New Spectrum Fantastic Art Live Website Launched!

Hi all,

New Spectrum Fantastic Art Live website launched!

Kathy and I made a new website for SFAL. The latest news for the Planet Comicon/SFAL collaboration, the Spectrum Pavilion, the special guests, Spectrum Awards Ceremony and more can be found here.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all on March 29-31, 2019 at the Kansas City Convention Center.

https://www.spectrumfantasticartlive.com/

Enjoy,

John

Flesk Publications
Flesk Publications on Facebook
Spectrum Fantastic Art
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on Facebook

Text copyright © 2018 John Fleskes. Photos and videos © 2018 John Fleskes / Flesk Publications. Artwork © 2018 its respective artists. All Rights reserved.

 

Spectrum 25 and 26: Behind the Scenes

Hi, all,

Spectrum 25: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art is Here!

We received our copies of Spectrum 25 a few weeks back. We packed the complimentary artists copies and shipped them right away. We also mailed the pre-orders at the same time.

The arrival of this book culminates a year-long process from the initial Spectrum Call for Entries that begins each year in mid-October. The deadline for artists or their representatives to submit their art falls toward the end of January each year. For Spectrum 26 this will be on Thursday, January 24, 2009.

In no particular order, here’s some behind the scenes details about how the Spectrum process works.

We typically receive a flood of entries, phone calls, and online and email inquiries during the final week prior to the deadline. Because of this, we are usually working full time confirming all of the entries for everyone for up to a week after the deadline. Kathy and I developed a process that lets us double check every entry to make sure that their information, payment, and artwork all aligns. I’m also checking to make sure that the art is clear and appears large on the computer screen. If I feel that the resolution of the digital file is too low, then we’ll reach out to the artist to get an improved file. I want everyone to have the best chance to be seen by the jury.

I made one change for Spectrum 26. This was to eliminate the option of sending in hard copy prints through the mail for the judges to review. We introduced the option to submit online for Spectrum 21. I felt it was important to provide a 5-year transition period to allow those who may have preferred to send in their works as prints to familiarize themselves with the online process. By Spectrum 25 we had such a small amount of print entries that I felt it was time to phase out that option.

I wrote a history of Spectrum that you can read in Spectrum 25. Originally, I wrote a more typical Year in Review essay. I ended up abandoning the initial direction that I took after realizing that I would enjoy documenting the humble origins of Spectrum instead, especially considering that this was its 25th anniversary.

The Call for Entries poster for Spectrum 25 utilized the talents of Spectrum Grand Master Scott Gustafson. Scott is one of only two artists who have been featured in every volume of Spectrum. (The other is Brom.) For the 25th anniversary I wanted to celebrate this occasion by highlighting Scott’s art. I don’t always consult with Arnie and Cathy Fenner when making decisions regarding the jury and call for entries poster artists, but for this occasion I wanted to make sure that I got their recommendations. They agreed that an artist who painted traditionally and who has been popular during the full tenure of Spectrum’s history would be an excellent choice.

I oftentimes make the jury selection over the course of a few days during June of each year. This timing directly corresponds with when I turn Spectrum into the printer on July 1st of each year. In that way I can include the names on the last page of the book where I promote the next volume. The first thing that I do to determine the candidates is to page through the most recent volume of Spectrum. Since I don’t want the jury to be limited to those who submitted to or have been in Spectrum before, I’ll pour through Facebook and Instagram postings by various artists and see who else grabs my attention. I typically spend 15 minutes a day on these two social media platforms to stay in tune with the general tone and direction of the art world. I want Spectrum to capture the most current picture of the industry, so it’s important that I invite those who I feel will embrace the most current and relevant art forms for the book. Spectrum must always be looking forward and embracing change, while also being respectful to those who came before. I want everyone to feel welcome from a new art student to a legend who has been in the business for 40 years. I aim to find a jury who welcomes all sensibilities and forms no judgments or biases.

