Concept Art, Illustration, Comics and other industry related events to get you inspired (and maybe hired!)

 

 

The provinces of Quebec and Ontario are home to a thriving concept art and illustration industry. The city of Montreal is a global entertainment hub, with a plethora of well established and up and coming gaming, visual effects, animation and film studios as well as a ton of creative events to get inspired and gain new skills. We’ve prepared a list of the most notable concept art, illustration and other industry related events in Quebec and Ontario, that will help you make valuable connections and grow as an artist! 

As a digital artist, it’s easy to stay at home to create art from your computer. However, the numerous art related events that have cropped over the years provide the perfect opportunity to go outside and expand your horizons! Being part of a creative environment, surrounded by artists, gives you the chance to get inspired, shift your perspective, and perhaps even build a whole new vision for yourself! These events are sure to fill your head with new tricks, knowledge, ideas, and a giddiness to create!

Creative events provide you with the opportunity to network, build connections, and get up to date with the current happenings in the art sphere. Often featuring the most experienced artists in the industry, these conferences provide you with the chance to meet your biggest inspirations. Certain industry events conduct portfolio reviews where top concept art professionals provide handy feedback to help you improve your art. These reviews are also attended by recruiters, headhunters, and other industry decision makers who provide you with the means to shape  your portfolio according to what companies are looking for. You may even be presented with job opportunities, so be sure to have your artwork and business cards handy!

Syn Studio is host to it’s very own epic annual concept art festival: The Syn Studio Gathering of Masters!

Concept art workshops and industry conferences 

Attend industry workshops and conferences to get inspired, learn new techniques, and gain insight into the state of the industry!

These events often feature professional artists or industry decision makers who share their experiences and wisdom. You may get to meet your idol, gain valuable feedback on your portfolio, or upgrade your skills through workshops, talks, and by meeting other artists.

Syn Studio Gathering of Masters (Montreal)

“Syn Studio’s Gathering of Masters is a small, laid back 4-day art festival held in Montreal with lots of socializing between the invited guests, who are eminent concept art industry professionals, and the participating artists. The event provides artists with the opportunity to meet their concept art idols up close, interact with them, gain valuable insight into their working process and learn from their personal and professional experiences.”

Tickets are currently on sale for the SSGM 2020 here: https://synstudio.ca/events/syn-studio-gathering-of-masters/

Who is it for?

Industry professionals, art directors, art students (film, games, tv)

How much does it cost?

Tickets are $599. Presale tickets are available for $499. Limited availability. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 4 days
Start Date: June 25th, 2020
End Date: June 28th, 2020

Where is it?

Syn Studio, 460 Rue Ste Catherine West, #508, Montreal, QC H3B 1A7

Why should you attend this event

• Meet top industry pros – Past speakers include: Jama Jurabaev, Sung Choi, Jeremy Fenske, Mike Mattesi, Darek Zabrocki, Michal Kus, Sam Hogg, Karla Oritz, and Matt Rhodes.
• Networking Opportunities – Many big names in the industry attend, and many like minded people will be gathered in order to network and enjoy themselves. Make connections and learn from experienced artists in an exclusive setting.
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – There are multiple interactive workshops which take place as part of the SSGM. Learn technique and process from master concept artists. Examples of interactive workshops from past events include How to Paint from Life with Karla Ortiz, Character Design with Matt Rhodes and New Concept Art Pipeline with Jama Jurabaev, among others.
• Portfolio Reviews – Hosted on a first come first serve basis. Get personal feedback from the best in the business. Learn your strengths and weaknesses and what you can do to advance your career as a concept artist.
• Inspiration – Meeting big name concept artists is a very inspirational opportunity. Talk personally with your favourite artists, learn their stories, discuss new ideas. Engage with and gain inspiration from all the attending artists. Lots of different styles and techniques to be seen!
  

Effects Montreal (Montreal)

“The biggest international conference for the VFX & Animation industries on the North American East Coast, bringing top quality sessions to the enthusiasts. Every year almost 2000 professionals are gathering in Montréal to share their knowledge and discover the latest trends.”

Who is it for?

Anyone interested in working in VFX or animation. Students, artists, game devs, industry juniors and seniors. Must be over 18 to access the show floor.

How much does it cost?

Passes vary from $20 for an Expo Pass to $1050 for a Premium Master Class Pass. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 days
Start Date: June 2nd, 2020, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
End Date: June 3rd, 2020, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where is it?

