Illustration Portfolio Review
Schedule
Sun Nov 16 2025 at 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
EAST ROOM | Toronto, ON
About this Event
Join us for the second annual Issues Magazine Shop Illustration Portfolio Review, happening Sunday, November 16 at The East Room. This is an opportunity for intermediate and senior-level practitioners to show their work to a wide array of art buyers, creatives, and agents from the fine art, advertising and editorial sectors.
Come because you're curious about transitioning into commercial work. Or you want to explore the world of fine art. Or you're craving the creativity of editorial projects. Or maybe you just hate making cold calls—we feel you.
Making face-to-face connections can be wildly powerful, especially when our roster of reviewers is as badass as this one. We've worked hard to make sure all our reviewers have the power to pitch, hire, or represent illustrators. In other words, they're all potential clients!
The Schedule
- Registration: 9:00AM - 10:00AM
- AM Session: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
- Lunch Break: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
- PM Session: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
- After Party: 5:00PM – 7:00PM
The Pricing
- 3 reviews, 20 minutes each = $250
- 6 reviews, 20 minutes each = $400
- 9 reviews, 20 minutes each = $550
- 12 reviews, 20 minutes each = $700
The Party
- Open to everyone! Whether you're attending the review portion of the event or not.
- Tickets are $10.
If you're attending as a reviewee, your party ticket is free: Select it as an add-on before checking out! This helps us understand our partygoer numbers.
The Reviewers
AM Session
- Adam Hilborn, Creative Director at WE3
- Aimee Nishitoba, Art Director at Chatelaine and Châtelaine
- Ana Luisa Ortega Juarez, Senior Designer at The Walrus
- Andrew Perucho, Creative Director at Layered Butter
- Carmelo Galati, Principal at Galati Creative Inc.
- Isabelle Zelonka, Artist Rep at i2i Art Inc.
- Jacob Sharrard, Co-Founder at Significant Other
- Jennifer Gagnon, Art Director at Creative Currency
- John Furneaux, Managing Director at. PS&Co Brand Studio
- Konor Abrahams, Senior Designer at LG2
- Kyle Schruder, Creative Director at Creative Currency
- Kyle Wyatt, Editor at Literary Review of Canada
- Lauren Heintzman, Design Editor at The Globe and Mail
- Liza Mishko, Cultural Projects Coordinator at STEPS Public Art & Public Art Coordinator at the City of Barrie
- Mark Byk, Art Director at Brick A Literary Journal
- Michael Sinanan, Creative Director at Brainmetal Design
- Nathan Leung, Designer at Underline Studio
- Nik Firka, Senior Graphic Designer at Toronto Metropolitan University
- Olga Netaeva, Associate Creative Director at Angry Butterfly
- raj grainger, creative director at r/grainger studio
- Sienna Skelton, Design Director at Pigeon Brands
- Taylor Kristan, Art Director at Cottage Life Magazine
- Tejashri (TJ) Kapure, Executive Creative Director at Q30 Design
- Yas Fakhr, Intermediate Designer at Underline Studio
PM Session
- Adam Hilborn, Creative Director at WE3
- Andrew Perucho, Creative Director at Layered Butter
- Ashley Tomlinson, Senior Graphic Designer at Drake Hotel Properties
- Caroline Versteeg, Associate Art Director at Owl Kids
- Chloe Ellingson, Visuals Editor at The Local
- Chris White, Creative Strategy Lead at Significant Other
- Gigi Lau, Art Director atTundra Book Group at Penguin Random House Canada
- Hannah Browne, Senior Designer at Studio Wyse
- Jacqueline Lane, Executive Creative Director at Whitman Emorson
- Konor Abrahams, Senior Designer at LG2
- Kyle Wyatt, Editor at Literary Review of Canada
- Lauren Heintzman, Design Editor at The Globe and Mail
- Margaret Lee, Head of Brand & Marketing at TIFF
- Mark Buchner, Design Director at Intent
- Mark Neil Balson, Creative Director at SUPERFANTASTIC
- Mony Zakhour, Gallery Director at Cry Baby Gallery
- Olga Netaeva, Associate Creative Director at Angry Butterfly
- raj grainger, creative director at r/grainger studio
- Stephanie Firka, Deputy Art Director at Toronto Life
- Taylor Kristan, Art Director at Cottage Life Magazine
- Vanda Marasan, Senior Designer at Studio Wyse
Reviewer preferences are just that and cannot be guaranteed. Assignments will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis so the earlier you sign up the better chance you'll have of sitting down with your choices!
The Fine Print
- Spots are limited.
- Reviewer assignments will be given to you at registration.
- No refunds.
- If you register for more than six reviews, you'll need to make yourself available for the entire day!
Made possible with help from our friends at , and .
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration
Info: Please arrive by 9:30AM for the morning session. You'll receive your reviewer assignments upon arrival.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
AM Session
Info: Each session is 20 minutes in length.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch Break
Info: Please arrive by 1:30PM for the afternoon session. You'll receive your reviewer assignments upon arrival.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
PM Session
Info: Each session is 20 minutes in length.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
After Party
Info: Stay for a drink and to bump elbows with the rest of the community! Anyone can attend the after party, but you'll need a ticket. They're $10 or if you're a reviewee, you can add-on a $5 one.
Where is it happening?
EAST ROOM, 50 Carroll Street, Toronto, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 791.00



