Spectrum is a big job. The first half of the year is primarily focused on Spectrum, while the second half of the year leans more toward my Flesk book-making duties. I work on both year-round, but during these seasons I can get pulled more in one direction more than the other. When I work on Spectrum my focus is on the community as a whole. When I work on Flesk books my focus is on the individual artists who I am working with. It’s a good balance. The contrast between the two working methods keeps things fresh for me. I don’t really care much schedules or making plans too far in advance. I feel that I lose my creativity and whatever I’m working on at the time loses its spontaneity and looks too rigid if being organized takes precedence. While this method works for me, it’s very hard to teach, and if I’m working with someone who likes to write things down and cross off steps on a list we usually don’t function too well together. I see it as freedom, for others it may drive them insane and possibly make them anxious worrying about how things will get done. I am always confidant that what we need to get done will be wrapped up by the time it needs to be.

After the Call for Entries deadline passes and we have finished confirming all the entries we begin to prepare the Flesk office for the judging event. We cover the traveling costs of the judges and put them up for the weekend in Santa Cruz, California. We start with a dinner on the Santa Cruz Wharf that overlooks the ocean the night before the judging event. This gives the jury a chance to relax after their day of travel and allows them with the opportunity to get to know one another better.

The day of judging is a long day. The jury looks over all the entries anonymously. They do not know how the others vote. A majority vote, three or more picks, guarantees inclusion into the book. Then afterward, the jury gathers as a team and decides upon the silver and gold nominations and recipients for each of the eight categories.

The Spectrum 26 Call for Entries poster was done by Tyler Jacobson. I saw one of his pieces in a previous Spectrum that I loved. It has a lot of energy to it with a high fantasy feel. I inquired with Tyler if he was willing to make the new poster and only pointed out the piece that I liked as an example of the tone that I was looking for. I don’t like to art direct the artists for the poster, and usually do not see a preliminary of finished piece until it is turned in. I select people who are professionals and trust them to do the job.

The poster was designed by our very own Kathy Chu. Like with Tyler, I only gave her very minimal feedback regarding the tone, then trusted her to select a font and to do whatever she wanted. When I trust someone, I don’t look over their shoulder. I also like the idea that not everything is designed by me, nor is limited by my thinking. I like to stay fresh and that can only be done by welcoming the creativity of others into the mix.

As Spectrum 25 reaches the hands of fans and people throughout the industry I get to look at the Spectrum 26 entries as they arrive. We have a fabulous group who will be joining us for the judging event. They include Kei Acedera, Wesley Burt, Bobby Chiu, Edward Kinsella III, and Colin and Kristine Poole.

The Spectrum 26 Awards ceremony, which will be held on Saturday evening, March 30. The gala will be held at the historic Folly Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center and will be open to all Planet Comicon and SFAL exhibitors, creators, guests and attendees. I hope you can join us!

Thanks for reading. Thank you to everyone who has supported Spectrum!

Enjoy,

John

Flesk Publications
Flesk Publications on Facebook
Spectrum Fantastic Art
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on Facebook

Text copyright © 2018 John Fleskes. Photos and videos © 2018 John Fleskes / Flesk Publications. Artwork © 2018 its respective artists. All Rights reserved.

SFAL and Planet Comicon Kansas City Announce an Exciting New Collaboration!

 

SFAL and Planet Comicon Kansas City Announce an Exciting New Collaboration!

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Planet Comicon Kansas City (PCKC), one of the country’s most popular and largest pop culture and comic book conventions, is joining forces with Spectrum Fantastic Art Live (SFAL), the region’s preeminent fantasy art show, to create an unforgettable event. Christopher Jackson, CEO of Planet Promotions LLC, which owns and promotes PCKC, and SFAL’s directors John Fleskes, Arnie and Cathy Fenner, are collaborating to bring the best of SFAL to PCKC 2019! This collaborative event will take place March 29-31, 2019 at the Kansas City Convention Center.

Planet Comicon Kansas City, is the largest annual public event in downtown Kansas City, MO, attracting more than 50,000 enthusiastic and passionate fans from the entire region for three days each spring. PCKC brings a wide range of talented comics creators, television and film actors, cosplayers, and pop culture vendors to the heartland. SFAL is known for the amazing variety of stellar artists who journey from around the world to Kansas City to showcase their work and meet their fans.

