Holly Main - Comic & Illustration Blog

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 32nd annual Packaging Your Imagination conference this year held at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. The opening keynote was author and illustrator, Ashley Spires, who did a wonderful job welcoming everyone with that doubt and insecurity that lingers in all creators at one time or another. Using those "not-good-enoughs" to drive us forward and learning to use them for good instead of evil. "I will keep trying. I will keep learning. I will keep adapting and I will keep creating." Setting the day up perfectly for a day of learning ahead. There were so many great sessions to choose from but in the end I went with:  Judy Brunsek — Peeking Behind the Curtain: An Honest Look at Marketing Children's Books In session one, Judy Brunsek gave us an inside look at Marketing Children's Books with a wealth of information from her years in the industry. Marketing is like an ant hill, you see a bit go...

The Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP)  is pleased to present...  Paging Imagination: The Art of Picture Books   from November 10 - November 20 at the L Space Gallery, Humber Lakeshore Campus The exhibit will feature artwork by Barbara Reid, Ruth Ohi, Sue Todd, Rebecca Bender, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, David Anderson, Genie Weinstein, Michelle Nidenoff and many more. Opening reception is on Friday, November 13th, 6pm - 8pm.  I am very happy to once again be taking part in the CANSCAIP Art Show.  Hope you will be able to stop by to have a look! For more information, or a sneak peek at the art, visit  www.canscaip.org/Art-Show-and-Sale - - - - - - - - -

The time have almost arrived for INSPIRE! Toronto International Book Fair taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend! I am so excited for this event, with over 400+ authors, a great line up of exhibitors, and exciting programming, I just can't wait! Plus, the return engagement of the CANSCAIP art exhibition,   Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling  sponsored by Neal Brothers Foods ! Looking forward to seeing my duo, Pom and Merret, at the show! For tickets and information visit     www.torontobookfair.ca   Hope you can make it out to this awesome event! - - - - - - - - - - INSPIRE!  Toronto International Book Fair  November 13 - 16 METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE (North Building),  255 Front Street West,  Toronto, ON  M5V 2W6

Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling An exhibit of children's book artwork   by CANSCAIP illustrators I had the opportunity to go check out CANSCAIP's Capturing Imagination Art Exhibition and, I must say, they did a fantastic job. So many amazing illustrations, some of my childhood favourites, as well as emerging talent... I could have spent hours absorbing in each piece. Super Pom and Merret the Ferret got the pleasure of hanging out with so many other wonderful children's book characters and it is such an honour to be a part of the show. For those who were unable to see the exhibition at Humber's L Space Gallery, you're in luck!... Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling   will be travelling  to the   Toronto International Book Fair  November 13 - 16 METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE (N. Building) For more information visit  www.torontobookfair.ca  Hope to see you there!

Last weekend I took part in CANSCAIP 's annual conference, Packaging Your Imagination. Each year, CANSCAIP puts together a wonderful conference, bringing together amazing speakers for a full day of inspiration and this year was no exception. With Welcome Address by Teresa Toten , Sessions with Cybele Young , Ashley Spires , and Holly Kent , as well as a great keynote by Susin Nielsen , I had such a great time. Artwork by Cybele Young.  Please visit www.cybeleyoung.ca to see more! Artwork by Ashley Spires. Please visit www.ashleyspires.com to see more Binky the Space Cat! I always like to buy a book from one of the speakers I see. This year I got a bit carried away… :) - - - - -  Congrats to CANSCAIP for a wonderful 30th year of PYI!

The Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP)  in partnership with Humber College School of Creative and Performing Arts, are pleased to present … Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling An exhibit of children's book artwork   by CANSCAIP illustrators Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling is a celebration of contemporary and classic Canadian children's book illustration.  The exhibition features artwork including preliminary sketches for a behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process, showcasing a range of seasoned professionals and emerging artists I am proud to announce that I will be taking part again this year with three works with my beloved Super Pom and Merret the Ferret. Be sure to come check out this terrific show for art lovers and book lovers of all ages. Capturing Imagination: The Art of Storytelling   is open to the public  October 1 to 17 Monday ...