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Showing posts with label Renee Witterstaetter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renee Witterstaetter. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

"Thanos Quest," "Guardians" Assistant Editor, Editor and Colorist-- Renee Witterstaetter-- Available for Bookings



Writer, editor, and color-artist  Renee Witterstaetter, known for her work on "Thanos Quest," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Avengers" and "Jurassic Park," will be making several convention appearance this year to celebrate the pop culture blockbusters traveling from the written and drawn page to the big screen.

Renee Witterstaetter
In addition, Renee is also the author of "Nick Cardy: The Aritst at War," "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," "Tex: The Art or Mark Texeira," the children's book "Kerry and the Scary Things,"  "Dying for Action: The Life and Films of Jackie Chan," and "Nick Cardy: Wit-Lash" as well as numerous other books, which she will also have at all show appearances.   


Witterstaetter began the comic phase of her career working on such titles as "Guardians of the Galaxy,"  "Superman,"  "Silver Surfer," "Conan The Barbarian," "The Punisher" special projects, and "Conan Saga," then going on to spearhead the reintroduction of "She-Hulk," at Marvel as well, as part of that legendary run.


Some of Renee's Jurassic Park projects.
She then moved to Topps Comics where she was the editor on "X-Files," "Jurassic Park," "Xena" and "Hercules" and is the co-creator—with Jackie Chan and artist Michael Golden-- of the successful artist-owned series, "Spartan X" which will be made into a trade paperback featuring new material.

She is also the colorist on hundreds of comics from "The Avengers" to "Spider-man" to "Captain America" to "Jurassic Park," among many, many others. "I must have colored a thousand pages of comic books," she says.

Film work was a natural progression for Renee after this storytelling immersion in comics, and she has since worked on dozens of music videos for Madonna, Seal, Ben Harper and Usher, as well as the feature movies "Rush Hour Two," "Red Dragon ," "To ease the lose," and "Swimming With The Virgin," among others.

Some of Renee's works.
In addition to on-going film work, she is the President of Little Eva Ink Publishing, and Eva Ink Artist Group, which represents artists and writers in comics, storyboards, fine art painting and more. she is also the head of Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking, handling actors and voice actors for appearances.
Along those lines, Renee is also one of the producers of the "Creator Chronicles" DVD series with Woodcrest Productions, featuring interviews with major industry creators such as George Perez, Bill Sienkiewicz, Michael Golden, Joe Jusko, Matt Wagner, Joe Sinnott and many more.
The ever popular Thanos Quest.

Current projects also include new books "Michael Golden, Dangerous Curves," "Santa Confidential" with Hagar the Horrible artist Chris Browne, and  "Mark Texeira: Tempest."

Renee will be available to autograph the comics she has worked on in her career, film DVD's and her newest books available at all the shows for the 2018/2019 season.

For more information on Renee Witterstaetter and her projects, contact: evaink@aol.com, or Eva Ink on Facebook.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Convention Bookings Open for Eva Ink Artist Group-- 2017!





Hey Everyone-- 

We are beginning to accept convention bookings for the 2017 season! And with a range of talent that encompasses writers, artists, editors, directors, film professionals and actors!

 If you are a convention or store, and are interested in inquiring about any of our great talent, please get with me ASAP.

If you are a fan, and would love to see some of these folks at a show/store near you, be sure to let that venue know.

Looking forward to seeing you in the coming year!

Best,
Renee

R. Witterstaetter
Eva Ink Artist Group
evaink@aol.com


Tip of the hat to Mr. Schulz



Check the bios of some of our great creators below:



John Beatty-- (Artist/Inker)




John Beatty ( Inker – Marvel Super Heroes “Secret Wars”, Captain America, The Punisher, Thanos Quest, Batman )

John Beatty is a veteran comic book artist, best know for his inking work for both Marvel and DC Comics.

Developing into one of the industries top inkers over his career, Beatty has worked with top pencil artists, such as Mike Zeck, Kelley Jones and Michael Golden.

Working on almost every major comic character in the industry at one time or another.

Titles best known for include many fan favorites such as: Marvel Super Heroes “Secret Wars”, Captain America, The Punisher, Thanos Quest and many Batman projects, including a highly regarded fan favorite 3 year run on the monthly “Batman” book.

Being picked or picking titles and peers to work with carefully and with cause, many of these series still remain highly regarded and collectable in today's current comic culture.


