About Artistacon 2019
What:
Artistacon 2019 was founded by Chris and Janet Kotsakis and Shaun Stipick after the first successful iteration of Artistacon 2016, founded by Chris Kotsakis, Janet Kotsakis and Shaun Stipick.
Artistacon is a conference for seasoned and aspiring artists celebrating the creative process and the mentorship of a new generation,. it will be held in Philadelphia, PA on March 22, 23, and 24, 2019. Hosted by Moore College Of Art and Design
This event promises to be a unique and intimate engagement featuring well-known Guests of Honor and Featured Creators. They will be conducting workshops, educational symposia, portfolio reviews, demonstrations, and displays from featured guests, ; all willing to share their expertise with those looking to build and expand professional bridges or pursue a career in the Arts.
Join the cast, crew, and special guests for a weekend of creative growth and inspiration is one of the oldest and most culturally important cities in the United States. Level up your creative game and explore America's founding city.
When/Where:
Friday, March 22, 2019 – Philadelphia Sketch Club: Meet and Greet , Drink And Draw
Saturday & Sunday, March 23-24, 2019– Moore College of Art & Design : Conference Venue
WHO’S HARD AT WORK?
JANET & CHRIS KOTSAKIS
Founders and the original visioneers for Artistacon 2019.
Chris Kotsakis
Chris lives in Southern New Jersey in the same house where he first discovered his passion for art after doing an extraordinary job drawing his favorite characters from Greek Mythology at age 5. His 27 year professional illustration/creative direction career has been influenced by his love of comic books and adventure heroes like Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones. Former collaborators have commended his professionalism and ability “to deliver superior work from concept to completion.”In a fully equipped studio, he utilizes various mediums combining traditional art techniques and digital technology.
Chris has enjoyed a long professional freelance illustration career. Chris’ illustration work has been described as “visually stunning,” and has received numerous awards throughout the years. In 1992, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the University of The Arts in Philadelphia with high honors. He has worked in all fields of illustration including advertising, editorial, and publishing, with numerous clients through the years, including Scholastic, Inc., Dell Publishing, Fleer, Leapfrog, Digitas, and The National Storytelling Foundation. He has also done advertising work for Marvel and DC Comics. A life-long comic art enthusiast and frequent guest of Artists’ Alleys at Comic Conventions, Chris co-founded Artistacon in 2016, a unique conference designed to help aspiring creatives by connecting them with industry professionals for a weekend of education and mentorship
He is a member of several business associations, including the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Directors of the Greek Heritage Society of Philadelphia. Chris is married to Janet Kotsakis, Executive Assistant at the Food Bank of South Jersey, they have a son, Constantine “ Dean” age 7. The family resides in Cinnaminson, NJ.
S.Stipick
Bringing decades of design and asset creation for AAA clients, art education and curricula development, atelier studies, and organization management to the table, Shaun is always moving forward with the singular vision of adding value to the lives of others. He's devoted to aspiring future talent, driving creative people to keep on creating in the face of adversity, and facilitating art as a business despite common misconceptions. Shaun has worked in advertising, broadcast, non-profit management, and museums. He firmly believes (not his saying but he quickly borrowed it) “There is a place for all styles and genres of artwork in the world, it’s just a matter of finding the place and the people that will love it.”