Inspiration, Information, and Resources Part II: Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023

Phoenix Fan Fusion was a blast. The bottom floor of the convention center held the massive exhibition hall. Anything you could possibly want was there. Comics, model kits, action figures, books, T-Shirts,  original comic art, etc..

I usually seek out my favorite comic artists and strike up a conversation to find out art tips, advice, and industry survival secrets. The two gentlemen I ran into this year were Alan Davis & Arthur Suydam. Here is what they said.

Note: some art links below may contain nudity

Alan Davis
Check out Davis's work here.

Davis began his career in comics on an English fanzine. His first professional work was a strip called The Crusader for a revamped Marvel UK line.

Davis's big break was drawing the revamped Captain Britain story in Marvel Superheroes. He considered drawing as a hobby until Alan Moore (later to create The Watchman) took over writing duties on Captain Britain. Davis and Moore formed a close working partnership as creators working on 2000AD (home of Judge Dread).

In 1985, Davis received his big break in the US when he was hired by DC Comics to draw Batman. In 1987, Davis accepted an offer by Uncanny X-Men writer Chris Claremont to work on Marvel Comics' X-Men books. Davis bounced between Marvel and DC during the 90’s till now working on JLA, The Avengers, Marvel’s Killraven, Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Conan. Davis is “self-taught”, and credits the fantastic British artists Frank Bellamy, John M Burns, Jesus Blasco, Syd Jordan, and Frank Hampson as influences.

Check out Davis's influences page here. 

 

Alan Davis Tips page

- (About the comic business)
  Do this because you love drawing.

- Build your knowledge carefully.
- Don't try to learn everything at once.
- Take things a step at a time, a piece at a time.

Arthur Suydam
Check out Suydam's work here.

Arthur Suydam is an American comic book artist known for his work on Marvel Zombies, Deadpool, and Black Panther. He has done artwork for magazines including Heavy Metal, Epic Illustrated and National Lampoon, while his comic book work includes Batman, Conan, Tarzan, Predator, Aliens, Death Dealer, and Marvel Zombies.  

In high school, Suydam discovered a collection of workbooks from the Famous Artist Correspondance Course from which he discovered Albert Dorne, and Norman Rockwell. Some of his other influences are the classic illustrators Franklin Booth, Henrich Kley, and the amazing Frank Frazetta (also take a look at galleries 2-3). Frazetta's bio is here

Suydam  Tips

- Develop your skills as an artist. Work at your craft.
- Your work should be comparable to the pros.
- Hit your deadlines.
- Show companies their characters only.
- Suggested learning resource - Proko (YouTube) 

Must See - Here is a free link to the Famous Artist Correspondence Course.

A fantastic learning resource!

Want more resources?

The Cartoon Production Resource Guide has over 200 more resources for comic artists, animators, character designers, and illustrators. Get it here.

Inspiration, Information, and Resources Part I here.
Enjoy. More to come!


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Inspiration, Information, and Resources: Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023

 

Going to the Phoenix Fan Fusion Comic Com was awesome.
I learned quite a bit from the discussion panel guests. So what happened?

Animation 101/102: Learn the Basics of Animation
Ricardo Jimenez & Leonardo Beltran

Ricardo and Leo discussed the 12 principles of animation and showcased their work.
Leo showed an awesome traditional animated short he worked on with mentor James Lopez called Cowabunga.

Ricardo has online 3D courses on animation, modeling, and motion graphics. Check it out here.

How to Seek Grants for Comics and Other Projects:
Jeffrey  Kronenefeld, Sophia McGovern,  Russ Kazmierczak, and Ricardo Jimenez

Jeffrey was the lead presenter and had great tips and a checklist for the grant writing process.
He has had several graphic novel projects funded through grant writing. 
- Research grant opportunities
- Read the filing instructions carefully 

- When responding, show how your project meets the requirements of the grant

- Sell yourself, your experience, and your project 

A grant is money provided to your project that does not have to be paid back.

Contact Jeffrey on his website to get more information.

How to Market and Crowdfund Indy Comics Like a Pro
Brian Pulido, Mike MacLean, and Nick Galegos / Coffin Comics

Brian Pulido, the creator of Coffin Comics has been using Kickstarter to produce his line of comics. Here are some pointers:

- Have your project ready to print
- Have tiers worked out 
- Have a mailing list and keep fans engaged

- Include all fees talent and expenses in your ask

- Have biweekly offerings after the initial crowdfund

- Don't have simultaneous campaigns running

- Make sure bonus items are no bigger in size than the initial offer - Seduce fans with your vision

- Know your costs, ask for less, and hope for more Check out Kickstarter here.

Kubert School

Started in 1976, The Joe Kubert School is still in business. Joe Kubert was best known for his  DC Comics characters Sgt. Rock and Hawkman. He is also known for his own creations, such as Tor, Son of Sinbad, and the Viking Prince, and the comic strip Tales of the Green Beret. Starting professional at age twelve he has had a 70-plus year run in the comic business

The highly regarded school offers online classes, correspondence courses, and on-premise learning if you happen to be in the N.J. area. Click here for more info.
 

Check out Kubert's awesome art here and Kubert's videos here

Want more resources?

The Cartoon Production Resource Guide has over 200 more resources for comic artists, animators, character designers, and illustrators. Get it here.

More to come. Stay tuned.

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Phoenix Fan Fusion Panel - Short Notice Alert

JUNE 3 - 4

 In case you happen to attend the Phoenix Fusion this weekend, I will be hosting two panels. See details below:

Creating Great Ideas for Your Comics, Stories, and Films

Saturday 6:00PM Room North 225B

Strategies for Beginning Artists, Writers, and Content Creators

Sunday 12:00PM Room North 226A

I will be showcasing my new book, Idea Genesis, as well as the Cartoon Production Resource Guide and the Audio Production Resource Guide.

(click on links or images for book details)

Hope to see you there.