft/breaking in, I once again highly recommend Andy Schmidt's @ComicExperience 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

Stay Up-To-Date with the Comics Experience Email Newsletter!

2011-12-20T10:36:00.017-05:00

Did you know that you can stay up-to-date on Comics Experience with our free twice-a-month email newsletter?

Each issue contains great advice from our regularly updated blog on breaking in and making comics.

Recently, we've had articles on:

Mark Waid's thoughts on the digital future;
Terry Moore on the importance of great characters;
Jim Zub's tips on creating great fight scenes;
Our art instructor, Robert Atkins, on cover homages;
Jeff Lemire & Joshua Fialkov on lessons learned from their early work; and
Comics retailers giving advice to new creators.

Plus, you'll receive updates on:

our courses on comic book writing, art, coloring, lettering, and editing;
our upcoming live, online guests on the Creators Workshop (like the fine folks listed above); and
community news about the publications and accomplishments of our growing family of Comics Experience alums and Workshop members.

Whether you're a Comics Experience alum or just someone with an interest in making comics or breaking in, our twice-monthly email newsletter will keep you in the loop.

Sign up on the main Comics Experience website (http://www.ComicsExperience.com) or using the box below!

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

WORKSHOP GUEST: Terry Moore on the Importance of Great Characters!

2011-12-19T10:49:00.011-05:00

In this month’s Comics Experience Creators Workshop Book Club, special guest Terry Moore shared a wide range of knowledge about the craft, art and business of comics.

Moore’s work is known for its strong characterizations, and realistic, vividly-drawn protagonists. During the book club discussion of Echo: The Complete Edition, writer/artist Moore discussed the role characters can play in attracting new readers, and in creating a body of work that will stand the test of time.

"Katchoo is more famous than SiP," said Moore, referring to one of the protagonists of his legendary series Strangers in Paradise. "And that’s the point. Whether you read the book first or hear about Katchoo first, it all leads you to my book. And I want you to read my books."

During the session, one attendee asked if all of Moore’s stories take place in the same universe, and Moore replied that they do.

"The plan is that all my stories happen in the same country at the same time, in the same reality," Moore said. "Any of these characters could encounter the other."

Moore said this idea came, in part, from Robert Heinlen, who wrote more than 100 books all sharing the same universe. Even if the characters didn’t cross paths, Moore said, the events in one book might create ripples that would be felt in the next.

Even as a child, Moore said, he was attracted to serialized work, particularly the books of Ian Fleming, Enid Blyton and Arthur Conan Doyle.

"I realized that if someone can make a cast of characters that people love, those characters last longer than someone who writes 20 unrelated books," Moore said. "Harry Potter is a good example of that. What if JK Rowling had written seven unrelated books? It would be different than seven books chronicling one set of characters."

By leaving behind one huge universe, Moore said, it will be easier for future readers to discover and to enjoy his work.

"I’m just one guy trying to write as many books as I can before I die, and I want the world to read my stuff," Moore said. "If I leave a lot of miscellaneous books in my wake, it’s gonna be very hard for people to ever find one or get attached to my work. If I leave a set of characters, it’s a lot easier for readers to get attached to the characters."

This was just one of many topics in the 90-minute book club session. A recording of the full session will be available to Creators Workshop members for the next few weeks.

Those interested in learning more about Terry Moore and his work (including Strangers in Paradise, Echo and the currently-ongoing Rachel Rising) can go to www.terrymooreart.com.

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 the comics profession. Additionally, monthly workshop sessions feature special guests giving members real-world knowledge that will help them succeed in their comics career.

For our next live Workshop session on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, we'll be joined by special guest Michael Alan Nelson! Michael is the writer of the hot new BOOM! comic book, Valen the Outcast, which has been described as an "undead Conan" story filled with sword and sorcery action.

And our next Book Club guest, on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, will be writer Scott Snyder, discussing his work on American Vampire from Vertigo/DC Comics.

Read more about these great upcoming guests right here.

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

-- Posted by Paul Allor

iFanboy's "Making Comics" with Andy Schmidt Podcast Launches!

2011-12-14T11:53:00.006-05:00

We're pleased to announce that iFanboy has launched a brand new podcast segment, Making Comics with Andy Schmidt! The first show is live now, and available on the regular iFanboy podcast feed.

Each week, iFanboy host Josh Flanagan and former Marvel and IDW Editor (and Comics Experience founder) Andy Schmidt will be discussing all aspects of breaking in and making comics.

As Josh put it over on iFanboy:

"Whether you’re a writer, artist, writer/artist, colorist, or just someone who appreciates the craft, we hope there will be something for you, and if your dream is to make comics, that you find yourself one step closer to it."

Tune in each week for more great discussion and advice!

Read the full iFanboy announcement

or

Listen to the first episode, "Start Writing"

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

GUEST BLOG: Robert Atkins on the Advanced Comic Book Art course

2011-12-13T12:34:00.008-05:00

In this guest blog, Robert Atkins, artist on Snake Eyes, GI JOE, and Heroes for Hire, and Instructor of the Comics Experience Advanced Comic Book Art class, shares his thoughts on the course. Classes will be held live, online, beginning January 12, 2012.

The Advanced Comic Book Art class is open for enrollment -- and I'm excited to be starting up a new class! We're filling up, but still have some positions available for those able and interested. The seven week course begins Jan 12th, so you still have some time to prepare.

While the Intro to Comic Book Art class is a bit more general, this Advanced class gets down to very specific rendering techniques and advanced storytelling methods that there isn't time to cover in the Intro class.

In the class, you will create an 8-12 page comic book story and "workshop" your storytelling pages. But in addition to that, you will learn how to:

network within the industry;
find good scripts that best suit your style;
pencil for inking and/or straight to coloring, (which is becoming a much more essential skill); and
render a wide variety of textures and objects.

Plus, you will receive very personalized and specific critiques of each assignment, all with a focus on a professional level of finishing and getting published!

The overall objective in the Advanced class will be to approach each individual student's needs, and taking into account their style, providing the means to make your portfolio as professional as possible.

The convention season starts back up in late February with Mega Con in Orlando and really starts rolling along mid-Spring with C2E2 in Chicago and Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle. Each of these conventions are fantastic opportunities to meet with editors and small publishers in a more laid back setting, as oppossed to the crazed frenzy of SDCC and NYCC later in the year. This class will end just in time to make the most of the coming con season!

For those who can't make the con circuit this year, it's still an opportunity to get one-on-one critiques of your work. With the extended time built into the schedule of the class, it allows me the opportunity to personally mentor each student. I will be able to address your assignment with specific, professional feedback.

I can't stress how much I wish I had a class like this available to me before I really started showing my portfolio around to get work! I get to share with you many of the techniques I have had to learn through trial and error and it's taken me years to put them all into practice. This doesn't mean the Advanced Class will be easy work for you, but it will definitely speed up your learning process.

Because the class will be made up of advanced students, we get to hit the ground running and really apply specific techniques over your solid storytelling foundation!

I hope to see you all in January!

Robert Atkins
Comics Experience Art Instructor

The next session of the live, online Advanced Comic Book Art course begins January 12, 2012. Enrollment is still open, but seats are limited, so sign up now!

Please note that past completion of the Comics Experience Intro to Comic Book Art class or demonstrated, significant comic art experience is a prerequisite for enrollment. If you have a question about your eligibility, feel free to send an email to Rob Anderson, Comics Experience General Manager, at rob@ComicsExperience.com

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Michael Alan Nelson & Scott Snyder Coming Soon!

2011-12-12T11:10:00.013-05:00

We have two fantastic guests joining us LIVE at the Comics Experience Creators Workshop soon, and there's still time for you to join us at these online sessions!

For our next live Workshop session on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, we'll be joined by special guest Michael Alan Nelson!

Michael is the writer of the hot new BOOM! comic book, Valen the Outcast, which has been described as an "undead Conan" story filled with sword and sorcery action.

The first issue just debuted on December 7, 2011, even garnering some controversy in the comics media related to burnings of a Joe Jusko variant cover.

Valen the Outcast is a new, ongoing series from BOOM!, but Michael has been writing comic for seven years, having produced over 120 single issues for dozens of series, including 28 Days Later, Hexed, and Fall of Cthulhu.

Michael will be joining us to discuss his path into the industry, his new work on Valen the Outcast, as well as his experiences working on a popular, licensed property like 28 Days Later.

Michael will also be critiquing a winning script, posted in December by a lucky member of the Creators Workshop.

And, we're pleased to announce that on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, writer Scott Snyder, will be joining us for a Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of American Vampire, Volume 1 from Vertigo/DC Comics!

Volume 1 of American Vampire follows two stories: one written by Scott Snyder and the other by Stephen King, with art by Rafael Albuquereque.

In Scott's story, set in 1920's Los Angeles, we follow Pearl, a young woman who is turned into a vampire and sets out on a path of revenge against European Vampires who tortured and abused her.

Scott is the red-hot writer of Batman and Swamp Thing from DC Comics, as well as the horror title Severed from Image.

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in these sure-to-be great discussions with Michael and Scott!

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

Give (or GET) the Gift of Making Comics for the Holidays!

2011-12-07T11:33:00.006-05:00

So, maybe you've had a goal of making comics for a while? Or maybe you're making comics right now, but want to raise your game? Or know someone who's trying to do the above?

If you want to make 2012 YOUR year for making comics, consider asking for (or giving) a Comics Experience Course or Creators Workshop membership for the holidays.

We have three classes starting in January -- and open for enrollment RIGHT NOW -- that will help you meet your New Year's Comics Resolution:

Introduction to Comic Book Writing with Andy Schmidt
Begins January 16, 2012!

Intro to Comic Book Coloring with Soto
Begins January 9, 2012!

Advanced Comic Book Art with Robert Atkins
Begins January 12, 2012!

Or, consider a monthly or 6-month membership in the Creators Workshop, and receive two monthly live, online meetings with creators like our recent guests Terry Moore and Mark Waid, plus access to our members-only forums where you can post your work, receive feedback from pros and colleagues, and read more than 10,000 posts on making comics!

Buying for yourself? Just follow the links above and use PayPal.

Buying for someone else? Still use PayPal, but just note it will be a gift in the "comments" section of your PayPal order, and we'll work with you to get the gift in place for your lucky recipient.

Don't hesitate to contact me, Rob Anderson, at rob@ComicsExperience.com if you have any questions about our courses, Workshop, or giving/receiving a "making comics" gift this year!

