Jozef Szekeres

Jozef Szekeres (born 4 July 1970) is an Australian artist, animator, writer, toy designer, sculptor, creative director and Arts Lecturer, and a director of the Black Mermaid Productions creative team based in Australia. He is best known for his doll creation Elizabet Bizelle launched through his company Jozef Szekeres Dolls, released in 2003. He was a finalist in the Australian Cartoonist Association Stanley Awards 2011, with nominations for Best Australian Illustrator and Australian Comic Book Artist.[1]

He co-created and illustrated the comic book series ElfQuest – WaveDancers circa 1993–94, and is currently in production of a new comic book series called Elf-Fin:Hyfus & Tilaweed in collaboration with co-creator Julie Ditrich, using the original characters and concepts they created for the previous series. A preview was released April 2011, with a later edition released in May 2013.[2][3][4]

Early life

Szekeres was born in Blacktown, Sydney, and grew up near Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW, graduating in 1988 from the Central Coast Grammar School in Erina, Central Coast. He attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in the Music Composition School, but did not graduate. In 1989 he moved to the Sydney CBD to work at the Walt Disney Animation Australia Studio, now known as DisneyToon Studios, and was the youngest animator employed there at that time.

Career

Animation

At Walt Disney Animation Australia,[5] he was a principal animator on a series of films and TV series.

On Aladdin: The Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, he animated both Jasmine and Aladdin, creating reference maquettes of both characters. He did development work on Belle for Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas 2. On The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, he animated the Ariel, Melody and Prince Eric characters. On Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure, he focused on human characters, such as the adult Wendy and the mermaids in Return to Never Land. He also sculpted a reference maquette of Wendy. His final work for DisneyToons Australia was on The Jungle Book 2 as senior animator on Shanti.

He also did extensive work on Disney television productions,[6] such as title and episode animation of both Tarzan and Jane for Tarzan & Jane. He did character development work and animation on the lead female role Dylandra for the Bonkers (TV series), and Jasmine and Aladdin on the Aladdin (TV series). On the Gargoyles (TV series), Szekeres animated key sequences of Elisa Maza[7] and Goliath for the "Seeing Isn't Believing" episode. Other television work includes Goof Troop, Darkwing Duck, and Winnie the Pooh.

As a freelance 2D animator and animation director, he created television commercials for both Australian and international markets. Most notably Finlandia Vodka Pulp,[8] Mr Sheen, Strongbow Cider Cyborg and Blowtorch, Cafe with Billy for Nescafe, The Fifth Finger for KitKat, and FantasticRiceCrackers for Fantastic.[9]

Szekeres animated the full episodes of Boy from Woy (TV 1999) (with additional animation done by Steve Moltzen) for Mudfish, and for Catflap Animation Petals: Windy Weather (TV 1998). Outside of animation but still in the film industry, Szekeres was also a conceptual designer on the feature films, Dark City and Cut, and has worked occasionally over the past 15 years with MEG (Make-up Effects Group Studio) on their commercials and feature films as a conceptualist and sculptor.

Comic Books

Szekeres left Walt Disney Animation Australia for the first time in 1993 to pursue illustrating the comicbook series ElfQuest/WaveDancers[10][11][12] which he co-created with Julie Ditrich and Bruce love of Black Mermaid Productions. As the work was securely co-created by this trio, the rights to the WaveDancers' characters (both design and story elements, excluding any ElfQuest aspects) are now held by Black Mermaid Productions in Sydney Australia,[13] ComicShopNews1999.WaveDancers Come Home wherein they are creating new stories and artwork utilising these characters in a new series called Elf-Fin: Hyfus & Tilaweed.[14]

After ElfQuest/WaveDancers, Szekeres worked with Sirius Entertainment on their Safety-Belt Man comic book series for two issues, before undertaking Erik Larsen's character in the Dart miniseries published by Image Comics. Originally intended to be the beginnings of Dart, it was deemed many years later not to be cannon by Larsen.[15]

Szekeres returned to Sirius Entertainment in 1999 to work with Joseph Michael Linsner and his Dawn character (at that time published by Sirius), and created new mermaid representations of the Goddess character for two publications, Dreams of Dawn Wizard #1/2, and Dawn: Return of the Goddess #3.[16]

After over a decade of absence from the comic-book medium, Szekeres has returned to work with long time co-creator Julie Ditrich on Elf-Fin: Hyfus & Tilaweed,[17] first published in 2011.

