Collaborative Tape Mural

A two-day workshop to create a large-scale tape mural during ICON. Participants will be given a theme to sketch prior to the workshop. These sketches will be shared and critiqued as a group... more

A two-day workshop to create a large-scale tape mural during ICON. Participants will be given a theme to sketch prior to the workshop. These sketches will be shared and critiqued as a group online. Day One WED: Participants will work as a group selecting sketches, re-drawing and finalizing a master sketch. A short presentation will be given on other mural projects and the topic of art direction and collaboration on large-scale projects will be covered. Day Two THUR: Participants will install the tape mural. The mural will be on display at the Portland Art Museum through the conference, starting at the Thursday night Roadshow/Opening party. The mural will be professionally photographed and documented before being dismantled.

Ride the Weird

Collaborating is more than just the simple task of working with others. It’s a complicated process made up of many layers. Once an individual figures out how to move through those layers and... more

Collaborating is more than just the simple task of working with others. It’s a complicated process made up of many layers. Once an individual figures out how to move through those layers and discover what works for them and the team, a collaboration becomes more than expected.

Get Physical: a Character Workout

Whether it’s a character drawn all the time or a sketchbook of doodles and ideas, this series of exercises is designed to put them through their paces and push, pull and squish them into and... more

Whether it’s a character drawn all the time or a sketchbook of doodles and ideas, this series of exercises is designed to put them through their paces and push, pull and squish them into and out of shape. It will discuss what makes a good character and focus on posing, expression and story. Attendees will get to know their characters better, and will learn to become more flexible and dynamic.

Illustrating Stamps

A history of the UN's Stamp Administration and a look at how the global agency produces stamps for a multitude of social, economic, environmental and entertainment causes. Sergio commissions... more

A history of the UN's Stamp Administration and a look at how the global agency produces stamps for a multitude of social, economic, environmental and entertainment causes. Sergio commissions art for their various stamp series and also creates art for different projects. He’ll talk about the challenges and rewards of “working small" on a grand scale.

Licensing: Demystifying the process of collaborating with companies and getting your artwork onto products

Have you ever wondered how artists and illustrators go about collaborating with companies to get their artwork onto products and dreamt about doing the same with your own work? This lecture... more

Have you ever wondered how artists and illustrators go about collaborating with companies to get their artwork onto products and dreamt about doing the same with your own work? This lecture and Q+A will help demystify the world of art licensing -- what it is, how it works, the pros and cons and things to watch out for, licensing trade shows, and more. You'll also have a chance to get all your burning questions answered so you'll be able to dive confidently into the world of art licensing.

Smart Image, Social Impact: Teaching Illustration and Design Responsibility for Social Change and Innovation

Looking Towards Illustration as a Hybrid Practice

Moving Forward by Looking Back: Emphasizing the History of Illustration in a 21st Century Curriculum

Women in Illustration: The Art of Inclusion in Illustration History

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The Value of Your Work: Standards of Professional Practice in Illustration

Understanding the true value of one’s work and then how to grasp the need to obtain value in return. Learn how pricing and management of rights effects the overall long-term viability of... more

Understanding the true value of one’s work and then how to grasp the need to obtain value in return. Learn how pricing and management of rights effects the overall long-term viability of illustration as a profession for the individual and the community as a whole.

Publishing for Illustrators

Dreaming of seeing your work published in book form? Art book editor Bridget Watson Payne will offer strategies for how to approach a range of different publishing opportunities. Learn how to... more

Dreaming of seeing your work published in book form? Art book editor Bridget Watson Payne will offer strategies for how to approach a range of different publishing opportunities. Learn how to develop an idea, craft a compelling pitch, get in touch with a publisher and connect with an audience. Draft proposals are welcomed but optional.

Space. Time. Continuum? The Principles of Constructing the Illustrative Gag Within the Parameters of Comic Expression

Art Making to Art Thinking: New Paradigms for Illustration Education

Stop ‘illustrating’ and Start Making Work

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

Illustration as an Art Form

Art with Heart: Using Your Powers for Good

Join Art with Heart’s founder for a hands-on “Chill & Spill” activity that explores personal power. Artwork generated will be offered for sale, and will also be scanned for a ‘Zine offered at... more

Join Art with Heart’s founder for a hands-on “Chill & Spill” activity that explores personal power. Artwork generated will be offered for sale, and will also be scanned for a ‘Zine offered at the ICON bookstore. All proceeds and art donations help Art with Heart – a charity that helps children in crisis through creativity – continue their good work. This workshop is FREE.

