Contributors
Linked websites are not affiliated with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. We are not responsible for their content. The views expressed on these sites do not necessarily represent the views of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Please note that this page will be updated regularly as we continue to confirm awesome guests and contributors!
Ashley A. Woods
Featured Guest/Panelist; Influence of Ink: How Comics Can Change the World; Workshop Presenter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyAWoodsArt/
Bio:
Ashley A. Woods is an illustrator, writer, & creator from Chicago who got her start through self-publishing her action-fantasy comic series, “Millennia War”, while attending the International Academy of Design and Technology. After earning her BFA in Film and Animation, she traveled to Kyoto, Japan where she presented her work at Kyoto University.
She began her professional work in comics with "Niobe: She is Life" with actress Amandla Stenberg and Sebastian A. Jones of Stranger Comics in 2015, which inspired many cosplays and produced a graphic novel with a foreword by actress Viola Davis in 2017.
She then moved on to "Lady Castle" for BOOM! as well as providing variant covers for Black Mask Studio. Ashley recently provided pencils and inks for the four issue mini-series, "Tomb Raider: Survivor's Crusade", published by Dark Horse Comics based on the popular video game. She next provided cover work for the Image Comics title, "Bitter Root". Her latest work can be seen in the upcoming Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrams produced TV show, "Lovecraft Country", based on the drama/horror novel by writer Matt Ruff.
When Ashley isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, playing video games, reading comics & manga, and watching movies.
Keith Chow
Panelist: Influence of Ink: How Comics Can Change the World
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenerdsofcolor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheNerdsofColor
Bio:
Keith Chow is the creator of the pop culture website The Nerds of Color and host of the podcasts Hard NOC Life and Southern Fried Asian. He is also the co-editor of several graphic novel anthologies including Secret Identities, Shattered, New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei, and Ricanstruction: Reminiscing and Rebuilding Puerto Rico.
Chip Reece
Panelist: Influence of Ink: How Comics Can Change the World
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pg/MetaphaseGraphicNovel/
Bio:
Writer of Metaphase, the first graphic novel to star a superhero with Down syndorme. Ollie, a boy with Down syndrome, wants to have powers just like his superhero dad. But with congenital heart defects, his father has no intention of letting his son get in harm's way. Enter Meta-Makers, a company run by an egomaniac that promises to give Ollie the super powers he so desires - but at what cost?
Katie Armentrout
Workshop Presenter: Life as a Working Artist
Website: katiearmentrout.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarmaTrout
​Bio:
Katie Armentrout is a cartoonist from Chicago whose work primarily focuses on autobiographical funny stories and learning to love the skin that you're in. Please visit katiearmentrout.com for more info!
*Kid-Friendly (See FAQ for more details)
Rupert D. Follins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyrdfollins/?hl=en
Bio:
Marine. Tattoo Artist. Artist. Musician. Entrepreneur.
Keith Cartoonman Douglas
Facebook: http://facebook.com/keith.douglas2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/revorascal
Bio:
Keith Van Douglas is a Louisiana artist that grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana where he also graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education.
Keith Van Douglas has lived in Baton Rouge for 24 years and has taught Art Education in the Baton Rouge Public School System at McKinley High School as well as Art Classes at Louisiana State University.
Louisiana Caricaturiest
Keith is also known all over South Louisiana as CartoonMan™ and as an extraordinarily prolific caricaturist has drawn over 300,000 people over his long and very productive career.
Gus Lange
Facebook:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guslangedraws/?hl=en
Bio:
Gus Lange is an artist from Baton Rouge, LA and recent graduate from Louisiana State University. His work includes designing characters for video games and comics, as well as illustrations in watercolor.
Krewe du Moon
Workshop Presenter, Magical Girl Dance
Facebook: http://facebook.com/krewedumoon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KreweDuMoon
Bio:
We are a New Orleans-based, Sailor Moon-themed, dancing/marching subkrewe of the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus. We are a cosplayer-friendly, anime-niac, and general Sailor Moon fangirl/fanboy group named for Sailor Moon in dedication to the original founders’ unabashed love for the magical girl anime and manga. We dance and craft at our monthly meet-ups, march in Chewbacchus at Mardi Gras as well as in other parades throughout the year, and cosplay at local events.
