07 May 2020

Logo design: Michael Netzer

Ryusei Sawadi

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(New Bedford, MA/USA—May 6, 2020) The Kubert School had their annual scholarship awards event earlier in May via a virtual scholarship ceremony through Google Meet, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. The Inkwell Awards’ 11th Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Award of $1000 was presented to second-year student Ryusei Sawada. The school posted an announcement of all award recipients on its website.

Sawada is an aspiring artist originally from Tokyo, Japan, whose ultimate goal is to work for publishers like Marvel, DC, and Image as an inker/artist. He entered the Kubert School right out of high school.

Kubert School

Normally, according to The Inkwell Awards’ founder/director Bob Almond, the non-profit would send a representative to the Dover, NJ institution to attend the live ceremony and personally congratulate the winning student. But due to shelter-in-place orders, they were unable to, and school director Carol Thomas informed him that the school had already set up remote learning, which will remain in place until the end of the year.

“There were some timing issues but the virtual ceremony was a great idea,” said Almond. “This way the lucky winner was able to get even more public recognition. Kudos to school director Mike Chen and the Kubert School staff for getting it done despite many challenges. We hope to be there next year to shake the hand of the winner.”

The Inkwells created the scholarship award on behalf of their ink artist friend and committee member, Dave Simons, shortly after his passing in 2009, with the approval of his sister, Bette Simons. Bette shared the following statement:

“We are all navigating uncharted waters in this current environment. With unity, strength and faith we will manage to get through this and be stronger. Even considering all that is happening in the world right now, we must still manage to maintain some sense of normalcy which is why, for the 11th year, I am honored to recognize the recipient of The Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship for 2020.

For those of you that do not know Dave or perhaps even his accomplishments, I can tell you that he devoted his entire life to being the best artist he could be and only wanted to get better. He was always critical of his work, looking for the most seemingly insignificant detail that would have made it even just a little bit better.

He was a mentor to many and was mentored by many of the best in the business. He thrived on interacting with others, sharing ideas and inspiration. He had great successes and crushing failures but with the failures, he never lost sight of the fact that he was doing what he loved most.

It will be 11 years next month since Dave passed and I miss him every day. I have no words to express my gratitude to all of the people that continually support this scholarship program. It takes relentless effort and dedication to be able to make this presentation in Dave’s memory every year. For that, I am eternally thankful.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient Ryusei Sawadi. I wish you much success and happiness.”

Dave Simons (1954-2009) was an American artist known for his work on the characters Conan, Ghost Rider, Red Sonja, Howard the Duck and Spider-Man for Marvel Comics, and “Forgotten Realms” for DC Comics. He was also a storyboard artist for the award-winning animated TV show, “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” while simultaneously handling the art for DC’s comic book spin-off. To date, Inkwells has raised $11,000 in his name to students in need.

14 Mar 2020

Our host show the Great Philadelphia Comic Con! was forced to shut down for April 3-5 by the Governor of PA as a precaution for the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic. The show and our awards ceremony has been rescheduled to September 4-6, 2020. Here is the statement from the promoter of the show: “We regret the disappointment and inconvenience this turn of events has caused. Like every business we are all at the mercy of the status of the virus and the preventative actions of the federal state of emergencies. We will be monitoring and reporting any relevant convention changes for us. Thanks for your understanding.”

12 Mar 2020

In response to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 virus pandemic the state of Massachusetts called a state of emergency and after much deliberation the Ace Comic Con: Northeast- Boston decided to cancel the show March 20-22 in the hopes of rescheduling it again, but with no guaranties. We are in communications with our Inkwell host-show the Great Philadelphia Comic Con! and while the show is presently expecting to be held along with our awards ceremony, we’ll keep you posted here should these plans change.