Dennis Calero-- (Writer/Artist/Colorist)



Dennis Calero is an internationally recognized and award winning artist and writer.  Co-creator of "Xmen Noir" and the web series "Devil Inside," Calero co-penned "Clandestine" for the Syfy Channel and Valhalla Productions.Dennis currently writes and draws Assassin's Creed: Templars for Titan Comics and is currently working on his second novel.

His novel, You Aren't the Captain of Me, has been optioned. He's the recipient of awards from The Harvey's and The Society of Illustrators. Other work includes "Alex Ross's Masks," "Army of Darkness," with writer Steve Niles,"The Shadow," "Legion of Super-Heroes," "Magic: The Gathering," "The Night Stalker," "Star Trek: The Next Generation,"  "Cowboys vs. Aliens,"  "Dungeons and Dragons," and "X-Factor" which was honored with a Harvey Award for Best New Series during his tenure. As well as being a versatile penciler, Dennis is also a sought after colorist, while also working in the world of film and television.  


Programing notes: Any number of panels can be arranged with Dennis that encompass overviews of his career, or focus on his amazing skill set.



Tom Cook-- (Artist/Animator) 


Tom began his career as an animator and director in 1978 at Hanna-Barbera Studios where he was hired to work as an assistant animator on Challenge of the SuperFriends, Godzilla, Scooby Doo, Smurfs, Pacman and the Flintstones.

A short stop at Ruby-Spears had him working on Thundarr the Barbarian (had the privilege to meet and work with Jack Kirby), Heathcliff, Fang Face and Plastic Man. Freelancing at Film Roman he worked on the Garfield Special Babes and Bullets and for Bill Melendez on the Peanuts Special This is America Charlie Brown.

He then moved over to Filmation Studios in 1980, which at this point had become the only animation studio doing animation in the United States, and worked on Tarzan, Flash Gordon, Blackstar, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Brown Hornet, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Ghostbusters, Lone Ranger, Zorro, The Kids Super Power Hour with Shazam (Captain Marvel), Hero High and the futuristic Western Bravestarr. He was also involved with many TV commercials such as The Jolly Green Giant, Chevrolet, and the 7 Up Spot campaign.

He then became the timing director on Road Rovers, Disney's Mighty Ducks, PB & J Otter, Duckman, King of the Hill, Savage Dragon, HBO's Happily Ever After Fairy Tales, Extreme Ghostbusters, Extreme Dinosaurs and many more.
He also animated on a number of motion pictures such as Walt Disney's Prince and the Pauper starring Mickey Mouse, Roger Rabbit in Tummy Trouble, The Jetson's Movie, Rover Dangerfield, Stay Tuned, Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night, Steven Spielberg's Were Back, and Don Bluth's Thumbelina. 


Michael Golden--(Artist/Writer/Consultant/Designer)




One of THE storytellers in the industry,  influencing generations of comics fans and professionals, Michael Golden boasts creations that are some of the most licensed and enduring in the industry. 

Co-Creator of Rogue, Bucky O'Hare, Micronauts and "The 'Nam," among much more, Golden is known as one of THE artists on such characters as Batman, Doctor Strange, G.I. Joe and the Punisher. Golden's recent covers can be seen on everything from "Spawn" to the "Walking Dead," to World Wrestling  work. Recent covers include works on "The Walking Dead," "Deadpool," and "DareDevil," to name a few. 

In short, no history of comics is complete without touching on the influence that this legendary artist has had on this industry. Recent books on the colorful life and vibrant art of Golden include "Michael Golden: Alchemy" "Modern Masters: Michael Golden" and "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," and "Michael Golden: Dangerous Curves." 

In addition, having served as both Senior Art Director at Marvel Comics and Senior Editor at DC Comics, Golden's lectures and classes in storytelling are sought after world wide, with recent venues including places as diverse as Spain, France, Russia, Norway, Brazil, Chile and China. With recent gallery shows mounted in New York City, Maryland, Spain and Russia. 

Programing Notes: Various panels on the art of comic books can be scheduled with Michael, to highlight this special event at your show.  (Note: Michael has specific table and listing requirements. )



Guy Gilchrist-- (Muppet Babies, Nancy, TMNT)

Gil and some of his friends.


At the age of 24, Guy was hand-selected to create Jim Henson’s Muppets Comic Strip that was printed worldwide in 660-plus newspapers daily from 1981 to 1986.  Throughout the years, he has set his hand to such notable cartoons as The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Tiny Toons, Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock,The Pink Panther, Minnie Mouse, and was instrumental in the creation of The Muppet Babies!

