Comics Uncovered 2018 Conference

Illustration students looking to break into the comic industry should check out 'Comics uncovered 2018', it's a conference taking place at The Birmingham Conference and Exhibition Centre on 

Sat & Sun July 7TH - 8TH 2018. 

The conference will have talks and portfolio reviews with Industry professionals from comic powerhouses DC comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Marvel Comics. 

This years event time table is still waiting an update, but you can have a look at last years schedule to get an idea of what to expect.

http://www.comicsuncovered.co.uk/event-timetable

As well as Seminars, master classes and panels 'Comics Uncovered' also plan to offer portfolio reviews with DC Comics, Aftershock Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Humanoids plus many more top publishers. There is also distributor meetings with 'Diamond Comics Distributors' who will be holding one to one meetings with small press and self publisher to offer advice on how to get your publication into the famous Preview Catalogue and into comic shops both here in the UK and the US. To take part in the distributor meeting you will need to email Comics Uncovered at smallzone.events@gmail.com with your full contact details and a link to your comics.

Image source Comics Uncovered 2016 promotional Video

 There are a selection of different ticket prices depending on what you want to attend and if you plan to be there for one day or the whole weekend. There is a Student tier but be warned it does not include the networking parties or access to the one to one portfolio reviews, So comic artists in level 6 with finished pages might want to get a full ticket.

Tickets can be brought here 

http://www.comicsuncovered.co.uk/bookings

Winter/ Spring Inspiration : Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic

On now until Sunday, 8 April 2018

Entry Price Students:£5.00

Location: Victoria and Albert MuseumCromwell Road London SW7 2RL

Students looking to go into illustration for book this the exhibition for you, the exhibition examines the legacy of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. With a collection of merchandise from  the original designs to those based on the Walt Disney adaptation as well as information and illustrations from the creation of the books. The exhibition has a fantastic layout which may inspire you for your own exhibition work.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Spring Inspiration: Dawn of Super Heroes - The DC Comic Story

Exhibition runs from 23 Feb - 9 Sep 2018

There are Concession tickets available for full-time students, Proof must be provided. 

Concession Tickets are £17.60 (includesservice charge of £1.60)

Location: The O2 - Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

'This one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker.‘

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ features more than 200 original comic pages, around 300 preparatory sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films.'- The O2 Exhibition page

You will be able to walk through the exhibition, which runs in chronological order, with each room offering  a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the DC Universe. the exhibition features  artwork of Super Heroes and Super-Villains such as Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. It include exclusive artwork, costume and props from recent DC films.  

What to Look for in the College Library Part I: New books for February

One of the best ways to broaden your knowledge and skill base is to check out our Illustration and animation section in your campus library. This February we have some new books ordered in to assist  you budding Illustrators and Animators with storyboarding, the use of different artistic mediums, character design and information on how to build a portfolio.

 
Useful books for Industry information and Portfolio building, perfect resources for level 5 & 6 vocational projects.

• Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2018 by Bloomsbury Yearbooks. 

• Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2018 by Bloomsbury Yearbooks. 

• Reel Success: Creating Demo Reels and Animation Portfolios by Cheryl Cabrera.

• The Digital Artist's Portfolio and Demo Reel Guide: Inside Knowledge For Landing Your Dream Job In The Digital Art, Animation, CG, Motion-Graphics & VFX Industry, by Dave Scotland.

• How to Create a Portfolio & Get Hired: A Guide for Graphic Designers and Illustrators (Portfolio Skills) by Fig Taylor.

Illustration techniques:

• Reportage Illustration by Gary Embury & Mario Minichello 

• Urban Watercolor Sketching: A Guide to Drawing, Painting, and Storytelling in Color by Felix Scheinberger.

• The art of drawing folds: an illustrators guide to drawing the clothed figure by Kelly Brine. 

Character design:

• The Ultimate Guide to Character Design with Stephen Silver: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Drawing Effective Characters by  Stephen Silver.

Children's' book illustration:

• Children's Picture books: The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury & Morag Styles

Animation production and practice: 

• Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts, Third Edition, by Nancy Neiman. 

• Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation by Francis Glebas.

• Frame-By-Frame Stop Motion: The Guide to Non-Puppet Photographic Animation Techniques, Second Edition by Tom Gasek.

So get to that library and get learning...