Magic Bullet #6 Announcement

Feb20
by on February 20, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Posted In: Uncategorized

Here’s some news I haven’t shared publicly on this blog. I am now the editor of Magic Bullet, starting with the upcoming Magic Bullet #6. Magic Bullet is Washington, DC’s free comics newspaper published by the DC Conspiracy, a comics creators’ collective in the capital region established in 2005. The publication is primarily distributed in the DC area, but with many of our contributing artists attending various shows across the country, Magic Bullet has a growing readership, as well as a growing print run of 5,000. 


I will be bringing Magic Bullet #6 to all shows I’ll be attending in 2013, so be sure to pick up your free physical copy. We are also working on a downloadable issue, available for a small fee online. The Magic Bullet #6 newspaper will be hitting streets this spring. We are also arranging our contributors to appear at several locations during Free Comic Book Day on May 4. Stay ‘tooned for more info about the downloadable issues and FCBD events.

For the past few months, I’ve been working hard to attract advertisers to pay for the upgraded print run of 5,000 and am excited to say we have achieved our goal. At the time of this writing, some of the advertisers include: Indie Comics Magazine, Jason E. Axtell, Franks and Beans, ComicsDC, Steve Artley, SPX, Society of Illustrators/MoCCA, Graphic Illusions Comics, St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (thanks to Art Hondros for securing the ad), ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con, Shoff Promotions, Awesome Con DC, Matt Dembicki, Jim Coon, American Physical Society, Big Planet Comics (thanks to Matt Dembicki for securing the ad), Beyond Comics (thanks to Rafer Roberts for securing the ad), and more to come!

Thanks to the advertisers who have made this project possible and thanks to Rafer Roberts and Matt Dembicki for their input and guidance as former editors.


There is still time to contribute your comic to Magic Bullet #6. The due date for your one page comic submission is March 1, 2013. Please review our requirements and specs here: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

We look forward to your stories!

Thanks,
Carolyn
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“District Comics” Teaching Recommendations

Feb12
by on February 12, 2013 at 11:24 AM
Posted In: Uncategorized



“District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC” was recently reviewed in Katie’s Korner: Graphic Novel Review for Schools and Libraries. She cites it as one of he favorite all-time graphic novels and includes many lesson plans, discussion questions, and other teaching materials for students (craft, structure, plot, characters, themes, historical insight, etc.).

It was such an awesome opportunity to be a part of this book. Look for the story “Spytini” by Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo in “District Comics” and view all of Katie’s teaching material here, from Diamond Bookshelf: http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/Home/1/1/20/836?articleID=131069

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Happy Valentine’s Day from Curls

Feb11
by on February 11, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Posted In: Uncategorized

curls_valentines_2013_belefski

Here is an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of 9 individual Valentine cards you can print, cut out, and distribute to your friends, co-workers, family, and tea enthusiasts this Thursday. Enjoy this day of love!

In return, please take a couple seconds to click and cast a vote for me as “Best Visual Artist” in DC: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofpoll/nominations/vote/1336

Thanks for your vote and the nomination!

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Recap: Tall Tales from A Large Man

Jan28
by on January 28, 2013 at 1:01 PM
Posted In: Uncategorized



On Wednesday, January 16, 2012, I attended AIGA DC’s event “Tall Tales from A Large Man” with speaker Aaron James Draplin of the Draplin Design Co. I knew going into the event that he would be a dynamic speaker based on all the online hype from AIGA DC and the fact that the event sold out and then they switched venues to open additional seating. People wanted to see this dude talk! He’s not your typical designer with thick black glasses and a crisp shirt. He’s a big man with a beard who looks like he stepped out of the wilderness. He discussed his upbringing and early design career: hopping around from Detroit, Alaska, Minnesota, and Portland. He started working for other people, then he discovered, “I could make more money after 6PM when I got home than I could going to meetings about meetings.” Eventually, he saved his money and went full-time working for himself.

Draplin commented on the current state of design, “Graphic design used to be a trade. Direct marketing garbage. That’s our life now. Flickering and flashing online ads. Now we are making garbage all day long.” He didn’t tell me things I didn’t know, it was just the way he delivered the message that was different than most people would have. There was no restraint when he wanted to talk bad about something or someone and we all learned that he hates Republicans. We were reminded this many times throughout the presentation. 

To get a taste of his style, take a listen to his feelings on how America is F*cked (Graphically at least): http://vimeo.com/1465284


The most interesting parts in his presentation were showcasing three projects in more detail with his “tall tales.” The first project was an identity design he did for his friend’s Cobra Dogs hot dog truck. It was fun to see a designer speak about how much he enjoyed a project. Also comparing it to a more well-known company he designed for and saying he got more out of creating something for a less-known company was refreshing to hear. Especially in DC, where I am often asked where I work as an introductory sentence before asking what my name is.

Draplin also discussed how excited he was to work for Obama on the ARRA and TIGER projects. He showed his logo process and his enthusiasm for our President. I think it is really great that they sought him out to contribute to the country.

The third project was designing an identity for a farm in Illinois. He got to know his client on the phone and they had personal conversations throughout he course of the project. They both agreed the logo design set price at $1,000. After some time, Draplin realized the man he was working with was John Hughes, the legendary Hollywood director of movies such as The Breakfast Club, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and more. They had a phone relationship and Hughes appreciated that once Draplin discovered who he was he didn’t add on an extra 0 to the fee. Hughes had Draplin design business cards for his fictional characters. Then he died. Draplin spoke on the phone with his sons and they said the business cards were given out at the funeral.


We also found out that besides his hate of Republicans, Draplin also dislikes Kid Rock, Toby Keith (he said he had a nose job and I later researched it online and could not find evidence), sandals at a wedding, Guy Fieri, and more. Draplin is definitely a man who wants to preserve good design, pays respect to the past, and knows his culture. He also reminded me not to forget logos that read well when reproduced at a small size. He knows himself and for that I appreciate his quality work and his talk.
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Carolyn Belefski – Nominee for Best of D.C.

Jan24
by on January 24, 2013 at 8:06 PM
Posted In: Uncategorized


I am nominated for Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. Readers Poll in the category of “Best Visual Artist.” It only takes a couple seconds to vote. I’d appreciate if everyone took a moment to vote. Thank you!


The poll closes March 1st at 11:59PM EDT

Carolyn Belefski has been nominated for Best Visual Artist
Carolyn Belefski is the writer and artist of the comic strip Curls at www.curls-studio.com/curls. She is constantly improving her skills and touring the east coast appearing at comic conventions and art shows.

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