Inkwell Awards

The Inkwell Award, sometimes shortened to the Inkwells, is a trophy given in the field of inking in American comic books. The awards were partially named after the Yahoo group whose members include many in the inking community,[1] and after the personal website name of organization founder Bob Almond.[2] The awards concept was created in an "Inkblots" column by Almond in Sketch Magazine #35 in 2007, which saw print in 2008 after the group formation.[3] The mission statement is, "To promote and educate about the craft of comic book inking and to show recognition for ink artists."[4]

Inkwell Award
Awarded forExcellence in comic book inking
CountryUnited States
Presented byThe Inkwell Awards Committee
First awardedJuly, 2008
Websitehttp://www.inkwellawards.com/

History

In January 2008, Bob Almond began an online discussion on the Inkwell Yahoo Group about recognition for comic book inkers. where the topic of an award was broached. Almond invited participants from the group to form a core committee.[5] The founding members were artists Tim Townsend, Jim Tournas, and Bill Nichols, and writer Daniel Best.[6] Artist Adam Hughes and DC Comics editor Mike Marts were recruited as ambassadors to lend support.[7]

For year one, the committee selected several career-retrospective categories.[8] The resulting ballot was open and ran for two months from April through May with the committee selecting nominations for the Hall of Fame award, the "Joe Sinnott", named in honor of that veteran inker.[5] Voting took place online and was open to the public.[9] Following the inaugural results,[10] Townsend departed in July and Nichols in August.[6] The core group choose as successor artist representative Bob Shaw in November and artist-writer Dave Simons in December.[6][11][12][13] An Inkwell Awards forum was created September 16, 2008.[11]

The following year, with the partially revised ballot categories, a separate Nomination Committee was selected to choose nominees whose work had appeared in the previous year.[8][14] The election took place for one month in June 2009.[14][15] Following Simons' death,[16] the core created the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship for students attending the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. Artist Nathan Massengill joined the core after the 2009 awards were announced.[17]

Wizard Entertainment announced in February 2010 that it would support the Inkwell Awards through promotion and space at its shows, and by sponsoring the awards' first live presentation, scheduled to take place at The New England Comic Con on October 1–3, 2010.[18] Voting was rescheduled from June to August.[19] This presentation did not take place, however. In 2011, Heroes Convention took up the position of host show for the annual live presentation ceremony.[20] In 2018, the Inkwells announced the annual live presentation ceremonies would now be hosted in Oaks, Pennsylvania at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con! starting with its 2019 ceremony.[21][22][23] In 2020, there was no live ceremony. Originally there was to be a rescheduled ceremony at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con!, but this convention was later canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.[24]

Ms. Inkwell

In March 2010, the organization introduced its spokesperson character, Ms. Inkwell, conceived by Almond and designed by artist Randy Green with assistance from Massengill.[25] The character debuted publicly at the Pittsburgh Comicon on April 23, 2010 as portrayed by Chrissy Cutler.[25][26] Bob Almond envisioned Ms. India Wells as a more than a "booth babe" but instead a respectable, family friendly member. Ms Inkwell models draw attention to the Inkwell Awards, serving as the public face at many conventions and events. One of their most vital duties are fundraising efforts, including being liaisons between the Inkwell Awards and notable artists for donation support. The longest running Ms Inkwell model is Hailey Skaza-Gagne, who not only has headed fundraising but has been invited personally as a guest since 2017. Hailey has done public speaking and also moderated panels at comic book conventions. She also is the first Ms Inkwell to advance to senior contributor.[27]

Staff

Inker Michael Kellar was the first assistant director of the Inkwell Awards, overseeing auctions and fundraising. Mike Pascale (storyboardist, writer, and artist), who became the second assistant director, is the copy & graphics assistant, handling public relations announcements, proofreading, and fundraising. Erick "the Guru" Korpi oversaw the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. He was the Ms. Inkwell Model Liaison in 2011 and 2013. Erick resigned from the committee in 2015 but joined back up in 2017, the first member to ever serve two terms.

Some committee members do not currently serve full-time. They include Stacey Aragon (who served on the committee from November 2011 to June 2012, handling social networking, press release circulation, and fundraising); Sarah L. Covert (who was technical consultant from November 2011 to August 2013), and Joe Goulart (who was the administrative assistant for conventions, Ms. Inkwell model liaison, and fundraiser from January 2013 to September 2014).