16 Jan 2020

Some of you might have noticed that for the past week this site had a different look. We’ve been working over the past year+ with new senior contributor Steven Freivogel to upgrade the venue and while it’s now uploaded it’s still a work in progress as we try to fine-tune it. This is the third site for our non-profit, the first being set up by committee member Jim Tournas in 2008 and the second version set up by committee member Sarah Covert (now Gerhardt) and Bob Almond in 2011. But now in 2020 as we are entering our second decade of existence the team wanted us to progress with the times. Much kind thanks to all the time & effort on the parts of not only Steven but Mike Pascale, Rhys Evans and Tim Aslat w/ Daniel Best (both who’ve been our webmasters since 2008 and were instrumental with the changeover). We continue to work at making our site the one-stop resource for all things inking!

04 Nov 2019

Hello–

IT’S TIME TO GET RECOGNIZED! Submit your work for free for the 2019 Inkwell Awards!

YOU, the ink artist (or your agent/publisher), can submit your work for nomination in any of our five categories. (Unlike some other awards, we do not charge a fee.) While our volunteer nomination committee (“NomCom”) can still submit their choices, they just can’t see all the wonderful work during the year from all publishers large and small. So it’s up to YOU! We know no one likes to read long emails, but this is important and worth it (previous winners/submitters can skip the “Who We Are” section).

WHO WE ARE:

In case you still haven’t heard, The Inkwell Awards (inkwellawards.com) is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Founded in 2008, the organization is overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various pro ambassadors, numerous contributors and supporters. We sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

WHAT TO SEND:

1. Examples of TWO (minimum) to THREE (maximum) interior pages of published & printed comic-book ink work you’ve done from any USA-published comic book (per each category below) COVER-DATED 2019 (sorry, no webcomics unless also printed.). Send either links to your specific samples (not general site links), or low-res image files. (Do not send large files–we’re not a printer!) DO NOT SEND PHYSICAL COPIES–they will not be eligible.

(Make sure you read and understand the BIG RULES below before sending.)

2. Your NAME, preferred EMAIL ADDRESS, the TITLE/ISSUE #(s) and PUBLISHER.

3.The CATEGORY(-IES) to which it belongs. You may submit the same or different work to different categories, EXCEPT “Favorite Inker” and “Props”–pick one or the other. Categories are:

  1. Favorite Inker: favorite ink artist over the pencils of another artist. (Can’t be nominated for “Props.”)
  1. Most-adaptable: showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists. (Minimum TWO pages per penciller, up to three.)
  1. Props award: ink artist deserving of more attention for their work over other pencillers.
  1. The S.P.A.M.I: for favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent comic book ink work over another pencil artist (Non-Marvel or DC).
  1. All-in-one award: for favorite artist inking his/her own pencils.

WHERE TO SEND: Email samples to inkwellawards@yahoo.com, with the Subject “2018 Inkwell Awards.” (Questions? Same email or ask us on Facebook or Twitter @inkwellawards.)

WHEN TO SEND: The deadline is DECEMBER 31st, 2019 (we’ll post reminders, but earlier is better).

PLEASE help us help you by following the directions and rules specifically. If not, your work cannot be considered. We are merely a few working professionals who volunteer when time allows so we don’t have the time/manpower to micro-manage.

THE BIG RULES (Please read):

-Inks can be with traditional or digital tools (e.g., brush, pen, marker, stylus, Apple Pen, Wacom, etc., but NOT just pencils darkened/manipulated via Photoshop/software–must be drawn by HAND).

-Work must have been printed in the USA with a 2019 cover date. No Web-only comics.
-Our volunteer NomCom may also submit their choices. All entries will be considered equally and tallied.
-The core committee is not permitted to nominate, nor vote, for anyone (so save your bribes).
-All links sent must be to the specific pages being considered. Any general site links (“JohnDoe.com,” DeviantArt portfolios, etc.) will be ignored. No physical copies.
-If work does not meet the criteria above or is not submitted in accordance with these rules, it will not be considered. Fraudulent entries will be voided and will result in your not being considered for any future awards (and any awards won will be forfeited and given to the runner-up).
The Inkwell Awards is not responsible for any power outages, server issues, software or hardware malfunctions, human error, acts of God, zombie apocalypses and any other stuff beyond our control.Again, if you have questions or need more info, send an email to either inkwellawards@yahoo.com, or to me directly at the address below.