Illustration

Szekeres' illustration works have been collected several times in books/magazines/journals, highlights being Stripped Uncensored and Completely Stripped published 2009 and 2010 respectively in Germany by Bruno Gmünder,[18][19][20][21] as well as featuring in leading campaigns, such as the 2007 Sydney Mardi Gras,[22][23][24] and 2008 Sleaze Ball (which is also part of the Sydney Mardi Gras). For the 2008 Sleaze Ball, titled Villains Lair, a collector card set consisting of 16 of Szekeres's villainous artworks created specifically for the event were released for members and partygoers. Szekeres released his own collector card set (or loose leaf book) The Art of Jozef Szekeres: Mermaids & Mermers[25] in 2008 collecting 100 artworks, they range from unpublished pieces early in his career to his most recent published works of that time.

Gaming

Szekeres worked in the gaming industry as a senior illustrator/animator for Aristocrat from 2001-2006. His work includes: Dinosaur, Queen of Sheba, Antony and Cleopatra, Butterfly Kiss (cover of the Aristocrat 2008 NSW Catalogue), Love Stuck, Wild Waratah, Heart of Vegas (used for an Aristocrat Catalogue cover), Miss Kitty, Moonlight Waltz.

As a freelancer Szekeres created gaming art packages for The Last King of Egypt and Treasured Discovery for NexGen. He also released game highlights for TrueBlue: Fire Chief for Atronic 2009, World Safari for IGT 2010, Aztec Beauty for Aruze 2011.

Lecturing

Szekeres has undertaken various sessions for the ASA Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio, and sequential art industry-related talks for the Australian Society of Authors (ASA). (2008–2011).
Supanova (2007–2011).
Various workshops to adults and children on 'Creating Comics' with other Black Mermaid Productions directors. Presented workshops at: Casula High School, Terrigal High School, St Edwards College (Central Coast), and spent a week lecturing in Broken Hill at assorted venues, sponsored by the Broken Hill City Library.
OzCon panel sessions on comics sequential art.
Course lecturing at the JMC Academy in the Sydney campus (2010–2011)
Guest lecturing and Art Direction on location in Austria for Novomatic (2011)

Sculptor/Toy Designer

Szekeres has had a fascination with figural sculpture from childhood,[26] early in his career sculpting maquettes for Disney's Aladdin and Jasmine,[27][28][29] Dylandra[30] and adult Wendy.[31] Szekeres further explored sculpture adding new sculptural elements to Barbie and G.I. Joe purchased toy parts.[32]

In 2003, Szekeres released his first fashion character/doll Elizabet Bizelle (with sister character Kotalin Bizelle) titled Dangerous Discovery, the first Australian created fashion doll.[33][34][35][36][37]

In 2006, Szekeres released his doll editions Elizabet Bizelle Lady in Red, and Kotalin Bizelle Birthday Bash.[38][39][40][41][42]

2000 Sydney Millennium Olympic Games

The 2000 Sydney Mascots, Ollie, Syd and Millie, were designed by Jozef Szekeres and Matt Hatton, being three native Australian animals. They represent earth, air and water.

"Olly" – (from Olympic), a kookaburra, epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity and universal generosity.

"Syd" – (from Sydney), a platypus, represents the environment and captures the vigor and energy of Australia and its people.

"Millie" – (from Millennium), an echidna, is a techno-whiz and information guru, with all the facts and figures at her fingertips.

Also in this role, Szekeres created the original three-dimensional physical sculptures/maquettes of the Macots.