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

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Mark Waid on Digital & the Comics Industry

2011-12-06T10:46:00.007-05:00

Legendary comics creator Mark Waid stopped by the Creators Workshop last month to share his thoughts on digital comics and the changing comics industry.

During the session, Waid laid out the economic forces that make it so difficult for a small publisher to make it with print comics, and make digital comics a more viable option. Waid noted that many forms of print media, including magazines and books, face declining sales figures, and comics are no exception.

“Sales continue to dwindle on monthly installments, even as they continue to rise on trade paperbacks, and even as they continue to rise on web comics,” Waid said.

And as sales go down, printing costs go up. The Big Two publishers print hundreds of thousands of books each month, and the economy of scale helps to keep their costs down. In other words, because they have far larger orders, they are able to negotiate a lower price.

But mid-list publishers pay 70 to 75 cents per issue in printing costs, while small publishers and individuals can pay between $1.00 and $1.20 per issue, said Waid, who noted that he was using ballpark figures.

On the other end, Diamond Distributors only returns about $1.60 on a $4 comic book.

“So, the physical cost of printing the comic has now become the single most expensive part of publishing for most guys,” Waid said. “It’s only going to get worse as print continues to suffer, as paper stocks dry up, as more and more guys get out of the printing business because there’s no real future in it. [Printing costs] are only going to go up.”

Waid described this as “the bad news.” The good news, he said, is that digital comics “are a way to eliminate the single greatest cost of producing stuff.”

He also noted that digital comics democratizes the medium.

“If I do a good webcomic or you do a good web comic or any of the [Comics Experience members] do a good webcomic, they can get equal coverage,” Waid said. “They can get equal exposure. The web levels the playing field.”

Web comics also don’t face the same issue of shrinking readership. “I guarantee Scott Kurtz’s PVP is read by more people than Deadpool,” he said. “I guarantee that Penny Arcade is read by more people than half the DC stuff.”

The full archive of Waid’s session will be available for several weeks to Comics Experience members. It includes his thoughts on monetizing comics on the web, and why digital creators should start creating in landscape format.

Waid is currently the writer and creator of Irredeemable and Incorruptible, a pair of ongoing titles from BOOM! Studios, set in the same superhero universe. He also recently began a critically acclaimed (and wildly-entertaining) run on Daredevil for Marvel Comics.

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

Later today, writer/artist Terry Moore, will be joining us for a Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Echo, The Complete Edition. Terry Moore is a legendary creator who writes, draws and publishes comic books through his own imprint, Abstract Studio. Additional guests will be announced soon.

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

-- Posted by Paul Allor

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Terry Moore LIVE on Tuesday, 12/6/11!

2011-12-05T15:15:00.008-05:00

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 6, 2011, writer/artist Terry Moore, will be joining us for a Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Echo, The Complete Edition!

Terry Moore writes, draws and publishes comic books through his own imprint, Abstract Studio.

Terry has also worked for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image and others. His work has won many awards, including the Will Eisner and Harvey Awards.

His first series, Strangers In Paradise, was a 107-issue epic that ran from 1993-2007.

His current project is the on-going horror series, Rachel Rising, about a woman who wakes up in a shallow grave in the woods and discovers the murdered body in the dirt is her own.

Beginning in 2008, Terry launched Echo, a sci-fi series about atomic power and two women who share the same body.

We'll be discussing Echo with Terry, in total, at the next Book Club session!

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in this sure-to-be great discussion with Terry!

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

Convention Panel Notes on the Creators Workshop!

2011-12-02T10:07:00.007-05:00

If you're like me, you learn a lot from comic convention panels, especially those on breaking in, craft, and process. But no one person can get to every panel or every convention.

And while many panels get recorded these days, not all of them do, and sometimes you just want to review the highlights rather than listening again from beginning to end.

Well, one of the many features of the Comics Experience Creators Workshop is a "Convention Panel Notes" thread where members share their notes from sessions related to making comics. In fact, going beyond conventions, we also have notes from various physical seminars and workshops from the past.

Want some examples? How about John Layman's Pitching Workshop, held in New York City in 2010? Or the Kickstarter panel from NYCC 2011?

We have notes from a Trickster writing seminar, held during SDCC 2011. And notes from panels on how to get news coverage for your comic from SDCC 2011 itself.

Plus, Breaking In panels, including the excellent one held by Scott Allie (Dark Horse) and Matt Gagnon (BOOM!) at this year's New York Comic-Con.

This is just one of the examples of a single thread from the Creators Workshop focused on breaking in and/or 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 workshop and courses. We hope to see you there!

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

Pro Artist Sean Chen Offers Critiques on Creators Workshop!

2011-11-29T11:29:00.009-05:00

We're pleased to announce that comic book artist Sean Chen has joined the Creators Workshop, providing art critiques to members. Sean will be checking in on a regular basis, and has already provided detailed, helpful critiques to two members he selected.

Sean is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial design. He was discovered by Barry Windsor-Smith, and began his career at Valiant Comics, penciling their flagship title, X-O Manowar and others.

After Valiant, Sean worked with Marvel Comics where he penciled Iron Man for over three years and Wolverine for nearly as long. Sean wrapped up the 18-issue saga X-Men: The End before moving to DC Comics, home to such icons as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

More recently, he returned to Marvel, penciling popular projects such as Dark Reign: Fantastic Four and Avengers Academy. Chen's penciling propelled Wolverine to the top of the sales charts and earned him a seat on Wizard's Top Ten Artists list.

The Creators Workshop is an on-going community of writers, artists, colorists, and letterers all dedicated to getting published and improving their craft. It's a community focused on making comics!

Our members post their work, critique each other, and discuss all aspects of creating comics in our members-only forums. But in addition to all that, members are eligible each month for critique by our instructors and special guests!

Sean Chen has now joined our regular line-up that includes working comic book editors, writers, artists, colorists and more.

Welcome to the Workshop, Sean!

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

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Jim Zub's Tips on Creating Great Fight Scenes

2011-11-28T12:01:00.010-05:00

Skullkickers, an ongoing title from Image Comics, is known for its fast-paced action and wild fight scenes.

In the last Creators Workshop Book Club session, Skullkickers writer Jim Zubkavich talked about the book’s development, and gave some advice on writing effective fight scenes.

Zubkavich noted that Skullkickers moves along at a quick clip, as his main characters move from one violent situation to another.

“I love writing action scenes,” he said. “That’s the fun part.”

But Zubkavich also noted that many people struggle with fight scenes, and offered some advice for making them work.

1. Use the environment to provide interesting details

Zubkavich said he tries to write fight scenes that rise above “punch a guy, kick a guy,” by using objects and details from the environment to create interesting fights, whether they’re killing a werewolf with a silver spoon, or knocking a pot off a goblin’s head.

“It’s all about using the environment, and using the opponents, in interesting ways,” Zubkavich said. “How can these characters interact?”

2. Build toward something on every page

Zubkavich said that he’s fairly methodical about the pacing of Skullkickers fight scenes, and tries to have something important happening on every page of action, providing a good payoff for the readers.

As times this is a huge moment, a splash page or even a double-page splash. But, he said, it could also be a character getting knocked out, or a “big ridiculous moment.” The point, he said, is to keep the audience attached to the big visual moments, and give them something to remember beyond just “and then he punches a guy, and we’re off to the next scene.”

3. Think visually, but recognize that comics are a partnership

Zubkavich noted that due to his background in art and animation, he visualizes the fight scenes as he is writing, staging them in his mind. In the scripts, he tries to give artist Edwin Huang all the information he needs, while still giving him room to build upon the script if he so desires.

At the same time, comics are generally a collaborative medium, with the exception of creators who perform every job. And so, Zubkavich said that “once you get the artwork, you adjust your expectation, usually in a good way.”

Fight scenes were just one topic discussed by Jim Zub in the two-hour question-and-answer session. A recording of the full session will be available to workshop members for the next few weeks.

And you can read more about Skullkickers or order your copy at www.Skullkickers.com.

For our next live Workshop session on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, special guest Mark Waid will be on hand to discuss his thoughts on the "digital revolution" in comics, as it relates to people creating new works today.

Then, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, writer/artist Terry Moore, will be joining us for a Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Echo, The Complete Edition. Terry Moore is a legendary creator who writes, draws and publishes comic books through his own imprint, Abstract Studio.

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

Enrollment Open! -- Advanced Art -- Intro to Coloring -- Intro to Writing Courses!

2011-11-23T11:18:00.013-05:00

In January, Comics Experience has three courses lined up that will help you build your skills and reach your comic book goals, whether that's breaking in or doing creator-owned work.

The three classes -- described below -- are open for enrollment right now and will likely sell out, so don't delay.

Make 2012 your year for pursuing your comics career!

--------------------------
Advanced Comic Book Art will be taught by Robert Atkins, a professional comic book artist who has worked on G.I. Joe, Snake Eyes, Amazing Spider-Man, Heroes for Hire, Ultimatum Fantastic Four: Requiem and many others.

If you have already taken the Intro to Comic Book Art class (a prerequisite to enrolling for the Advanced class), then this is your next step toward a career in comics!

In this seven-week intensive course, you'll expand on the skills you've already developed with extended workshopping of your storytelling pages, and discussion of networking within the industry, finding good scripts to work from, how to pencil for inking and for coloring, and rendering textures and objects -- all with a focus on achieving a professional level of finishing and getting published!

You can read what one of Robert's former students had to say about his teaching skills right here. Or check out Robert's art and get a sense of his teaching philosophy in this Guest Blog about the Intro class from August of this year.

Advanced Comic Book Art with Robert Atkins
Begins January 12, 2012!
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Intro to Comic Book Coloring will be taught by Chris Sotomayor (aka Soto), professional colorist on countless Marvel titles (Spider-Man, X-Men, The Avengers, etc.).

In this six-week intensive class for colorists, you'll learn all the necessary tools and tricks for not only coloring with Photoshop, but also how to tell great stories through color. You’ll get access to all the tools of the trade, tips on how to break in, and you’ll be working with Chris on the pages you color for the class.
Plus, the class will have a session with special guest Rob Schwager, whose coloring credits include the current Ghost Rider, as well as Jonah Hex, Green Lantern, and Superman.

You can read Soto's own thoughts on the class right here...OR read why the class is even better than marriage right here!

Intro to Comic Book Coloring with Soto
Begins January 9, 2012!

--------------------------
Intro to Comic Book Writing will be taught by former Marvel and IDW Editor and writer, Andy Schmidt.

During his time at Marvel, Andy worked on nearly every major character in the Marvel canon, and edited hit titles such as X-Factor, the Annihilation saga, Alias, and more.