Guy's iconic Muppets artwork was enshrined in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. as symbolic of a National Treasure in 1984 after he was Guest of Honor at the White House.

Gilchrist took over the iconic Nancy comic strip in 1995, and 2017 marks his twenty-second year drawing Nancy, her Aunt Fritzi, and of course....Sluggo!

Syndicated internationally in 80 countries and some 400 newspapers, Nancy has a viewership of 57 million readers around the world.

 Gilchrist has been recognized and honored internationally for his creativity and authorship.  He was awarded the National Cartoonist Society's highly coveted Reuben Award in 1997 and again in 1998 for Best Magazine and Book Illustrator, for Night Lights and Pillow Fights – Book One and Book Two.  Also for Night Lights and Pillow Fights, he was awarded the Bank Street Award for Best Book of the Year – 1998.   He is a three-time award winner of the Best Book of the Year from the International Reading Council of the United Nations, for the Tiny Dinos book series.  The Tiny Dinos series was among the top bestselling books at Walden Books.

 
Programing Notes: Guy is available for panels and art demos at shows.



Geof Isherwood--(Artist/Designer/Storyboards)




Renowned artist for Marvel, DC, Broadway, and Heroes Of The North, in fact, creator of Psylocke's Katana! Some of Geof's major title runs include "Dr. Strange," "Suicide Squad," "Conan the Barbarian," "Conan The King," "Namor" and "The 'Nam".  Geof is also the inker of the graphic novel, "Revenge of the Living Monolith," over Marc Silvestri. But he says the comic brought to him most often to sign is probably "Dr. Strange" #50. 

Geof has also worked on over 60 film and TV productions, including X-Men: DOFP and X-Men: Age of ApocalypseBeing Human (US), Hot Wheels, Helix, Wings of the Dragon, The Phantom, The Last Templar, Race to Mars, The Covenant, Dead of Night, Battlefield Earth, Gothika, Rollerball,The Fountain and much, much more. 

In addition to film work, as an expert in figure drawing, Geof teaches in the Concept Art and Illustration program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, as well as having a sketch list that is in demand at every show he attends. 

Geof is now also working for Renegade Media drawing the final issue of the soon-to-be-released "Necromatics".  

Programming Notes:  Geof is available for programming encompassing subjects ranging from comics to TV/film!



Konstantin Komardin--(Artist/Animator/Writer)




After several successful signing and screening tours in the United States, Konstantin is busy at work on his current lengthy animation project focused on human rights, now in development. 

Komardin is an award-winning sequential artist, graphic artist and animator. His work includes the BD magazines “Veles,” “Hacker,” “Max Cooler,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Timof” which published his story “Siberian Dreams,” and the renowned comics “Agent Z,” “Sit-o-city,” “Gate of Alice,” and “Mechanics of Senses.” Konstantin was awarded the Grand Prize for “The Site of Polis” at the Moscow Comics Festival.  

His animation works include the concept designs on “Elka,” “Man with the Wind in his Head,” which was featured at the Suzdal Film Festival, “Tram,” “Spindel” which was honored at the Moscow Short Film Festival, and “The Man in Penze Nez,” which screened at both the Suzdal Film Festival and the Moscow International Film Festival.  

Programing Notes: Konstantin can do panels on animation as well as sequential art for your show, and talk about the cross-cultural world of comics.



Ric Meyers--(Writer/Film Consultant/Director/Actor)




Novelist Richard S. Meyers is responsible for the Marvel prose novel featuring the Hulk among others, but around 100 other books as well! Creator of the Destroyer series, Ric is also the writer of "Santa Confidential," illustrated beautifully by artist Chris Browne of "Hagar the Horrible" fame, "The Kung Fu Movie Book," featuring everything you want to know about the martial arts world, and is the director of "The Kung Fu Movie Movie."  

His commentary is sought after on director cuts of movies and television compilations worldwide. As well as acting (most recently as a villain in a Scotland filmed production), Ric has been called on as an expert consultant for such projects as "Twilight Zone," and "Kung Fu Panda." He yearly runs the Marital Arts movie segments at the San Diego Comic Con. 

Programing Notes: Ric is available for a plethora of programming, Kung Fu, comics, film and otherwise! Screening of his movie works are also possible.



Rags Morales-- (Illustrator)




A veteran of the comic industry, Rags began his career with DC Comics in 1989 with the TSR licensed book Forgotten Realms. His first super hero series was "Black Condor." 