Exhibits

Szekeres had his first solo art exhibition in Sydney November 2011. Guest speaker at the launch night was Colleen Doran.[43] The Exhibition was curated by Charles Heyen.

Bibliography

Comics work (Cover art and interior art) includes:

OBLAGON'' No. 1 (Anthology) published 1992 in Sydney by Kaleidoscope Publishing
Back cover
Unknown Seas b/w 7 sequential art pages
Medusa b/w 4 sequential art pages
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Jozef Szekeres with Dean Carpenter
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 1 published December 1993 in USA by WaRP Graphics in USA
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part One colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 6 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 2 published February 1994 in USA by WaRP Graphics
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part Two colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 2 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 3 published April 1994 in USA by WaRP Graphics
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part Three colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 1 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 4 published June 1994 in USA by WaRP Graphics
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part Four colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 1 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 5 published August 1994 in USA by WaRP Graphics
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part Five colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 1 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

ELFQUEST/WAVEDANCERS'' No. 6 published October 1994 in USA by WaRP Graphics
Front Cover
Search for the True Crown Part Six colour 24 sequential art pages
Genre: Fantasy
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

SAFETY-BELT MAN #3 published February 1995 in USA by Sirius Entertainment Inc.
Back Cover
The Videon Truth Part One b/w 14 sequential art pages
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Writer: Robb Horan
Target Audience: Young Adult

SAFETY-BELT MAN #4 published June 1995 in USA by Sirius Entertainment Inc.
Front Cover
The Videon Truth Part One b/w 31 sequential art pages (plus 2 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Writer: Robb Horan
Target Audience: Young Adult

DART No. 1 published February 1996 in USA by IMAGE Comics
Front Cover
Dart Part One Colour 22 sequential art pages
Genre: Superhero
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

DART No. 2 published April 1996 in USA by IMAGE Comics
Front Cover
Dart Part Two Colour 22 sequential art pages
Genre: Superhero
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

DART No. 3 published June 1996 in USA by IMAGE Comics
Front Cover
Dart Part Three Colour 22 sequential art pages
Genre: Superhero
Writer/s: Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love
Target Audience: Young Adult

DREAMS OF DAWN #1/2 published 2000 in USA by Sirius Entertainment Inc. & Wizard Entertainment Group
Dawn Colour 1 sequential art page
Genre: Fantasy
Writer: Joseph Michael Linsner
Target Audience: Adult

DAWN/RETURN ON THE GODDESS No. 3 published November 1999 in USA by Sirius Entertainment Inc.
The Angel and the Mermaid back-up story Colour 6 sequential art pages
Genre: Fantasy
Story: Joseph Michael Linsner
Writer: Robb Horan
Target Audience: Adult

ELF-FIN: HYFUS & TILAWEED #PREVIEW published April 2011 (August 2011 MerCon reprint with additional front and back cover artworks) in Sydney by Black Mermaid Productions
Front Cover
Hyfus & Tilaweed Preview colour 24 sequential art pages (plus 9 additional internal art pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Story: Julie Ditrich and Jozef Szekeres
Writer: Julie Ditrich
Target Audience: Young Adult

