July Shenanigans!
“I drifted into a summer-nap under the hot shade of July, serenaded by a cicada lullaby, to drowsy-warm dreams of distant thunder.” - Terri Guillemets
Summer is in full swing, and our family of creatives are bustling in the studio, diligently working away on personal projects, or as in some cases, an upcoming Kickstarter campaign. Among them is Katie Sawatski, a versatile force in our ranks, particularly renowned as our fashion guru.
Katie's expertise spans across diverse creative realms, including video game development, comic writing and illustration, and enhancing pitch decks for animated features, TV shows, and documentaries. Her impressive portfolio features collaborations with esteemed clients such as Image, IDW, Netflix, and EA Games. Beyond her professional achievements, Katie has also imparted her knowledge by teaching game design and figure drawing, actively mentoring aspiring newcomers in her fields of expertise.
Currently, Katie is deeply immersed in a thrilling collaboration with Kyle J. Smith on the graphic novel "Blackmouth." Set in a fantastical realm of sword and sorcery, "Blackmouth" weaves a coming-of-age gothic tale infused with elements of magic, horror, and romance—ideal for enthusiasts of From Software's Dark Souls, Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, and Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher series.
The narrative unfolds around Arik, a haunted young man who tragically lost his mother to a Witch during his childhood. Now grown, Arik finds solace in Aoife, a mysterious newcomer to Blackmouth. However, their tranquility is shattered when the Witch resurfaces, threatening Aoife's life. Determined to protect his beloved, Arik embarks on a perilous journey into the foreboding, enchanted woods surrounding Blackmouth, where he must confront and defeat the malevolent Witch who has tormented him for so long.
But now it’s time to know Katie better…
What is your favourite word, and why?
“Noice.” Facetiously or earnestly delivered, it’s always a winner.
What is your least favourite word, and why?
“Disappointment.” It’s the worst feeling in the world! It makes me think of sad children on Christmas morning.What turns you on creatively?
Fashion, which is to me everyone’s singular opportunity to self-design.
What turns you off creatively?
I hate to detect corporate influence getting in the way of good storytelling. Although the internet will rake the creatives over the coals, you can’t really judge anything when their hands have been tied tight by executives with silly ideas.What is your creative routine?
I try to begin a project by looking for a mood or vibe that’s gonna grab me and help me step into the world that I’m being asked to illustrate. Once I’ve latched on, I begin hunting down reference and inspiration like it’s prey, chasing that vibe. I make extensive mood boards and reference folders, but at this stage I'm not yet reigning myself in. At a certain point though, I get the feeling I’m ready to draw, to translate that vibe through my own filter.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
UFOologist. The truth is out there.
What is your favourite creator (Author, illustrator, designer)?
My favourite contemporary artist is Pascal Blanché, out of Montreal. His work is both familiar and nostalgic, while at the same time wholly new and impactful.
How would you describe your upcoming book, Blackmouth?
Blackmouth is a gothic horror with a character-driven narrative. Blackmouth is the city in which it all takes place, so the detail in the locations, the set design, and world-building in general are intricate and dense. The horror mystery is supported by making this setting believable, and the gothic elements carry the mood.
You can follow Katie on Instagram [@thisismyface], X [@KatieSawatsky], & Facebook [@thisismyfacerightnow].
As summer unfolds, we're lining up talented new artists to feature in our gallery at 1720 Queen St. West, nestled in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale neighbourhood. Mark your calendars and join us to explore our exciting lineup of upcoming shows and events. If you're in the area and interested in attending our exhibition openings, sign up for RAID Sessions on Meetup.com to stay informed and secure your spot!
50 | The Art Of Matt Herzog | June 21 - August 19
Come see the extraordinary works of Matt Herzog. Formerly a tattoo artist in Berlin, Matt is known for his unique approach to art, he creates his own paper and paints, and masterfully works with pigments, dyes, and watercolours.
With influences that range from Japanese woodblock Printing, Judaic mythology, and Qabalistic Symbolism, Matt’s are is unique and mesmerizing.
REMIX: The Art Of Beddo | August 19 - October 21
This exhibit showcases Beddo's ongoing series blending classic comic book covers with Golden Era Hip Hop, featuring posters, prints, and the debut of some original pieces. He focuses primarily on iconic Marvel covers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, intertwining them with the music artists who defined that era for many.