The Exquisite Story

Prior to the workshop participants will write a paragraph on an assigned subject. The writing will be organized ahead of time into a loose structure. Participants will be given random parts of... more

Prior to the workshop participants will write a paragraph on an assigned subject. The writing will be organized ahead of time into a loose structure. Participants will be given random parts of the text to illustrate. The illustrations will be passed along to another participant, who will then write a one to five sentence response to the image to be passed to the next participant, who will then illustrate the new piece of text. This process will continue for as long as time allows, and like the surrealist game of the Exquisite Corpse — the entire illustrated story will only be revealed at the end of the workshop. We will either print the story in a zine form, or as a series of captioned poster-like images.

Am I Rubbing You the Wrong Way?

Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to create rubbings using laser engraved blocks of wood in an exquisite corpse style, making their own combinations to create a unique memento of... more

Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to create rubbings using laser engraved blocks of wood in an exquisite corpse style, making their own combinations to create a unique memento of illustrators from the conference. Participants will also get the chance to create blocks to incorporate into their piece.

App Design for the Illustrator

In a talk-based presentation (1.5 hours), Joe Rocco will walk through two types of apps experience: creating and preparing app art for coders and designing apps you create yourself using... more

In a talk-based presentation (1.5 hours), Joe Rocco will walk through two types of apps experience: creating and preparing app art for coders and designing apps you create yourself using illustrator-friendly software to generate code for you. Illustrators can use this experience not only for games but for creating e-books, interactive portfolios and picture book trailers.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Party at PNCA

Pacific Northwest College of Art welcomes ICON8 attendees at a a cocktail party on campus.

Pacific Northwest College of Art welcomes ICON8 attendees at a a cocktail party on campus.

Working Quick in Oil Paint: A Demo

Robert Hunt is an illustrator and a noted landscape and portrait painter, recently completing a series of paintings done on location in the Everest region of Nepal. In this workshop Robert... more

Robert Hunt is an illustrator and a noted landscape and portrait painter, recently completing a series of paintings done on location in the Everest region of Nepal. In this workshop Robert will demonstrate oil painting principles and techniques. He will also discuss tools and materials, optimizing set up, colors, brushes, surfaces etc.

You Are Your Own Museum

Artist, Aaron Smith and Art Director, Lisa Wagner discuss personal curation with both maximal and minimal approaches. Emphasis on: the myriad ways to present personal aesthetics into the media... more

Artist, Aaron Smith and Art Director, Lisa Wagner discuss personal curation with both maximal and minimal approaches. Emphasis on: the myriad ways to present personal aesthetics into the media stream, attracting collectors, employers, and like-minded individuals.

Adobe Creative Cloud: New tools for Illustrators

Illustrators today are defying labels, breaking new ground, and experimenting with new tools and mediums. Join Rufus Deuchler, principal manager of Creative Cloud evangelism at Adobe, as he... more

Illustrators today are defying labels, breaking new ground, and experimenting with new tools and mediums. Join Rufus Deuchler, principal manager of Creative Cloud evangelism at Adobe, as he shares the latest tips and techniques to get your work to new media and to any device. Whether it’s leveraging new options for e-publishing, building websites without coding, or exposing your work to new audiences, Rufus will show you how to think digitally right from the start of your design process. You’ll also see exciting new creative hardware and drawing apps for the iPad, along with what’s new in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. This workshop is FREE.

Drawing from Writing from Drawing

For those who think of themselves as visual artists, this small intensive workshop will explore strategies for writing picture book manuscripts, including generating stories, characters and... more

For those who think of themselves as visual artists, this small intensive workshop will explore strategies for writing picture book manuscripts, including generating stories, characters and worlds from a daily sketchbook/journal practice. The workshop will bounce between sketching and writing, identifying characters and themes, and finding a voice.