References

  1. ↑ http://cartoonists.org.au/awards
  2. ↑ Julie Ditrich; Jozef Szekeres (November 2011). Elf~Fin : Hyfus & Tilaweed : preview / story by Julie Ditrich & Jozef Szekeres (World Mermaid Awards Limited ed. ed.). Sydney NSW: Black Mermaid Productions. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-9808759-1-1.
  3. ↑ Australian Society of Authors. "Comics / Graphic Novels Mission Statement". In response to publishing trends and the needs of our members and prospective members, in 2007 the ASA formed the Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio—a special interest group that aims to provide industry support to Australian artists and writers currently working in the comics medium and, in particular, the graphic novel format. The current portfolio holders are Jozef Szekeres and Julie Ditrich.
  4. ↑ http://www.comicvine.com/elf-fin-hyfus-tilaweed-1-elf-fin-hyfus-tilaweed/4000-398702/
  5. ↑ Jozef Szekeres. "imdb". Animation. imdb.
  6. ↑ Jozef Szekeres. "IMDB". Animation TV series. IMDB.
  7. ↑ Juan F. Lara | Additional Comments by Jozef Szekeres. "Seeing Isn't Believing". www.gargoyles-fans.org. "Elisa had Jasmine's eyes, Pocahontas's physique, and Jessica Rabbit's walk. You had to see THAT to believe it. :-)" – Juan F. Lara. "I animated quite a bit of Elisa footage for this episode. There were some really fun close ups that I did. I remember a walk to camera that I did of Elisa that was sexy as... Plus a transformation scene which I really liked. I really didn't know much about the series when we did the episode. I don't think it was screening in Australia at the time, and we had only a few episodes as reference. I basically animated Elisa as I wanted to see her, and have fun with it. It was treated like a throw away project, a fill-in, and time filler, so the lead up time that we would usually get to "know" a character was not there, so we (all) pretty much did them as we wanted to do them. I mostly animated the female leads during my time with Disney, and so, I was the guy that animated love scenes and scenes where the female leads needed to be feminine and/or sexy. So, I just went to town on Elisa." – Jozef Szekeres
  8. ↑ "SHOTS". Advertising and Creative Worldwide. Scandinavian Selection (48): 3. September 1998. 16. FINLANDIA PULP VODKA: 'GOODBAR'. Agency:Desire Brand Management, Sydney. Creative Team: Paul Roberts, Jason Brooks, Mel Carr, Cath Caines. Directors: Don Ezard (Director of Live and Effects Animation), Jozef Szekeres (Director of Animation), Fabio Nardo (Director of Backgrounds). Production Company: Film Graphics, Sydney. Producer: Juke Lengell. Animator: Jozef Szekeres. Music: Supersonic, Sydney.
  9. ↑ "Australian Creative". Animation: MUDFISH, the Animation Company. Spring: 34. 1999.
  10. ↑ Greg McElhatton (March 1994). "The Never-ending Quest". WIZARD (USA) (#31): 82–86. WaveDancers concerns a group of elves who live in a novel location – beneath the surface of the water! Written by Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love and illustrated by Jozef Szekeres, all of whom live in Australia. "They came to us with a proposal," Richard Remembers, "but were a little bit hesitant, because they were afraid to muck around with the ElfQuest universe. We took a look at it and started saying, "Please! Muck around!" So yes, WaveDancers will be part of the official continuity. In the first storyline, there are connections between these elves and the other ones on the World of Two Moons. As the series progresses, there will be more of an awareness between the different groups of elves on the planet." The series' narrative will be broken up into six-issue arcs. "The story comes to an end like all ElfQuest stories," Richard says, "but if sales are good and we're all happy, we'd love to have them stay with us for quite some time to come. Jozef Szekeres, like so many of the other artists we work with, comes from animation. He worked with Disney on things like the new Aladdin TV show, but he's putting that on hold to work with Warp Graphics. We're flattered, to put it mildly!.
