Change of Name

 We've recently changed our name to SoFlo Panels Indie Comic Magazine to best reflect our intentions.  South Florida provides a vast amount of beautiful local comic art that we felt needed a voice.  The melting pot of culture that encompasses South Florida brings an exotic take on comics.  This magazine is still part of Digital Hand Studios. 
In the upcoming months we plan to interview local artists and comic book stores and review local comic cons.  As it stands right now we plan to release a small run of ashcan size magazines at local stores as a preview of what the magazine will be like.  A digital version will also be available. 

We've already changed our Facebook page and are changing our Youtube channel as we prepare to upload new videos by next month.

Thanks for following our blog!

Upcoming Show: MEGACON Orlando

 

We've been really busy preparing for Megacon Orlando and to prepare our titles for publications.  We haven't had free time to post updates but here it is.  Rise of Atlantis is on its second book for the convention.  Zach is going through his transformation and getting to know the team and his new lifestyle commitment.   

Digital Hand Studios will have the first book and posters available at the show.  Remember these are all limited direct sales.  We'll be posting our booth# soon so keep up with us on Facebook.

After the convention we'll be focusing on our website, distribution, and setting up this indie magazine for circulation.   

Keeping an Amazing Comic Studio

The studio is where the magic happens.It is the home of the comic artist's inspiration.  Littered with comics, sketchbooks, statues, it is a breeding ground for the imagination.  Each is unique to its owner's style and a destination of pure comic delight. A well organized comic studio will help you be more productive and creative in all of your projects.

The main purpose of your studio is to support your creative endeavors.  It should be a place free from distractions, but full of motivational tools.  Keep in mind that the design of your studio will help you come up with better ideas and lot faster.  Here are some tips to consider when organizing your comic studio:

Your Studio is your research library.  It is your inner sanctum.  You should have a small collection of reference materials that you commonly use during your creative process.  This normally includes comics and graphic novels of your most inspirational artists, books on anatomy, perspective, and other "How to" art books.  I also include books on writing and publishing because its what I do.  Make sure that your collection is customized for you.

Keep you space dedicated.  Not only should this space be free from distractions, but also be completely dedicated to your comic projects.  This space can be a small desk or a full sized room.  The important part is that it is just used for your comic projects. 

If you work on different different media, keep your projects separated.  Have a section for your digital art, another for your acrylic paintings, and perhaps a section for your sketching or traditional drawing.  This way you can accommodate your art supplies in a way that make sense to your productivity.  Staying organized like this will keep you focused.

Have enough art tools out so that you can easily reach for something without losing your train of thought, but not too many supplies that it makes your creative space messy or cluttered.  Boxes and carousels make a great organizing tool for your pencils, pens, markers, brushes, and other supplies. Do not use anything toxic in your studio.  I'm talking about aerosol sprays or heavy paint thinners.  And even if they don't smell it doesn't mean that there aren't any harmful fumes.  You don't want to use that in a space that you're going to be constantly in for hours.

Here is a small list of useful thinks to keep in your studio:

• Trash can
• Adjustable lamp 
• Dry erase and/or cork board
• Computer, laptop, or tablet
• Portfolio
• Art supply bin
• Pencil/pen carousel 

Remember that maintaining an organized work space help keep the imagination flowing. 


        

Here comes the next trailer for Dr. Strange!  This film looks very promising.  I wonder how this one like will connect to the other Marvel films.

Survival Guide to Attending Comic Conventions

Going to a comic convention is an amazing experience that can become very overwhelming very quickly.  There are so many things and people to look at that it might take you a while to process.  The best practice is to have a game plan.  Here are a few tips to consider before going to the comic convention:

Stay hydrated.  Whether you come in cosplay or just checking out the local artists remember to drink water.  Take a water bottle with you or buy one inside quickly.  You're going to be walking around and standing in lines so its important to have plenty of water.  With that in mind search for all of the bathrooms.  Try to go when its less busy and go frequently.  Sometimes the bathrooms can have long lines so don't wait until you can't hold it any more.

Bring money.  Besides the admission you should bring some money for food and cool stuff you might like to buy. Budget at least $20 for every 3 hours you plan to be there.  Remember that there are plenty of incredible comics, original art, prints, and collectables available so remember to budget for that, too.

Bring your fully charged cell phone and charger.  Try not to play on the phone to often. Remember they you want to conserve battery life so you can call friends to meet up or in case you or your friends get lost.  Some of these comic conventions can be very big and confusing like a maze.  Keep an eye for power outlets and ask for permission before you plugin.

 

Have a small bag to carry snacks and water bottles on outside compartments and enough space to carry comics and other cool stuff you may purchase.  Don't get offended but some places may require for security to check your bag.  Its usually quick and it keeps everyone safe. 

Buying stuff.  If you see something you like buy it sooner than later.  A lot of cool stuff sells out very fast.  So if you're interested in something consider it quickly.  Remember to budget for thing you may want.  The usual places or venders are: comics and collectables, local comic studios/publishers, artist alley is filled with prints and original art/commissions, special guest and signings.  Figure what you want before hand.  Remember that these events have flyers with what you can expect to find at their convention.

Bring a camera. Your phone is great but you might want to consider bringing a camera.  There's going to be a ton of people dressed up as your favorite characters.  Cosplayers usually flood the conventions and its a specially worth capturing and posting on your Facebook page.  Please ask cosplayers permission to take a picture.  Don't grope or fondle cosplayers.  Be polite because many cosplayers are people just like you and I.  Some cosplayers are models or professionals and may sell or direct you to their website to buy prints. 

Remember to visit and support local artists and indie publishers.  You can find a great amount of fun and creative books and art for your enjoyment and to share with friends.

I hope this helps and keeps everything fun and exciting for everyone.