He has since worked on countless titles for DC, most notably "Identity Crisis". Other notable projects include: long runs on "JSA," "Hawkman," not to forget "Batman/Superman," "Nightwing," The New 52 and "First Wave." 

Rags has also worked with Valiant, Dark Horse, and Marvel Comics. 

From September to May, Rags also teaches at the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art. He lives in eastern Pennsylvania.


Programming Notes:  Rags is available for programming regarding his career in comics and creating comic books. 




Phil Ortiz (Simpsons, Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Muppet Babies!)



Phil Ortiz


Come and be sketchanized by Phil and see what you would look like if you were to appear as a character on the Simpsons! It costs $70 per person to be sketched inked and colored. This is a work of art that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Phil Ortiz grew up in East LA of Mexican and Spanish/Norwegian parents in 1953. He currently lives and works in the beautiful Lake Arrowhead area. Over his more than 30 years as a professional artist, Phil has worked on everything from daily newspaper comic strips (Bugs Bunny) to layouts and character design for animated cartoons including The Simpsons where Phil had a hand in the look of about 200 characters on the longest running comedy series in TV history. Some of the notable characters Phil designed for the Simpsons include: Flanders, Otto, Herman, Lou and Eddie, Ralph, and Apu. Phil has won five CERTIFICATES of ACHIEVEMENT for his work in TV animation and has been drawing for The Simpsons comic books for many years. 

He won three of these Awards for work on Jim Henson's Muppet Babies animated series. He has also worked on Disney's illustrated books and for Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros. Animation, Ruby Spears, and many other animation studios in his long career. Phil's talents include designing merchandise items and speaking to students from all over the world about his art form.


Rodney Ramos--(Artist)




Artist Rodney Ramos has worked on just about every major character for Marvel Comics and DC Comics with a flourish that makes him a master at his craft. He began his storied journey in comics as a Romita Raider at Marvel Comics, learning his craft under the legendary John Romita, Sr. Regular work on titles like "Psi-Force," "What The!?" "Thundercats" "Punisher War Journal," "Amazing Spider-Man," and "Iron Man" followed, as well as work on Green Lantern, Batman, Wonder Woman, and much more. 

His works include masterful craftsmanship for clients ranging from Valiant, Malibu, Acclaim, Marvel UK, and Neal Adams Continuity Studios, in addition to Marvel and DC. He reached cult status with his work on DC's "Transmetropolitan," a huge fan favorite, and most recently over Simon Bisley's pencils at Legendary.

Programming Notes:  Rodney is available for panels on his career and comics in general. 




Jim Salicrup--(Writer/Artist/Editor)




Jim Salicrup is the Editor-in-Chief of Papercutz, the graphic novel publishing company he co-founded with Terry Nantier. Papercutz is devoted to publishing great graphic novels for all ages:  Annoying Orange, Ariol, Classics Illustrated, Dance Class, Disney Fairies, Geronimo Stilton, LEGO® Ninjago, LEGO Chima,Lunch Witch, Nancy Drew Diaries, The Smurfs Anthology, and many more. Recently, Papercutz launched a new imprint, modestly called Super Genius, which publishes titles such as WWE Superstars, Neil Gaiman’s Lady Justice, and more.

After being published as a writer and artist in Kids Magazine at age 14, Jim moved on to working at Marvel Comics for twenty years, editing most of their top titles, such as Spider-Man (with Todd McFarlane), The Uncanny X-Man (with Claremont & Byrne), The Fantastic Four (with John Byrne), Iron Man, and many more. Jim was the writer, and then editor of Spidey Super Stories, , a comic created to help children learn how to read. Spidey Super Stories was produced in co-operation with the Children’s Television Workshop, the producers of Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Editing and writing Spidey Super Stories was important in getting Jim to think about comics created for kids.

Jim was also the writer of such comics as Transformers, Visionaries, The Spider-Man Child Abuse Prevention comic, The A-Team, The Inhumanoids, Kool-Aid Man, and more. He also wrote and edited Marvel calendars, toilet paper, coloring books, posters and drinking cups. He also was the editor on Marvel Age Magazine for eight years.