  11. ↑ Drew Bittner (22 June 1993). "New Elves For Old". Comics Scene (USA: Norman Jacobs) (#36). Towards the year's end, we'll publish a fourth title, WaveDancers. This is the story of a tribe of elves that splintered off from the main group early on in their history and went under the sea, as it were: it's written by Julie Ditrich and Bruce Love, with art by Jozef Szekeres. There'll be some crossover between the major ElfQuest characters and the WaveDancers.
  12. ↑ Steve Darnall (July 1994). "ElfQuest: WaveDancers #4". Hero Illustrated (13): 30. The Good: Szekeres' art walks a line between the Pinis and Disney's Little Mermaid without being derivative of either. Nice coloring, too. A real treat.
  13. ↑ Comic Shop News. 1999. The rights to the characters formerly known as the original ElfQuest:WaveDancers have reverted to Black Mermaid, who originally created these characters and their exploits for WarpGraphics. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. ↑ Julie Ditrich; Jozef Szekeres (April 2011). Jozef Szekeres and Julie Ditrich, ed. Elf~Fin : Hyfus & Tilaweed : preview / story by Julie Ditrich & Jozef Szekeres (1st ed.). Sydney NSW: Black Mermaid Productions. p. 36. ISBN 978-0-9808759-0-4.
  15. ↑ "Erik Larsen declares". Image Comics messageboard. Erik Larsen declares the Dart miniseries "non-canon" on the Image Comics messageboard
  16. ↑ Bud Plant (1999). "DAWN: Return of the Goddess #3". Bud Plant Comic Art (Comic art & illustrated books) (Bud Plant): 151. Includes a stunning backup tale (we thought it was Linsner's work at first) by Jozef Szekeres.
  17. ↑ Jules Faber (2011). "Reviews". Inkspots. Autumn (65): 1. Beautifully weighing the charming earlier scenes of the cheerful Mers with the encroaching darkness at book's end, the story brings to life a rich and complex universe with an entire culture just waiting to be explored... and is described beautifully in Szekeres' dynamic and broadly colourful palette. This is truly exquisite comic book artwork of an underwater world in which viewers won't have trouble seeing Szekeres' Disney history, with extraordinary character movement and expression exploding richly from every page. Use of computers appears limited with Szekeres instead employing traditional methods much of the time to create the artwork. this lends an honesty not apparent in many of today's over-saturated superhero comics and better places us in the depths of the underwater world. No doubt the temptation to utilise technology to over-paint the world existed, and Szekeres' work is commendable in its restraint. It's a major flaw in comics when the artwork doesn't suit the story or vice versa, but here the two are in perfect harmony, Ditrich's writing bringing us gently into the world (thought not spoon-feeding us) and Szekeres making sure we stay there when we arrive. This is a unique comic exploration of a subject rarely engaged and certainly never crafted in such magnificent fashion.
  18. ↑ Stephan Niederwieser, ed. (2009). Stripped Uncensored (1st ed.). Germany: Bruno Gmunder. pp. 246–249. ISBN 978-3-86787-025-2.
  19. ↑ Barry Lowe (19 August 2009). "Tell-tale art". SX (Peter Walton). Having my artwork as the event party poster for Mardi Gras in 2007, and creating support artwork for Sleaze Ball: Villains’ Lair in 2008 must have lifted my profile internationally, as I was invited to present ten artworks for consideration to Stripped Unstripped,” Szekeres says. Such inclusion showcases that Aussie artists are equal (if not better) to anything else in the world which Szekeres hopes will lead to more opportunities for the artists to make a living from their work.
  20. ↑ Jozef Szekeres (March 2009). "Jozef Szekeres Gallery". Heavy Metal (USA): 11–14.
  21. ↑ Myles Wearring, Jonathan Turner, Joe E Jeffreys. Dean Durber and Jonathan Andrews (January 2007). "Text Appeal". BLUE (66): 50–64.
  22. ↑ Leigh Harris (2007). "Mardi Gras Parade & Party Guide '07". Bent (Onion Publishing and Media Pty Ltd). Mardi Gras 2007.
  23. ↑ Barry Lowe (7 February 2008). "Drawing attention". SX (Peter Walton) (367): 46. He's the man who created the poster for last year's Mardi Gras, a giant career leap...