Thank you and good luck!

Sincerely,

Bob Almond (and The Inkwell Awards Committee)

The Inkwell Awards

Site: inkwellawards.com
Facebook.com/groups/TheInkwellAwards
Twitter: @inkwellawards
13 May 2019

Posted yesterday on social media:

“**AT LAST! INKWELL AWARDS FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS ARE BACK! Starting today we have 16 original art donations on the block on eBay for the next 7 days! Much kind thanks to the generosity of several donors and supporters such as Jae Lee, Elias Chatzoudis, Tony Kordos w/ Paul Pelletier, Joe Prado w/ Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Joe by himself, Brian Stelfreeze, Tom Raney, Walden Wong w/ Keith Giffen (2), Josef Rubinstein, Bob Camp, Mark Farmer, and a few past Inkwell Joe Sinnott Inking Challenges that weren’t run previously such as a Neil D Vokes embellished job over Loki, and for Erik Larsen’s Spotlight#3 Savage Dragon inks by Marc Deering, Scott James and Tom Schloendorn. These will be gradually leading up to the upcoming 4th Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight on…David Finch! PLEASE SHARE AND LOOK (BIDDING WOULD BE GREAT, TOO!) And thanks as always to my team that makes this all happen! https://www.ebay.com/sch/theinkwellawards/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&rt=nc&LH_Auction=1

06 May 2019

The winners, Danielle Farino, AJ Cassetta & Adam Quinones with presenter Erick and Adam Kubert

On May 4 the Kubert School had their annual scholarship awards ceremony and the Inkwell Awards awarded their 10th Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Award with veteran core committee Erick Korpi representing our non-profit organization to AJ Cassetta. Special Inkwell ambassador, author and advocate Clifford Meth, who has represented us several times previously, was in absentia this year. So Erick assisted for disbursing his scholarships. Erick shared his experiences and details from this special event.

Thanks much to Michael Chen for the photos and info. And to Erick for taking the day to attend this event on behalf of us and the late Dave Simons and his sister Bette Simons Rock.

2019 Award Winners:

Danielle Farino — $1000 Dave Cockrum Scholarship
AJ Cassetta — $1000 Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Award
Adam Quinones — $250 Gene Colan Scholarship

Presenters:

Adam Kubert, Kubert School Co-President
Carol Thomas, Kubert School Associate Director
Erick Korpi, representing the Inkwell Awards
Lloyd Briggery, Kubert School Events Coordinator
Mark Monahan, representing the Dave Monahan Family
Tyler Chin-Tanner, President & Co-Publisher of A Wave Blue World
Lisa Y. Wu, VP of Sales & Marketing of A Wave Blue World

From left to right in the back row, Erick Korpi, Adam Kubert, Adam Quinones, Armand Bodnar, Kenneth Nsidinany, Gabrielle “Gabby” Weber, AJ Cassetta, Peter Clinton, Tyler Chin-Tanner, Maddie Chin-Tanner, Adelia Gunderson, Lisa Y. Wu, Mark Monahan; and from left to right in the front row, Zackary Kalogaropoulos, Danielle Farino, Isadora “Sid” Venturini-Blu, Elena Morton, and Callum Monahan

(Left to right) Adam Kubert, Danielle Farino, Erick Korpi and Carol Thomas

(Left to right) AJ Cassetta, Erick Korpi, and Carol Thomas

Adam Kubert and Carol Thomas addressing student assembly

(Left to right) Adam Quinones, Erick Korpi, and Carol Thomas

 

 