At IDW, he managed major franchises like GI Joe and Transformers. He is also the author of the Eagle Award-winning book, The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels, published by Impact Books.

In this six-week course, not only will you learn comic book writing from a pro, but the course will be packed with practical, real-world advice on the industry and "breaking in" to help you pursue your career in comics!

That's why Comics Experience alum, Nick Spencer, tweeted:

"For all aspiring comic pros asking for advice on craft/breaking in, I once again highly recommend Andy Schmidt's @ComicExperience 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

COMMUNITY NEWS: Rich Douek Discusses Page Counts

2011-11-22T11:21:00.002-05:00

Rich Douek, Comics Experience Writing alum and Creators Workshop member, and writer/creator of the comic book Gutter Magic, recently penned a column for ComixTribe on the topic of page counts.

In the article, Rich focuses on "what and why the 'standard' page count" is 32 interior pages in a comic, with 22 pages of story, and "what that means to an indie creator."

Rich provides a nice explanation of how the offset printing process drives page counts being divisible by "4" because during the process the pages are printed on large, double-sided sheets of paper and then cut.

For 32 page comics, this works out to 8 large sheets, folded and cut down. If the comic has 22 pages of story, the rest of the book is often filled with advertising.

Since advertising is not necessarily a significant revenue source for indie creators, Rich offers some other ideas. Read the full article, and check out what Rich has to say right here.

You should also check out Rich's urban fantasy comic book, Gutter Magic or read more about the project at his website sixguncomics.com. We've really enjoyed seeing some of these stories come together during Comics Experience courses and on the Creators Workshop. Keep them coming, Rich!

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

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Mark Waid & Terry Moore Coming Soon!

2011-11-21T12:54:00.010-05:00

We have two comic book giants joining us LIVE at the Comics Experience Creators Workshop soon, and there's still time for you to join us at these online sessions!

For our next live Workshop session on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, we'll be joined by special guest Mark Waid!

With over twenty years of experience in his field, Mark Waid has written a wider variety of well-known characters than any other American comics author, from Superman to the Justice League to Spider-Man to Archie and hundreds of others.

We'll be discussing a wide range of comics-related topics with Mark, but in particular we'll be discussing his thoughts on the "digital revolution" in comics, as it relates to people creating new works today. Mark has been vocal (and fascinating) on this topic at this year's ICv2 Conference and at SDCC. He pulls no punches, so it should be quite a conversation! (Photo of Mark Waid by Luigi Novi.)

And, we're pleased to announce that on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, writer/artist Terry Moore, will be joining us for a Creators Workshop Book Club discussion of Echo, The Complete Edition!

Terry Moore writes, draws and publishes comic books through his own imprint, Abstract Studio.

Terry has also worked for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image and others. His work has won many awards, including the Will Eisner and Harvey Awards.

His first series, Strangers In Paradise, was a 107-issue epic that ran from 1993-2007. His current project is the on-going horror series, Rachel Rising, about a woman who wakes up in a shallow grave in the woods and discovers the murdered body in the dirt is her own.

Beginning in 2008, Terry launched Echo, a sci-fi series about atomic power and two women who share the same body. We'll be discussing this amazing series with Terry, in total, at the next Book Club session!

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in these sure-to-be great discussions with Mark and Terry!

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

10,000 Posts on the Creators Workshop Forums!

2011-11-17T12:14:00.019-05:00

We just passed a major milestone on the Creators Workshop forum community -- 10,000 posts focused on writing, drawing, lettering, marketing, budgeting.... MAKING comics!

The Creators Workshop is an on-going community of writers, artists, colorists, and letterers all dedicated to getting published and improving their craft. Our members post their work, critique each other, and discuss all aspects of creating comics in our members-only forums. It's a community focused on making comics!

So, we thought what better way to celebrate our community than to share our members' thoughts on our Workshop and our Courses?

Let's let our community speak for itself!...

Comics Experience was the first step on a long road that ultimately led to a rewarding career in the industry. I learned a lot in the classes I took, met some great people, and had tons of fun. I continue to be a part of the forums because I think it is a truly unique and amazing resource--a fantastic place to hone your skills in any part of comics creation, as well as gain insight from professionals on how the industry really works. Truly a place where the more effort you put in, the more you get out of it.

Congrats on 10K posts!

Bobby Curnow
Associate Editor
IDW Publishing

Between the Intro to Writing class and the Creator's Workshop, my confidence as a writer has been bolstered exponentially. Before all of this, I knew that I could write, but what I was doing was more along the lines of writing scripts just to please myself, because who else would want to read this?

Since then, through the feedback I get on the Challenge scripts, through the discussions I've had with CE members (here and in [gasp!] real life), and through the live workshop sessions, I've realized what my strengths and weaknesses are as a writer, how to build on those strengths (while hopefully minimizing those weaknesses at the same time), and that people will want to read my work. And that's made me actively go out there and find people who can help me get these stories completed and published.

To echo Bobby above, this has been a fantastic experience for me, and something I'm going to continue enjoying.

Kevin Byrne

Comics Experience ruined my life. I used to have a normal family, friends, and a semblance of a career. Now I mull over scripts while grocery shopping and drag my kids to comic-cons all over the country. It's been a downward spiral since I took Intro to Writing with Andy, and even worse with Soto's Coloring class. Fortunately there is a great support group of dedicated teachers and other fellow crackheads (I mean, creators) here that help manage this addiction in a positive way. With everyone's encouragement in the forums and after four classes in six months I've gone from knowing nothing to producing a full color comic book. How cool is that?

Amy Chu

Comics Experience changed my life. I'd been struggling as a writer for years, with pages and pages of unfinished prose and boxes and boxes of comics that I loved to read, but was too afraid to take the plunge and write. The Intro to writing class gave me the confidence in my writing abilities to finish a script, and leave the class believing that I could make a comic. Then, that's exactly what I did.

The workshop has been a continuing source of support and good times. I've made a lot of friends here that are all working towards the same goal, and I'm amazed at the amount of great feedback I get every time I post one of my projects. One thing about comics is that it's not an easy business, at any level. I'm not 100% sure I'd be able to stick it out without the support and help of my fellow workshoppers.

And yes, making comics is like crack.

Rich Douek

I have been a comic book fan for most of my life, but never even considered the possibility of actually writing my own comic until I heard Andy on an iFanboy podcast discussing Comics Experience. The classes and forums taught me that writing comics (and lettering and coloring for that matter) does not belong to an exclusive club of creators located in the Land of Oz. Rather, he taught me that anyone with enough talent, the drive to learn and improve, and with just the right amount of luck can break in--if breaking in is even the goal.

Working with such incredible, comic-loving people in the forums, all of whom are willing to point out and help me through rough areas of my scripts, is priceless, and on those occassions when I make someone laugh or hear that they enjoyed what I had written makes my day, month and year all at the same time.

Don McMillan

Every time I think of all the Comics Experience community has done for me, it starts to feel a little overwhelming. Where do I even start?

So, I’ll start here:

Before I found Comics Experience, I knew I wanted to be a comic book writer, but I had no idea how to make it happen. No idea what editors were looking for, no idea how the industry worked, no idea how to market myself, no idea how to format a comic script.

Comics Experience gave me all these skills. It also gave me an incredible group of men and women who are all working towards the same goal. The Creators Workshop members are a tremendous resource, for support, for guidance and for advice.

This isn’t to say that “breaking in” will be easy. It still takes talent, and determination, and more than a little luck. But with Comic Experience’s help, it’s gone from feeling like a pipe dream to feeling like a realistic, attainable goal. I am so happy to be on this journey, and so proud to be a part of the Comics Experience community.

Paul Allor

After years of struggling to get feedback for my stories, Comics Experience was a dream come true. The instant critiques on the forums are absolutely worth the price of admission. The CE community is one large family, sharing a common goal: making comics. There's nothing better than that.

And Andy Schmidt is a kind and handsome man.

Bret Bernal

Comic Experience definitely changed the way I've viewed our industry as a whole. In my comic book career, I've made many friends along the way but I've always heard of working in the comic industry as a competition. You have to beat this guy to that job, or while you're not writing, she is writing, etc. Looking at the opportunities, job offers, contest notifications, support, helpful and constructive critiques and publishing opportunities that the people on this forum have shared with each other has definitely shown me how strong the comic community can be if we stay that - a COMMUNITY.

Shaun Noel

Writers, and artists, and editors... oh my. Writers, and artists, and editors... oh my.

What I love about Creator's Workshop is that it's this wonderfully demilitarized zone where creator's of all hats can come together, take those hats off, and just appreciate the medium. You find writers loving art, artists praising scripts, and editors letting people have opinions different from their own. Yep, it's Bizzaro World, but in a great way. It's the most perfectly safe environment for a creator to get out of their comfort zone, experiment, and grow.

Jason Cutcher

For the past few years I have been posting scripts for review on several of the major sites that do that sort of thing. On those sites I would rarely get any worthwhile result. If I got positive feedback it would be "Wow! Great! Nice work!" And if it was negative feedback it would be the kind of bizarrely nit-picky stuff that hints at some other psychological issue. There is no serious consideration of WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE THIS BETTER?

That is what I found in the CE workshops.

The people here are serious about actually getting comics made. When someone here offers a criticism, I know that it is something I should consider. When they offer praise, I know they mean it.

I feel like I can offer whatever honest criticism I feel a fellow creator needs and I know that I don't have to couch it in all kinds of "Well, just my opinion but....". Not because folks here have thicker skin, but because they are not here for little ego strokes. They are here to make comics and make comics better.

And so am I.

And as a result, I've learned a lot.
Without a doubt, my writing has gotten better.

Thanks, everybody.

Joshua Dahl

I've officially been a member of the Comics Experience Workshop for a year now -- the best investment I've made in a long time. In that time, I've seen it grow exponentially, filling itself with talented, warm, and exceptionally respectable people. We all have a common goal; to make it in comics. Now, some would think that we'd all be really competitive and a little aggressive toward one another, but in fact we are the complete opposite.

The Workshop is a community, like a family spread out across the globe, related by one unique bond. We go above and beyond the normal 'membership requirements', often creating lasting friendships and successful creative teams.

But, it's not just the community aspect of the Workshop that makes it great. The honesty and integrity of its members provide a level of professional feedback and peer learning that you can count on. We might not all make our comic dreams come true to their fullest, but as a group we make every effort to help each other reach those goals.

In short, the Workshop's greatness is not solely in its value, but in its people, its accurate guidance, its integrity, and its potential.