Marché Bonsecours, 300-390 rue Saint-Paul Est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H2 

Why should you attend this event

• Meet top industry pros –  Past speakers include: Rachel Bibb, Nicolas Jacques, Chloé Ostiguy, Tamara Nowicki, Gaël Kerchenbaum, Fortunato Frattasio, Jasmina Vasquez-Carmel, Fanny Berthiaume, and many more.
• Networking Opportunities – Fun opportunity to network with all sorts of industry professionals and like minded individuals. 
• Recruitment Opportunities – The Job Fair will take place during both days of Effects (Tuesday June 2nd: 9 AM – 5 PM & Wednesday June 3rd: 9 AM – 5 PM)
  Recruiters from key companies in the industry will be looking to hire. Bring your resume, portfolio, and prepare for on site interviews.
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – 24+ Expo Sessions, 36+ Premium Sessions, 10 Master Classes available depending on the ticket purchased.
• Portfolio Reviews – First come first serve. 20 minute sessions with senior artists for constructive advice on your work such as portfolio, demo reel, or any other material you wish to present.
• Inspiration – Meet with lots of other artists and industry professionals. Explore the exhibition floor to network with various companies and artists.

MEGA+MIGS (Montreal) 

“Whether to discover the next success of the moment or to improve your expertise with industry leaders, MEGA+MIGS is a unique gathering.

MEGA: Montreal Expo Gaming Arcade is an annual public event offering activities centered around video games. This exhibition will feature various studios from Montréal and around the world to provide visibility for developers and raise awareness about the global gaming scene.

MIGS: Montreal International Game Summit is the largest game conference on the East Coast, bringing together more than 3000 passionate video game industry professionals from around the world.”

Who is it for?

MEGA: Video game developers and players.
MIGS: Aspiring concept artists, advanced students, industry professionals and game developers.

How much does it cost?

Ticket prices for 2021 to be announced

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of pass you wish to acquire:
-get tickets for the Expo floor (available for 1, 2 or 4 days)
-Get tickets for the Expo floor + Conference tickets
-Masterclasses are available for an additional 895$

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 4 days (2 days for MEGA and 2 days for MIGS)
Dates: Held around November or December

Where is it?

Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, Old Port of Montréal, QC H2Y 4B2

Why should you attend this event

• Meet top industry pros –  Past speakers include: Anaëlle Gravier, Loan Verneau, Meghna Jayanth, Ekram Rashid, Morgan Waldrip, Larry Rye, and many more.
• Networking Opportunities – Meet other developers and video game enthusiasts during fun activities throughout the event.
• Recruitment Opportunities –  The Espresso-Jobs’ Job Fair (price included in the ticket) during MIGS. Recruitment services, events, and workshops aimed at recruiters and recruits. 
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – The conferences and Masterclass Workshops offer opportunities to learn from professionals in your field. MIGS offers many conferences and activities to inspire and help you further your career. Conferences cover various subjects such as: academia, advocacy/industry, business/marketing, game design, production/leadership, programming/technology, and visual arts.
• Portfolio Reviews – Professional feedback is offered on portfolio work to help you find a path forward in the game industry.
• Inspiration – Explore trending games and companies, and get back to playing the games which inspired you to create in the first place. 

 

QGCON The Queerness and Games Conference (Montreal) 

“The Queerness and Games Conference (QGCon) is a community-oriented, internationally-recognized event dedicated to exploring the intersection of LGBTQ issues and games. The overall goal of QGCon is to bring together a community of academic researchers, game industry workers, artists and practitioners, students, and players to share and disseminate knowledge, to engage in critical conversations, and to build relationships with each other.”

Who is it for?

Academic researchers, game industry workers, artists, practitioners, students, and players interested in the intersection of LGBTQ issues and games. QGCON also focuses on issues pertaining to gender, race, ability, body type, class, and other marginalized groups within the industry.

How much does it cost?

Free! Open to the public.

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 days
Start Date: May 23rd, 2020
End Date: May 24th, 2020

Where is it?

Concordia University, 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC H3G 1M8

Why should you attend this event

• Meet influential figures in games and academia – Past speakers include: Mattie Brice, Naomi Clark, Kathryn Cross, Jack Halberstam, Merritt Kopas, Brenda Laurel, Colleen Macklin, Lisa Nakamura, Kathryn Bond Stockton, and Sandy Stone.
• Networking Opportunities – The many talks, panels, workshops, and post-mortems are all excellent opportunities to discuss with industry professionals about marginalized groups and LGBTQ topics within the video game industry. 
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – QGCON 2018 included workshops such as “Learn to Create Characters and Worlds that Centre Racialized Identities”, “Making Interactive Afrofutures with the Affinity Engine”, and “Making A Programming Language Is Surprisingly Easy and Fun”. This convention has a varied and extensive list of talks, panels, and post-mortems to attend.
• Inspiration – Surround yourself with other industry professionals who care about the inclusion and future of marginalized groups and LGBTQ content in video games. Discuss relevant and important topics with experienced members of this important section of the industry. Discover games, studios and companies with marginalized groups and LGBTQ content and representation at the forefront of their minds. 