Based in Toronto, Beddo is a versatile comic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer whose work embodies a strong Old School theme. He draws inspiration from 90s Hip Hop, movies, sports, and more. His artwork has been prominently featured in print, on screen, and across social media platforms, serving a diverse clientele including CBC Toronto, Footlocker Canada, HULU, Netflix, and TSN.
Currently, Beddo is actively engaged in several projects, including his self-published comic book "UDEJA," a gripping narrative set in post-apocalyptic Toronto, and the second edition of his popular all-ages Coloring/Art Book titled "The Golden Age." He is also nearing completion of "Hip Hop History - the Comic Book," eagerly anticipated for its unique retelling of the culture's legendary origins.
We’re trying something a little different at RAID Press — in an era of digital consumption, algorithms dictating what we see and when, we are turning the clocks back, and diving deep into 90’s nostalgia with the launch of BLITZ magazine, inspired by iconic titles such as Wizard, Comics Scene, and Marvel Age that once graced the shelves of every comic shop.
Yes, some might think us crazy — but we’ve fallen in love with the idea.
BLITZ embodies our ethos of 'For Creators, By Creators,' focusing on independent artists who defy conventions and redefine norms. Dive into candid interviews, deep discussions on the artistry of comics, and insights into the world of crowdfunding. This magazine celebrates the rebellious spirit of indie comics.
BLITZ will debut during Backerkit’s “COMICTOPIA,” a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration among diverse writers and artists running crowdfunding projects from July 18th to August 8th. Throughout the campaign, we're thrilled to collaborate with Magnetic Press for exciting additional content—so stay tuned!
Join us on this revolutionary journey and discover the unfiltered voices of the creative mavericks who are shaping the future of comics.
Why “BLITZ”?
Well that’s a trip down memory lane, and is it’s own story t o tell — which we will, in issue 1 of BLITZ!
Keep following us for more updates…
We are excited to announce a new project fellow RAIDer Marcus To and RAID forefather Chip Zdarsky!
Meet ‘Time Waits’ (not Tom Waits) by Chip Zdarsky, David Brothers, and Marcus To for a sci-fi adventure that defies expectation and time itself!
Meet Blue, a man displaced in time, finding himself trapped in our present-day world. Originally sent back in time on a mission he couldn't bring himself to finish, Blue, a former soldier, settles into a quiet life with Grace, the Sheriff of a tranquil rural town. Together, they forge a future based on love, far removed from the ruthless corporate entities that once exploited Blue's skills as a lethal weapon.
After a decade of building a life together, Blue and Grace stand at the threshold of a significant decision: adopting a child. Just as Grace is about to persuade Blue to embrace this new chapter, their peaceful existence is shattered by an unexpected visitor from the future. The corporate overlords who once controlled Blue now demand his return to complete the mission he abandoned. Their ultimatum is clear: eliminate anyone who stands in the way of their agenda.
Discover more at DSTLRY!
What we cherish most about our community is the strong bonds we share and the opportunity to uplift fellow professionals in our industry. Our dear friend and talented creator Meaghan Carter, known for her webcomics "Take Off!" and "Godslave," has launched an exciting Kickstarter Campaign for her latest endeavor: "The Iron Barge."
Imagine "Mouse Guard" meets "Fallout" in this thrilling adventure comic where anthropomorphic animals navigate a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas. In this imaginative tale, a duty-bound otter and an outlaw lemur must forge an unlikely alliance to evade vengeful pirates in a world dominated by animal rulers. Packed with adrenaline-pumping action, sprinkled with humor, and enriched by its unique world-building, "The Iron Barge" promises an engaging read suitable for upper-middle grade and young adult audiences, as well as anyone seeking a fresh take on dystopian fiction.
Visit Kickstarter now and pledge your support if you’re able!
Summer officially began a few days ago, but we’re already thinking ahead and preparing for FAN EXPO Canada, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 22 to August 25. While we don’t have our “official” table assignments yet — fans familiar with our setup will know where to find us. But once we have said details, we’ll share them with you ASAP!
The whole RAID team will be there, sharing new projects, and promoting up coming ones — in the meantime you can follow our journey there on our @theraidstudio Instagram and Tik Tok accounts!
[ ABOVE: A flashback to Toronto Comicon earlier this year! ]
Have you ever glanced at a chair and thought, "Wow, that's definitely fit for a supervillain”? Alternatively, if you happen to be a supervillain searching for the ideal chair to carry out your world conquest in comfort, look no further.
In either case, TheDanRosen has got you covered…
Let us know which one is your favourite in the comments below!