After Marvel, Jim developed a line of comics for the Topps Company, Inc., where he was Editor-in-Chief. At Topps Comics Jim worked with such writers and artists such as Charlie Adlard, Ray Bradbury, Steve Ditko, Keith Giffen, Michael Golden,  Don Heck, Gil Kane, Miran Kim,  Jack Kirby, Don McGregor, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Stefan Petrucha, P. Craig Russell,  Scott Shaw!,  Roy Thomas, Craig Yoe, and many others.  Jim was also Senior Writer/Editor for Stan Lee Media, and a Trustee for the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. 

Programming Notes: Jim is available for panels on his career and comics in general. 




Arthur Suydam-- (Artist/ Creator)




The Zombie King," as he is known, rose to stardom for his work on the smash hit series "Marvel Zombies," the lines at his booth at any given show are a testament to the enduring "zombie craze," with Suydam as a forerunner. He is also renowned as the Deadpool cover artist on "Merc with a Mouth." 

Recent awards for Arthur include "The Spike TV Scream Award (Best Artist)," "Spectrum Gold Award for Institutional Art," "The San Sebastian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award,"as well as the "University of Maryland Eastern Shore Lifetime Achievement Award,"  among others. 

His work can also be seen on works for "The Walking Dead," "Deadpool, "Batman," "Wolverine," "Fantastic Four," "X-Men," "Ghost Rider," "Army of Darkness" "Vampirella," and too many to name here. Suydam's creator-owned projects include "Mudwogs" and "The Adventures of Cholly and Flytrap," among much more.  

Programing Notes: Arthur is also offering to do a special promo for shows that includes free sketches for kids on Sundays. Ask for details.  (Note: Arthur has certain table and listing requirements.)


Matt Triano--(Artist/Designer)




Matt Triano is known for his illustrative work on both super-hero and fantasy/horror projects. "The Devilers," "Grimm's Myths and Legends," "Robyn Hood," "Call of Wonderland," "Sleepy Hollow," "The Story of Mankind" for the Discovery Channel, "Shark Week" illustrations for Discovery Channel, "The Shadow," "The Lone Ranger Annual," and more highlight his amazing work and insistence on research and story setting. 

His attention to detail and design has most recently been seen in the series "Sherlock Holmes: The Liverpool Demon," which was released to great reviews and the aforementioned "The Devilers," which also feature his character designs. 

In addition to his story work, Matt also is a storyboard artist, working on motion comics projects and developing custom comics for high profile clients. Other works include material for Robin Hood Charities in New York,  work on Marvel Trading Cards and Batman work for the "DC Halloween Special."  

Programing Notes: Matt is available for programming at all the shows he attends,on subjects relating to his career and the comic book industry.





Mike Toth (Lone Ranger, Tarzan, Shazam, Peanuts!)




Mike Toth
Mike began his long career in the animation field in 1978 at Filmation Studios. Having been inspired by the Warner Brothers cartoons of the 1940s he always dreamed of being an animator. Starting his career at Filmation Studios he worked on He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Tarzan, Lone Ranger Zorro Adventure Hour, Shazam, Blackstar, Bravestarr, Ghostbusters, New Adventures of Tom & Jerry. He also worked freelance for Bill Melendez on This is America Charlie Brown, Snoopy's Reunion and It's Spring Training Charlie Brown. 
When Filmation closed it's doors in 1988 he moved over to the Baer Animation Studios where he got to work on many commercials such as the Green Giant, Chevy Lumina and also worked on Roger Rabbit in Tummy Trouble as well as the Prince and the Pauper short starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. In the mid 1990s he found himself working at Disney Studios Animation in Burbank where he worked on such great Disney Classics as Aladdin, Pocohontas, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Atlantis the Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, Hercules and Home on the Range. 


Now you can create your own ANIMATOR ALLEY at your event with these amazing and engaging guests!  Contact us for details at: evaink@aol.com



Renee Witterstaetter--(Writer/Editor/Color Artist)



Writer, editor, colorist and publisher Renee Witterstaetter has acted as editor on such books as "Hercules," "Xena," "X-Files," "Conan," "She-Hulk,"  "The Marvel Holiday Special," "Impossible Man Summer Special," "Jurassic Park,"  and too many books to mention here. 

As a film professional, she has worked on such movies as "Red Dragon" and "Rush Hour 2," while also behind the scenes, racking up credits on dozens of music videos and commercials for artists as diverse as Madonna, Seal and Usher.  

Her books as a writer include: "Jackie Chan: Dying for Action," "Nick Cardy: The Artist at War," "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," "Nick Cardy: Wit-Lash," "Art of the Barbarian,"  "Michael Golden: Excess," "The Art of Mark Texeira," and her children's book "Kerry and the Scary Things." 