Janine Frederick

Comics Experience has been a great community for testing out scripts and ideas, as well as pushing myself to try new things through the monthly challenges. Giving and receiving critiques is a great way to learn about the storytelling process, and find out the sorts of things that readers really respond to and the devices that just don't work. CE members are also incredibly supportive, and a fairly lively group. It's been tremendous fun.

Shaun Manning

I am a charter member of this forum (if there is such a thing). I thoroughly enjoy the workshops and the forum. On the one hand, the forum acts as learning tool. The monthly challenges keep me writing, and the helpful and constructive criticism is hopefully making each script stronger. Similarly, through critiquing others, not only do we get to read some amazing stories in a variety of genres, but we also get to see what works (and more importantly what doesn't work) in the scripts.

On the other hand, this forum is a place for creators to provide support for each other. There are a lot of different paths and goals, but ultimately we want to succeed in comics. So whether it is looking to write a licensed property at one of the Big Two or creating the next Indie blockbuster (or anything in between), the forum provides a sense of camaraderie. And that is because of the great people on this forum. You review my scripts and pitches to make sure they are perfect. You join me in my righteous anger when things are unfair. You celebrate my victories and you help console me when things don't go well. Most importantly, you all inspire me to keep writing with your successes and top notch scripts. After all, it's all about coattails.

Joe Sergi

I didn't know what a comic script looked like until joining Comics Experience workshop. Dreams of becoming a writer would never have amounted to anything without the basics on script writing that I learned in Intro to Comic Book Writing. Now I try to create ten short stories a year and having the support of this community is essential. I'm still intimidated by the amount of talent here, but it's a welcoming place for people of all experience levels.

Elizabeth-Amber Love

Andy's Comics Experience writing class helped me finally draft something without feeling like I was being simultaneously tortured! Through the Creators Workshop and the Book Club, I've found out about comics I might want to check out, which has really broadened my reading. Most importantly, Comics Experience is a way of getting valuable, constructive feedback on ideas and scripts, watching a lot of creative ideas get developed, exchanging information about various aspects of producing comics, and interacting with artists and writers from many different backgrounds. How wonderful that these opportunities are offered to people who live outside of New York and Los Angeles.

Marta Tanrikulu

Living overseas, I always felt that I was one step removed from the comics community I wanted to be a part of. Until I found Comics Experience, that is. The Creators Workshop has given me the opportunity to get feedback on all my comic-related questions and interact with some wonderful people, regardless of where we live. Now if we could just figure out this time-zone thing, so I don't have to show up on the live sessions as a pajama-wearing zombie.

Chris Lewis

Being an Australian hasn't put me in the middle of the world of comics, but Comics Experience has made that possible. The Comics Experience Workshop is a creative community unlike any other. Build your skill as an author or artist, critique each other in a friendly, encouraging but open and honest manner, and learn all about the business of making comics.

Wherever you are, joining Comics Experience will enable you to harness your talent and connect with people doing the same thing! We all bring something different, yet through our creativity, we all have the same goal - making (great) comics!

Luke Barnett

Neil Gaiman once said in an interview that writing for different mediums - comics, film, prose, etc. - takes different "writing muscles." That is something that has stayed with me for a long time, but not until I came to be a part of the Comics Experience workshop did I truly understand what that meant. Through the critiques from fellow members, and the need to work harder on my scripts thanks to those critiques, I've been able to better define that difference between writing for comics and writing for prose. I can't say I fully understand it yet, but it's this blossoming understanding that is, I believe, helping me become a better writer. I have Comics Experience to thank for that.

Christopher Beckett

Comics Experience was a much needed first step on the road to creating comics. Not only is the class a great experience, but you walk away from that class with a newfound understanding in not only the creation process, but the production process as well. As for the Workshop, it's an invaluable resource if you're serious about dipping your toe into the world of comics. The support and encouragement you get from your colleagues is great, and it's always nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. I'm truly grateful for the friends I've made and the help I've received along the way.

Josh Osborne

I've only been a member for a very short time, since starting the Intro to Comic Book Writing class, but I already feel that my craft has advanced tremendously in these 6 weeks. I also learned that no writer is an island: it's not a matter of taking your raw, rough idea and running it into the ground. The course taught me the importance of having an editor to work with, to help make my work look professional. I can say with a great level of confidence that this class made me think "yes, this is what I want to do for a living".

Ivan Antonio

I first came across Comics Experience in an Internet-frenzied search for some comic writing courses. I had already been reading the books and attempting my own stories but something felt missing that I couldn't put my finger on. I came across the huge banner, and Comics Experience felt like a neon sign on a dusty road in the middle of the night. Granted I considered it could be a vampire bar--or a place for people like me looking for direction, guidance and what I soon found to be the missing ingredient I was intuitively searching out - COMMUNITY!

Having already signed up for the writing course I didn't know what to do with my time and came across the workshop. Wow, like a kid walking into a toy store for the first time, I dove in head first and barely came up for air in time. Between reading others scripts and working on my own, the critiques, the jarring suggestions that gave me and my writing more room and more space to play in. I went from such a tiny world of only what I knew to a wealth of knowledge and experience that was inspiring me every day. I was able to get to work in a way that I could not do on my own.

I found that critiquing is not just helpful for the other writer but has made me a better writer myself. The workshop and the courses are really a two-way street and fun beyond anything I could have at first imagined. Starting out in comics is a wild scary ride and Comics Experience is the road to a destination that on my own I would not have found. I'm not even close to being the caliber of writer I yearn to be, but the journey there through Comics Experience is more fun and challenging every day.

Gerald von Stoddard

The idea of making comics can be an intimidating experience. What the forums, and Comics Experience, does really well is bring you behind the curtain and give you the support to pursue the comics dream.

George O'Connor

If you're still reading, then I bet you're making comics -- or want to make them. In that case, what are you waiting for?

You can read what I wrote about Comics Experience back in mid-2010 right here --this was long before I joined the staff as General Manager.

Or, if you need a star writer to tell you, then check out what Nick Spencer, a Comics Experience alum, wrote back in January of 2010. (Read Nick's Guest Blog right here. Luckily, courses are now online, so YOU won't have to quit your job and move to New York City just to take a class like Nick did!)

It's not an understatement to say Comics Experience has utterly changed my life for the better. We hope you'll join us and see what everyone's talking about!

Posted by Rob Anderson
General Manager, Comics Experience
rob@ComicsExperience.com
Twitter / Facebook

Comics Experience at Coast City Comicon 2011!

2011-11-15T11:27:00.013-05:00

On November 12 & 13th, the 1st Annual Coast City Comicon took place in Portland, Maine, and Comics Experience was there!

One highlight of the convention, at least for those interested in making comics, was the Breaking Into Comics panel, which included former Marvel and IDW Editor and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt as well as panelists Renae de Liz (creator of Womanthology ), her artist-in-arms husband Ray Dillon, former Marvel editor and editor in chief at Cracked magazine, Mort Todd, and Top Cow artist Chris Dibari.

The panel was moderated by Gerald von Stoddard, the co-founder of the comics shop running the convention, and a Comics Experience alum and Creator’s Workshop member.

According to Gerald, many topics were covered at the panel, including how each panelist broke into comics and their early work. The panelists also discussed what exactly an editor is, and the pros and cons of their job from both artist's and writer's points of view.

Andy also shared details about the internship he had at Marvel at the beginning of his career, and some tips on how writers could break in. Ray Dillon shared the same advice from an artist's point of view. The panelists finished up with the always helpful question: "If I knew then, what I know now," sharing the most valuable thing they have learned related to breaking in.

In addition, many Comics Experience alums and Workshop members were exhibiting or in attendance at the show, including: Gerald von Stoddard (Deadboy), Amy Chu (Meridien City), George O'Connor (Healed), Janine Frederick (Awaken), and Ken Frederick (AM.NESIAC).

Thanks to Coast City Comics for a great show!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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WORKSHOP GUESTS: Lemire & Fialkov Discuss Early Works, Lessons Learned

2011-11-14T10:30:00.010-05:00

In the last two Creators Workshop Book Club sessions, special guests Jeff Lemire (writer/artist on Sweet Tooth) and Joshua Hale Fialkov (writer on Echoes) discussed their early days self-publishing, and the lessons they learned before breaking in to the comics industry.

Jeff Lemire noted that before he began publishing, he spent seven years drawing comics on a daily basis. Lemire said this work will “never see the light of day,” but it taught him a great deal about the craft, and allowed him to become a more confident, self-assured artist.

“It was just me finding my voice and learning my craft,” Lemire said. I think I’m kind of my worst critic, so until I felt I had something that was good enough to be published and put out there, I just waited, and waited.”

Eventually, Lemire released Lost Dogs, with the help of a Xeric grant. With that book, he said, he had a storytelling breakthrough, and began to develop a consistent voice and visual style.

As a result of this long wait, Lemire said, when he did start to release work, it was noticed more quickly, and people took him more seriously. Now, several years later, he is the writer/artist of Sweet Tooth, and the writer of DC titles Animal Man and Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE. His heavily-anticipated graphic novel The Underwater Welder is set to come out next year from Top Shelf.

Despite his successful path, Lemire said he would not necessarily advise other artists and writers to wait as long as he did.

“You can kind of psych yourself out of ever putting anything out, if you just keep waiting for something to be good enough,” Lemire said. “So, maybe somewhere in between. I would definitely advise people to make use of the Internet. Even when I was doing it ten years ago, it wasn’t as accessible as it is now.”

Another recent book club guest, Joshua Hale Fialkov, made effective use of the Internet in his early days as a comics writer. Fialkov said that he initially had trouble finding an artist, so he started a webcomic called Poorly Drawn Animals, which he wrote and drew himself.

Poorly Drawn Animals was a gag strip, with three panels, often using a static image with only the dialogue and captions changed.

“I would say that 80 percent of what I’ve learned about comics I learned from doing a three-panel gag strip,” Fialkov said. “You learn how to tell stories in the most basic way, which is, set-up, a complication and then a payoff. At the end of the day, that’s what stories are. Doing that for long enough really drilled into my head how to tell a story.”

Fialkov also recommended that writers and artists should work to get their comics made.

“The only way to get better is making comics,” Fialkov said. “And making comics is not writing comics.”

Rather, he said, once you see the physical product, you start to learn what works and what doesn’t, and how to move forward with your craft.