 

Edge Control (Toronto) 

“Edge control expo is a workshop event open to all artists, students and educators. Learn from professional concept artists, cg artists, illustrators, directors from all over to share their wisdom and knowledge.”

Who is it for?

 Artists, students, educators. 

How much does it cost?

Ticket prices for 2020 to be announced

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 days
Dates: To be announced

Where is it?

(2019) Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St W, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

Why should you attend this event

• Meet top industry pros – Past speakers include: Florent Lebrun, Dan Miligan, Kay Huang, Jomaro Kindred, Tatyana Kupriyanova, Oscar Cafaro, and many more.
• Networking Opportunities – 2 full days of workshops with 6 different artists giving talks with plenty of time to ask questions. There is an afterparty each day which is an excellent chance to network with the speakers.
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – Edge Control is, as a whole, a workshop event. Each day, 3 artists will give a talk, live demonstration, and have a Q&A session. There is also a discussion panel with all of the guest speakers.
• Portfolio Reviews – 5 minutes portfolio reviews conclude each day of Edge Control and are given by the 6 artists as well as visiting professionals and local studios.
• Inspiration –  Learn from professional concept artists, cg artists, illustrators, and art directors during this exciting event. Varied and extensive experience among speakers will ensure that you learn something from every aspect of the industry. 

 

Pop culture Conventions 

Pop culture conventions focus on comics, film, television, and video games. These festive and colourful events offer a variety of things to do and people to meet!

Participate as a visitor to attend guest talks and swing by the booths of local artists, publishers, and companies! For the opportunity to increase your visibility and build a following, reserve your own booth to showcase and sell your art!

Who are these events for?

These events are especially tailored for all fans of pop culture, films, TV, games and comics.

Why should you attend these events

• Networking Opportunities – Conventions provide artists and artisans the opportunity to meet and bond over their craft. These events often feature guest artists, as well as company booths, that give con-goers the chance to meet influential figures in the field of comics, TV, film, and video games.
• Inspiration – All of the content and excitement generated by these conventions is sure to send you home full of kick-ass ideas.

Montreal Comiccon (Montreal)

“Montreal Comiccon is an event dedicated to pop culture. Among its features are a large exhibit room, an artist alley, corporate and interactive booths, guest panels, film screenings, guest signature and photo sessions, a costume contest and a masquerade, just to name a few.“

*The Montreal Mini Comiccon is a sister event held yearly around December which is free to attend, featuring vendors and artists. https://www.facebook.com/minicomicconmtl/

How much does it cost?

Tickets range from $25 for a single day General Admission ticket, to $229 for a 3 day VIP package. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 3 days
Start Date: July 3rd, 2020
End Date: July 5th, 2020

Where is it?

Palais des congrès, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle Pl, Montreal, QC H2Z 1H5

 

Quebec City Comiccon (Quebec City)

“ Quebec City Comiccon is a pop-culture fan convention that showcases artists and products from entertainment genres like: Sci-fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming in all its forms, and, of course, bande dessinée and comic books.”

How much does it cost?

Ticket prices for 2020 to be announced

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 days
Start Date: October 10th, 2020
End Date: October 11th, 2020

Where is it?

Centre des Congrès de Québec, 1000 Boulevard René-Lévesque E, Montreal, QC G1R 5T8

Otakuthon (Montreal)

“Otakuthon is an event that celebrates the cultural phenomenon known as anime (Japanese animation) and manga.”

How much does it cost?

From $40 for a single day ticket, to $65 for a 3 day ticket. Early registration provides a significant discount. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration:3 days
Dates: Held annually in August

Where is it?

Palais de Congrès, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle Pl, Montreal, QC H2Z 1H5

Ottawa Comiccon (Ottawa) 

“This annual event dedicated to pop culture takes the form of a fan convention with multi-genre content: comic books, sci-fi, horror, anime, video games and the entertainment world. Ottawa Comiccon is one of the fastest growing paid events in Ontario, attracting an engaged young adult target audience.”

How much does it cost?

From $25 For a 1 day general admissions ticket, to $270 for a 3 day VIP package

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 3 day event
Start Date: September 11th, 2020
End Date: September 13th, 2020

Where is it?