Collaborative Tape Mural

A two-day workshop to create a large-scale tape mural during ICON. Participants will be given a theme to sketch prior to the workshop. These sketches will be shared and critiqued as a group... more

A two-day workshop to create a large-scale tape mural during ICON. Participants will be given a theme to sketch prior to the workshop. These sketches will be shared and critiqued as a group online. Day One WED: Participants will work as a group selecting sketches, re-drawing and finalizing a master sketch. A short presentation will be given on other mural projects and the topic of art direction and collaboration on large-scale projects will be covered. Day Two THUR: Participants will install the tape mural. The mural will be on display at the Portland Art Museum through the conference, starting at the Thursday night Roadshow/Opening party. The mural will be professionally photographed and documented before being dismantled.

Visual Metaphor in Editorial Illustration

Alexandra Zsigmond, Deputy Art Director for the New York Times Opinion section will lead an interactive workshop exploring the techniques and strategies illustrators can use to create... more

Alexandra Zsigmond, Deputy Art Director for the New York Times Opinion section will lead an interactive workshop exploring the techniques and strategies illustrators can use to create compelling conceptual metaphors and avoid cliché. Attendees must supply their own sketching materials.

Restructuring and Developing an Effective Illustration Program

Animation Studio Tour

Have you ever wanted to see what happens behind the scenes of a top stop-motion and Oscar-nominated animation studio specializing in feature films, commercials and shorts? This is your chance.... more

Have you ever wanted to see what happens behind the scenes of a top stop-motion and Oscar-nominated animation studio specializing in feature films, commercials and shorts? This is your chance. Transportation will be provided from the Benson Hotel and back. Meet in hotel lobby by 10am.

ICON8 Soccer Game

Boys and girls and all levels welcome. Depending on the turnout teams will be approximately 7 - 9 players. Pop-up goals, no goalies, no offsides, no slide tackling. Competitive for sure, but a... more

Boys and girls and all levels welcome. Depending on the turnout teams will be approximately 7 - 9 players. Pop-up goals, no goalies, no offsides, no slide tackling. Competitive for sure, but a fun, friendly, and chill affair. Transportation will be provided from the Benson Hotel and back. Meet ni hotel lobby by 9:30am. This event is FREE.

Bits and Pages; Online Illustration for New Editorial Formats

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Hello Copyright

Linda Joy Kattwinkel, long-time intellectual property attorney for Hello Kitty, will explain how and why to register copyrights in your work, how to recognize and deal with infringements, how... more

Linda Joy Kattwinkel, long-time intellectual property attorney for Hello Kitty, will explain how and why to register copyrights in your work, how to recognize and deal with infringements, how to avoid infringing others’ work, and how to deal with these issues in your client contracts. She will show numerous examples from her own clients, including Hello Kitty, and the courts.

The Classroom in the 21st Century Community: The Illustration Student as Creative Collaborator and Entrepreneur in Beleagured Cities and Communities

Dances with Illustrators

Iʼll provide an overview of the decision-making process of hiring editorial illustration. Iʼll discuss how I find illustrators, the benefits of being on your own or having a rep, managing your... more

Iʼll provide an overview of the decision-making process of hiring editorial illustration. Iʼll discuss how I find illustrators, the benefits of being on your own or having a rep, managing your social networking presence, as well as my website and promo preferences as an art director. I will also discuss what I think makes a good art director and how to have a good working relationship with illustrators (and vice versa).

Taming the Paperwork Beast

Emmy-nominated illustrator, animator and graphic designer for clients from GQ to The New York Times, Melinda Beck will offer insight and strategies to run an efficient and professional... more

Emmy-nominated illustrator, animator and graphic designer for clients from GQ to The New York Times, Melinda Beck will offer insight and strategies to run an efficient and professional illustration business. Topics discussed in the workshop will include invoicing, estimates, tax deductions, Quicken, Quickbooks, file backups, website setup, blogging, email blasts and printed promotions.

Educating Illustrators in the 21st Century

Mapping Color

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

Experimental Media / Print Workshop with the Clayton Brothers

Explore experimental media, print and image making techniques developed by the Claytons through 25 years of studio practice and teaching. Delve into the power and range of collaboration as the... more

Explore experimental media, print and image making techniques developed by the Claytons through 25 years of studio practice and teaching. Delve into the power and range of collaboration as the group propels ʻstoriesʼ through spontaneous improvisation, hands on-painting or drawing. In a practice devoid of ego and restraint, the Clayton Brothers encourage intense compacted narratives inspired by intuitive collaboration. In this workshop the group as a whole, creates images based off the participants unspoken synergy.

