Programming

The official opening salvo of IX 2022 – kick off the festivities in fine style with art, friends, and drinks!

Join storyboard artist and animation professor Chuck Grieb for a look at the animation industry and how to make animation your career.

Join a passel of Magic: the Gathering artists for a sketching round table! Watch the activities, ask questions, even suggest collaborations . . . . and maybe even purchase the results!

Matt Stawicki started his career working traditionally, then switched to purely digital work (including his classic run on Dragonlance) and then returned to traditional media. Join him for a discussion of the differences between the approaches and exactly what it takes – and why – to switch between traditional and digital work.

This workshop will start with a lecture breaking down the steps and merits of approaching the figure using the Russian constructivist methodology. The session will open to a 2 hour demo and long pose where participants are invited to draw along with instructor Catherine Samples – professor of Figure in Illustration, Science Fiction, & Fantasy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Summer of 2022 has seen the internet ablaze with thousands upon thousands of images from the latest series of AI Art Generator programs. While the concept of computer-generated “art” is not particularly new, the latest technological innovations in this arena are yielding some fascinating output. And as with all types of imaging technologies of the past, the current advancements in computer-generated art are pushing the age-old question of “what is art?” back into the limelight. 

Join Anthony for an informed discussion (and custom critique session!) at this year’s IX, during which you will separate the fact from the fiction regarding AI Image Generation, examine some of the fundamental requirements for an “art experience,” and utilize a framework that shakes out from all this to potentially improve the way that we evaluate our own artistic endeavors.

For this special event, Anthony is asking any participants who wish to share their work for the guided group critique/exploration portion of the session to email him in advance (yychuls@gmail.com) or simply bring a collection of your works (portfolio) to the event on a USB flash drive.

Join artist Eric Messinger for a look at the methods he uses to create his complex creature designs from abstract beginnings.

 Explore the art of scratchboard with Ruth Sanderson, known for her award-winning scratchboard art.  Ruth will give a short Powerpoint talk on the history of the medium, showing various artists’ work in vastly different styles, and the basic principles in working in this medium. She will demonstrate ways to transfer drawings, techniques of mark-making, and everyone will practice with the various scratchboard tools. Then participants can create an image of their choice on Ampersand scratchboard from reference material provided, or from their own imagination/reference. 

SUPPLIES FOR THE FIRST 15 PARTICIPANTS PROVIDED

Join sculptor Jason Hite for a look at his methods of sculpting, molding, casting and painting while applying his own unique approach to creating his work.

From Showcase attendee to Main Show Artist! 

Come join in on a presentation and discussion of one path to continue to grow within this amazing community, both personally AND professionally. There will be an opportunity to showcase creator-owned IP projects as well as the chance to win free stuff just for participating. 

A figure drawing workshop where we take a live model and explore different ways to manipulate what we observe into an imaginative figure. This workshop will cover how to use observational drawing and real-life objects to create fantasy characters and creatures. 

Taking care of yourself is hard enough for the average person, but when you’re a creative or entrepreneur it can be even more difficult. Trying to find time and resources to make healthy food choices, get regular exercise and get enough sleep can sometimes seem impossible. Self-care is incredibly important for quality of life, keeping us feeling good and allowing us to be more productive. Join Tatiana Dykes, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer (with a lifetime of experience with this struggle as an entrepreneur and creative mind herself) to learn, share and discuss the challenges and barriers unique to this audience and learn how to develop realistic life-long changes you can make to live a healthier life.

Christophe Vacher is a two-time Emmy Award Winner and two-time Annie Award Nominee who has provided artwork and Art Direction for the Hollywood entertainment industry since 1989. Join him for a look at the evolution of the entertainment industry, its various branches, and the requirements to build a career in the industry today.

Join GoggleWorks artist Adry Eberhard for a life drawing session.

Join IX’s resident IP attorney for a look at the legal considerations around AI-generated artworks, both from artist and client perspectives.

Join author, agent, historian, and all-around guru Jane Frank for a look at NFTs and why they are important . . . or why they are not.

IX is pleased to present an exclusive first look at artist and coach Marc Scheff’s new workshop. Let Marc help you identify what you want, discover what’s stopping you, and inspire yourself to action.

Join artist Jeremy Wilson for a look at compositional elements beyond the fundamentals like color and placement using examples drawn from both Jeremy’s own aesthetic as well as many other artists in the field.

Join a passel of Magic: the Gathering artists for a sketching round table! Watch the activities, ask questions, even suggest collaborations . . . . and maybe even purchase the results!

Join entrepreneur, podcaster and author Erin Sparler for a discussion of systems of researching, contacting, and pitching work to manufacturers and art buyers in a more systematic manner, including to client avenues that might not be obvious.

Join GoggleWorks artist Adry Eberhard for a life drawing session.

In this live virtual session, renowned award-winning illustrator, Professor, and entrepreneur will share an in-depth walkthrough of his process for generating and developing authentic artistic ideas for commercial and personal creative projects. The talk will end with a question and answer session.