Jo Hines Jr.
Workshop Presenter, Ink on Bristol Board
Bio:
I am a visual artist born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I tattoo at Effum Underground where I enjoy creating custom tattoos for my clients. When not at the shop, I'm painting murals for clients as well as businesses both big and small, working gigs as a caricature artist, creating original artwork, and teaching an art class to 5th & 6th graders at J.K. Haynes Charter School. I like to describe my art style as I would myself: whimsical with a somewhat somber undertone.
Winston Williams
Workshop Presenter, Teen Art Workshop
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_WiNsTonian
Bio:
Visual Artist, Carbon Age Comics Co-Founder, Military Veteran, and Creator of the comic series "The Soul", Winston Williams has been involved in the comic book community for some time now. With the Start up publishing company Jozu Comics (2012) and transition into helping form Carbon Age Comics in 2017, the Houston, TX native and long-time comic book enthusiast strives to achieve significant success in developing an animated television show as well as other projects involving all forms of media and entertainment.
TaLynn Kel
Workshop Presenter, Cosplay Anyway
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaLynnKel
Website: talynnkel.com
TaLynn Kel is a published essayist, educator, and cosplayer. She uses her enjoyment of cosplay to examine social and structural issues of American culture through the lens of pop-culture fandom. Having been an active participant in the cosplay community for thirteen years, TaLynn has a unique perspective, especially as a fat, Black, woman and has been featured on NBC for her approach to the art. She has also been interviewed by outlets such as The Mary Sue, Rolling Out Magazine, Brit & Co, and Ravishly.
TaLynn is an avid essayist. Many of her essays have been published by numerous websites, including Huffington Post, The Establishment, Fabulize Magazine, The Curvy Fashionista, Black Sci-Fi.com, AlterNet, Everyday Feminism, and Black Girl Nerds.
*Kid-Friendly (See FAQ for more details)
Chenese Lewis
Workshop Presenter: Modeling Basics for Cosplayers
Website: cheneselewis.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cheneselewis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheneseLewis
Bio:
Chenese Lewis is the epitome of a sophisticated woman entrepreneur and entertainer who has gained international attention as a highly sought-after keynote speaker, expert commentator, as well as a positive body image and self-esteem advocate. She has modeled for the national chain Torrid and was the Coast-to-Coast Curves Spokesperson for Ashley Stewart. A guru in the plus size industry, Chenese has appeared as an expert on Dr. Phil, Huffington Post Live, and quoted in USA Today. She is an in-demand host for major fashion and beauty events. She has hosted large-scale fashion events during New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and abroad in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, she graced the cover of VICE Magazine UK’s 10th anniversary issue, a mainstream publication distributed worldwide. In 2015 Chenese was honored by Baton Rouge Fashion Week with the Fashion Icon Award recognizing her outstanding achievements as a fashion trailblazer from Louisiana. Chenese is frequently booked for lectures at national workshops, seminars and universities around the country. The Baton Rouge native is the Chief Creative Officer for Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC, a media company she established in 2007.
*Kid-Friendly (See FAQ for more details)
Jason Reeves
Panelist; Influence of Ink: How Comics Can Change the World
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/133art/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/133art
Website: 133art.com
Bio: Jason Reeves is a Los Angeles based comic creator & owner/operator of the comic and print production studio, 133art ( 133art.com ).
Born in New Orleans, Jason graduated from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) at the age of 16.He has been published by Devil’s Due Publishing, Marvel/Upperdeck, USA Today, Arch Enemy Ent., and Magnetic Press. Recently, his comic series OneNation was honored with the 2015 Glyph Rising Star & the Fan Favorite Awards.
In addition to comics, he has done illustration for Esquire Magazine, the USA Network, Wizards of the Coast, Heavy Metal’s ‘Art of Agent 88’, HASBRO’s G.I. Joe & Transformers Kre-o lines.