Pattern Design

Take your drawings from the page and into Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create surface pattern designs in this workshop, which will go over technical design considerations and detecting... more

Take your drawings from the page and into Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create surface pattern designs in this workshop, which will go over technical design considerations and detecting potential problems. Participants will have the chance to create their own pattern designs, and must bring drawing materials, paper and a thumb drive.

Moving Pictures With Adobe After Effects

This guided animation workshop with demo and hands-on practice will cover animating layers, incorporating stop motion and exploring 3-D space with After Effects. Knowledge of Photoshop is recommended for participants.

This guided animation workshop with demo and hands-on practice will cover animating layers, incorporating stop motion and exploring 3-D space with After Effects. Knowledge of Photoshop is recommended for participants.

Illustrated Journalism: from Cave Paintings to Interactive Non-Fiction and Why the Medium's Time is Now.

Zine Extravaganza: An Exploration of Small Press Publication Culture, Distribution and Commerce

In this workshop, participants will dive into small press publications and make their own, and explore the materials, supplies, formats and production techniques commonly used to make zines.... more

In this workshop, participants will dive into small press publications and make their own, and explore the materials, supplies, formats and production techniques commonly used to make zines. Attendees will look at a variety of examples, and will transform the workspace into a zine factory!

Hello New Media

Bringing the Archive into the Digital Classroom

Opening Ceremonies, Paula Scher Keynote

Lessons From the Trade: Key experiences that changed the way I work and think about design.

Lessons From the Trade: Key experiences that changed the way I work and think about design.

ROADSHOW: Portland at ICON8

ROADSHOW: PORTLAND is a pop-up event and marketplace showcasing the work and wares of over 60 exhibiting illustrators and artisans. More info: http://theillustrationconference.org/roadshow/

ROADSHOW: PORTLAND is a pop-up event and marketplace showcasing the work and wares of over 60 exhibiting illustrators and artisans. More info: http://theillustrationconference.org/roadshow/

Inspired Art Directors: Play to Pay

Three highly creative people who all keep a strong practice of experimental personal projects alongside client and company work discuss their roles as art direcotrs and artists in the realms... more

Three highly creative people who all keep a strong practice of experimental personal projects alongside client and company work discuss their roles as art direcotrs and artists in the realms of print, digital and motion. Moderated by an equally inspiring person who also plays both roles.

Strange and Beautiful World

Clayton Brothers will be lecturing about life's strange beauty, the absurdity of fear, the neighborhoods around our lives, and the idea of acceptance.

Clayton Brothers will be lecturing about life's strange beauty, the absurdity of fear, the neighborhoods around our lives, and the idea of acceptance.

Spotlight Stories

What if we made a movie but gave the camera to the audience? Director Jan Pinkava will introduce Spotlight Stories, a new immersive form of storytelling designed specifically for smartphones... more

What if we made a movie but gave the camera to the audience? Director Jan Pinkava will introduce Spotlight Stories, a new immersive form of storytelling designed specifically for smartphones at Google’s Advanced Technologies and Projects group.

What the Fuck Are Infographics?

New York Times graphic editors Jennifer Daniel and Alicia DeSantis offer an honest discussion about how information graphics do more than describe relationships and reveal patterns—they ... more

New York Times graphic editors Jennifer Daniel and Alicia DeSantis offer an honest discussion about how information graphics do more than describe relationships and reveal patterns—they create a sense of wonder. This session will uncover the identity crisis of simultaneously being an illustrator, writer, editor and art director.

Protecting Your Work in the Age of the Internet

Social media is great for self promotion but is your work safe there? What exactly are you agreeing to when you click "yes" to the terms on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumbler and Twitter?... more

Social media is great for self promotion but is your work safe there? What exactly are you agreeing to when you click "yes" to the terms on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumbler and Twitter? What steps should you take to protect your work when you display it on your website? Does a simple copyright notice suffice? What about watermarking? Is it worth it to register your copyrights in every illustration you make?

Creative Surface Design

Lilla Rogers will discuss her long-standing experience as an illustration agent who licenses surface design of behalf of her artists for items ranging from fabrics and ornaments to wall art and food packaging.

