johnnywander

SPX 2024 Program Guide!

Added 2024-08-17 15:24:53 +0000 UTC

YAYY this has been announced so I'll share my progress with you guys!

I was really honored to be asked to illustrate the cover of this year's Small Press Expo Program Guide, and was specifically requested to draw a dragon! Obviously I could not refuse!!!!!!

This year is the 30th anniversary of the show, so I wanted to do something in the design to celebrate that. Originally the idea was a dragon winding through the covers of 30 books, but once I saw the idea sketched out it looked a bit to library-adjacent and not specific to celebrating comics. The idea expanded into 30 comics panels, which felt a bit more organic and playful while also pushing the concept of "IT'S A COMICS SHOW!"

We were also chatting about the idea of doing a party hat, which was eventually replaced with a crowquill pen and lots of confetti instead. I think it's still playful even without it!

The colors are in-family with the 2024 SPX poster, which is also orange, yellow, and green. I hope they look nice together!

ALSO AS A SMALL PANICKED ASIDE, I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO SIGN THE ILLUSTRATION... I sent an updated file to the organizers for the print version but all of the versions online are unsigned lol...... it's fine, it's fine!!!!!

We're going to be at SPX this year, I hope to see you there!