We were happy to be able to make custom notebooks for the 2015 Linework NW, a comics and illustration festival here in Portland, Oregon. Early attendees received the notebooks, one of which features an illustration by Lisa Congdon and the other by Jay Howell.
Linework co-founder (and Scout Books alum!) François Vigneault answered a few of our questions:
What inspired you and Zack to start Linework NW?
A couple years ago Zack Soto and I had been discussing the comics and art scene in Portland, and we both felt that there was a space for a show like Linework NW, and alternative to both more mainstream comics events like the Rose City Comic Con and more political/DIY-oriented shows like the Portland Zine Symposium. I had been the main organizer of the San Francisco Zine Fest for many years, and Zack has a long history as an editor and publisher in the comics world, so we were well-situated to start the project, though of course there is always a lot to learn!
Can you describe some of this year’s panels for those who missed them?
I’d say a definite highlight was our spotlight panel on special guest Lisa Congdon, who had a great conversation with local illustrator and designer Jason Sturgill. Lisa recently moved to Portland from the Bay Area, and their conversation touched on matters of community, place, and personal growth that were really inspiring for anyone who was in attendance. We were so delighted to welcome Lisa to our town this year!
Another really fun panel was “Paid in Full: Modern Realities of Fundraising for Artists” a freewheeling conversation with creators like Taneka Stotts, Tristan J. Tarwater, Kory Bing, and other artists on using Kickstarter, Patreon, and other new funding platforms. Luckily for anyone who missed it, panelist Lucy Bellwood recorded the panel and you can listen to it in full here!
Tell me about one of your highlights of the 2015.
I’d have to say that seeing the line around the block each morning when we open the doors for the festival is always a highlight! We gave away goodie bags to the first 100 people through the door on each day (including exclusive Scout Books featuring the art of Special Guests Lisa Congdon and Jay Howell) and people were just having a great time!
Oh, and the karaoke party was pretty epic.
What do you hope for the 2016 edition?
We had a huge amount of growth from our first year to second year, doubling the number of days, adding over 40 exhibitors, and moving our programing to its own dedicated space upstairs. Our goals for next year are to solidify the growth we have already had by slowing down on expansion and instead really thinking about how we can improve all the little things and make Linework NW the most fun possible for our guests, artists, and attendees.
We’ve gotten so much wonderful support from our community and sponsors (like Scout Books!), and we’re excited to make Linework NW an even more integral part of the Portland art scene. We can’t wait to see everyone next year!