In addition, combining her film work with comics, she is a producer of DVD's on various comic book creators and talents in other fields through her partnership with Amdale Media,  and has spearheaded mounting art shows and retrospectives in the United States, Spain, China, Russia and other venues worldwide. She has lectured on the industry in China, Spain, Norway, and numerous other countries, not to mention the United States! 

Programing Notes: Renee is available for portfolio reviews as well as panels relating to her career and working in the publishing industry and comics. 



Mike Zeck--(Artist)




When discussing comics heavy hitter, Mike Zeck, you'd have to argue which is his most influential work, or which is most deeply embossed on our pop culture. 

His series "Kraven's Last Hunt," took Spider-man to a whole new level and has been voted by readers as the "Greatest Spider-Man story ever told." His subsequent work on the Punisher  with "Cricle of Blood," cemented him as one of the THE artists for the character, while the series "Secret Wars," set comic book readership on their ears, and heralded Zeck's creation of the black and white Spider-Man costume, still around as the attire of the super-villain, Venom. His work on Captain American also stands out as some of the most influential in the industry, and iconic images of this and other characters such as Superman and Batman, are etched in comic history.  

In fact, Zeck images are featured on Marvel merchandising ad nauseam year after year, evidence of his enduring popularity. It's hard not to notice all those "Secret Wars" t-shirts! 

Recent books on Mike include "Raw Fury: The Art of Mike Zeck," while Zeck's  series with writer Steven Grant (creator of the hit movie "Two Guns"), "Damned," was released in a recent volume by IDW Publishing, which has also just released a deluxe volume of Mike's classic Marvel covers. 

Programming Notes: Mike prefers not to do panels. But is at his table for fans all hours of any show he attends.  (Note that Mike will be doing very limited appearances, and certain conditions apply. Please contact me for details. )


++++++++


Okay, let's get the ball rolling! 

I may be adding a few more very exciting talent names before the end of the year.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and discussing your show, gallery event or store appearance.

Best,
Renee

R. Witterstaetter
Eva Ink Artist Group


evaink@aol.com


Get the word out ya'll! 



Monday, March 30, 2015

Witterstaetter Talks: The Business of Comics



Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.


From:http://www.legendariummedia.com/2015/03/27/renee-witterstaetter-discusses-business-comics/
By: A.D. Poole

Renee Witterstaetter Discusses "The Business of Comics"



At the WizardWorld Comic Con in Raleigh, NC, Renee Witterstaetter took the time to go on the record with Legendarium Media. Witterstaetter worked as an artist, writer, and editor with DC, Marvel, and Topps Comics and now runs her own publishing company, Eva Ink.

Legendarium: What interested you in the comic book industry?
Renee Witterstaetter: Oh, well, gosh, I’ve always been interested in storytelling ever since I was a young kid. Storytelling was always something that always attracted me, whether it was movies, or books, and comic books as well. My first exposure to comic books: I had two older brothers and I would often go into their room to look for reading material, and I think some of the first comics I ever saw were the issue of Spider-Man where he met Mary Jane, and also some kind of really funny DC comics that featured Jerry Lewis, and I just loved the storytelling, and it just so happened that my career ended up being in journalism and English and certain doors opened to me and that led to me becoming a comic book editor.

L. Through that experience growing up, did you have any particular favorite characters?
R.W. I always did like Spider-Man. He was always one of my favorites and I gravitated more towards the Marvel books because to me at the time they did seem to have a lot of empathy, you could really relate to them, they had flaws, they had very accessible personalities. There were some DC characters I liked as well like Batman, but I have to say that one of my favorites was always Spider-Man.

L. You worked on some licensed works as well, such as The X-Files and The Shadow. Did working with licensed works introduce you to any new fandoms that you became attached to?
R.W. Oh, absolutely! I really enjoyed working on the licensed projects! In fact, when I first read the “Jurassic Park” novel I took it to my bosses and said, “You know, we really need to try to get this license and make it into a comic book.” And we did! That was at Marvel at the time. . .The person I took it to at Marvel [was] like, “Well, we don’t really need to do Jurassic Park because we’ve got Devil Dinosaur.” But then I shortly after that started working at Topps Comics and they actively pursued the Jurassic Park license and I got to work on it anyway, and I love dinosaurs so that was a dream come true. I had Michael Golden doing all my covers, one of the best artists in the industry, and I had some wonderful writers on that. And I really enjoyed X-Files as well, because it was a TV show that I really enjoyed. And one of my favorites was also working on the [comics for the] Hercules and Xena TV shows. We would receive tons of Email from people on all of those properties that just really enjoyed those particular genres, and it led me to being able to go visit the TV sets of a lot of those shows, and it was a lot of fun. You know, there wasn’t the infrastructure of conventions when those books came out like there is now, so honestly, I’m just now beginning to meet a lot of the fans that were reading my books when those shows and properties were being done.





