As I write this, it’s the day after Awesome Con… and I’m exhausted from all the AWESOME events that happened at Awesome Con! Before the show started, it was exciting to read the press coverage. The Washington Post gave a shoutout to my kids workshop and Joe got mentioned in a WTOP article.
This year Joe Carabeo (Astray Productions) and Becky Mezzanotte-Blizard (Programming Manager) presented the Awesome Con Short Film Fest on all three days, expanding it one extra day compared to the previous year. They divided each day based on genres — Friday was Horror, Action, Sci-Fi — Saturday was Drama, Comedy — and Sunday was Documentary and More. Both Friday and Saturday crowds were filled to capacity in seats, then became standing room only with people standing around the walls. From what I’m hearing, feedback was excellent and people are already talking about next year.
On Saturday, I made the effort to walk down to the celebrity area and catch a glimpse of Riverdale actors KJ Apa (Archie) and Cole Sprouse (Jughead). In honor of them being at the show, I made art prints for their characters. This was the first time I’ve ever made something special directed at the comic convention specifically. These prints are now added to the store at www.carolynbelefski.com/storewww.carolynbelefski.com/store in case you are interested in purchasing.
We also got to produce new Toast (character from Curls) Dolls, which we will have a few of at upcoming conventions. I don’t know if they will ever be made again so if you are interested in owning you very own slice of happiness with a jelly smile, please reach out to me.
Another “new” item we have is the “Hello My Name Is Curls” book, which is a collection of the most recent strips with additional illustrations. This item is a convention exclusive and will only be available in-person.
I enjoyed briefly walking through the Batman 80 Years Exhibit, which featured costumes and props from all the Batman films. It was very cool to see Heath Ledger’s Joker outfit and card set. Most of the time I spent at the Curls Studio table so I didn’t get to see very much. Sometimes that can be the flip-side of becoming a creator because you don’t get to be a fan as much at conventions. I feel like I missed out on a few things at this show: making time to say hi to Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, and catching a glimpse of Creed from The Office. Regrets, I’ve had a few.
Sunday was a busy day because I had a kids workshop and a panel. I started to lose my voice late Saturday afternoon, so having a bit of rest helped. I also tried to drink more water and brought snacks, but unfortunately didn’t have a full meal until after the convention. Taking care of myself at conventions should be a better priority for me, but I don’t like to leave the show and miss out on people that visit the table (especially at NYCC when it takes over an hour away when you leave to go to the restroom, so I end up not drinking much water and holding it until the show day ends).
The kids workshop I led was called “Design Your Own Superhero Symbol with Carolyn Belefski” and the benefit was the outcome! Several of the children came by my booth after to show me their final art and even gift the art to me. They were very creative and it was interesting to see them “open their shells” because at first some of them were shy to talk to me about their personal superhero symbol. By the end of the seminar the children talked on and on about their powers and what their logo symbolized. It was rewarding to see that growth in just a 45 minute session!
Then shortly after I had “The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators” panel with Mark Mariano and Laura Lee Gulledge. We gave great advice about the process of becoming an exhibiting comic creator and our history of getting involved doing shows. Audio of the event will soon be up on the Carolyn and Joe Show podcast.
After the show we grabbed a bite to eat and then watched Game of Thrones. It was a busy and eventful past few days (including the days leading up to the show in prepping mode) and I’m thankful to be a part of Awesome Con — we have been there since the beginning and it’s been quite the experience seeing this show grow in leaps and bounds. Thank you to the Awesome Con staff, volunteers, fellow exhibitors, guests, and attendees for an AWESOME event.
You can catch us this coming Saturday at The Amazing Comic Shop in Fairfax, VA (near George Mason University) for Free Comic Book Day.