In 2019, the PCKC exhibit floor will feature an SFAL Pavilion centered around the SFAL directors and support team and showcasing attending SFAL creators. The goal is to bring attention to the unique creators joining PCKC and allow for a significantly larger retail venue for exhibitors. As with previous Spectrum shows there will be educational, social, and networking opportunities for creators that are so valued by the SFAL community.

One of the weekend’s many highlights will be the Spectrum 26 Awards ceremony, which will be held on Saturday evening, March 30. The gala will be held at the historic Folly Theatre, adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center and will be open to all PCKC exhibitors, creators, guests and attendees.

PCKC will handle all table, booth, and ticket sales. Any questions should be directed to the Planet event manager via the official website or social media platform.

SPECIAL EXHIBITOR DISCOUNT OFFER TO SFAL MEMBERS

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration and this new collaboration, creators and vendors who have exhibited at prior SFAL events or been featured in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, are invited to purchase exhibit space for PCKC 2019 at a very special rate. Exhibitor space, both artists alley tables and vendor booths, will be available to the SFAL/Spectrum community at a 20% discount over standard PCKC rates will be valid only until September 30, 2018.

The discount will not be available past the reservation deadline and there will be no guarantee that late sign-ups will be seated in the SFAL area: PCKC’s 400,000 square foot exhibit floor sells out each year and the amount of space allotted SFAL’s exhibitors will depend on how many booths and table are spoken for by the 9/30/2018 deadline.

Regular admission tickets will go on sale at the PCKC website in early Fall.

How do I reserve a booth or table?

Please reply to this email indicating your interest in exhibiting under the SFAL umbrella at Planet Comic Kansas City. The staff at Flesk Publications will begin responding on Monday, August 13 with a hotlink and discount code. With the link and code in hand exhibitors will be able to view the rates and reserve space. The process will be similar to previous SFALs; please review all information regarding space and payment options. When prompted at check-out, simply enter the special code to receive your discount. As mentioned above, the discount code will be valid through September 30, 2018

We look forward to working together to make this a memorable event for everyone!

More details—including guest announcements, exhibitor information, and deadlines—will be forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead via direct emails. Up-to-the-minute news will be available via the official websites of SFAL and PCKC and the PCKC social media pages:

Spectrum Fantastic Art
website: http://www.spectrumfantasticartlive.com
website: http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrumfantasticartlive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrumfantasticart/

Flesk Publications
website: https://www.fleskpublications.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fleskpublications/

Planet Comicon Kansas City web-site and social media
website: PlanetComicon.com
Facebookk: PlanetComiconKC
Twitter: @PlanetComicopn
Instagram: @PlanetComiconOfficial

SFAL Update!

Hi, everyone,

I’m continuing to work on the many details relating to SFAL and the Spectrum 25 awards ceremony. There is much that I am excited about sharing, although it’s still a bit early to release any of the details. This is an event that I care deeply about, and one in which will remain focused on the artists and this mighty creative community.

Thanks so much for your patience from the entire SFAL team!

I’ll post the news here on this blog just as soon as information is available.

Enjoy,

John

Flesk Publications
Flesk Publications on Facebook
Spectrum Fantastic Art
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on Facebook

Text and photos copyright © 2017 John Fleskes. Videos © 2017 Flesk Publications. Artwork © 2017 its respective artists. All Rights reserved.

Spectrum 24 Award Nominations

The jury for Spectrum 24: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art has nominated the top five artworks in eight categories for consideration for either a silver and gold award. Judges Christian Alzmann, Laurie Lee Brom, Mark Newman, Victo Ngai and John Picacio debated the merits of hundreds of pieces of art before finalizing this list on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Flesk Publications offices in Santa Cruz, California.

Established in 1993 by Cathy and Arnie Fenner, the first Spectrum annual appeared in 1994 from Underwood Books; for nearly a quarter of a century it has attracted participants from around the world and has set the standards for excellence in fantasy and science fiction art. John Fleskes became the Director and Publisher of Spectrum in 2014 with volume 21.

The recipients will be announced at the Spectrum 24 Awards Ceremony that will be held at the historic Folly Theater in Kansas City, MO on Saturday, April 22 as part of the art-focused convention, Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. The 2017 Spectrum Grand Master Award honoree will also be announced during the ceremony.

