Jay B. Kalagayan (MeSseD creator, writer and publisher) has been a writer of plays, cartoon strips, reviews, articles, humorous event calendars, promotional materials, fundraising appeals and grants. A Xavier University graduate from Erie, PA, Jay is founder of Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and one of the founders of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. His major influences are his wife Jan and daughters Meggie and Fi. His comic book influences are works by Neil Gaiman, John Ostrander, Mike Baron & Steve Rude, Keith Giffen, Matt Wagner, Matt Fraction and Brian K. Vaughn just to name a few.  
 

Dylan Speeg (MeSseD illustrator) was born in Cincinnati in 1971 in which he has lived his entire life. He attended The Art Academy of Cincinnati in the early 90s and has worked as a portrait painter and illustrator ever since. He is also a musician in the band Heavy Hinges. His major influences are lurid pulp novel covers and Robert Williams, R. Crumb and other comic book artists. His spray paint stenciled illustrations for The CityBeat “Best Of Cincinnati” issue received the Best Illustrated Series Award from the Cleveland Press Club. He likes to use his home town Cincinnati and the people he knows as subject matter. He works nights as a bartender and performs standup comedy on occasion.

 

Geoff Raker (MeSseD Designer) had been a designer for almost 20 years. Got his start with Jay at Know Theatre of Cincinnati creating the brand and designing posters, sets and helping out with anything that need to be done. Currently he is working as a Freelance Designer after years at CityBeat and F+W Media.  He always looks forward to working on projects with Jay for his enthusiasm and child like wonder he brings to every project they work on together.

​

Xu Vien Chau (Lilliput Character Model and Engagement Associate) is a cultural hybrid with roots from Southeast Asia and Saint Petersburg Florida. As of recent, she calls the Midwest home. A student of the University of Cincinnati, she is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science. She is passionate about immigrant storytelling, social equity, and environmental justice. A proud literary nerd, some of her literary heroes includes: Marjane Satrapi, Chang-rae-lee, and Viet Thanh Nguyen.

 

​

Contributing Artists

​

Clint Basinger is the creator, writer, and artist of Cosmic Moustache Comics. Through CMC, Clint has printed 25 comics (and counting). Creating a universe full of heroic & humorous characters such as, Mummynaut, Johhnysaurrus-Rex, Skull Spy, Merlinja, and many more. Read Cosmic Moustache Comics, and fill your moustache with Space-Magic! Check Out: CosmicMoustacheComics.com

​

Gina Marrone (MeSseD contributing artist) is an illustrator, animator, and character designer from Cincinnati. A recent graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati, she is a visual storyteller and writer who has done freelance character design for Noble Ronin Music and other clients, as well as prop design for Flaming Medusa Studios and PBS Kids. She is also a voice actor for Epipheo, and an all-around entertainment nerd.

My work can be found at: http://www.ginamarrone.com/

 

​

MeSseD Support

Byron Hutchins, Engagement Associate

Kristen Ruthemeyer Hammer, Editor and Content Writer

Doug Borntrager, Video Design

Matthew Brendan Szekeresh, Events 

Annie Wadman, Editor 

Emily Cottingham, Editor

Jasmine Thompson, Photography

Ryan Kenter, Intern

​

​

Effluent Advisers 

Jan, Meggie and Fi Kalagayan

David Mack

Andrew Beardsley & Maika Llaneza

Peter Bell

Mark Bendure

Tim Fuller

Helene Herbert

Matthew Brendan Szekeresh

Brendan McEachern

Mat Pentecost

David Powell

Steve Ramos

Chris Smith

Jeff Syroney

Annie Wadman

Christina Wald

​

Questions? Click here to contact us!

​