20 Mar 2019

2005 Bob & Joe (pre-Inkwell Awards) at the Boston Comic Book & Toy Spectacular (photo: Mark Sinnott?)

As reported at CBR and on Joe Sinnott’s Facebook page on March 18, first Inkwell special ambassador, Hall of Fame namesake, award recipient, Eisner Award winner, inking God and all-around great guy, JOE SINNOTT, is officially retired after 69 years of a continuous, prosperous and impactful comic book career in his life. Much-deserved relaxation for the Joltin’ One! He retired officially from Marvel Comics from monthly comic book deadlines back in 1992 (attached photo) and has worked on inking the Spider-man newspaper strip until this month as well as doing commissions, small assignments and convention hopping. Post retirement, only the convention attendance will continue and they will be limited and tentative dependent on Joe’s health. He’ll be doing limited signings at these shows but no sketching. How does this effect his association to the Inkwells? Not significantly. We will join him at two shows: at The Undiscovered Realm Comic Con in White Plains, NY May 4-5 we’ll be sitting beside him and we’ll both be in attendance at the Terrificon at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT August 9-11 (only 9-10 for Joe). We have the 6th Sinnott Inking Challenge Book & 10th Anniversary Album being produced after a three-year absence by new, incoming Book Production Editor Renee Woodruff. It will contain Joe’s “Sinnott Soapbox” and he will tentatively sign copies of this final edition to the Inkwell series. After giving Joe a season off, the 9th Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge has been discussed and is tentatively being considered with help from good family friend, handler and Inkwell senior contributor Jim Tournas. One thing is ultimately clear: the most important and shared goal of us and Joe’s family and friends is Joe’s health and wellness. Shows, signing and his Challenge, these are all subject to change and we will not put pressure on him about anything is he’s not up to it. After witnessing how Stan Lee’s final year played out we aim to be concerned and cautious about our loved one in our family first and foremost. He loves the medium and community but he still deserves to enjoy life in his twilight years. We hope you all understand.

(L-R: back row) Tom Brevoort, Bob Budiansky, Nel Yomtov, Mike Rockwitz, Mark Gruenwald, Carl Potts, Virginia Romita, Renee Witterstaetter, John Romita Sr. (L-R: front row) Barry Dutter, Ralph Macchio, George Roussos, Tom Defalco, JOE, Jack Abel and Allen Milgrom (photo by ?)

06 Mar 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Bedford, MA/USA—March 7, 2019) The non-profit Inkwell Awards has put their weekly fundraising eBay auctions on hold until after their annual awards show in April.

“We really appreciate the support from our regular bidders and buyers over the years,” said Inkwells founder and director Bob Almond. “We depend on them to support our advocacy and support efforts. But our tiny committee is made up of working professionals who volunteer in their spare time. Lately we’ve all been swamped with work as well as family issues which have forced us to put things on hold for now.”

The 501(c)(3) advocacy changed their awards venue and date to the The Great Philadelphia Comic Con on April 12-14, which is two months earlier than their previous setup at Heroes World in June, causing them to move up their awards schedule. “The time-consuming work of nominations and tallying the winners had to be compressed into a shorter window, making us lose even more valuable auction time,” added Almond. “Thankfully, Special Inkwell Ambassador (and international rockstar), Jim Starlin, went above and beyond to raise funds for us last August. So we’re okay for now. But we’ll need the fans’ support again soon.”

According to Almond, auctions should resume either the final week of April or the first week of May. The first new ones will tentatively resume with the Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight on David Finch. Specific details will be announced as those events draw closer.

14 Feb 2019

VOTING HAS ENDED. THANKS TO ALL WHO TOOK THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. THE AWARD WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. AT THE GREAT PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON! (April 12-14) THE RESULTS WILL BE REVEALED AT THE INKWELL AWARDS LIVE AWARDS CEREMONY (date/time TBD).

2019 Ballot Voting for the 2018 Inkwell Awards categories is now open.

Click HERE to vote!