 
Jurassic Park Comic. Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter.

L. So when did you start coming to the con scene?
R.W. I’ve been an artist agent now since 2003. So, I’ve been taking whatever artists I’m working with and representing them on the con scene since 2003. I’m also a publisher, I have Eva Ink Artist Group and Eva Ink Publishing, so I’ve been taking my own books and books that I print on and publish on other artists to shows and also selling them through Diamond [Comic Distributors], so that’s been really great on the convention scene to introduce the artists to fans that haven’t met them yet, and also to introduce our books to a wider audience as well.

L. Speaking of Eva Ink, what are some of your upcoming projects?
R.W. We always have a lot of projects in the works. I’m currently working on a trade paperback of Spartan X, which is a series that I created with Michael Golden. My new book. . .“Nick Cardy: The Artist at War” and all of his sketches from World War II, those have just been released by Titan Books in England, so that’s a brand new book. We’re also planning some new sketchbooks on various artists like Michael Golden, and then I have a few very specific and very fun books which I’m writing right now but I can’t really talk about those yet.





“Nick Cardy: Wit-Lash,” an artbook featuring Nick Cardy’s humor art. Image courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.

L. How did you get into editing comics, and how is that different from editing print work, like novels?
R.W. Well, my degree, like I mentioned, was in journalism and English, and through that door I was hired. My first job out of college was doing public relations for a show that put on comic book conventions. That was in Texas, it was a company called the Dallas Fantasy Fair and they’re not around anymore, but they were really the forerunners, I would say, of the modern-style convention. From there I was hired by DC Comics as an assistant editor, and from there I went to Marvel and Topps, and from there I started my own company. But, really, editing a comic story is not that much different from editing a newspaper story or editing a novel because you are still looking for the same elements. You’re looking for a good story. You are looking for what we call in journalism the essentials. You have to read something and say, “Does it answer Who, What, Why, Where, How, and When?” If you have all those elements answered in your story, then when your reader is reading that—whether it’s a comic or a novel or a newspaper story—in their brain they’re gonna feel like they have all the information. Even if they don’t stop to pick out all those elements while they’re reading it, their brain knows if it’s there or not. So, as an editor, you’ve got to make sure that all the essentials are there so it’s a fulfilling package. And the difference with being a comic book editor is that. . .if you’re doing it the way American publishing works—where you have the writer, the artist, the inker, the colorist, the letterer—you’re dealing with five creative people on every book you work on, so your job as the editor is to find the best people for that job, the person whose writing and art style fits that project, and then finding that group of people that works well together and also makes the deadlines, because in American comic books, that’s a very important element as well. So, as the editor, you are the director. You are the producer and the director of putting this project together.





Renee Witterstaetter showcases some of her work. Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.
L. As both an artist and having a background in journalism, did that give you valuable insight into the creative process of comic book making?
R.W. I would like to think so, and I had a very good relationship and still do with all the artists that I work with, and they have always been very accepting of any feedback I give them, any changes I ask them to, because I always approach it from a storytelling perspective and I explain why I’m asking for the changes. And if you do that, they’re like, “Yeah, I see what you’re talking about.” So I do think having that background has helped as an editor.

L. In closing, do you have any advice for any aspiring editors or comic book artists?
R.W. You know, it’s a wide-open market right now. There’s so many different avenues you can find to get your work out there, including the Internet. If you have your own project that you want to get out there, self-publishing [and] doing webcomics is a great way to go. I would say if you’re doing your own properties to get your intellectual properties in print either on the web or on hardcopies, to protect your copyrights, and if you’re not doing all of the elements of the story yourself, find good people that you like to work with and even if they’re your brother, sign contracts. [Laugh.] And protect whatever it is that you’re creating together. You know, you may go into this thinking like, “Oh, he’s my best friend and we’ve known each other for 20 years!” That may be true, but in business, you also always have to. . .you know, it just helps preserve the friendship, I would say, and just realize that this is a creative medium and to try to find things that you like to work on. You know, if you’re the artist, find the style that you wanna work on, and find out if you wanna work with Marvel or DC, find out what it is that they’re working for [and] looking for. I can tell you that they want you to do at least eight pages of things that are focused on their property. So you wanna do their characters. But do not give away original story ideas! Find a script online you can go and do those samples from. And there’s so many other things! We should do a panel at it at a show sometime! So you guys come out and see me at one of the Wizard shows, or one of the other shows I’m at, and, who knows? Maybe we should do a panel on this, on the business of comics.