Since his Poorly Drawn Animals days, Fialkov has gone on to write Elk’s Run, Tumor and Echoes, and is currently writing I, Vampire for DC Comics, along with Last of the Greats, a creator-owned ongoing from Image Comics. In January, he begins a run on Doctor Who for IDW Publishing.

The next book club, on Tuesday, November 15, will feature writer Jim Zubkavich discussing Volume 1 of his Image title, Skullkickers (read more about that upcoming session right here.)

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 next month’s sessions. We hope to see you there.

-- Posted by Paul Allor

Comic Book Editing Class SOLD OUT!

2011-11-09T06:55:00.001-05:00

Our very first Comic Book Editing and Project Management course has sold out!

We had to keep the size of this class even smaller than usual, due to the unique nature of this offering. As instructor Andy Schmidt explained recently, he wanted to keep the class size fairly intimate because the course will be providing "a real 'behind the scenes' thing that I've never done before," informed by his time as an editor at both Marvel and IDW.

We're sorry we couldn't fit in everyone who wanted to join us this time around -- and we're equally sorry that we're uncertain when we will be able to offer it again.

In the meantime, any writers or artists wishing to work on their craft are welcome to join our on-going Comic Creators Workshop! You can read more about that right here.

In terms of courses, next up, we have an Introduction to Comic Book Coloring class, taught by professional colorist Christopher Sotomayor (aka "Soto"), starting on January 9, 2012, and an Introduction to Comic Book Writing class, taught by Andy Schmidt, starting on January 17, 2012. Sign up now before these sell out as well!

We hope to see you soon -- in our courses or in the Creators Workshop!

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

WORKSHOP GUESTS: Comics Retailers Give Advice to New Creators

2011-11-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

On October 25, 2011, two comic shop retailers joined the live, online Creators Workshop to discuss all aspects of the comic business with our community members.

Our guests were Patrick Brower of Challengers Comics in Chicago, Illinois and Shawn Hilton of Comics Cubed in Kokomo, Indiana.

Workshop members enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion, covering everything from the performance and impact of DC's "New 52" initiative to how the shops determine order quantities each month.

One very interesting aspect of the conversation was their advice for new creators trying to encourage ordering of creator-owned and/or self-published titles by comic shops.

Here's a few key tips that Patrick and Shawn offered at the live Workshop:

1. Description: Make your description in Diamond Previews clear and make it descriptive! This is your chance to convince the person ordering for the shop that your book is something they, and by extension, their customers, will want to read. But don't overwhelm them with text in an advertisement, for example. They have a lot of material to go through in Previews each month, so keep it concise!

2. Artwork: Show a cover that represents what's inside the book, or else show an interior page. If the cover is by someone who had nothing to do with the interior, the shop won't know what's inside, and may have to pass.

3. Direct Contact: A personal touch never hurts, such as a quick, concise email from the creator with links to a website or a preview of the book. If you make it easy on the shop owner, they may decide to order if they like what they see.

4. Loglines: A catchy phrase that sums up the book may help the comic shop tell which, if any, of their customers might be interested in your story. Pretend it's a movie pitch and your words have to "sell" the book in seconds.

5. Previews Code: Put your Previews order code on everything -- your website, Facebook, your postcards. Make it easy for your potential customers and the retailers to pre-order your book.

This is just a sampling of the tips provided by Shawn and Patrick. A recording of the entire discussion will be available to Workshop members for a few weeks. In fact, one Workshop member, while viewing the session, commented on the forums, "Watching the recording now. It's like gold. Thanks for bringing these guys!" So it's not too late for you to check out the full session, too!

The next two live sessions will feature a discussion of Skullkickers, Volume 1 with writer Jim Zubkavich (aka Jim Zub) on November 15, and a meeting with Mark Waid on comics and the "digital revolution" on November 29. (Read more about those upcoming session right here.)

Creators Workshop live sessions take place every month, giving members real-world knowledge that will help them succeed in their comics career. There’s still time to sign up before November’s session. We hope to see you there.

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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GUEST BLOG: J.D. Oliva on his New Project "Deluge"

2011-11-07T07:45:00.000-05:00

In this guest blog, writer J.D. Oliva, Comics Experience alum and Creator’s Workshop member, talks about his new project, "Deluge," his related Kickstarter campaign, and how Comics Experience helped get the whole project underway.

Growing up the only things I had ever dreamed of were making movies and writing comics.

Like most teenagers in the mid-90's, I fell out of love with comics, but came back in the mid-2000's. Soon after that, my love for writing comics returned and I immediately started pitching ideas to any and every company I could. And I failed with each and everyone.

It soon became apparent to me that I wasn't doing things the "right way." What I mean by that is I wanted to be a comic writer but I had no clue how to get my start. As I learned, most comic companies don't take blind submissions, nor will they take a risk on an unproven writer. They wouldn't talk to you unless you'd been published, but how could I get published? I was confused and frustrated.

I joined Twitter in 2009 and started following some of my favorite creators and editors. I started to get a greater understanding of the business.

Then came the day that changed my life. I saw that Andy Schmidt was taking his Comics Experience courses and bringing them online. This was the perfect opportunity.

In Andy's six week Into to Comic Book Writing course, I learned more about the comic industry and the craft of writing than I could possibly have imagined. It was easily the best $500 I had ever spent. By the end of the class, not only had I completed a 5-page script, but I actually published that story in my class's Tales From The Comics Experience anthology. But the biggest impact was that I now had fourteen new friends and collaborators who shared my goals.

When the opportunity arose to join the Comics Experience Advanced Writing course, it was a no brainer. As part of the advanced class, we were tasked with creating a full 22-page script. During that first advanced class, I was struck by an idea that had been banging around in the back of my head for a couple years.

In the summer of 2008, I spent a month in New Orleans working on a short film. I was amazed at the level of devastation that was still present so many years after Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf region. One night, while out in the French Quarter, I saw a police officer smash his nightstick against a drunk man's jaw. I had never seen such use of excessive force, especially so out in the open. I was even more floored by the way the people of New Orleans didn't seem to care. It was almost as if this kind of thing happens all the time. (Turns out it does).

Later that night, my director of photography told me a story that he had heard. After the storm, apparently a group of disgruntled cops took to the flooded streets in motor boats and were actually gunning down the criminals that were stranded on their rooftops. "That would make a great story," was my first thought, and for a couple years after, I would kick the idea around for a bit but couldn't find the right hook to make the idea work. While I was horrified by how excessive those police were, I feared that there wouldn't be enough sympathy for these criminals. Then it hit me, "what if the main character is an undercover FBI agent stranded in New Orleans?"

With that revelation, the characters began to take on life and with the support of Andy and my classmates, I created the first issue of what I envisioned as a three-issue miniseries. I was surprised at how well my classmates and Andy himself responded to the material. I even received a pretty favorable script review from Peter David as part of the new Comics Experience Workshop. Encouraged by this, I decided to make the story, entitled Deluge, a priority.

My first act was teaming up with Richard P. Clark, a fellow classmate who happened to be a professional artist. Rich's realistic style was a perfect fit for my story and I decided to make a pretty solid investment and hired Rich to design a pitch package.

When Rich delivered the pitch package, I was blown away by his work. I thought it was only a matter of time before I had my first miniseries in comic shops across the country. Of course, reality slapped down my idealism. (Or naiveté?) Our pitch was turned down by just about everybody and, of course, I just figured it was because I sucked. I knew it wasn't Rich's art, so it had to be me. But I kept on and eventually I found a brand new publisher who was willing to take a chance. So that was it, I am in the door, right? Not quite.

Andy had dropped the bombshell on us several months earlier, so I knew that if Deluge was ever picked up as a creator-owned title, I was going to have to pay for the book to be produced. Knowing what this was going to cost, I always figured it was a problem for "Future J.D." and he would figure something out. I don't think people realize that Creator-Owned Comics are Creator-Funded comics. Even if Image had picked us up, I would still be in the same predicament.

Well, here I am, with the opportunity I've dreamed about for years and the only thing slowing me down is money. But isn't that what's stopping just about everybody?

So, what Rich and I have done is launched a Kickstarter campaign to try and fund half of the book's budget of $6,000. Coincidentally, according to the Kickstarter panel at New York Comic Con, that is also the average amount raised for comics on Kickstarter. Naturally, I figured it was finally the time when being “average” would be just fine. And again, reality steps on my head.

Here we are with just over one month to go on our Kickstarter and we're not quite 25% of the way funded. Which is frustrating because if we can't reach our goal, we don't receive any of that pledge money. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous as we're drawing toward the close.

As gut-wrenching as the waiting has become, I can't help but feel happy and proud at how far I've come in such a short time and how much I really owe to Andy Schmidt and Comic Experience. It literally changed my life.

J.D. Oliva
Writer, Deluge
Comic Experience Alum and Workshop member

To check out the Kickstarter campaign for Deluge, click here!

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

Only 3 Seats Left in our Inaugural Comic Book Editing Class!

2011-11-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

Our very first Comic Book Editing and Project Management course starts in about one week -- we're down to our last three open slots!

If you were thinking about joining this session, beginning November 10, 2011, don't delay!

The new course will be taught by former Marvel and IDW editor, Andy Schmidt.

Andy's techniques and editorial approach have helped craft some of Marvel's biggest events in the last 10 years (Civil War, Annihilation, X-Men: Messiah Complex) as well as brought licensed franchises to new creative heights while at IDW (G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Dungeons & Dragons).

If you want to create great comics, whether self-publishing or working for a comics publisher, this is the course for you!

In this four-week intensive class, you’ll learn how to:

find collaborators;
manage a budget and time table;
bring the best out of your writers and artists;
problem solve; and
make a professional-looking project that will connect with readers and retailers!

We're keeping class size small on this course, to ensure a conversational approach that will allow for individualization for every student. Andy will be sharing a career's worth of experience in a way that will be useful, organized, concise, and fun!

The class will meet one night a week, starting Thursday, November 10th, 2011, between 9:00 and 11:00 pm EST, for four weeks (11/10, 11/17, 12/1, and 12/8--skipping the week of Thanksgiving).

This is the first time this long requested course has been offered, and we're uncertain when it will be offered again. Spots will go fast, so don't delay if you'd like to enroll!

Enroll Now using PayPal

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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GUEST BLOG: Advice for an Aspiring Comic Book Writer

2011-11-01T11:40:00.001-04:00

Over on the iFanboy Letters Column, Josh Flanagan recently received a letter from a 19-year-old aspiring writer, Natalie, who expressed frustration that she had not yet broken into the industry. You can read great responses from Josh Flanagan and others on the iFanboy thread right here, but Creators Workshop Book Club Manager, Paul Allor, was also one of the respondents, and below we've posted Paul's reply to Natalie in full.

