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WE ARE CLEVER KAIJU

GREATER THAN THE SUM OF OUR ARTS

We are a community and co-op of visual artists offering education, events, publishing, and a freelance art studio. We are both community-based in Springfield, Missouri, and online-integrated, with participation across multiple states and countries.

Seeing Red: The Clever Kaiju Artists' Showcase

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Community

  • Events for visual arts, networking, and community-building

  • Discord community with demos, challenges, and opportunities

  • Growth groups on discord

  • Webstore, blogs, webcomics, and convention tables to share your work​

Join our email list and we'll gift you
"The Mannequin: The Secret Skill to Drawing Comics Quickly"
with instructor Brian Atkins.

Thanks for subscribing!

The Pen Clique Logo

A monthly, live art show, four years' running, with talented artists that take on the challenge of the month.

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Clever Kaiju Labs

  • Virtual workshops taught by professional artists

  • ​Topics from painting to comic book visual storytelling

  • A platform where our community can teach, learn, and grow together

Explore the Collection

Events

  • The Pen Clique Season 6 e7
    The Pen Clique Season 6 e7
    Mar 26, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT
    https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
    Mar 26, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT
    https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
    Watch the livestream here https://www.facebook.com/CleverKaiju or here https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
  • Artist Brunch
    Artist Brunch
    Mar 29, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
    Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar, 217 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
    Mar 29, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
    Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar, 217 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
    We are back again with an in-person event in Springfield, Missouri, for artists to network and take part in small lessons, demos, and talks. We'll be meeting up at Big Momma's. RSVP'ing is not required but lets you get updates on the event and join the forum.
  • Figure Drawing with Clever Kaiju at Cryptic Tattoo
    Figure Drawing with Clever Kaiju at Cryptic Tattoo
    Apr 11, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    Springfield, 2429 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
    Apr 11, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    Springfield, 2429 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
    Cryptic Tattoo and Social Gallery is hosting this monthly life drawing class with Clever Kaiju instructors. This time, we will be focusing on dynamic figure drawing. Bring your own art supplies and lap board or easel. MUST RSVP and bring $5, CASH ONLY. Due to use of nude models, must be 18 or older.
  • The Pen Clique Season 6 e8
    The Pen Clique Season 6 e8
    Apr 30, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT
    https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
    Apr 30, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT
    https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
    Watch the livestream here https://www.facebook.com/CleverKaiju or here https://www.youtube.com/@cleverkaiju
  • CK at Tremendicon 2026
    CK at Tremendicon 2026
    May 29, 2026, 12:00 PM CDT – May 31, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT
    Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
    May 29, 2026, 12:00 PM CDT – May 31, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT
    Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
    Join us at Tremendicon 2026! We'll have a table, and we'll bring workshops, lessons, and more!
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Our Story

It started in 2019 with a small decision to start a Sunday artists' brunch. Our backgrounds varied from comic book artists to animators, but we were more alike than different, and we were growing together. We realized that what we were doing was sorely needed and helping an ever widening circle of artists. We formed the official organization, run by Ike Crawford, Gary Bedell, Nate Howard, and James Rutherford. All the pieces keep falling into place as we continue to construct this behemoth: a production studio, webcomics platform, YouTube channel, publishing house, education platform---the Kaiju keeps growing, made from the passion and talent of our members and becoming something that is greater than the sum of our arts.

Meet the Founders

Become a Supporter

  • One-time Support

    10$
     
    Valid for one month
    • You have our gratitude!

  • Supporter

    2$
    Every month
     
    • - Your name in the thank you section of videos and website
    • - Badge for your website profile
    • - Suggest topics for our videos
    • - Early access to events/labs with limited spots

  • Super Supporter

    5$
    Every month
     
    • Everything for the one dollar level, and...
    • - 20% off all merch and CK Labs
    • - 10% off all books, prints, and other products
    • - Access to purchase an exclusive t-shirt design

  • Supreme Supporter

    20$
    Every month
     
    • Everything for the five dollar level, and...
    • Eternal gratitude

Contact Form

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