For more information about Spectrum visit: http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com

Congratulations to all of the artists who have been nominated!

ADVERTISING CATEGORY

Kellan Jett

Kellan Jett
Hell (detail)

Edward Kinsella III

Edward Kinsella III
Carnival of Souls

Bill Mayer

Bill Mayer
Savages

Greg Ruth

Greg Ruth
Daredevil

Bayard Wu

Bayard Wu
Hunting

BOOK CATEGORY

Richard Anderson

Richard Anderson
Red Tide

Tommy Arnold

Tommy Arnold
On the Wheel

Brom

Brom
Lamia

Edward Kinsella III

Edward Kinsella III
Danneee

Goni Montes

Goni Montes
Tamiel

COMIC CATEGORY

Arthur Adams

Arthur Adams
Guardians of the Galaxy #19 (cover)

Nic Klein

Nic Klein
Drifter #13, pages 8 and 9

Dave McKean

Dave McKean
Black Dog: The Dreams of Paul Nash

David Palumbo

David Palumbo
Swallowed Whole

Jeremy Wilson

Jeremy Wilson
Chimera Brigade #5

CONCEPT ART CATEGORY

Te Hu

Te Hu
Secret of Seda

Tyler Jacobson

Tyler Jacobson
Hill Giant Queen

Ronan Le Fur

Ronan Le Fur
Fortress Africa

Iain McCaig

Iain McCaig
Minion 5

Sean Murray

Sean Murray
Court of the Dead: Voxxingard

DIMENSIONAL CATEGORY

Akihito

Akihito
Nephila

Amilcar Fong

Amilcar Fong
Oglavaeil The Executioner

Virginie Ropars

Virginie Ropars
Yevabog

Dug Stanat

Dug Stanat
The Corruption of Father O’Malley

Jesse Thompson

Jesse Thompson
Dress-Up Frog Legs

EDITORIAL CATEGORY

Clint Cearley

Clint Cearley
Broken Concentration

Galen Dara

Galen Dara
Seven Salt Tears

Tran Nguyen

Tran Nguyen
La Beaute Sans Vertu

Tim O’Brien

Tim O’Brien
Beyonce “Lemonade”

Armando Veve

Armando Veve
War Music

INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY

Ed Binkley

Ed Binkley
William Finds Some Flowers and a Giant

Wesley Burt

Wesley Burt
Accursed Witch

Bill Carman

Bill Carman
Ms. Hatter and a Smile

Travis Louie

Travis Louie
Mojo Jojo Circa 1897

Stephan Martiniere

Stephan Martiniere
Tie Fighter Down

UNPUBLISHED CATEGORY

J.A.W. Cooper

J.A.W. Cooper
Stealth

Diego Fernandez

Diego Fernandez
375

Jeffrey Alan Love

Jeffrey Alan Love
Orange Skies

Karla Ortiz

Karla Ortiz
The Death I Bring

Greg Ruth

Greg Ruth
Lagoon

 

Enjoy,

John

Flesk Publications
Flesk Publications on Facebook
Spectrum Fantastic Art
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on Facebook

Text and photos copyright © 2017 John Fleskes. Videos © 2017 Flesk Publications. Artwork © 2017 its respective artists. All Rights reserved.

New Spectrum Fantastic Art Live Website!

Hi, all,

We’ve made a new Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event website. We will be providing additional updates and details about the show weekly.

The Booths are now sold out. After talking with Arnie and Cathy Fenner we decided to keep the Artist Tables at the low price of only $250.00. We still have some of those left. It’s an inexpensive way to get you and your art in front of a core audience who supports the fantastic art community.

We have brought our exhibitor list up to date on the new Spectrum Fantastic Art Live website.

Thanks to all of those who have signed up to take part in the show. There would be no event without these exhibitors and we want them to know how much we appreciate all of them!

Here’s a video showing some of those who exhibited at SFAL4.

Here’s the link to see who will be there.

Enjoy,

Text copyright © 2016 John Fleskes. Photos © 2016 John Fleskes. Artwork © 2016 its respective artists. All Rights reserved.