Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) is proud to host our incredible Special Guests this year and each is bringing their own talk (and of course, lovely books, mini-comics and what have you.) to the table.
PROGRAMMING
SATURDAY
Saturday, 12:00pm - 1:00PM
Memoir Comics with Sam Szabo & Caroline Cash
Memoir comics are a mainstay of comics past, present, and future. Hear about the joys, pitfalls, and creative process behind the genre in a discussion with Special Guest Sam Szabo (Enlightened Transsexual Comix) and Caroline Cash (PeePee PooPoo series).
Saturday, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
LAAB Oratory: Ronald Wimberly in discussion with Zach Clemente
What’s a LAAB? Zach Clemente (Bulgilhan Press) chats with Ronald Wimberly (the creator and editor of the critically acclaimed annual art tabloid) about the magazine's origins, its aspirations, its future, as well as what goes into putting it all together.
Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Trung Le Nguyen presents Comics & Fairy Tales
Get a detailed look into the creation of a graphic novel with special guest Trung Le Nguyen (The Magic Fish)! See the process from early ideas all the way to a finished book! The presentation is about traditionally published comics as a mixed language geared toward reluctant or relatively new comics readers.
Saturday, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Horrifically Tender with Beth Hetland & Tyrell Cannon
Beth Hetland's new critically acclaimed body-horror graphic novel Tender (Fantagraphics) is sure to wiggle its way under your skin. Beth is joined in discussion by long-time pal and incredible cartoonist Tyrell Cannon (The Schlub, ERIS, Gary). They will crawl through every dark corner for a look inside the creative process and development of Tender.
SUNDAY
Sunday, 11:30pm-12:30pm
Cupcake Award Panel
Discover the work of this year’s Cupcake Winners! Cupcake artists Natalie Mark 麥月明 and Eli Estrella Pérez are joined by mentors Kat Fajardo (Miss Quinces) and Zachary Clemente (Bulgilhan Press) for a discussion of their work and how it was developed with the Cupcake mentors. An insightful discussion for new and seasoned creators alike.
Sunday, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Bringing WOKE to life: Keith Knight in discussion with Karl Stevens
Get a behind the scenes look into the hit Hulu show WOKE, led by creator Keith Knight in discussion with Karl Stevens. Attendees will see the journey of the show from the initial concept of adapting The K Chronicles all the way through production. Keith is joined in this presentation by Karl Stevens and a secret guest!
Sunday, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Wearing Multiple Creative Caps with Karen Czap, Andrea Bell, & Kimberly Wang
Join us for a discussion of the ins-and-outs of working professionally in the comics & animation industries while maintaining your own creative practice. Get insight into the struggles and advice on how to maintain balance between professional and personal projects.