There is an upcoming Art of Writing Comics class at the Loft being taught by Tom Spence on Tuesdays from July 10th to August 14th. Here is the info:

Comics are, most often, a blend of words and images interwoven to produce a whole story. There is a certain alchemy to the process of comic making. And while there is no right or wrong kind of comic, the storytellers must know what it is they want to accomplish on their pages. That is why a well-structured script is essential. It not only establishes a strong foundation for the words, but also for the images, and is essential for a story’s success. Through exercise, discussion, and analysis of comic professionals like writers Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, and Garth Ennis and writer/ artists like Craig Thompson and Brian Lee O’Malley, students will find the advantages of scripting their stories and learn the fundamentals of a complete comic narrative.

Go here to register.

 http://www.cartoonistconspiracy.com/sushipodcast/2012/06/lutefisk-sushi-podcast-episode-23-matt-chic/

In the twenty-third episode host DANNO KLONOWSKI speaks with Milwaukee cartoonist MATT CHIC. In an ever-increasing state of drunkityness our heroes discuss Matt’s NIGHT LIGHT COMICS, the perils of mini-comics, the 200+ page graphic novel EGYPTIAN SHUMBA he’s finishing this year, his cool dad, why Milwaukee ain’t so bad (but their cartooning scene is no Minneapolis), and whether or not Stan Lee is just a misunderstood capitalist. Or something. You are about to hear two men speak from their souls about making comics and stuff.

Interstitial drink refreshment music provided by Chic’s band DADS.

The Lutefisk Sushi Podcast is sponsored by the INTERNATIONAL CARTOONIST CONSPIRACY, the ALTERED ESTHETICS GALLERY, and the NORDEAST COMICS SUMMIT.  The Lutefisk Sushi podcast is a STAPLEGENIUS.COM(cast) production.

Roswell Cosmic-Con & Film Fest 2012 | June 23–24 | 10:00–6:00 Saturday, 10:00–5:00 Friday | Roswell, NM

7000 BC will be a part of the first Roswell Cosmic-Con & Film Fest, June 22–24, in Roswell, NM (yes, that Roswell). Stop by to check out comics from group members — and catch some movies and meet celebrities.

Besides putting on the annual comic art show (like this year’s Lutefisk Sushi event, deadline September 15th), Altered Esthetics gallery somehow manages to put on a show every month… which is incredibly impressive for a non-profit, community-run gallery. You can keep up with all of their open calls for submissions here.

Another event many of you may want to consider submitting to is the Creative Property show (deadline July 15ht). The show features a look at the issues surrounding and the boundaries of intellectual property ownership, issues that are certainly often on the minds of cartoonists.

Can a person claim ownership of an intangible asset? Artists face the issues of copyright and trademark as they relate to originality and creativity.

Go here to submit.

Did you know they have live drawing sessions every month at Altered Esthetics (third Wednesdays)? Well, they do. In costumes! Another of the many reasons to love AE. Info below.

Time to suit up! Join us every third Wednesday of the month for an evening of figure drawing …in costume! Volunteer models will suit up in a costume that best fits the theme of the month. This months suit up is titled “Cleanin’ out the Closets”. Our models this month will be suiting up in some of their old threads that most likely should have been donated to goodwill long ago. If you want, you can model too, the help would be greatly appreciated! No previous experience is needed, just a laid back attitude.

We will draw a variety of poses, for what is sure to be a pleasurable evening of figure drawing with a twist. Bring your sketchbook & drawing implement of choice. Suggested Donation 3$.

If you’re interested in modeling for this event or any another Suit Up event in the future please contact Cassie at workshops(at)alteredesthetics.org

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Lutefisk Sushi E is coming this fall! Want to participate? Yes! I know you do. All Minnesota artists are invited to submit work. Here are the guidelines. All you have to do is follow them, and turn in your mini-comics by September 15, 2012. If you aren’t already familiar with Lutefisk Sushi, visit cartoonistconspiracy.com/sushi/history to see its previous incarnations.

How to participate

1. Make a mini-comic. (See specs below)

2. Make 160 consistent copies of your mini-comic.

3. You will need to fill out a submission form AND a contract. First, go to http://www.alteredesthetics.com/events/116, click the “Open Call for Artwork” link on the right hand side of the page, and fill out the form. You will need to submit a jpeg of your comic–this can be a photo of your comic, or a scan of the cover. Next, download the exhibition contract (http://www.alteredesthetics.org/LSE-exhibition-contract.pdf), read it, and fill it out. If you have any trouble with the form or contract, please email exhibitions@alteredesthetics.org

4. Deliver or mail your contract and mini-comics to: Altered Esthetics, 1224 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 no later than Saturday, September 15, 2012.

5. If you want to show off your original art in the Lutefisk Sushi E exhibition at Altered Esthetics, drop it off by Saturday, October 27, 2012. Artwork must be wired and ready to hang! No glass, please. Be sure to label your artwork with the title, your name, and price.

6. Bring all your friends to the opening reception on Friday, November 2, and the artists’ discussion on Saturday, November 17.

Mini-comic specs:

Your mini-comic must be 5.5 x 8.5″ or smaller, in order to fit in the box, and must tell some kind of sequential story. We encourage creative and unusual formats as long as they fit in the box, but we ask that all submissions be at least a couple pages in length. (ie, don’t be lame–our readers will be paying money for reading material, so don’t give them postcards or advertisements.)
Not sure how to put a mini-comic together? Check out this handy guide by the Cartoonist Conspiracy:
http://cartoonistconspiracy.com/images/lil_library/minicomics_comic.pdf

Participants will receive one free Lutefisk Sushi E box per submission. We welcome collaboration! However, since supplies are limited, participants working with a friend or a team to produce a mini-comic will receive one box to share. If each participant wants a box, they will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

If you have questions about participation, please contact Lupi – lmcginty@alteredesthetics.org

Join the St. Paul Cartoonist Conspiracy Cell and create a jam comic at Cahoots Coffee! This locale provides us with not only a spacious room in the back of the shop, but also they have tasty mediterranean food for sale!

The jamming is easy and it’s a fun time! Just bring some drawing utensils, an idea for the jam, and a few bucks to get a tasty beverage or some chow — don’t forget to tip, the baristas really do appreciate that!

The jam will start promptly at 6:30 and run until 10:30 at the latest. Come earlier to reserve your space! Seating can be limited at times!

The meetings are open to anyone who wants to draw with us, and the results will be posted here at some date yet to be determined.

To join us come to:
Cahoots Coffee
1562 Selby Ave
St Paul, MN 55104
(Southeast corner of Snelling and Selby)

More not than often we head on over to grab a brew at:
O’Gara’s Bar and Grill
164 Snelling Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55104
(Right next to Cahoots!)

Bus info here.

Who? YOU and some Conspiracy friends!

What? A social gathering for the purpose of trading unwanted comics!

Where? Northeast Minneapolis! See contact below!

Why? Clearing out unwanted comics and graphic novels and turning them into new reading material!

When? Friday June 22 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM!

How? Email comicswap@trashmail.net to get the address and/or directions!

Mpls June Jam 2012