Lilla Rogers will discuss her long-standing experience as an illustration agent who licenses surface design of behalf of her artists for items ranging from fabrics and ornaments to wall art and food packaging.

LAIKA: Designing A World For Animated Feature Films

Nelson Lowry, LAIKA’s Supervising Production Designer, will discuss his passion for design and creativity which is woven throughout his inspiring work on such films as The Boxtrolls (in... more

Nelson Lowry, LAIKA’s Supervising Production Designer, will discuss his passion for design and creativity which is woven throughout his inspiring work on such films as The Boxtrolls (in theaters September 26, 2014), ParaNorman (2012), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and Corpse Bride (2005).

Nobrow – Books that look good, smell good and tell great stories

Nobrow, working with talented illustrators from around the world to produce books, prints and other fine collectable objects, started in 2008 with the aim to provide an independent platform... more

Nobrow, working with talented illustrators from around the world to produce books, prints and other fine collectable objects, started in 2008 with the aim to provide an independent platform for graphic art, Illustration and art comics in the UK and abroad. They are leading proponents of quality in book design and a standard bearer for original creative content in print publishing, working with only the best artists and illustrators in the world.

The World as Classroom: Art & Design Education for Social Impact

Uncool: The Anti–Gun Violence Project at Art Center College of Design produced a series of award-winning illustrated children’s books and a teacher's kit to spark a dialogue among middle... more

Uncool: The Anti–Gun Violence Project at Art Center College of Design produced a series of award-winning illustrated children’s books and a teacher's kit to spark a dialogue among middle school students about the consequences of U.S. gun culture. Join the project’s artists to learn about the creative process and the pilot implementation of the initiative. With student presenters Areil Lee and Cassie Zhang.

Work Made for Hire and Copyright Termination Rights

We are seeing a lot of work made for hire clauses in client contracts. What does this mean, exact-ly? And why are clients insisting that they must have our illustrations as work made for hire,... more

We are seeing a lot of work made for hire clauses in client contracts. What does this mean, exact-ly? And why are clients insisting that they must have our illustrations as work made for hire, or they might have to give us back our rights in 35 years? Does our work even qualify as work made for hire? This talk will explain the copyright doctrines of work made for hire and termination rights, and how to deal with them in your client contracts.

Carson Ellis: Portland ICON

Carson Ellis, a multiple New York Times Bestselling illustrator, ICON8’s featured conference artist and one of Portland’s very own will dazzle you as she shares her work, wit and insight on... more

Carson Ellis, a multiple New York Times Bestselling illustrator, ICON8’s featured conference artist and one of Portland’s very own will dazzle you as she shares her work, wit and insight on music illustration, the children’s market and Portland itself.

Priest + Grace Talk

Grace Lee and Robert Priest will talk about the process of creating their new, self published, quarterly soccer magazine called Eight by Eight. They will talk about their collaboration with... more

Grace Lee and Robert Priest will talk about the process of creating their new, self published, quarterly soccer magazine called Eight by Eight. They will talk about their collaboration with illustrators when running about twenty five full page illustrations in each issue, including the cover. They will also describe the thinking behind creating covers for the newly relaunched print edition of Newsweek.

PictureWork, WordPlay, and ViceVersa

Calef will be speaking about keeping creative in a creative job, taking nonsense seriously, visual typecasting, the horrible beauty of snails, art and language as a musical sandwich,... more

Calef will be speaking about keeping creative in a creative job, taking nonsense seriously, visual typecasting, the horrible beauty of snails, art and language as a musical sandwich, retraining the drawing hand, illustrative detours, internal rhyme style, and creating children's books for everyone. Or he may just talk about Captain Beefheart.

Are You Experienced?

Georgeanne Deen will discuss how the 1960s influenced her life, how drugs forever altered the way she saw the world and how the decisions she made as a teenager in that era shaped and guided her career.

Georgeanne Deen will discuss how the 1960s influenced her life, how drugs forever altered the way she saw the world and how the decisions she made as a teenager in that era shaped and guided her career.

