We have a local drink and draw here in Denver (actually there are about 4 comic meetups I know of in the denver area, I go to the most centralized one, but each have a unique community and atmosphere) Its honestly what had me dropping my art degree since I realized I learned more from artist at the drink and draw than from my teachers. We have Eisner nominees, the guys who originally started the Denver Comic Con, web cartoonist, people who have worked for marvel, people who do graphic design, zinesters, and people who just comic for fun. Sometimes we get writers and illustrators, but its mostly comic people. Ive been meaning to travel up north to the Thorton (Team Red Go) meetups, or south to Squidworks, but its a bit for for me to travel.
It interesting how sometimes just having a meetup will start to attract people. Who would have thought Denver would be jamming with so many comics artist. If it wasnt for the meets starting up, I dont think many of us would have known the others existed, let alone known about a lot of the cool shows (Cons, Zine fests, concerts with art booths, ect...) to go to. We have even been doing comics readings at local coffee shop and books store. Its a lot of fun.
I've never actually done hangouts online, probably because I started going to Drink and Draw like 10 years ago, so I have never had the need (and before that I had art days with my friends in high school) but that sounds really cool. Always nice to meet new comics artist, especially ones who you can't see around town. I always find it a lot more fun to work and converse than to sit by myself and work on comics. Its also nice to bounce ideas off of people you are hanging with and get feedback if you like (this look better with cold or warm colors? These lines look too thin?)