*Kid-Friendly (See FAQ for more details)
Daniel Strickland
Workshop Presenter, Character Design
Website: squareup.com/store/strickart,
Facebook:
Bio:
Daniel Strickland is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sequential Art. Daniel creates independent art as well as hired work under his own brand, Strickart LLC.
He was born and raised in Baton Rouge, with a lifelong passion for visual storytelling.
Daniel has been a credited storyboard artist on a couple of feature films thus far, one of which can be seen on Netflix (Vincent and Roxxy, 2016).
He also produces his own personal line of prints like NerdGirls, which promotes both the inclusion of girls in the nerd lifestyle and their valuable influence on the culture, while also supporting body positivity and diversity.
Taylor Wells
Panelist; Art of Worldbuilding
Facebook: http://facebook.com/taylortheweird
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaylorTheWeird
Bio:
Taylor Wells is an enormous loser who somehow gets paid to play glorified coloring book on comics. Against everyone’s better judgment, she has been allowed to touch the award-winning comic CHEW, Power Rangers Annual, Night Stars: Hunger, WWE: The New Days Optimistic Adventure, and is currently coloring Farmhand. She also does freelance art, drawing horrible things for horrible people.
Taylor wasn't cool enough to drop out of school and graduated with a B.F.A. from Louisiana State University in 2013. The powers that be decided that she has knowledge to share with children, and she currently teaches Graphic Design at New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School.
Tubbi
Website: https://thenerdybirdsite.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TheNerdyBirdSite
Bio:
A supporter of all things creative, she fell in love with music passionately watching her father flourish as a percussionists growing up! Music, as it stems deep within the heritage of her family has become a large part of her life. She is no stranger to the fashion world as she uses bold styles to express her own creative views on a daily accord, capturing them one photo at a time. In her own right she appreciates all things considered art and is working to showcase all of the local talent she can, all while sharing her fitness journey! She is a Nerdy Bird trying to spread the word about local upcoming artist!
Little Wars
Website: littlewars.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/littlewarsla
*kid-friendly (see FAQ for more details)
SLIS
Sponsor of Arts and Comics Market
Lauren Reaves
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurReaArt
Bio:
LaurRea and Jason are a self published brother and sister comic duo focused on making fun and excited tales for everyone to enjoy.
Sierra Bobo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/delfidae
Bio:
Sierra Bobo, better known by her internet handle Delfidae , is a local self-taught digital artist who loves painting portraits and is a big fan of Kpop. She sells prints of her work as well as on-site commissions.
Kelly Williams
Panelist: The Art of Worldbuilding
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kellywilliamscomics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreeBeerd
Bio:
I draw comics.
These have included THE CABINET, METAPHASE, EGO TRIPP, THE DARK, and many more.
I’ve done work for BOOM!, IDW, DYNAMITE, ACTION LAB, FULL MOON, DARK HORSE, STACHE, RED STYLO, etc.
I try to be a nice person. I complain a lot though.
Stephen Andes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveandes
Website: http://www.zorrosghost.com
Bio:
Stephen Andes received his doctorate in Mexican History from Oxford University. He is currently an associate professor of history at Louisiana State University. He is the author of two previous books on Latin American history, and is writting a history of Zorro to be published with Chicago Review Press.
N. Steven Harris
Workshop Presenter, Sherlock Character Design
Facebook: http://facebook.com/nsworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NStevenHarris
Bio:
The 2 time Eisner Nominated, 4 time Glyph Award winning, and recently, a VLA (Virginia Library Association) Graphic Novel Diversity Award winning, Watson and Holmes, published by New Paradigm Studios, and co-creating, the 2 time Glyph Award winning book, for Best Female Character, Ajala: A Series of Adventures, along with Robert Garrett, N. Steven Harris has had a career spanning over 20 years in the comic book industry. His highlights include DC Comic’s Aztek: The Ultimate Man, a character which he co-created along with Grant Morrison and Mark Millar, for DC Comics. His credits also include Batman: Officer Down, Batman 80pp GiantThe Huntress (DC Comics), Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Generation X, X-Force, and Deadpool Annual ’98 (Marvel Entertainment). Within the last 5 years he has worked on titles such as Voltron, New Money and Solarman. Mr. Harris’s most recent publication is DC/Wildstorms Michael Cray. He also has participated in gallery shows showcasing comic book art in New York, Philadelphia, Georgia, Chicago, California, and Japan.