Funding

The Inkwell Awards are self-funded and rely entirely on donations.[28] A 2010 donation book produced by Jimmy Tournas debuted at the Boston Comic Con that April.[29]

Award winners

MVP Award

The Call of Duty Award

Favorite Finisher / Embellisher

Most-Prolific Inker

Favorite Inker
Favorite ink artist over the pencil work of another artist from award year cover-dated, interior, American comic book material.

Most-Adaptable Inker
Ink artist showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists in award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book material.

Props Award
Ink artist deserving of more attention for their work over other pencilers from award year interior cover-dated American comic book material.

The "SPAMI" Award (Small Press and Mainstream-Independent)
Favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book ink work over another pencil artist (Non-Marvel or DC work).


The All-in-One Award
Favorite artist known for inking his/ her own pencil work in award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book material.

Special Recognition Award (aka Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award” (SASRA)) At the June 2017 Inkwell Awards ceremony, founder Bob Almond announced the Special Recognition Award will be renamed the Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award in honor of the long-standing Inkwells member "who ... passed after a decade-long battle with cancer" in 2017.[39] This change will take effect in 2018.

The Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award
A hall of fame designation for an inking career in American comic books of outstanding accomplishment (lifetime achievement, 25 years minimum; two winners chosen annually).

Above & Beyond Award
In celebration of the 10th anniversary in 2018, Almond created this award for organization members who have performed exceptionally or non-members who have made special efforts to further inking as an art form.

  • 2018 Hailey Skaza-Gagne,[27] the longest-running Ms Inkwell, for her fundraising and event contributions; Robert Haines, for his 10 consecutive years on the Inkwell Nomination Committee; Mark Sinnott, for his work as Senior Inkwell Contributor for a decade, as liaison between the Inkwell Awards and his father, Joe Sinnott, and for his work in fundraising for the Inkwells.[41]
  • 2019 Michael Hoskin, the second member to annually serve on the Inkwell Awards nomination committee; Shelton Drum, organizer/promoter of Heroes Con, the show to host the Inkwell Awards ceremonies from 2011-2018.
  • 2020 -- none[45]

Ambassadors

The position of ambassador is one of honor and appreciation.[50] It recognizes creators for their support for the Inkwell Awards. Unless noted otherwise, all ambassadors continue to hold this position.

Special Ambassadors

Ambassadors

The Inkwell Awards have supporting artists who support inkers. These artists who help advocate for inkers are called ambassadors.[54]

Guests of honor and keynote speakers

At many of the live ceremonies, notable comic book creators are invited as guests of honor and keynote speakers.

Contributors

Volunteer contributors[6][7] include artist Dan Panosian, who designed the Inkwell Awards logo. In January 2010, artist Randy Green was added as visual designer of the Ms. Inkwell charity spokesperson character, personified by model Chrissy Cutler.[25]