  24. ↑ Krathyn White (2007). "The Illustration Imperative". Bent: just a bit queer (Onion Publishing and Media. Pty Ltd). Mardi Gras 2007: 1, 48, 49, back cover. Behind every great poster is an artist, and the artist behind this year's iconic Mardi Gras poster is multitalented Sydney artist Jozef Szekeres. Posters can make or break an event, fulfilling myriad informational and marketing functions in one foul swoop and offering punters, partygoers and kids on the streets a way of connecting with an event for whatever reason. The artist responsible for this year's Mardi Gras poster is local lad Jozef Szekeres who drew on his experiences growing up in Australia to help create the poster's artwork. Seeing his art as the poster child and "face" of Mardi Gras 2007 is something Szekeres says fills him with a huge rush, no matter how many times he sees it. "It's also an honour artistically and personally. I feel part of my community's history...
  25. ↑ Krathyn White (2008). Sleaze Ball 2008. Onion Publishing and Media Pty Ltd. pp. 42, 43. Mardi Gras poster artist Jozef Szekeres has been keeping art collectors happy with his first ever collection of his artworks in print. The Art of Jozef Szekeres: Mermaids & Other Mermers is a 100-piece card set of his artwork ranging from unpublished pieces early in Jozef's career to his most recent published work. |first1= missing |last1= in Editors list (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  26. ↑ Margot Date; Johanna Sweet (24 July 1995). New Week: 80. (Jozef) collected Barbie dolls until he turned 13... Most Barbie collectors don't like it because she's not true to the doll. The porcelain version is 5 cm taller than the regular doll. But if you strip them dow, they're finely sculpted. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  27. ↑ www.imdb.com. "Aladdin (TV Series 1994–1995)". maquette sculptor "Aladdin" and "Jasmine"
  28. ↑ www.imdb.com. "The Return of Jafar (Video 1994)". maquette sculptor "Aladdin" and "Jasmine"
  29. ↑ www.imdb.com. "Aladdin and the King of Thieves (Video 1995)". maquette sculptor "Aladdin" and "Jasmine"
  30. ↑ www.imdb.com. "Bonkers (TV Series 1993–1994)". maquette sculptor "Dylandra"
  31. ↑ www.imdb.com. "Return to Never Land (2002)". www.imdb.com. maquette sculptor "Adult Wendy"
  32. ↑ Jim Farone (1998). 2nd Fashion Doll Makeovers: Learn from the Artists. USA: Hobby House Press, Inc. pp. 80–81. ISBN 0-87588-515-2. I fell in love with the ""Barbie"" doll and started collecting her at a very early age. Yet, at the same time I felt a great need to modify her to my own (artistic) needs and desires... My long term goal is to have my own line of fantasy dolls.
  33. ↑ "Elizabet Bizelle:The Dangerous Discovery limited edition of 500 dolls". www.jozefszekeresdolls.com. 2003. Dressed in her first outfit "Dangerous Discovery™", Elizabet™ is on her first case in Monaco to recover the stolen Australian opal "The Tasmanian Tiger Tear" from a suspected terrorist posing as a wealthy high roller. Elizabet's™ older sister Kotalin Bizelle™ is also an international spy, though vastly more experienced, and at the top of her game. Unbeknownst to Elizabet™, Kotalin™ has been sent as a back-up to Elizabet's™ first assignment. She is also wearing "Dangerous Discovery™", and is ready at a moment's notice to move in and replace her younger inexperienced and slightly klutzy sister if harm comes her way. Both dolls have the same hairstyles, each available in either Raven, Red, or Blonde. Each doll comes with a stand, shoes, earrings, and a purse to hold her hand gun. Edition Sold Out.
  34. ↑ Penny Azar (2003). "The LizBiz". FDQ: Fashion Doll Quarterly (USA: Pat Henry). Beauty: 53–55. Just owning a doll wasn't enough for Jozef, there were bits and pieces of various dolls that he liked, just that not all dolls had good features... (he) set out on his adventure to make what for him, would be the doll he'd like the most.
  35. ↑ Penny Azar (2003). "The LizBiz: Jozef Szekeres takes us inside the factory, where Elizabet and Kotalin come to life". FDQ: Fashion Doll Quarterly (Pat Henry) (MEN): 28–31. We had met to discuss the very recent trip that Jozef (Szekeres) had made to China. This trip was to oversee the final assembly of the doll, and her packaging, so that he could be sure that she was every bit as perfect as he has always hoped she would be, for people who would be following the adventures of the two sisters (Elizabet and Kotalin Bizelle) – and the adventure of Jozef (Szekeres) himself, into the world of doll maker.
