What is Radiator Comics Studio?
Radiator Comics Studio a series of online programming and print publications dedicated to supporting and growing the cartooning community in South Florida and beyond. We believe in learning by doing and growing by making friends.
- Check out the Radiator Comics Studio Discord, where we talk about cartooning!
- Visit our YouTube channel to view our archive of recorded programming!
- View our list of upcoming events!
Programming
We currently schedule a number of peer-to-peer events that create opportunities for cartoonists of all experience levels to work on comics, discuss cartooning, and build friendships. These free events are held on Zoom. Upcoming events are listed on our Events page.
Open Studio
Every Friday from 4:00 – 6:00pm EDT/1:00 – 3:00pm PDT dedicate time to working on comics in this drop-in work session. The two hour program is broken up into four 20-minute silent work periods starting at 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, and 5:30pm, with 10-minute breaks in between to stand up, stretch, grab water, and to socialize.
Open Studio happens every Friday!
Open Studio sessions are NOT recorded.
Register for Open Studio at https://forms.gle/3LrNhMrazeuZyWKv6
Feedback Space
Join as we build a space to talk about craft and workshop our work together. Bring your comic works-in-progress for feedback in a supportive environment. Participants will split up into groups of 3-4 cartoonists to review work.
See when the next Feedback Space is taking place!
Feedback Space sessions are NOT recorded.
Register this free event at https://forms.gle/mi1s7grZRH6JJZfy7
Cartoonist Coffee
Our twice-monthly Sunday social event for cartoonists! We use Zoom’s breakout room function to split participants into small groups for 15-minute open-ended conversations. Attendees can expect to paricipate in roughly five conversations over the course of the event. You’re encouraged to bring a beverage of your choice for the event!
See when the next Cartoonist Coffee is taking place!
Cartoonist Coffee sessions are NOT recorded.
Register for Cartoonist Coffee at https://forms.gle/m9AnqumKGYAiq5247
Publications
Spiny Orb Weaver
Named after a charming and particularly decorative regional arachnid, Spiny Orb Weaver showcases cartoonists from South Florida. Through a new commissioned comic and interview, each issue highlights one voice in the local comics scene. The back-pages feature cartoonists who have moved from the region.
Spiny Orb Weaver No. 1 was published January 2021, featuring a comic Miss Jaws and back pages by Tana Oshima!
Watch our release event for Spiny Orb Weaver No. 1!
Spiny Orb Weaver No. 2 was published March 2021, featuring a comic by Drew Lerman, with back pages featuring a comic by Chris López, and an essay by Rob Clough.
Watch our release event for Spiny Orb Weaver No. 2!
Spiny Orb Weaver No. 3 was published May 2021, featuring a comic written by Jamila Rowser, with art by buttercup. Back-pages featured a conversation between remus jackson and Mar Julia.
Watch our release event for Spiny Orb Weaver No. 3!
Consider buying a subscription to the first three issues of Spiny Orb Weaver!
Sun and Sand Comic Anthology
Radiator Comics teamed up with Black Josei Press to release a free comic anthology featuring comics about South Florida by local cartoonists! Sun and Sand Comic Anthology features TEN great comics about the people, plants, and animals of the region!
https://sunsandcomics.wordpress.com/
Archived Programming
From to June 2020 to August 2021 Radiator Comics Studio ran panel discussions and presentations by accomplished cartoonists from South Florida and across the country. These events were recorded and are archived on our YouTube channel.
Conversations
Radiator Comics invited a new host for each installment of Radiator Comics Conversations to craft a panel on the topic of their choosing with the guests of their choosing. The goal was to break out of cookie-cutter panel topics, and allow cartoonists to follow their passions!
- The Future of Comics
Leila Abdelrazaq, Zach Clemente, Lawrence Lindell, and Carta Monir in Conversation with Neil Brideau - Crossing the Panel Border:
Multidisciplinary Cartoonists
Marc Bell, Tana Oshima, and Matthew Thurber in Conversation with Drew Lerman - From Rags to (TV) Pitches:
The Winding Road from Indie Publishing to Commercial “Success”
Kate Beaton & Morgan Murray in Conversation with Matthew Swanson & Robbi Behr - How Do You Draw Sexy Lines?
(Not Recorded)
Sophia Foster-Domino, Becca Tobin, and Mia Schwartz in Conversation with Carta Monir
Hands On
Our demonstration series on how practicing cartoonists make comics! These came in the form of “cooking shows,” in which cartoonists talked about aspects of making comics they’re focused on; or in the form of ADVICE panels, in which accomplished cartoonists answered your questions about making comics!
- Character Designs in Ink
with Eric Bonhomme - Inking With Japanese Dip Pens
with Koyuki Panda - More Than Breaking Even
with Sage Coffey - ADVICE
with Cara Bean, Sheika Lugtu, and Jarod Roselló - ADVICE
with Ezra Claytan Daniels, Breena Nuñez, and Mike Centeno - Drawing Diary Comics
with Summer Pierre - Building Your Zine
with Neil Brideau
Neighbors
We interview organizations of interest to the South Florida Cartooning Community! Learn about your neighbors, and how you can utilize their services to help your comics!
- Dale Zine
with Steve Saiz & Lillian Banderas - The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Preserving Your Legacy
with Jenny Robb - SPF Small Press Fair Fort Lauderdale
with Sarah Michelle Rupert & Ingrid Schindall
Nuts & Bolts
Practical discussions between comics writers and artists who have connections to South Florida about cartooning methods. Learn how local cartoonists write, draw, and publish their comics through presentations and conversations.
- Coloring
with Carina Vo, Diego A. Infante, and Iasmin Omar Ata! - Writing II
with Iasmin Omar Ata, remus jackson, Jarod Roselló! - Physical Inking
with Eric Bonhomme, Ana Hinojosa, Jayro Lantigua, and Drew Lerman! - Digital Inking
with Diego A. Infante, Mar Julia, Isai Oviedo, and Carina Vo! - Publishing
with Bear & Bee, Allison C.M., and Dale Zine! - Penciling
with remus jackson, Mar Julia, and Estrella Vega! - Writing
with Carrie Bear & Lulu Bee, Drew Lerman, Jamila Rowser, and Luke Stuart! - Story Development
with Miss Jaws, remus jackson, Jayro Lantigua, and Jarod Roselló!
Radiator Comics Studio’s first year of programming was made possible through a Knight Arts Challenge Award from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Spiny Orb Weaver was funded by The Ellies, Miami’s visual arts award, presented by Oolite Arts.