Free Comic Book Day - Saturday May 5

Dave Jackson of Rockin' Rooster Comics and Games asked that I remind everyone that this Saturday is the National Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)

The industry started this as a way to bring the enjoyment of comics to the masses (and hopefully drum up some new business).  There are a variety of different titles available that vary by store owners.  Rockin' Rooster plans to have 60 different titles available, and allow each person to take up to 5 books. 

In addition to the free books, Rockin' Rooster will have rooms coverted to "Artist Alley" with tables setup for the visiting dignitaries.  According to Dave, "We normally have about 15 or so special guests, and some have reported decent sales and contacts during the event.  This year (so far) we have David Michael Beck; Bill Grapes, writer and artist on "The Infernal Fyre Dragon" ; Rod Fyke, artist and writer on "Peanut, Puddin' & Jelly" for Hazzum Productions" among others

When: SATURDAY MAY 5

Time:  Varies by store

Participating Local Retailers:

ROCKIN' ROOSTER COMICS & COLLECTIBLES
5000 Glenway Ave
Cincinnati, OH, 45238

QUEEN CITY COMIC & CARD CO.
6101 Montgomery Rd.
Cincinnati, OH, 45213

CAPTAIN COMIC
2105 Beachmont
Cincinnati, OH, 45230

ARCADIAN COMICS & GAMES
627 Monmouth Street
Newport, KY, 41071

MAVERICK'S S/C & COMICS
8522 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH, 45231

YOTTAQUEST
7607 Hamilton Ave
Cincinnati, OH, 45321

Illustrator News: Will Hillenbrand

Will Hillenbrand will be interviewed by Channel 9's Tanya O'Rourke at 12:40.

He will also be signing books tomorrow at Blue Marble in Fort Thomas from 4-5:30

Jerry Dowling mentioned in NY Times Article

Lost Occupation, Lost Art as Sports Cartooning Declines is an article in today's New York Times that mentions our own Jerry Dowling.  Though we have known Jerry has been lost for a while.

From the article.

There were others, of course: Leo O’Mealia, who preceded Gallo at The Daily News, and Bruce Stark, who was also at The News; Karl Hubenthal at The Los Angeles Examiner; John Pierotti of The New York Post and Thomas Paprocki of The New York Sun; Dick Dugan at The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Lou Darvas at The Cleveland Press; Jerry Dowling of The Cincinnati Enquirer; and Murray Olderman of the syndicated Newspaper Enterprise Association.

Long before the recent contraction in the newspaper industry, editors began to view sports cartoonists as vestiges of a bygone era and as budgetary luxuries.

Illustrator News: Jared Lee

Jared Lee's book There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick is 5th on the PW bestseller list! Congratulations!

Sneak Peek: Why the Possum Has a Large Grin

Here is a sneak peek of the book I illustrated and written by Johnette Downing. It is about a naive deer and not so nice possum and hilarity ensues.

Out in the fall!


Here is an interior sketch peek:

Wow! The last post on this blog was Friday the 13th. Broke the curse... (I hope...)

Illustrator News: Will Hillenbrand Radio Interview

To listen later (if you cannot get up that early): http://www.wvxu.org/schedule/cincinnatiedition_archive.asp?sort=programdate

New FB page: http://www.facebook.com/willhillenbrandbooks

Illustrator News: Ursula Roma Show Final Friday at Venue 222

More info here: http://venue222.com/join-us/


Opens April 27th 6-10pm

Sketch Journal Workshop

Vanessa and I are going to a sketch journal in Taos, NM in June in a program sponsored by the Art Academy. I just heard the other day that there is still space available if anyone else wants to go.

This is the itinerary:

Sketchbook & Journal Workshop with Amy Bogard at the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, New Mexico

(Extended to 4 days this year) June 17 – June 21, 2012!
$1175 per person (double occupancy)
$1365 if you prefer a (single occupancy)
Workshop Includes:
• 4 days/5 nights lodging,
• Breakfast and Lunch on workshop days,
plus breakfast on the day of departure.
• Meet local Taos artists
• Visit Historic Taos sites, artists studio visits all set to inspire your creative journey
• Amy Bogard’s sketchbook & journaling techniques
• Amy Bogard’s 3-week lead-up instruction (to prepare students for the class)*
  email Amy directly!

