In an effort to find new and aspiring comic book talent, US publisher DC Entertainment has launched Talent Development Workshops for both writers and artists, led by bestselling and acclaimed comic talent including Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder, Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert.
The series of workshops are designed to give access and a voice to new and prospective talent, providing an opportunity to showcase their work following intensive DC workshop sessions.
Online applications for DC’s Artists Workshop will be accepted 1-30 April 2016 while applications for the Writers Workshop will be accepted 1-31 May 2016. DC’s new Talent Development website offers extensive tips, advice and recommended reading to help potential applicants navigate the submission process.
The art workshop will take place in this Autumn in Burbank, California – but the first part of the writers course will be online, followed by .real-world sessions.
“Our goal is to identify and foster fresh, new voices,” stated DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and bestselling artist, Jim Lee. “The new DC Talent Development Workshops will play a vital role in discovering and developing the next generation of comic talent.”
“I’ve brought in a lot of new writers to DC, both from within and outside of comics, for Rebirth, working with them closely as we rebuild our universe,” stated DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer, Geoff Johns. “The creative growth of DC comes from new voices joining the mix, both writers and artists, and it’s been an absolute highlight to work with them.”
Bestselling Batman writer Scott Snyder added, “I’m so proud and honored to be heading up DC’s Writers Workshop. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and getting to help welcome and coach new voices at a company that’s given me so many creative opportunities is a tremendous thrill.”
About the Artists Workshop
The 2016 Artists Workshop was developed by DC with world-renowned artists Jim Lee, Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert and follows a successful pilot program that took place in Autumn 2015.
Visit DCComicsTalentWorkshop.com to view artwork completed by pilot program students.
Competitive candidates will have an established portfolio of sequential art and illustrations. For the artists selected via the online submission process, the Workshop will provide the knowledge and exposure required to cross the threshold into the competitive world of comic book publishing.
Chosen artists will be asked to complete art assignments that will be critiqued by several top DC Artists. If the artists achieve the level of work required for the course they will then be invited to a two-week, intensive workshop at DCE’s Burbank offices.
About the Writers Workshop
The 2016 Writers Workshop was developed by DC with bestselling writer Scott Snyder and follows a successful three-month pilot program.
For selected candidates, the first part of the 2016–2017 DC Comics Writers Workshop will run October 2016–January 2017 as an online real-time, weekly interactive seminar, for thirteen consecutive weeks.
Each seminar will teach a new skill essential for surviving and excelling in this highly competitive field. Following the initial Workshop, a smaller hand-selected group of those participants will be invited to DCE offices in Burbank for an intensive writing experience, featuring guest speakers currently working in comic books, including a mix of editors, writers, artists and the Talent Development staff.
Upon completion of the Master Class program, DCE’s Talent Development group will ensure successful participants are considered for positions on current DC titles.
• For full details of the planned courses visit www.dccomicstalentworkshop.com
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, US Comics
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