artofblairsmith.com

Superheros After Dark

Xion, the Comic book networking group Shawn Alleyne started presents: “Superheroes Afterhours”, a look at some of our favorite comic book characters in a whole other light.
These were Gouache & Ink Renderings 6×8 framed for the show.
Superman $80

Gren Lantern $75

Set-Up

Thanks to Shawn Alleyne for all your help setting up. Xion would not be w/out the dedication this guy puts into it. Bad Ass artist Also.
Check shawn out @
MYSPACE : http://www.myspace.com/pyroglyphics1
http://www.meetup.com/XIONgroup/

XION NEWS

Shawn Alleyne
XION Founder.
Hey Everyone,
Just a reminder that next month’s Xion meeting is fast approaching and we’re only getting stronger. Details-
Date: Saturday, June 6th
Time: 1:30pm to 4pm
Location: Food Court of Independence Mall, 5th and Market
As always, this is an open group so feel free to spread the word \
and bring along whomever you wish. To those new thinking about
participating art or story wise, be sure to include some art materials
and toss that portfolio in so we can check out the skills.
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Looking forward to seeing you there and thanks again,
Shawn Alleyne
XION Founder.
myspace.com/xiongroup
The first book from the xion group is in the printers hands. 18 or so artists + 2 writers in one book.

Artists:

Shawn Alleyne 2-5
Omar Clifton 6-9
Wayne Collins 10-13
Mike Colste 14-17
Mike Gardwer 18-21
Groundsup Studio 22-25
Keith Holmes 26-29
Lee Keller 30-33
Steve Knox 34-37
Kamau M’Shale 38-41
Steve Murray 42-45
Jovan Price 46-49
Alex Smith 50-53
Blair Smith 54-57
Micheal Whitr 58-61
Tre Worrell 62-65

Xion City 66-67

Graphic design- Jerald Johnson
Editor- Blair Smith
Ex. Editor- Shawn Alleyne

XION, Comic Book Networking of Philadelphia

Welcome to XION, the newest Philly based Comic Book Networking/Social gathering. This is a group intended to be a haven for those involved in the comic book industry, those who want to be or those who just have a casual interest in the arts. One and all are invited. Whether it be to collab, pass a business card to network or just to hang and meet some other creative, motivated individuals, this is designed with you in mind. Mission Statement?: To build a support group for individuals who are thinking of operating in the comic book industry and those who actually working on that goal, as well as to build strong friendships and possible good future business relationships. To promote the hobby and the artform of comics. Brought together by Philadelphia artist Shawn Alleyne, the first meeting was held on Saturday November 1st, at Bucks County 40th and Locust, and the second was December 6th. So we’re young but we’re definitely growing with meetings once a month. Please stay tuned for future get togethers and join us in this movement. To paraphrase a great quote: Ask not what your network can do for you, but what you can do for your network.

Now the broad umbrella view for this group would be a social club for comic book fans and creators but the actual structure would be composed of a creator workshop/ networking group/ comic book gathering. Breakdown: CREATOR WORKSHOP: This was put together primarily as a creator workshop. You can’t exist in a vacuum, and this is somewhere where other artists can come together and encourage each other through sharing their work; challenging each other( monthly themes- challenges- art battles); sharing tips( photoshop knowledge-special guests-tutorials); showing your stuff to get advice, feedback or plain ole’ love. NETWORKING GROUP: Now from the friendships come the networking. You’re showcasing your work and that’s advertising and a friend is more likely to speak encouragingly about you. Of course some people are more business oriented than others and it doesn’t have to be a giant love fest, that’s cool too. Hand out business cards; make announcements if you have something going on you want people to know about. Getting to meet new people is what leads to collaborations. THE COMIC BOOK GATHERING: Now this is the social club part where people who already know each other can meet and hang. If you don’t know anyone you meet new people who share the same interests, shoot the breeze. There can be screenings; bring in the latest batch of comics and chill; if you want to take a break from drawing, stop and chat it up. And this can be open for writers too( they can pitch challenges; share some writings; get feedback and once again, maybe have future collabos) as well as other kinds of artists.

myspace.com/xiongroup