Should be a lot of fun. 

Here is a link to some of the previous work done at the workshop: http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2007/10/18/taos/

A cool but unrelated sketch journal link: http://sheilaharrington.org/sketchbooks/ireland/

Illustrator News: C. F. Payne Honored by the Society of Illustrators

Just saw on twitter that C. F. Payne is being honored by the Society of Illustrators as 2012 Distinguished Educator In the Arts.

Info here: http://www.societyillustrators.org/Awards-and-Competitions/Distinguished-Educator/Current-Honorees/2012-CF-Payne.aspx

and here: http://www.richardsolomonblog.com/2012/04/society-of-illustrators-awards-cf-payne.html?spref=tw

Congratulations!

Advanced Illustrators Workshop

Will Hillenbrand gave me a heads up about this and I thought some might be interested:

Advanced Illustrators Workshop

While your artwork is accomplished alone, it is only with guidance that an illustrator can begin to understand how to make it in today’s picture-book world. Let one of today’s top children’s book illustrators be your guide. Explore the children’s book market with them, learn new techniques, and enjoy the camaraderie of artists who understand your passion.

During this intensive, five-day workshop you’ll immerse yourself in illustration—oil wash on board, printmaking, pen and ink, watercolors, and more. Daily hands-on workshops will challenge you to sharpen your illustration skills, all under the support and guidance of our highly talented mentors.

In addition to illustration techniques, you’ll also explore

                • dummy preparation;

                • storyboarding;

                • continuity;

                • portfolio expectations;

                • character development;

                • self-promotion; and

                • finding a market.

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/advanced-illustrators-workshop

The Brilliant Dummy

Creating A Picture Book Dummy For Submission Illustrators write with pictures as much as authors do with words. To create an impeccably drawn and brilliantly written picture book, the author-illustrator—the one who wears both hats—must find the right balance of art and words.

Judy Byron Schachner, #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator and first-ever winner of the E.B. White Read Aloud award, and Lindsay Barrett George, author/illustrator and winner of the prestigious One Book for Every Child award, will share with you the ins and outs of writing and illustrating your own picture book. They will break down 32 pages of picture-book content into what really belongs on the half-title page and full-title page; what is “front matter”; and what pages are best for tension, release, and the all-important happy ending. They will even take you into the belly of the dreaded gutter. Additionally, you will work with Judy and Lindsay to finalize a picture-book dummy. You will have individual attention that helps you refine your story and decide what images you plan to illustrate. Careful attention will be paid to text placement and page breaks, and whether to design double spreads, spot illustrations, or full bleeds. Your leaders will also share how to send your completed dummy to an editor or agent.

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/brilliant-dummy

From Prose to Picture Book

Whether a picture book be rhyming or traditional prose, one of the key components to success is weaving in lyrical, expressive language. Join workshop leaders Candace Flemming (Muncha-Muncha-Muncha!) and Rebecca Kai Dotlich (Over in the Pink House) as they guide you through the process of creating a sellable picture book. Your facilitators will share mentor picture books with you; critique works in progress; discuss style, plot, and structure; and lead you to a better understanding of today’s picture-book market. Through one-on-ones, group critiques, hands-on workshops, and private writing time, you can expect to leave with a completed dummy, ready for submission, and a clear understanding of what makes a picture book sell. Special Guests Caldecott-winning illustrator Eric Rohmann and MFA professor and illustrator  Melanie Hall will discuss the illustrator-author relationship in creating a picture book.

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/prose-pictures-published-process-writing-picture-book

New clay illustrations

Hey, guys! It's been a while, eh? ;~)

I just wrapped up 4 clay illustrations for the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati... let me know what you think!

www.polymerpaula.blogspot.com

New Web Comic Comic: April Fool's Day Debut

As many of you know, I am starting a web comic called Pop Smoothie. The debut is April Fool's Day, rather appropriately.

Hope you all stop by! The first comic is called Dance Mom Wars...