EY Center, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6

Toronto Comicon (Toronto) 

“A spectacular 3 day event! Located in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the show will be boasting unique exhibitors, presentations, workshops, and many celebrity guests.”

How much does it cost?

From $20 for a single day ticket, to $60 for a 3 day ticket. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 3 days
Start Date: March 20th, 2020
End Date: March 22nd, 2020

Where is it?

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6

 

Fan Expo (Toronto) 

“FAN EXPO Canada is the largest Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming event in Canada and the 3rd largest Pop Culture event in North America. Multi-faceted, 4-day citywide event that attracts over 129,000 people from around the world.”

How much does it cost?

From $25 for a single day ticket, to $135 for a regular admission 4-day ticket. 4 day VIP package available for $499.

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 4 days
Start Date: August 27th, 2020
End Date: August 30th, 2020

Where is it?

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6

 

Art and comic festivals 

Independent creators and small press publishers are stars of art and comic festivals! The main attraction at these events are the extensive artist areas, where independent artists sell and promote their zines, illustrations, and personal creations. These festivals also feature talks where various speakers share their experiences in comic creation, storytelling, and publishing. 

Who are these events for?

Independent artists, and anyone with an interest in illustration, comics, or unique storytelling.

Why should you attend these events

• Networking Opportunities – Discuss your ideas and projects with the many experienced artists in the fields of comics and illustration. Get to know your local independent comic and illustration creators and publishers.
• Inspiration – Get inspired by the multitude of different art styles and stories shared by the exhibitors, artists, and indie companies present.

FBDM/ MCAF (Montreal)

“MCAF is created by and for lovers of comic books who want to share their passion for this vibrant art form. ”

How much does it cost?

Free!

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 3 days
Dates: held annually around May

Where is it?

At the heart of Lafontaine Park, 3819 Avenue Calixa-Lavallée, Montreal, QC H2L 3A7

TCAF/ Toronto Comic Arts Festival (Toronto) 

“TCAF is a celebration of comics and graphic novels and their creators, which culminates in a two-day exhibition and vendor fair featuring hundreds of comics creators from around the world.”

How much does it cost?

Free!

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 1 week of various events followed by a 2 day vendor fair.
Start Date: May 9th, 2020, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
End Date: May 10th, 2020, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Professional Development: May 8th, 2020

Where is it?

Primary Venue: The Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8 

 

Competitive and creative events 

Create friendships and keep your skills sharp by attending competitive or collaborative creative events. Often involving a given medium, a theme and a deadline, these events can give you a beneficial preview of what it’s like to work with a team in a professional setting, all while having fun!

Global Game Jam (International)

“The Global Game Jam® (GGJ) is the world’s largest game jam event (game creation) taking place around the world at physical locations.”

Who is it for?

Artists, designers, and programmers who are passionate about game creation.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary from venue to venue

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 days
Dates: Held annually at the start of February

Where is it?

This event is held simultaneously in various locations across Montreal, as well as internationally. Each year you can find the locations for the event on the Global Game Jam website.

Previous locations – ISART école de jeu vidéo et d’animation 3D-FX, ÉTS École de Technologie Supérieure, Concordia University/ TAG Lab

Why should you attend this events

• Networking Opportunities – Meet and work with diverse, like minded people with the common goal of wanting to create games.
• Gaining Skills – Participate in an intensive creation experience and witness all stages of the game creation process! Get a taste of what it’s like to complete a project with limited time and resources, similarly to how it’s done in the industry.
• Inspiration – Brainstorm with team mates and come up with unique visual concepts. After the event, witness all of the incredible projects made by participating teams.

 

Groups 

Learn, create, socialize, and stay involved in your community! Through events and workshops held on a regular basis, you can network and get the latest news about opportunities in your field. 

Pixelles (Montreal) 

“Pixelles is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering more women to make and change games. Pixelles organizes free monthly workshops, a mentorship program for aspiring women-in-games, game jams, socials and more.”

Who is it for?

The organization is committed to helping women in game development, but many activities are open to the game dev community, no matter the age, orientation, gender or background.

How much does it cost?

Usually free. Be sure to check out the event pages for additional info on each activity offered!

Where is it?

Locations vary depending on the activities and events offered. Be sure to check out the event pages for additional info on each activity!