Paul Allor replied:

I just wanted to respond to Natalie, and add a few thoughts to (iFanboy host) Josh Flanagan’s awesome response, with a couple of quick thoughts and pieces of advice:

1. Acknowledge that you’re doing some things right

Wow, are you ever ahead of the game! Congratulations. At 19, you’ve already started thinking seriously about your comics career. Seriously enough to reach out to the guys on this site, and to reach out to comics publishers. Most people, at your age, might have a half-formed notion about writing comics, but wouldn’t actually be doing anything about it. So, before you get too down on yourself, take the time to acknowledge that you’re doing some things right.

2. Hone your craft before you try to publish

Having said that, one thing you didn’t mention in your letter is whether you’re actively writing comics scripts. If not, you should be. A lot. But, I’m not saying you should put up a Web comic or print a mini-comic as soon as possible. I’m not an advocate of the “get your work out there as soon as possible” school of thought. I’m an advocate of the “hone your craft, and then, when it’s reached a certain level, get your work out there” school of thought.

I just recently self-published a collection of short comics, but before I did, I wrote more than 1,000 pages of comic script that will never, ever see the light of day. I’ve written dozens of one-shots, ten complete minis, and many, many shorter stories. That was time spent practicing, trying and failing, learning the craft. That’s what you should be doing right now.

3. Find a community

I know I just said that I wouldn’t recommend putting your early stuff out there for public consumption. However, I would recommend getting online and finding (or forming) a community of aspiring comics creators.

For example, the community I belong to is called Comics Experience, and it’s run by Andy Schmidt, a former editor at Marvel and IDW. I work with Andy, as the site’s Book Club manager. Comics Experience has an awesome private workshop where people critique each other’s scripts, have access to pro editors and creators, and hold in-depth discussions about breaking in.

So, find a community. Get involved. Show them your stuff. Read their feedback with an open mind. Take it to heart. And use it to hone your craft further.

4. Gain life experience

The more you live, the better a writer you’ll be. Not only will you be practicing your craft along the way, but you’ll be gaining life experience. You’ll be getting a better feel for how the world works, how society runs, the tangible and intangible forces that govern and guide our daily lives. You’ll get a feel for how people navigate through adult life. You’ll continue to develop a unique set of knowledge and experiences. And all of this will make your writing stronger. The more you understand the world, the more you understand people, and the more you understand people, the more you can create authentic, interesting characters and place them in dramatic, compelling situations.

In other words, as you get older, if you still haven’t broken in yet, don’t view that as a weakness; view it as a strength.

5. Try to remember that you are much, much younger than you realize.

I know that sounds condescending, but it’s true. When you are older, you will look back, and realize that you still had more time ahead of you than you could possibly imagine. If it took you another 15 years, another 20 years, to become an established comic-book writer, that would still not be out of the ordinary. But if you start working at it now, and doing the right things, you will have an extraordinary head-start. I’m 33, and I didn’t even start reading comic books until I was 28. Not writing – READING. And I don’t consider this a drawback at all. So many of my favorite writers and artists broke in when they were my age or older. Sometimes much, much older.

Hopefully some of this was helpful. I mostly just want you to realize where you’re at. You said in your letter that you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, but believe me, you’re not. You’re on solid ground, and the road is wide open in front of you. You just need to take a deep breath, figure out how you want to proceed, and then start walking.

Good luck

-- Paul Allor

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

GUEST BLOG: What George O'Connor Learned from the Convention Circuit

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

In this guest blog, writer George O'Connor, Comics Experience alum and Creator’s Workshop member, talks about the most important lesson he's learned from the comic book convention circuit this year.

Here’s what I learned from exhibiting at ten conventions this year:

If you dream of making a comic, DO IT!

Please, trust me on this. Get your butt in gear, make your book, go to some shows and DO IT. It’ll be so worth it.

For 20 years now, I’ve been doing DIY projects: CDs, short films, web series -- and doing the comic book Healed has been the most rewarding creative endeavor I’ve had yet. Comic book people just seem to be the nicest people and if you have a book that interests them, they’ll support you.

Maybe it’s the structure of comic conventions? Or that fans of the medium walk in with an open mind and WANT to find something new? Maybe it's because comics aren’t mainstream "cool," so we all band together to support each other. Maybe it’s the low dollar entry point, where people feel comfortable taking a chance for $2-$4? And maybe it just doesn’t matter.

Through Comics Experience, I’ve met dozens and dozens of creative people who have great stories and visions –- many I get to call friends –- and I want them ALL to experience the confidence, excitement, and enthusiasm I got to feel this last year...

People buying all four issues of Healed just based off the pitch.
People buying two issues and then coming back later and saying, "I read the first two issues and I NEED the next two."
People remembering the book from last year and wanting to know what new issues are out.
The kid who *ran* up to our booth because he couldn’t wait to buy new issues and his friends saying, "He wouldn’t stop talking about your book the whole drive up here."

I want ALL OF YOU to experience that. There is nothing like it in the world. And there has never been a better time to make your book and get out there.

Print-on-demand services make small print runs possible. You can bypass the whole printing process completely and put your book on the web or available through Graphic.ly. And if you’re part of the Comics Experience Creators Workshop, you’ve got an incredibly supportive group to fall back on and learn from. (Look, I’m not just shilling Comics Experience; it’s the honest truth).

Do it. Do it. Do it. Use my little wins as the fuel to get out there and make your own victories. Talk to other creators and learn from them and get excited. There’s no reason to wait. You don’t have to get anyone’s permission.

If you have a story to tell, there’s someone out there that wants to read it. And there is no better feeling.

That’s what I learned from going to ten cons this year and I want to see YOU behind the table with me in 2012!

-- George O'Connor

George likes to write. A lot. He’s currently writing the ongoing comic series, "Healed," for Homeless Comics and has contributed stories to several anthologies published by Elevator Pitch Press. He was also the creator behind the webseries "664-The Neighbor of the Beast." And somehow he also juggles playing guitar in his metal and punk rock bands. By day, George is a mild-mannered copywriter in the advertising world. He once put a truck on the moon.

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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WORKSHOP GUESTS: Mark Waid & Jim Zub in November!

2011-10-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

We have two exciting guests coming up in November at the Comics Experience Creators Workshop, and there's still time for you to join us at these live, online sessions!

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, our next guest will be writer Jim Zubkavich (aka Jim Zub), where we'll be having a Book Club discussion of the runaway Image hit Skullkickers, Volume 1!

Skullkickers is a sword & sorcery action-comedy comic about two hard-headed mercenaries killing monsters and causing havoc in their search for money, fame and adventure.

With Skullkickers , Volume 2 arriving in stores the very next day (November 16th), it's a perfect time to check out Volume 1 and discuss it with the writer!

Jim Zub has also kindly agreed to be our guest script critiquer for the upcoming cycle, with Robert Atkins doing a review for artists. Plus, Andy Schmidt will be doing reviews of scripts and art as well.

And, for our next live Workshop session on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, we'll be joined by special guest Mark Waid!

With over twenty years of experience in his field, Mark Waid has written a wider variety of well-known characters than any other American comics author, from Superman to the Justice League to Spider-Man to Archie and hundreds of others.

We'll be discussing a wide range of comics-related topics with Mark, but in particular we'll be discussing his thoughts on the "digital revolution" in comics, as it relates to people creating new works today. Mark has been vocal (and fascinating) on this topic at this year's ICv2 Conference and at SDCC. He pulls no punches, so it should be quite a conversation! (Photo of Mark Waid by Luigi Novi.)

Join us at the Creators Workshop to take part in these sure-to-be great discussions with Jim and Mark!

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

GUEST BLOG: Gannon Beck on Teaching Talent

2011-10-24T16:50:00.000-04:00

In this guest blog, artist Gannon Beck, Comics Experience alum and Creator’s Workshop member, discusses his experience as a student in the recent Introduction to Comic Book Art class. You can check out one of Gannon's pages from the class below.

Who is your favorite teacher?

I’ve never had an answer to this question. Early on I wanted to study illustration, but few opportunities were offered in my academic sphere. I’ve always been able to learn more through books than through the teachers I encountered.

That was before I signed up for Introduction to Comic Book Art at Comics Experience, taught by Robert Atkins. Robert is an amazing illustrator who has worked on titles for Marvel, DC and IDW. Incidentally, his teaching is on par with his art.

The class Robert taught spanned over six sessions. During that time, the students worked to create four pages (one cover and three pages of sequentials). We built the pages up from roughs, then to breakdowns, then to final pencils -- all the while getting critiques on how to make our pages better.

Robert has the uncanny ability to make artists feel good about what they have produced even while covering their art in corrections.

During class time, Robert critiqued artwork in Photoshop (which we could see in our browser) and made corrections to the artwork by flipping panels, enlarging, adding, or deleting parts to improve the art turned in. At the end of a critique, rather than feel bad that I didn’t do the art better, I felt invigorated to have new artistic weapons in my arsenal. As a result of Robert’s instruction, I left every class a better artist.

I improved a great deal during the class and enjoyed it the whole way. The other artists that participated in the class seemed to have had a similar experience. It was great at the end to see everyone’s pages and how much we all improved.

I don’t consider myself a great artist yet, but I feel that I’ve been firmly placed on the path to become one. That’s what a great teacher does. Now, if anyone asks me who my favorite teacher is I can tell them: It’s Robert Atkins.

-- Gannon Beck

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

New! Comic Book Editing & Project Management Class Open for Enrollment!

2011-10-24T13:24:00.000-04:00

Comics Experience is proud to announce we are launching a brand new course on November 10, 2011 -- Comic Book Editing and Project Management! Enrollment is now open!

The new course will be taught by former Marvel and IDW editor, Andy Schmidt.

Andy's techniques and editorial approach have helped craft some of Marvel's biggest events in the last 10 years (Civil War, Annihilation, X-Men: Messiah Complex) as well as brought licensed franchises to new creative heights while at IDW (G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Dungeons & Dragons).

If you want to create great comics, whether self-publishing or working for a comics publisher, this is the course for you!

In this four-week intensive class, you’ll learn how to:

find collaborators;
manage a budget and time table;
bring the best out of your writers and artists;
problem solve; and
make a professional-looking project that will connect with readers and retailers!

Andy will take a conversational approach to this class that will allow for individualization for every student, while relating a career's worth of experience in a way that will be useful, organized, concise, and fun!