CONtraflow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113129345396222/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CONtraflowSciFi
Website: http://www.contraflowscifi.org/
Bio:
CONtraflow is a New Orleans area literary based science fiction and fantasy convention that takes place each year in November. Past guests have included authors such as Robert Sawyer, Eric Flint, and Yoon Ha Lee.
Ninja YoYo Cosplay
Cosplay Contest Coordinator and Judge
Bio:
Ninja Yoyo Cosplay (more commonly known as Cheri) is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana based cosplayer originally from Mississippi. This Southern Miss and LSU alumna is a Graphic Designer by day, Cosplayer by night, and has been cosplaying for just over 5 years, and her looks are generally influenced by anime and comics. During her spare time, Ninja Yoyo is a moderator for the Extraordinary Journey of a Black Nerd Facecbook group, where she helps organize its #28DaysofBlackCosplay project, and she has also contributed articles for the EJOBN and Gathering of Geeks blogs in the past. In addition to this awesome con, she has plans to attend: Louisianime, MomoCon, Big Easy Con, and MechaCon.
Blerd-ish (Keith Cooper & Mark Wallace)
Website: https://blerd-ish.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blerdish1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blerd.ish/
Bio:
We are the Blerd.ish! podcast and comic book pop up shop. We are a couple of "blerds" who love Marvel, DC, movies, and various things from anime to indie comics. One of our goals is to highlight as many independent creators through our podcast. We also are distribution for independent artists and we sell for them at various events. We are in the process of creating our own comic styled coloring book based on our experiences and the things we enjoy.
*kid-friendly (see FAQ for more details)
Antoine GHOST Mitchell
Panelist; Art of Worldbuilding
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sankofaseymbraceWebsite: poeartry.net, sankofaseymbrace.com
Bio: Antoine Dijion Mitchell, the Art Alchemist, mostly known as GHOST, (God Holds Our Souls Together and Genocide Hinders Our Survival Tactics) is a visual artist and spoken word poet originally from the small East Feliciana Parish town of Norwood, Louisiana. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1999. In 2001 he received his Associate's Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Houston. In 2007 he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Southern University and A&M College of Baton Rouge, La.
Antoine has been in love with comic books since the age of five when he discovered the comic stash left at his grandmother’s house by one of his uncles. This, as well as cartoons of the time, played a huge part in him picking up a pencil to draw. He officially would start collecting comic books at the age of 11 and this would also begin his journey of being a comic book Artist.
In December of 1999, inspired by the hit role-playing video game, Final Fantasy, Antoine would lay the early foundation of what would become his “Afro-Fantasy” comic book “Sankofa’s Eymbrace.” Now 36 years old, Antoine is almost ready to release what he calls his most important Art piece ever to the world of not only comic book and fantasy lovers, but also to those who have never picked up a comic book in their lives. Although his specific audience for Sankofa’s Eymbrace are people of color, Antoine see’s Sankofa’s Eymbrace reaching all audiences.
Normally, the process of creating a great comic book is usually done by a team consisting of a Penciler, Writer, Inker, Letterer, Colorist, and Editor. However, on purpose Antoine decided to do all the above with the exception of inking and editing. The Sankofa’s Eymbrace team consists of he and his Wife-Queen, Erica “Ayxa” Williams, who provides a brutally honest ear, as well as making sure his grammar and spelling is correct.
Creating a comic book has been a lifelong dream of Antoine GHOST Mitchell and he feels that his time is on the horizon to officially join the pantheon of talented, imaginative creators who have changed many lives with their characters and stories.