Why should you attend this event

• Networking Opportunities – Each workshop offered is led by an experienced industry professional. For each activity offered you are sure to find like minded people, with a will to thrive in games.
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – Pixelles hosts a variety of workshops all year long covering themes in game creation, and on facilitating the access to games for women and LGBTQ+ people. Previous workshops include: Problem Solving in Environment Concept Design, How to stand out as a junior artist in 2d art, VFX, modelling and animation, Community Game Design. Pixelles also has specially designed programs, such as the Career Accelerator, which promotes an exchange of knowledge among industry peers with special monthly meetings, and the Game Incubator which guides a group through the steps of creating their first game from start to finish.
• Inspiration – Pixelles aims to uplift creators in their process by making sure each person feels welcome in the community, and is given the resources to succeed. 

 

Gang de devs (Montreal) 

“GANG of Devs is about helping and learning in the video game world. Students, young professionals and companies will find their place. ”

Who is it for?

Students, and young professionals looking to expand their network in the world of video game creation. 

How much does it cost?

A lot of activities organized by the group are reserved for members: Regular annual memberships cost $25, Student annual memberships are $15 (participants must be 18+). 

Where is it?

Locations across the city vary for each event. Be sure to check out the event pages for additional info on each activity offered!

Why should you attend this event

• Networking Opportunities – The group organizes meetings on a monthly basis, as well as events that are specially geared towards networking. 
• Recruitment Opportunities– Gang de Devs hosts special recruitment evenings, which welcomes representatives from various game companies.
• Gaining Skills and Industry knowledge – Specialized workshops are held, and lead by experienced industry professionals. 
• Inspiration – Through workshops and camaraderie with your peers, your experience within the group is sure to inspire and motivate you to push your ideas to the next level. 

 

Film Festivals 

Interested in film and animation? Get inspired to create by attending some of Canada’s biggest international film festivals. The most pertinent live action, animation, and documentary type films are all available for viewing at these events. Gain insight from creator commentary, network with international and Canadian filmmakers, or merely enjoy the show!

Fantasia Film Festival (Montreal)

“Located Montreal, Fantasia is a cultural and professional destination point. Every facet of the filmmaking chain is increasingly represented with in-person delegates at the festival: directors, actors, producers, studio representatives, distributors and festival programmers, who get to experience the legendarily enthusiastic, taste-making audience of Fantasia.”

Who is it for?

Indie, horror, and foreign film aficionados, creatives, and anyone curious about the film-making process.

How much does it cost?

$11 per film ticket, $100 for 10 tickets, $180 for a 20 ticket booklet. 

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 2 and a half weeks
Start Date: July 16th, 2020
End Date: August 5th, 2020

Where is it?

The festival shows films in theaters and auditoriums around Montreal. Be sure to find the specific location of your films of interest (information available on your ticket). 

Why should you attend this events

• Meet influential figures in film – Previous guests include: Guillermo del Toro, Nick Frost, Kevin Bacon
• Gaining Skills – Filmmakers are often present during the screening of their film, and they are given to answer questions from attendees. Talks featuring special guests are also held outside of the film screening programs. Here you can find out more about the ideas that go into the creation of a film, and about the overall process. 
• Inspiration – This event will open your eyes to the diversity and variety in the world of films and filmmaking, outside of the conventional Hollywood formula. Chances are high that the sheer creativity of Fantasia films will get your mind going, and make you want to create worlds of your own!

 

Animaze (Montreal)

“Animaze is an international film festival and conference dedicated to exploring the world of animation in all its diversity. Filmmakers from over 65 countries working in a wide range of genres and styles converge on Montreal in the summer.”

Who is it for?

Artists, animators, filmmakers, and all fans of the medium of animation!

How much does it cost?

Ticket prices for 2020 to be announced

When, and how long is the event?

Duration: 4 days
Start date: August 29, 2020
End date: September 1st, 2020

Where is it?

Parc des Amériques, Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal

Why should you attend this event?

• Gaining Skills –  Alongside film screenings, the festival features Industry conferences, panels as well as Workshops on the state of the art(s).
• Inspiration – Get inspired by new innovative visuals and styles, and sow the seeds for your more stylized projects.

Events across Canada, and the globe, provide artists with many opportunities to network and explore their industry. There are a variety of events each year that cater to every artists’ interests and needs – be it video games, comics or film and television. Workshops and conferences are always a great place to learn something new or gain practical advice. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, pointed feedback on your art, opportunities for work, or simply to get inspired, these creative events provide you with the chance to achieve your art goals, get to the next level and become successful!

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Interested in the best of the best? Check out the Syn Studio Gathering of Masters for four days jam packed with activities hosted by some of the most famous names in the business. Don’t miss your chance to attend this exclusive event, tickets now on presale. Get your ticket HERE!