As Andy himself put it on the Creators Workshop forums recently:

"I don't think I've felt this excited for a class in a while (I like new things, so that's not a surprise). But this is going to be very different from my other courses. The structure is different, and the focus is different. This is a real 'behind the scenes' thing that I've never done before."

The class will meet one night a week, starting Thursday, November 10th, 2011, between 9:00 and 11:00 pm EST, for four weeks (11/10, 11/17, 12/1, and 12/8--skipping the week of Thanksgiving).

This is the first time this long requested course has been offered, and we're uncertain when it will be offered again. Spots will go fast, so don't delay if you'd like to enroll!

Enroll Now using PayPal

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS: Women of Wonder Day 2011!

2011-10-23T12:21:00.000-04:00

Women of Wonder Day is an annual event created by best-selling author Andy Mangels, as a benefit for Women and Children's Domestic Violence Shelters.

Elizabeth Amber Love, a Comics Experience alum and Creators Workshop member, is one of the co-founders of the New Jersey version of this event, along with with Comic Fusion owners, Stacy Korn and Bill Meccia.

The New Jersey Women of Wonder Day, part of SuperHero Weekend, will be held at Comic Fusion, October 29th - 30th, 2011, and the centerpiece of the event is a charity auction held to benefit SAFE, a not-for profit agency serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

Last year, the event raised over $16,700, and this year's auction includes artwork by a ton of artists including Charles P. Wilson III, Ethan van Sciver, JK Woodward ("Batwoman," shown above right), Joe Sinnott, Michael Golden, Dave Wachter, David Mack, Terry Moore ("Wonder Woman," shown to the right) and many others!

Check out all the details on this exciting event for a great cause right here: Women of Wonder Day.

And best of luck to Elizabeth Amber Love and Comic Fusion, on another successful event!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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GUEST BLOG: Gerald von Stoddard on Coast City Comicon!

2011-10-20T21:34:00.000-04:00

In this guest blog, Gerald von Stoddard, Comics Experience alum and Creator’s Workshop member, talks about the 1st Annual Coast City Comicon (November 12 & 13th), sponsored by the comic shop Gerald founded in Portland, Maine.

This November 12th and 13th, a dream that we had as fledgling comic shop owners is coming to fruition! Finally, after all these years, we will be hosting what we believe to be a real celebration of comics in all their glory: a true comic con!

Our inner nerds can barely contain themselves as the 1st Annual Coast City Comicon finally takes flight at the historic Eastland Hotel in downtown Portland, Maine.

It has always been Coast City Comic’s mission to support not just the mainstream, but the local/indie talent as well. This convention will maintain that same attitude; a real DIY event celebrating comics, pop culture, science fiction and vintage video games.

Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt--former Marvel and IDW Editor--will be in attendance, discussing Comics Experience and participating in the Breaking Into Comics panel, which includes Womanthology creator, Renae de Liz and her artist-in-arms husband Ray Dillon as well as author Alex Irvine and Top Cow artist Chris Dibari.

There will also be a Self-Publishing 101 panel that was initiated and will be moderated by Comics Experience alum and Workshop member, George O’Connor. Many very talented locals and Comics Experience members will be part of this informative discussion on publishing one’s own work in today’s comic market.

In July, I joined the Comics Experience Creator’s Workshop, mainly due to being so impatient as I waited for the Intro to Writing class to begin. What I did not expect was to be welcomed so openly and warmly. It was here that I began to work out my first creator-owned comic, Deadboy.

Members were brutally honest and helped me give shape to the idea, and as a result, the first issue will be debuting at the Convention. I have also begun work with Workshop member, Ken Frederick, on a project titled AM.NESIAC and hope to be debuting our 6-page pitch as well. His awesome artwork can be seen as part of Workshop member Paul Allor’s creator-owned project, Clockwork.

In response to such support, I wanted to do something to give back what has been so freely given to me, so I have opened up a section for Comics Experience alumni and Workshop members to show off their creator-owned books at my expense. So far, our Comics Experience guests will include: Amy Chu (Meridian), George O'Connor (Healed), Janine Frederick (Awaken), Joshua Dahl (Rapid City), Ken Frederick (AM.NESIAC), and Rich Douek (Gutter Magic), in addition to Comics Experience founder, Andy Schmidt. If you’d like to come and be part of the Comics Experience Workshop tables, feel free to grab your schwag and head up to Maine and join us.

The festivities will be kicked off on November 11th with a special Nerd Rave featuring Portland sensation Waranimal at Space Gallery. There will also be a Drink and Draw at a local pub and all are welcome to attend. It will be a great way to meet some awesome local talent here in Southern Maine.

We’ll also be hosting the premiere of the remastered 35mm cut of Blade Runner in celebration of the release of Exegesis by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and giving away all sorts of Phillip K. Dick books as door prizes! There will also be a PKD panel discussion with writer Alex Irvine, Zack Handlen of the Onion AV Club, Sam Pfeifle from the Phoenix, and others!

I hope to see as many of you as can make it. Just bring your awesome self’s and we will take care of the rest!

More info: Coast City Comicon

Gerald von Stoddard
http://www.rantingintongues.com
@gvonstoddard

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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NYCC 2011 Con Report from Comics Experience

2011-10-19T15:50:00.000-04:00

New York Comic-Con 2011 is now behind us, and what a great convention it was for the Comics Experience community!

We had more than 30 members in attendance, many of them exhibiting. We thought we'd share some of our highlights, as well as some thoughts from a few of our members!

On the convention panel front, Buddy Scalera's "Comic Book School" panels were a hit with creators, covering just about every aspect of the creative process.

In particular, the Writing: Story Structure panel, moderated by Comics Experience founder, Andy Schmidt, was literally standing room-only, as shown here in Buddy's pictures of the event.

Panelists included Jimmy Palmiotti, Daniel Way, David Hine, and Christos Gage, discussing how they structure, outline, and write their stories.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Workshop member Brandon Seifert was a panelist on the well-attended Ain't It Cool News Horror panel, dicussing his runaway hit from Image/Skybound, Witch Doctor. We can't wait to see more from you, Brandon!

Speaking of panels, during the Breaking In panel hosted by Scott Allie (Dark Horse) and Matt Gagnon (BOOM!), Comics Experience alum and Workshop member, Paul Allor, got an unexpected shout-out. Scott began discussing how a particular writer had recently gotten his attention by sending his new trade paperback to many editors at Dark Horse. Scott turned to Matt and said, "I bet you know who I'm talking about," and Matt replied "I sure do, everyone got it at BOOM!, too". When they discovered Paul was in the audience, he received a round of applause from the audience, as Paul held up a copy of the trade paperback in question, Clockwork, Volume 1. At which point, Scott Allie said "Paul should be up here teaching this panel." Nice job, Paul!

And on the Convention Exclusive front, NYCC saw the debut of the Hasbro Micronauts Unit:E book, written by Comics Experience founder, Andy Schmidt, with art by Comics Experience art instructor, Robert Atkins and lettering and production by Comics Experience lettering instructor, Dave Sharpe. We hear the book was a huge hit, so we hope you got yours there!

Friday night, Mulligan's, the old Marvel hang-out, was the site of the Comics Experience Meet-Up, attended by many alums, Workshop members, and friends. We took over a good bit of Mulligans into the wee hours, with much food, drink and comics talk. Here's a few pictures, which we'll also be posting to the Comics Experience Facebook page soon.

Those pictured above include: Rob Anderson, Jason Cutcher, Kevin Byrne, Rich Douek, DaFu Yu, Jeff Marsick, Neil Fisher, Richard P. Clark, Blake Campbell, Ken Frederick, Gerald Von Stoddard, Andy Schmidt, James Murray, Janine Frederick, Paul Allor, Joey Groah, Dan Rivera, and Bill Yurkas, plus Joe Sergi who somehow missed all the pictures.

In addition to all the folks mentioned above, the following alums, instructors, and Workshop members were also in attendance at NYCC 2011: Carl Peterson, Chris Beckett, Chris Murphy, color instructor Chris Sotomayor, lettering & production instructor Dave Sharpe, Elizabeth Amber Delaney, Eric Drumm, Gannon Beck, George O'Connor, Joshua Dahl, Kevin Villa, Matt O'Keefe, Monika Smyczek, Paul Littell, Scott Dubin, Sean Flahaven, and Shaun Noel.

But enough from us! Let's hear from some of those Comics Experience alums and members.

Amy Chu:
"NYCC was one of the more surreal experiences I've had (in a good way, of course). I would say we had an outstanding first time convention experience, largely due to meeting a number of Comics Experience people for the first time and getting to hang out with everyone.

"Georgia Lee and me having dinner and drinks with Axel Alonso, Joe Quesada, and CB Cebulski, as part of the "Dinner with Marvel" event, had to be right up there on the list. CB and Joe were also nice enough to invite us to go with them to the iFanboy party Friday night. Also, meeting Mike Marts from DC was a highlight.

"Pretty much all our goals were met, and then some. Reconnected with other creators I met and liked from SDCC and C2E2, got our book, Meridian, into the hands of some key people, and met a lot of other writers."

Paul Allor:
"This was my first major convention, and I had a great time meeting with editors and fellow creators. There are so many extroardinarily talented people in this business, and I left feeling energized to create more comics!"

Rich Douek:
"I had a great convention... I sold about 30 books, and had great conversations with editors from Archaia, Dark Horse and BOOM! Studios. Definitely helped me figure out where to go next with Gutter Magic."

Janine Frederick:
"I made new connections with creators I'd never had the pleasure of meeting before, and discussed my project, Awaken, with people at Oni Press and Avatar Press. I also discussed with Dan Didio the possibility of having him at a future speaking engagement at Monmouth University!

"Having Awaken at the table gave me the ability to assess the reactions of all different people who were curious enough to look at the 5-page preview or ask about the story. The largest positive response came from the female 20-something crowd. The second most "into it" crowd were males in their early to mid 30's. Awesome... I now truly know the demographic for this story and plan to start a Kickstarter campaign."

DaFu Yu:
"I enjoyed meeting fellow Comics Experience alumni and reading each of their unique comic books. They have inspired me to continue to do my best when I create my own comics."

Joshua Dahl:
"I talked to a lot of press people. I put my book in Axel Alonso's hand....in Andy Schmidt's hand...and in the hands of one notable comics journalist who knew me already by reputation. I talked to a lot of people and had a great weekend in general."

James Murray:
"My highlights include shaking Stan Lee's hand, talking with Troma's Lloyd Koffman, and with Len Wein, lots of networking, and meeting Andy and CE folk in person for the first time. And, in general, I was happy to be back in NYC for the first time in 5 years. Had a few good nights out seeing great music on Bleeker street, too."