  36. ↑ Karen Caviale (January 2004). HauteDoll (USA: Karen Caviale and Marlene Mura) 1 (1): 20. Meet Australian born Elizabet Bizelle, an aspiring model with a hobby in Cryptozoology. That was her M.O. until she was recruited as a spy for the International Paradise Agency, an organisation working against world terrorism. Now, her code name is LizBiz... Most other 16-inch dolls' clothes and shoes fit Elizabet and Kotalin. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  37. ↑ Trina Laube (August 2004). DOLLS (Jones Publishing) 23 (6). While many women may be offended to hear someone say they are hiding behind their looks, that's exactly what Australian-born Elizabet Bizelle wants. With a sleek and slim figure, an upswept ponytail hairstyle and a beautiful face, she has the looks of a supermodel. Her wardrobe would make most girls green with envy. But beneath the glamourous good looks and fabulous fashions lies a secret. The silk purse she carries doesn't hold the usual lipstick and hand cream – she uses the purse to hide her handgun. And the Paradise Model Agency she and sister, Kotalin, work for is really an international sanctioned spy organisation, with ancient roots, that works toward world peace. The story behind the new fashion dolls by Australian designer Jozef Szekeres is intriguing, and it's one he plans to build on with every new dressed doll he creates... "I put the elements that excited me into the storyline of the dolls". Missing or empty |title= (help)
  38. ↑ Pat Henry (2005). FDQ:Fashion Doll Quarterly (Pat Henry). Brides: 30–31. Jozef Szekeres hits the shore of the US, and brings with him the new line of dangerously curvy girls with guns. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  39. ↑ DOLLS (November 2006). DOLLS (USA: Jones Publishing): 16. The Australian doll designer is a bona fide doll enthusiast. Elizabet and Kotalin are three-dimensional embodiments of Szekeres's artwork. A glamour illustrator and Disney animator, he excels at depicting women who are bright and breathtaking. "I see Elizabet and Kotalin as having grace, and getting their job done" – Jozef Szekeres Missing or empty |title= (help)
  40. ↑ Elicia Murray (24 November 2006). Metro (Sydney Morning Herald): 26 http://smh.com.au/metro. "Generally Australians don't know anything beyond Barbie for collectable dolls," Szekeres says. "The market is booming in America, but Australians are just starting to cotton on... I've always had an aptitude for doing the female form." The Matrix and Underworld (films) provide much of the inspiration for Elizabet and Kotalin's edgy look. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  41. ↑ Grahame Horne (2006). Collecting Bears & Dolls (Australia: Glenville Lee Pty. Ltd.) 1 (2): 18–19. "Dangerous Curves" is the second great release of Elizabet Bizelle code named LizBiz and her sister Kotalin Bizelle who are the first ever Australian created fashion dolls. Sculptured by internationally renowned artist Jozef Szekeres, with great attention to detail and stunning outfits. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  42. ↑ Pat Henry (2007). "Around The World in Eighty Days". FDQ: Fashion Doll Quarterly (USA: Pat Henry) (Icons): 34–36. Jozef Szekeres new Kotalin and Elizabet Bizelle dolls make an appearance at Dollz in Oz, in "Birthday Bash" and "Lady in Red". Jozef has updated the dolls with vinyl arms that pop out to change the dolls pose and allow a stance with hands on the hip for that certain spy-like swagger!
  43. ↑ blackmermaidproductions. "Internationally Renowned Comics Artist and Graphic Novelist to Launch Jozef Szekeres Sydney Art Exhibition". Doran was delighted to be asked to launch Szekeres’ first solo art exhibition, “Jozef Szekeres is an artist of exceptional ability, able to dance the boundaries of comics, fine art, illustration and animation. Pop, and charming, welcoming and sexy, dazzling colors and enticing, glamorous figure work. Exceptional attention to detail, inviting and lively. I love Jozef Szekeres, and the only thing wrong with him is that more people don't know who he is. Yet.” – Colleen Doran