Artist Jeff Balke returns to the Queen City for the 2026 Cincinnati Comic Expo!

Jeff Balke is a multifaceted creator, entrepreneur, writer, voice actor, and rising
producer/director, bringing bold, character driven animation to life through his studio, Jeff Balke Studios. Founded in 2015, his studio specializes in 2D animation using Jeff’s signature technique, Digital Cel Animation, and is home to his beloved cast of characters known as Stanley and Friends: Stanley Squirrel, Natasha Squirrel, Chester Chipmunk, Baby Fang, Billy Billington, and Bandit.

Jeff’s storytelling spans mediums, from animated shorts to Eisner nominated comics. Each project infused with heart, humor, and a touch of magic. His studio’s debut comic, Stanley’s Ghost, published by Storm King Productions, sparked an annual Halloween tradition featuring Stanley and Friends, embarking on spooky adventures.

Currently in production is Jeff’s first ever “mini-mini” series, Coming to Life, starring Stanley and the gang. Each short is hand drawn, frame by frame, in the spirit of the classic animation masters. The series is set to debut this summer. Also underway is Jeff’s first Claymation/stop-motion animation, featuring his original Dancing Skeletons, complete with an original score and story.

Before launching his studio, Jeff spent nearly two decades as an award-winning comic book colorist, working with industry giants like Marvel, Image, Zenescope, and Storm King Productions just to name a few. He’s earned two Eagle Award nominations for best colorist and won the Shel Dorf Award for Colorist of the Year in 2011. In 2007, he pioneered Sketch ColoringTM, a hand-colored commission style using markers on black and white comic covers, now known as Original Hand Coloring creating one-of-a-kind prints, posters, and collectibles.
Follow the creative journey at www.jeffbalkestudios.com and on Facebook, YouTube, and Facebook / Instagram: @JeffBalkeStudios.

NEW YouTube channel for Stanley and Friends: @StanleyAndFriendsCartoons

Meet Jeff Balke by getting your tickets to the 2026 Cincinnati Comic Expo here.