Jason Cutcher:
"Met Daniel Cooney, who was my comics writing teacher at the Academy of Art University. He's a guy who is really making it as a small press publisher, with Valentine and Tommy Gun Dolls. He's been distributed through Diamond for 10 years, and has a movie option. So meeting him and getting some words of encouragement on my projects really went a long way. Also, had fantastic discussions with Archaia regarding two projects, met Lauren Sankovitch of Marvel, and spoke with a Diamond Vendor representative."

Joey Groah:
"Meeting and re-connecting with CE forum members totally made the con. Too many moments of thoughtfulness and camaraderie throughout the weekend to list. The "rising tide" mentality of people in our community is evident.

"And being able to talk business with members too, in terms of how to approach exhibiting at a con and how that could affect your publishing plans and products. I appreciate the chance to hear how people are looking at the business side of comics in addition to the creative work.

"Personally, the feedback on my pitch comic, Dry Seasons, was flattering and encouraging. And now I'm re-writing pitch documents..."

Paul Littell:
It was great to meet several Comics Experience members in person for the first time, and to get to say hello to others again. I met at least a couple of members with whom I look forward to collaborating. I picked up a lot of good stuff at Andy’s panel, and at the other panels run by Buddy Scalera. He runs a great show, pulls great guests (like Andy), and always sends you away a lot more informed and maybe sometimes a little smarter. I also made a point of saying hello/starting a relationship with editors at several publishers. So, all in all, I’d have to call it a big success."

Jeff Marsick:
"I had a fantastic con with record-setting sales on two of my properties, Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers and the series debut of Dead Man's Party, which on Saturday actually outsold all five of my other offerings. It was an ego boost and a validation of my creative teams' talent and quality of product when a marketing exec at a major publisher, a well-known pro like David Mack, and even a Diamond rep stopped by (all unsolicited), checked out the books and said 'Wow. This is really good stuff.'"

George O'Connor:
I was hoping to meet editors at Oni and Archaia and was able to do that fairly early on. Both Charlie Chu (Oni) and Rebecca Taylor (Archaia) were very helpful and easy to talk to about their submission guidelines. As a bonus, I got to meet Stephen Christy from Archaia later in the weekend and again, just a really nice guy. My friend Matman from Secret Identity Podcast introduced me to Sarah deLaine from Image and we had a great conversation about comic book marketing. And I got to catch up with Lauren Sankovitch at Marvel, who not only secretly runs the joint but is a very sweet person, too. Creator-wise, both Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and Justin Jordon (Luther Strode) were incredibly generous with their time as we talked Image, books, and marketing. And, finally, I have to give huge thanks and credit to my fellow Comics Experience members who helped Healed sell out by the end of the Con. All-in-all it was a very successful show.

Joe Sergi:
A few of my favorite things: seeing everyone at the Meet-Up -- it is great to put faces to the Workshop forum; selling out of Great Zombies in History 1 and 2; watching Dan Slott reenact the Marvel movie panel at Jim Hanley's Universe after the show one night; being interviewed by podcasts, vodcasts, and newspapers about our books; having someone who bought books earlier come up to me during lunch to tell me how much they liked my stories, and racing through the streets of DC at 4 am with Rob Anderson as we went home."

-------

Great convention, everyone! See you at the next one!

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

Comics Experience Creators Exhibiting at NYCC 2011!

2011-10-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

New York Comic Con starts tomorrow, and Comics Experience alums and Creators Workshop members will be everywhere.

By our last count on the Workshop forums, more than 30 members will be attending! And quite a number of folks will also be exhibiting at the show as well.

Comics Experience alum, Jeff Marsick will be at Booths 2950, 2951 and 2952, showing off his books Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers, Wendover, and Dead Man’s Party. You can check out Jeff's recent Guest Blog right here.

Alum and Workshop member, Shaun Noel, will be showcasing his book, City of Walls, which you can check out at Booth 2546.

Alum and Workshop member, Monika Smyczek, will be at Booth 3047 with Moxie Comics.

And Booth 2939 will have a slew of Comics Experience creators and books, including:

Joe Sergi, Eric Drumm, Neil Fisher, and Dan Rivera of Elevator Pitch Press (see Dan Rivera's recent Guest Blog right here). Joe Sergi will also be joined by Comics Experience alum, DaFu Yu;
George O'Connor of Homeless Comics;
Amy Chu and Georgia Lee of Alpha Girl Comics;
Rich Douek of Sixgun Comics; and
Janine Frederick, showing off her preview of Awaken!

This is just a sampling -- stop by and check out all these booths and ask them about Comics Experience!

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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GUEST BLOG: Robert Atkins on his Recent Cover Homage!

2011-10-11T12:16:00.000-04:00

In this guest blog, Robert Atkins shares his thoughts on his recent GI Joe homage cover. Robert is the Instructor of the Comics Experience Introduction to Comic Book Art class, where he recently discussed cover design in more depth with his students.

He's also been generous in sharing his thoughts on that same topic in the "Ask Robert Atkins" thread on the Creator’s Workshop. Robert is a professional comic book artist who has worked on Snake Eyes, GI JOE, and Heroes for Hire, as well as many other titles.

About a month or so ago, IDW asked if I would like to do three covers for their GI JOE line. I agreed immediately, it's always fun to do more GI JOE. Plus, it extends this crazy cover run I've done with them. As of now, I've drawn 47 covers for the GI JOE line at IDW! Four years goes by quick.

Well, this time around, I probably should have asked what they wanted first. They needed them turned around pretty quick, and once I found out what they wanted....I realized quick was not going to be an option.

IDW has run a few homage covers lately, where they take their characters and place them in similar compositions as classic comic covers. i.e. this Transformers/Uncanny X-Men #1 homage:

So they had another classic cover in mind for me. The Crisis on Infinite Earths cover #7 (1985) by none other than George "I can't draw too many lines" Perez!

Now this cover has already be homaged to death...no pun intended....seriously it's been done a lot. (See Crisis Homages on this website.)

This is where I come in. I had just got done talking to someone about how I don't really appreciate homage covers, because I rarely feel like the new version does the original justice. What can be brought to the table that improves on the original? Well I hunkered down and got started anyway.

My initial prelim sketch, this is about three inches wide:

This sketch was approved and I started on the pencils. I quickly realized this was taking forever and I had to submit the unfinished pencils for approval if I was going to get it done in time.

I ended up finishing most of the line art for the cover in the inking stage, going straight to inks for a lot of the background characters. I didn't have time to sketch out the details first. Luckily, I really know these characters and vehicles and it wasn't that difficult.

We brought on Mark Roberts to color this cover for us, as well as the other associated homage covers. If you remember, he colored up the Thundercats images on my Daily Sketch Blog. After running through that gauntlet for me, I knew he was up for the task. This is his first IDW, GI JOE work!

Now before anyone FREAKS out, Scarlett does not die in this issue!! It is just an homage and she was an appropriate female to fit the pose. Please don't send me hate mail for killing Scarlett. I've already gotten emails about this. heh.

After the process, I still feel like I didn't add anything to the original. I mean, seriously, that cover is regarded as one of the best and most influential covers in comics. But I can see the appeal now. Seeing the characters from a property that the fans love, in such a classic composition and/or pose has a fun nostalgic feel.

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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GUEST BLOG: Dan Rivera Offers Tips on Editing Anthologies!

2011-10-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

In this guest blog, Comics Experience alum and Creators Workshop member, Dan Rivera, discusses his new project, Don't Be Afraid, and offers tips for editors of anthology projects. Dan will be at Booth 2939 at New York Comic Con, in the Small Press Section, so make sure to stop by!

In October 2010, the members of Elevator Pitch Press (comprised of a group of Comics Experience alums from the first online Intro to Comic Book Writing class) were talking about what to do next after our first release: Tales from the Comics Experience.

We decided to do an anthology of zombie stories married with historical events, and that led to the three issues of Great Zombies in History (GZiH) that came out earlier this year.

We also wanted to have another anthology that was tied to a singular theme. Many names were bandied about, and we settled on the theme FEAR. However, our energies were completely invested in the GZiH books, so “FEAR” fell by the wayside. Time passed and some of the EPP members had other commitments and had to pull out.

Last March, I attended C2E2 in Chicago and spent a fair amount of time in the Artist Alley and Small Press areas. After looking at the various books that were being sold (especially after having seen some of the finished GZiH stories), I felt that we at Elevator Pitch Press could put something out that would be just as good as anything being sold at that con.

Emboldened by a newfound confidence, I emailed the group and offered to take the lead. This was the first time that I took charge of anything since my high school yearbook.

Thankfully, working with these guys has been a pleasure. The level of professionalism in this group would impress any editor in the industry. Everyone got their stories to me in time for the book to be ready for New York Comic Con.

The hardest aspect of getting this book together was deciding on a title. After seeing the cover by Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys) and Richard P. Clark, the one thing that came to mind was...Don’t Be Afraid.

While I am no expert on editing, I did take away some important lessons from this experience:

When editing an anthology for and with other writers, try not to be a dictator. You must respect that the other creators have invested their time (and in some cases, money) into their stories, so they have as much equity in this project as you do.
If there is an aspect to the creative process that you are not completely comfortable with, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Graphic design is not a strength of mine, so I was able to get logo/lettering/design master (and Creators Workshop member) ET Dollman to help me lay out the book and get it to the right printing specs.
When developing a set of deadlines, give yourself some wiggle room because more often than not, there will be some hiccups along the way. An artist can flake out, a writer might want to tweak a line of dialogue, or life can just get in the way.
Communicate, communicate, communicate. I can’t stress enough how important this is. In fact, I feel this is an area that I must improve on for future projects. If something is holding things up, let the other creators know. If you think something in a scene doesn't work, let them know. It gives the creators confidence in you, and will result in a better product overall.
Find a printer that you are comfortable with. Do not settle for a printer solely because of one person’s recommendation. Make the extra effort to compare prices and turn-around time. Find out if they will provide a proof. You will be surprised at the varying degrees of customer service and overall product quality.

If you are attending NYCC, check out Don’t Be Afraid at the Elevator Pitch Press Booth -- #2939 -- in the Small Press Section.

Dan Rivera is on Twitter as @danriveraprime and can be reached via email at nuyoricansol@gmail.com. His webcomic, Platinum Falls, will be live in 2012.

Posted by Rob Anderson
rob@ComicsExperience.com
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