References

  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-07-23.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Message From Bob Almond
  2. Bob Almond's Homepage
  3. Sketch Magazine #35, Blue Line Pro, 2008, p. 45
  4. Inkwell Awards Homepage
  5. "CBGXtra Forum, The Ticker". CBGXtra.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2008. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  6. Daniel Best & James Tournas. "The Inkwell Awards". The Inkwell Awards. Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  7. "Inkwell Awards Forum". InkwellAwards.com. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  8. Gelbwasser, Mike (2009-05-09). "The Men in Black: Inkwell Awards voting starts soon - Sun Chronicle Online Community". Thesunchronicle.ning.com. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  9. "Newsarama Forum". Newsarama. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  10. Daniel Best & James Tournas. "The Inkwell Awards". The Inkwell Awards. Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  11. Daniel Best & James Tournas. "The Inkwell Awards". The Inkwell Awards. Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  12. "Inkwell Awards Forum - Welcome aboard, Bob Shaw!!". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. 2008-11-11. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  13. "Inkwell Awards Forum - Dave Simons Joins The Inkwell Awards". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  14. "Inkwell Awards Forum - The official 2009 Inkwell Awards press release". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. 2009-05-18. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  15. Daniel Best & James Tournas (2009-06-30). "The Inkwell Awards". The Inkwell Awards. Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  16. "Inkwell Awards Forum - Dave Simons: 1954-2009". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. 2009-06-10. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  17. "Inkwell Awards Forum - Nathan Massengill and The Dave Simons Scholarship". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  18. "Wizard Entertainment press release on October 2010 New England Comic Con". wizardworld.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-20. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  19. "Newsarama press release posted: 22 February 2010". newsarama.com. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  20. "Inkwell Ballot Goes LIVE w/ a SITE RELAUNCH on April 1st! Awards Ceremony at Heroes Con in June!".
  21. "Inkwell Awards: Changing Host Show to the Great Philadelphia Comic Con!". inkwellawards.com.
  22. "First Comic News: Inkwell Awards Changing Host Show Location from HeroesCon to the Great Philadelphia Comic Con!". firstcomicnews.com.
  23. "Dynamite: Inkwell Awards Changing Host Show Location". dynamite.com.
  24. First Comics News: 2020 Inkwell Awards Voting Results
  25. "Inkwell Awards debut Ms. Inkwell". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  26. Ms. Inkwell
  27. Hailey Skaza-Gagne
  28. Books, Blaq (2008-02-15). "20th Century Danny Boy: Presenting...THE INKWELL AWARDS". Ohdannyboy.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  29. "Inkwell Awards Forum - New 2010 Donation book to debut at Boston Comic Con". Inkwellawards.proboards.com. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  30. Inkwell Awards 2008 Winners
  31. Inkwell Awards 2009 Winners
  32. Inkwell Awards 2010 Winners
  33. Inkwell Awards 2011 Winners
  34. Inkwell Awards 2012 Winners
  35. Inkwell Awards 2013 Winners
  36. Inkwell Awards 2014 Winners
  37. Inkwell Awards 2015 Winners
  38. Inkwell Awards 2016 Winners
  39. Inkwell Awards 2017 Winners
  40. Newsarama 2017 INKWELL AWARD Winners
  41. Inkwell Awards 2018 Winners
  42. First Comic News: 2019 Inkwell Awards Voting Results & Ceremony
  43. Word of the Nerd: 2019 Inkwell Award Winners
  44. GamesRadar+ 2020 Inkwell Award Winners
  45. Inkwell Awards Winners 2020
  46. YouTube - Scott Hanna - Heroes Convention 2011
  47. YouTube - Arthur Thibert - Heroes Convention 2011
  48. YouTube - Kevin Nowlan - Heroes Convention 2011
  49. YouTube - J. David Spurlock - Heroes Convention 2011 - Posthumous acceptance on behalf of Wally Wood
  50. "Inkwell Awards Ambassadors".
  51. Inkwell Awards Celebrates Milestone 10th Season
  52. First Comics News - Inkwell Awards Adds New Special Ambassadors
  53. Inkwell Awards Launches 11th Season with New Special Ambassadors Rags Morales, Dan Parsons
  54. Inkwell Award Ambassadors
  55. First Comics News Press Release - Starlin, Meth, and Martin as Inkwell Awards Ambassadors
  56. "First Comics News Press Release - Rich Buckler named Inkwell Awards Ambassador". Archived from the original on 2016-03-19. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  57. The Joe Shuster Awards: Congratulations to Francis Manapul and the other winners of the 2011 Inkwell Awards
  58. Inkwell Awards at 2011 HeroesCon
  59. "She Never Slept: The 2012 Inkwell Awards". Archived from the original on 2016-09-13. Retrieved 2016-09-02.
  60. YouTube - Inkwell Awards 2012 Ceremony, Bob McLeod, Keynote Speaker (Introduction)
  61. YouTube - Inkwell Awards 2012 Ceremony, Bob McLeod, Keynote Speaker (Speech)
  62. "She Never Slept: 2013 Inkwell Awards". Archived from the original on 2016-09-13. Retrieved 2016-09-02.
  63. Inkwell Awards: 2013 Inkwell Awards Celebrate Inkers at 3rd Annual HeroesCon Awards Ceremony
  64. YouTube - Inkwell Awards 2013 Ceremony, Jimmy Palmiotti, Keynote Speaker
  65. Everyone's Wrong and I'm Right (The Blog of Clifford Meth): Inkwell Awards 2014 Winners and Hall Of Fame
  66. Inkwell Awards: Bill Sienkiewicz is Guest of Honor at 2014 HeroesCon Awards Ceremony
  67. YouTube - Inkwell Awards 2014 Ceremony, Bill Sienkiewicz Guest of Honor
  68. "First Comic News: Guest of Honor Klaus Janson to speak at the 2015 Inkwell Awards Ceremony during Heroes Con". Archived from the original on 2015-12-27. Retrieved 2016-09-02.
  69. First Comics News: Special Appearance by Jim Steranko to Highlight the 2016 Inkwell Awards Ceremony at Heroes Con
  70. YouTube - Inkwell Awards 2016 Ceremony, Jim Steranko Special Appearance
  71. Inkwell Awards 2016 Post-Show Video and Transcript
  72. Inkwell Awards: Legends Joe Giella and Allen Bellman Headline The 2017 Inkwell Awards Ceremony at Heroes Con
  73. Inkwell Awards 2019 Voting Results and Ceremony
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