Curated Digital Artwork Created with Autodesk SketchBook Apps will be Unveiled at VIZ Media 25th Anniversary Event at Comic-Con Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, has announced a collaboration with Autodesk, Inc. to create a limited edition digital art book anthology that will be sold through VIZ Media’s Manga App, with 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds going to support disaster relief efforts in Japan. All of the artwork in the collection, titled ART FOR HOPE, will be created using Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications. VIZ Media and Autodesk have already started working with artists to create works that deliver a message of hope to victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Artists interested in submitting work to be considered for the collection can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The VIZ Media editorial team, together with Autodesk’s team, will select and curate the selections for the digital anthology, which will be released later this fall exclusively through the VIZ Manga App, available on iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. VIZ Media will donate 100% of its net proceeds to the disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Japan. “It has been several months since the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, and financial support is needed now more than ever,” said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. “ART FOR HOPE is a very special project for VIZ Media, and we thank Autodesk for making it possible for artists and fans to support the relief efforts in such a unique manner.” “Digital painting and drawing is within everyone’s reach, and we’re excited to help unlock the artistic potential of VIZ Media fans and professional artists alike for this extremely worthy cause,” Samir Hanna, vice president of the Autodesk Consumer Products Group. Autodesk and VIZ Media will unveil some of the artwork from the ART FOR HOPE project at the VIZ Media 25th Anniversary Event to be held during Comic-Con on Thursday, July 21st at the Andaz Hotel in San Diego. VIZ Media will also announce a groundbreaking new initiative for the manga community.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at viz.com.
About Autodesk, LLC
Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries -- including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects -- use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit autodesk.com.