WeMake presents sketchXchange with Thomas Bradley & Tom O'Toole

sketchXchange is a monthly event that gives attendees a chance to peep inside of the sketchbooks of some of our favorite local illustrators—highlighting the artists process and inspirations.... more

sketchXchange is a monthly event that gives attendees a chance to peep inside of the sketchbooks of some of our favorite local illustrators—highlighting the artists process and inspirations. Afterwards attendees draw in each other's books. Drinks, friends, making, and fun had by all. July guests are collaborators, Thomas Bradley & Tom O'Toole—illustrators, typographers, and designers who call their moonlighting Pizza Friday.

An Animator's Charmed Past Life

Craig Bartlett's career has been like one long free-fall from a plane and he has been enjoying every minute of it. The talented creator of Nickelodeon's successful Hey Arnold! animated series... more

Craig Bartlett's career has been like one long free-fall from a plane and he has been enjoying every minute of it. The talented creator of Nickelodeon's successful Hey Arnold! animated series did not start out to be an animator but the many twists and turns of his life led him there, nonetheless.

Land Gallery WORK+PLAY

Right after the Friday Happy Hour, take a ride on the PDX Double Decker bus to the Land Gallery to view a curated show of work by fellow ICON8 attendees.

Right after the Friday Happy Hour, take a ride on the PDX Double Decker bus to the Land Gallery to view a curated show of work by fellow ICON8 attendees.

Chronicle Books: See Things Differently

Behind the distinctively illustrated gift publishing of Chronicle Books is a creative collaboration between publisher and artist. Editorial Director Christina Amini, Design Director Kristen... more

Behind the distinctively illustrated gift publishing of Chronicle Books is a creative collaboration between publisher and artist. Editorial Director Christina Amini, Design Director Kristen Hewitt, and Illustrators Lisa Congdon and Susie Ghahremani will discuss how Chronicle Books moves beyond a traditional licensing relationship to see things differently.

A Conversation With Leo Espinosa and Victo Ngai: How They Got From There to Here

How does a boy growing up in Colombia and a girl from Hong Kong one day wake up and decide illustration is the life for them? A Korean boy from Oklahoma talks and compares notes with Leo... more

How does a boy growing up in Colombia and a girl from Hong Kong one day wake up and decide illustration is the life for them? A Korean boy from Oklahoma talks and compares notes with Leo Espinosa and Victo Ngai about growing up in a different country, family dynamics, and how cultural influences and New York City shape their work.

Art Directing Shelf-Worthy Colllectables

Three art directors who create treasured items like collectible books, beautifully designed magazines and illustrated DVD packaging will dicuss their process and products with an award-winning illustrative designer.

Three art directors who create treasured items like collectible books, beautifully designed magazines and illustrated DVD packaging will dicuss their process and products with an award-winning illustrative designer.

Nature or Nurture: The Origin of Inspiration

Twin brothers Aaron and Owen Smith both find inspiration in history and culture, but have managed to develop individual artistic identities. They discuss the effects of upbringing,... more

Twin brothers Aaron and Owen Smith both find inspiration in history and culture, but have managed to develop individual artistic identities. They discuss the effects of upbringing, temperament, and obsession on the development of artistic style and content. Their careers encompass illustration, fine art, public art, and art education.

Bearing Witness

Victor Juhasz and Janet Hamlin discuss their observation of war and terrorism and its effects, from battlefields to behind closed doors, be they courtrooms or hospital wards. Victor Juhasz ... more

Victor Juhasz and Janet Hamlin discuss their observation of war and terrorism and its effects, from battlefields to behind closed doors, be they courtrooms or hospital wards. Victor Juhasz has been documenting the military since 2006, from training to battle to hospital wards. Janet Hamlin is an illustrator and courtroom artist. She has been the only artist covering the courts of Guantanamo from 2006-2013.

Kaleidoscope

Four mystery attendees take the stage for brief, but powerful presentations, each tackling the conference theme of “Work and Play” from their own perspective with 20 rapid-fire slides in... more

Four mystery attendees take the stage for brief, but powerful presentations, each tackling the conference theme of “Work and Play” from their own perspective with 20 rapid-fire slides in five-minute segments. Curated by AIGA’s Abe Vizcarra to arouse curiosity, interest, discussion and debate.