*Kid-Friendly (See FAQ for more details)
USS Corsair
Website: brstartrek.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USSCorsair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/usscorsair
Bio:
Why should you want to join the “Scourge of STARFLEET”? We’re passionate about science fiction of all types, love hanging out together and improving our community through our efforts. The USS CORSAIR is one of the top rated chapters in STARFLEET INTERNATIONAL, offering activities for all generations of Star Trek fans. We want to show our appreciation for a series that has touched each one of us at some point in our lives by making appearances at fan-based events, collecting items for charity, and sharing it with other fans. We have members who enjoy costuming, gaming, writing, role-play, or just chatting about Star Trek/Star Wars/The Orville/Doctor Who/Battlestar Galactica/etc.
*kid-friendly (See FAQ for more details)
Oo La La Cosplay
Workshop Presenter, Cosplay Beyond Sewing
Facebook: http://facebook.com/oolalacosplay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_oolala/?hl=en
Bio:
My name is Brigette Rose, aka Miss OoLaLa. I’ve been cosplaying for over a decade and I love to teach people how to make stuff. My favorite things to cosplay are video game characters... I’ve been a huge jrpg fan since I was little. Most of all I love to make props and armor, but I love to sew too! Aside from cosplay, I like to go to concerts and I work at a radio station as an on air host and producer. I have done some minor voice over work as well.
Shequeta Smith
Film Screening & Q&A
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sherocomics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayvenChoi
Bio:
CEO of Shero Comics, creator of films The Takeover, Gestapo vs Granny & film-graphic novel series Rayven Choi. NCSU Alum. Princess of Zamunda
Rodneyna Hart
Moderator; Influence of Ink: How Comics Can Change the World
Facebook: http://facebook.com/culturecandy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rodneyna
Bio:
Rodneyna M. Hart received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Studio Art with concentrations in both Sculpture and Painting/Drawing from LSU in 2008. Hart has been strategic in the growth and sustenance of the local contemporary art community by exhibiting artwork; administrative, preparatory and curatorial work for art establishments, and serving as an executive board member of cultural institutions. When producing work, Hart develops themes of perceptions, identity, and reflection with no medium limitations. After graduation, Hart worked as an Exhibit Coordinator at Baton Rouge Gallery center for contemporary art for 3 years, then Preparator at the LSU Museum of Art for 3 years, and 2 years at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum as Exhibitions Manager. Working as an arts advocate, Hart, contributes time, energies and resources to various organizations and initiatives. Rodneyna has been with The Healthcare Gallery since its inception in 2014 as the resident curator and art manager. In 2018, Rodneyna was named one of Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40. In addition, she continues to work as a freelance art handler, curator and exhibition manager for various venues and private entities.
Poet Noble Photography
Photography
Facebook: http://facebook.com/poetnoblephotography
Bio:
Creative photographic services for individuals, families, couples, businesses, and non-profits. Portraits, seniors, grads, couples, headshots, weddings and engagement, events, lifestyle, documentary, and more. Visit our website (poetnoble.com) to let us know your request.
Okoye Couture
Facebook: http://facebook.com/okoyecouture
Bio:
Morgan Udoh is an artist, designer and maker of handmade jewelry and accessories that highlight the African Diaspora.
Cajun Moon Creations
Worskhop Presenter, Wig Demo; Cosplay Contest Coordinator & Judge
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cajunmooncreations
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovelyLadyLuna4
Bio:
Lady Luna Loveless is an award winning cosplayer and owner of Cajun Moon Creations. She is a professional seamstress and wig stylist from Lafayette Louisiana.
Jetstreame Studios
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jetstreamestudios
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetstreame
Bio:
Jetstreame is an independent game studio founded in October of 2012. Our main objective is to develop high quality immersive games. We aim to create games that will appeal to both casual & hardcore gamers. We strive for excellence in every title we craft.
Lazy Nerds Designs
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lazynerdsdesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazynerdsdesigns/?hl=en
Bio:
We are a small team of artists who print on our own puntastic shirts, hats, string bags, pillows, and wallets. Our printables are handmade by us.