Thursday, February 24, 2011

Oh Baby, It's COLD Outside! Time to Get to Wizard Miami!





Miami-Fl-- Oh, baby, it's cold outside in some parts of the country.... but NOT in Miami. What better place to be than at a Wizard World show this weekend in the sunshine state?

And for a bit more incentive, other than keeping your feet warm, that is, how about this:

Renowned artist and writer Michael Golden will be appearing both days of the South bound show, and is offering his one hour class in storytelling for the event. Be sure to visit his table for a look at new prints and books, as well, including the best selling "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," and "Manga Bucky O'Hare."

Also as a special exclusive with Wizard World, artist Rodney Ramos is providing a limited Buffy print for the event--limited to only 250 copies! This print is free to Buffy VIP members and is also available for purchase. A great opportunity to get the print signed by not only the artist but the actors as well.

In that regard, for the Buffy Brigade, on hand from the TV show will be Nicholas Brendon, Mercedes McNab, Mark Metcalf and Clare Kramer!

Here's a peek:

http://www.wizardworld.com/bumicoconli.html


Artist Mark Texeira is also joining the event, and will be debuting some new prints himself. Currently finishing a Punisher mini-series for Marvel, Mark's work can be seen on groundbreaking issues of "Ghost Rider," "Black Panther," "Wolverine," and much more, as he brings his fine art style to sequential art.

And finally, from Eva Ink Artist Group, writer and publisher Renee Witterstaetter will have copies of her new books at the convention, including "Joe Jusko: Savage Beauty," "Mark Texeira: Nightmares and Daydreams," "Michael Golden: MORE Heroes and Villains," and her new children's book, "Kerry and The Scary Things."

Other creators and celebrities at the show include: Bill Sienkiewicz, Jim Starlin, J. David Spurlock, Adam West, Burt Ward, Ray Park, Billy Dee Williams, Tommy Castillo, Greg Horn, David Mack, Arthur Suydam, Mike Grell, and many more.

So, what's stopping you! Leave that coat at home, and get to Miami!

Wizard World Miami takes place February 26th and 27th at the Miami Airport Convention Center.


For more information visit: www.wizardworld.com

For more information of the artists highlighted above, check out:

www.evainkartistgroup.com

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Pages Open on Facebook for Eva Ink and Artists!


Hi Folks-- In this wonderfully technological world, there are so many ways to stay informed and be part of the groups that share our interests.

To help keep you updated on the various artists that we work with, we've opened fan pages for you on facebook for each of them. As you know, these talented individuals are versed at many forms of artistic endeavors-- fine art painting, illustration, storyboards, writing, sequential art, and much more. Take a look at our website for more information on each of them.

In the meantime, just cut and paste the links below and sign up to follow your favorite artists, and while you are at it, please sign up to follow Eva Ink Publishing as well.

This is the best, quickest way, to stay up to date on conventions, commission openings, assignments and much more! And as we update you on happenings, events, and gallery shows too, it's the closed thing to having a front row seat to all the creativity.

Come on! Be part of our club. We'll be happy to have you!

Best,
Renee

R. Witterstaetter
Eva Ink Artist Group
Eva Ink Publishing


Links to Pages:

Eva Ink Artist Group/Eva Ink Publishing:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187886211245518&id=726714816#!/group.php?gid=197319153658

Michael Golden:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187886211245518&id=726714816#!/pages/Michael-Golden/44937601170

Minck Oosterveer:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187886211245518&id=726714816#!/pages/Minck-Oosterveer-Eva-Ink-Page/200495229964296


Mark Texeira:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187886211245518&id=726714816#!/pages/Mark-Texeira-Page/32587298195

Renee Witterstaetter:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187886211245518&id=726714816#!/pages/Eva-Renee-Witterstaetter/180691164867


Also, the Eva Ink Website is:

www.evainkartistgroup.com