Weird Books For Weird Kids

Brian McMullen is the founding editor and art director of McSweeney's McMullens, the acclaimed kids' book department at McSweeney's in San Francisco. If each of the picture books and novels in... more

Brian McMullen is the founding editor and art director of McSweeney's McMullens, the acclaimed kids' book department at McSweeney's in San Francisco. If each of the picture books and novels in the series is beautiful and unique, it's because all of them are products of an idiosyncratic and sometimes extraordinarily messy bookmaking process.

Souther Salazar: Work Is Play

Artist Souther Salazar creates imaginative mixed-media illustrations and art objects derived from found objects that evoke a familiar, playful world within our reach. Learn about his work, his... more

Artist Souther Salazar creates imaginative mixed-media illustrations and art objects derived from found objects that evoke a familiar, playful world within our reach. Learn about his work, his traveling art installation The Trading Tortoise, and his insight on the importance of play as an artist in this exciting glimpse into his work and process.

Domestic Blitz

Los Angeles-based Illustrator Jason Holley and New York-based designer Lisa Wagner have been collaborators since their first date to a decommissioned prison in 1995. Now married and ensconced... more

Los Angeles-based Illustrator Jason Holley and New York-based designer Lisa Wagner have been collaborators since their first date to a decommissioned prison in 1995. Now married and ensconced in suburban LA, they’ve turned their home into a live/work compound for clients, kids and chickens. Their latest project is an experimental book that began as a children's story written by Wagner’s father.

Public Art

Andrea Dezso is a visual artist who works across a broad range of media while maintaining a unique, singular voice. Dezso will share her process for creating large-scale public art installations.

Andrea Dezso is a visual artist who works across a broad range of media while maintaining a unique, singular voice. Dezso will share her process for creating large-scale public art installations.

Queer Comics

Queer comics represent a true artistic underground. Denied access to the broader comics industry, they thrived in the media ghetto of LGBT newspapers and bookstores, as well as in underground... more

Queer comics represent a true artistic underground. Denied access to the broader comics industry, they thrived in the media ghetto of LGBT newspapers and bookstores, as well as in underground comix and punk zines. Now, with greater acceptance of queer stories, they’re moving into the mainstream, while retaining their distinctive voices.

Don't Bring a Mouse to a Dog Fight

In 2011 Modern Dog Design was alerted that 26 illustrations from their monograph, "20 Years of Poster Art" were used to advertise a Disney movie and placed on a Disney product that was sold... more

In 2011 Modern Dog Design was alerted that 26 illustrations from their monograph, "20 Years of Poster Art" were used to advertise a Disney movie and placed on a Disney product that was sold through Target stores nationwide. This is the story about why they decided to fight back and how other companies or individuals facing a similar situation can do the same. At this writing, their ordeal is not over, but they remain hopeful that truth and justice will prevail in 2014. They will share what they have learned along the way and present the three most important points they have learned on their journey to justice. (At this writing, their case was recently settled after a more than two-year battle. Justice prevails. It was hard, they say, but worth it.)

Designing a Story: The Similarities & Differences Between Writing & Pictures in Storytelling

Mac and Jon have made two picture books together and many other books separately. Here they will discuss where the process of writing and illustrating overlap and how the books and stories evolve through collaboration.

Mac and Jon have made two picture books together and many other books separately. Here they will discuss where the process of writing and illustrating overlap and how the books and stories evolve through collaboration.

The Long Run: An Illustrated Life

The career arc of an illustrator is fraught with both triumphs and challenges. This panel conversation with illustrators Vivienne Flesher, Kate Bingaman-Burt and Kelsey Dake, all at different... more

The career arc of an illustrator is fraught with both triumphs and challenges. This panel conversation with illustrators Vivienne Flesher, Kate Bingaman-Burt and Kelsey Dake, all at different career stages, touches on their collective dreams and ambitions, industry and technological changes, personal and professional growth and the lives they’ve chosen. It’s like a hot tub time machine full of illustrators.

Farewell

Damian Kulash, Keynote

Closing Night Party

Following the closing keynote, join a procession from the Main Stage to a blow-out party in Portland's historic rock-n-roll hall. The band Portugal. The Man and DJ Will Bryant will entertain... more

Following the closing keynote, join a procession from the Main Stage to a blow-out party in Portland's historic rock-n-roll hall. The band Portugal. The Man and DJ Will Bryant will entertain and an open bar and food will bring ICON8 to a kick-ass climax.