SDCC10: Countdown to San Diego Comic-Con 2010 Part IV, Q&A With Girls Drawin’ Girls

Last week in ‘Countdown to …’ we launched a new Q&A format, exploring what San Diego Comic-Con is like for the typical exhibitor. You know, those hard-working and creative artists that manage to secure a booth every year? This week, The Flickcast sat down with Melody Severns, a veteran skater with the L.A. Derby Dolls who has worked on ‘King of the Hill,’ both  ‘The Simpsons’ TV show and ‘Simpsons Movie’ as well as being the founder of GirlsDrawinGirls, a group of  over 90 active female artists.

The group provides collaborative projects for its artists (such as book collections, group art shows, and opportunities to participate in charity art events such as the Pasadena Chalk Festival), in addition to promoting each member’s individual artistic endeavors through cross-promotion and marketing prints, original artwork and other art-related merchandise. You can find Melody and many of the girls at booth #5429, or look them up in the official guide under ‘GirlsDrawinGirls.’

Without further ado, let’s find out what the Con is like from Melody’s perspective as an exhibitor, what are some of her likes and dislikes regarding the Con itself and what she looks forward to this year at SDCC 2010.

The Flickcast: San Diego Comic-Con 2010 is less than a month away, what are you and your artist associates doing to get prepared as an exhibitor?

Melody Severns: Right now we are currently waiting with great anticipation for the release of our new book, ‘GirlsDrawinGirls: Vol. 3: Sugar and Spice.’  The book will be released along with our opening reception on July 9 at the Animation Guild’s gallery in Burbank, CA.

The book will also premiere at comic con.  I’m really excited about it.  We got stunt woman, and actress, Zoe Bell to write the foreword, and I’m telling you, this looks like our best book yet!

FC: You’ve been attending SDCC for many years now, what is something you really look forward to every year?

MS: What I really look forward to is inspiring people.  We are starting to get a lot of people coming up to the booth saying that we encourage them to be better artists!  We get a lot of women coming up to the booth telling us that they love our take on female sexuality.  That there is something that I never get tired of.

FC: As much as we all love Comic-Con, it’s sometimes tough to also love the crowds, the hectic schedule, and some of the logistical nightmares that can arise. What’s the one thing that really gets on your nerves every year?

MS: Things can get hectic and stressful, but it’s nothing that a trip to the Gaslamp District for some beers with friends can’t solve.  I swear the con is like a reunion for running into old friends!

FC: What sort of artistic projects are you or your artists currently involved with lately?

MS: Right now GirlsDrawinGirls itself has a lot of projects going on.  We have books, conventions, art shows, chalk festivals, charity works, etc.  The list goes on.  It’s enough to occupy a good chunk of time, but it’s fulfilling work, so I can’t complain.

FC: Anything special you’ll be showcasing or selling at your booth this year?

MS: Like I mentioned previously, we will be selling our latest book, ‘GirlsDrawinGirls: Vol 3: Sugar and Spice.’  We will also be selling exclusive merchandise, prints, and original artwork from our vast array of talented artists.

FC: Do you get a chance to get away from the booth and check out the Con? Do you spend more time on the show floor? Or do you enjoy attending some of the panels and programming?

MS: I have gotten to the point where I have gotten too busy working the booth to go to panels anymore, which is a shame, because the geek in me always hopes that I’ll go to the ‘Lost’ panel and Sawyer will be there, we’ll meet eyes and fall madly in love.  Either that or I wander away from the booth into the ‘True Blood’ panel to find only an empty auditorium and Eric and I.  A girl can dream, a girl can dream…haha!

FC: A ton of artists, both famous in the industry, and some obscure, come to SDCC each year. Anyone in particular you’re interested in meeting this year?

MS: You know, I thought I hit the nerd goldmine when I got to shake George Romero’s hand one year, but I think one of these days I’d like to eventually meet Stan Lee.  As far as non-artists are concerned, I’d die a happy woman if I ever got to meet Bruce Campbell.

FC: What comics are you into right now? Any faves?

MS: I have always loved J. Scott Campbell, so I will always have a soft spot for ‘Danger Girl.’  As for right now, I’m digging the whole Scott Pilgrim thing.

FC: Thanks again for your time, Melody. Good luck at Con this year!