La Maceta Unveiled! Deluxe Art Prints + Signed Pencils Offer!

‘La Maceta’ Loteria Grande Deluxe Art Print, featuring art by John Picacio. 14″ x 22″.

Grateful for all the love for my latest Loteria Grande Card reveal — ‘La Maceta’ (The Flowerpot). I’ll be unveiling my new website design soon, but you don’t have to wait for that to order deluxe 14″ x 22″ art prints of ‘La Maceta’ and my other Loteria Grande Card offerings. These giclees are printed on acid-free Somerset Velvet fine art paper and signed in the lower right corner. I’ll be producing prints like this for all of my Loteria Grande Card artworks so far, including the ones seen here. If you want one, now is the time to score. I’ll be doing a production run this week! 🙂

Selected Loteria Grande Deluxe Art Prints featuring art by John Picacio. Each measures 14″ x 22″.

Each deluxe art print costs $135 with FREE shipping in the domestic US ($145 if you live in Texas, to cover sales tax). For shipping beyond the domestic US, please add $25.

BONUS OFFER: ALL ORDERS FOR DELUXE ART PRINTS RECEIVED BY THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH (11:59PM CST) WILL INCLUDE AN AUTOGRAPHED PENCIL as a ‘thank you’ gift. These are pencils that I’ve drawn down to the nub, creating various cover artworks and Loteria drawings over the years. Most of them are Faber Castells which I used to use a lot until I switched over to Palomino Blackwings.

This includes not just orders placed by this Thursday for deluxe Loteria art prints, but for deluxe art prints of my ASoIaF and book cover art as well (excluding STAR TREK, X-MEN, and NINTH HOUSE). To order — please email me at john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com and I’ll help you out. And then you’ll be able to Paypal me using the same email address, and you’ll be all set. 🙂

Thanks, all! Please stay well out there!

Selected 2019 Works

For those seeking one-stop summaries of eligible work for the 2020 awards season, I hope this curated gallery is helpful. Here are a few of my selected published artworks from 2019 for your consideration.

La Palma / Art for the Loteria Grande Card from Lone Boy by John Picacio

‘La Palma’ • Product illustration for the Loteria Grande Card • Client: Lone Boy • February 2019 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2019 John Picacio.)

'Naked, Stoned, and Stabbed' / Art by John Picacio for Bradley Denton's Wild Cards story

‘Naked, Stoned, and Stabbed’ • Interior illustration for Bradley Denton’s ‘Naked, Stoned, and Stabbed’ • Client: Tor.com • Art Director: Irene Gallo • Editor: George R. R. Martin • October 2019 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes • (Art © 2019 John Picacio.)

'Long Is The Way' / Art by John Picacio for Carrie Vaughn and Sage Walker's Wild Cards story

‘Long Is The Way’ • Interior illustration for Carrie Vaughn and Sage Walker’s ‘Long Is The Way’ • Client: Tor.com • Art Director: Irene Gallo • Editor: George R. R. Martin • May 2019 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes • (Art © 2019 John Picacio.)

'La Cantarita' / Art by John Picacio for the Loteria Grande Card from Lone Boy

‘La Cantarita’ • Product illustration for the Loteria Grande Card • Client: Lone Boy • December 2019 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2019 John Picacio.)

Art by John Picacio for an interior poster featured in Leigh Bardugo's NINTH HOUSE (Flatiron Books)

Interior poster illustration for Leigh Bardugo’s NINTH HOUSE • Client: Flatiron Books / Macmillan • Art Director: Leigh Bardugo • September 2019 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2019 John Picacio.)

NINTH HOUSE

Art by John Picacio for Leigh Bardugo's NINTH HOUSE, featuring Galaxy 'Alex' Stern.I envy you.

Most likely, you haven’t read Leigh Bardugo‘s Ninth House yet. Congratulations. That means you have one of 2019’s most gripping reads awaiting you. Meanwhile, I have read it — and that means my favorite read of the year is now in my rear view mirror. But wow — WHAT a book.

This novel is going to be talked about. Oh boy, is it going to be talked about. And emulated. And adored. For many, it will be transformative. For me, it’s one of the finest books I’ve ever been associated with in my two decades-plus of illustrating major novels, alongside Miller’s A Canticle For Leibowitz, Pohl’s Gateway, and GRRM’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Unveiled here is my art for a very special promotional poster that will be included FREE in first editions of Ninth House, sold exclusively at Target stores. It features Galaxy ‘Alex’ Stern, lost soul and sole survivor of a horrific homicide who is offered an extraordinary second chance — to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. Little does she know she is entering an occult universe of limitless power, secret societies, and the darkest forces imaginable. Wanna get your hands on NINTH HOUSE? Go here to find out how AND see where Leigh is touring. But if you want this limited-run poster with your first-edition book? Then HEADS UP: It will ONLY be available when you buy the book at a Target store, not online.

One more thing — Leigh is one of the rock stars of young adult fantasy, but please be advised that Ninth House is not a young adult book. This one contains some heavy moments for not only younger readers, but probably for some adults as well. Be warned, but for those that enter this world, prepare to be thrilled, as you discover a realm that walks beside you like a shadow.

So — on your marks. Get set. Be ready to haunt your nearest Target store on October 8th.

2019 Original Art Sale

Heads up, Original Art Collectors — here’s a list of some of my prized original artworks available now. First come, first served. I suspect some of these will go very quickly.

Many of you are interested in the Loteria Originals. Eleven of them have already sold at the price range below, and I’m grateful that those belong in the collections they do. ‘La Campana’, ‘El Corazon’, ‘El Pescado’, and ‘El Nopal’ are available. Details below!

I also have my Tyrion Lannister Original Art available for all of you GAME OF THRONES and A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE lovers out there. 🙂

Email me at john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com if you want to score an original for your very own — OR if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping by. On with the show!

La Campana by John Picacio. Graphite on Illustration Board.(above) LA CAMPANA (The Bell) / Original Final Drawing

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 11″ x 18″ (drawing dimension) • 14″ x 21″ (full sheet dimension)

$5500 • Ships FRAMED AND MATTED • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

SOLD! (above) EL CORAZON (The Heart) / Original Final Drawing

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 11″ x 18″ (drawing dimension) • 14″ x 21″ (full sheet dimension)

$5000 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

SOLD! (above) EL PESCADO (The Fish) / Original Final Drawing

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 11″ x 18″ (drawing dimension) • 14″ x 21″ (full sheet dimension)

$5000 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.


(above) EL NOPAL (The Cactus) / Original Final Drawing

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 11″ x 18″ (drawing dimension) • 14″ x 21″ (full sheet dimension)

$5000 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) TYRION LANNISTER / Original Final Artwork from the award-winning 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 15″ x 20″ (drawing dimension) • 17″ x 22″ (full sheet dimension)

$3500 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

IMG_0543IMG_0539IMG_0546IMG_0545(above) YODA: TEMPERANCE / Original Final Artwork

Graphite and gold acrylic on Strathmore Illustration Board (the gold shimmers across the whole surface, alternating through coppers and bronzes, as light shifts) • 11″ x 17″ (drawing dimension) • 18″ x 24″ (full sheet dimension) • 24.5″ x 30.5″ (framed dimension)

$3500 • Ships FRAMED AND MATTED • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) EVERNIGHT / Original Final Drawing

2019 Chesley Award Finalist!

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 15.5″ x 19.5″ (framed dimension)

$2500 • Ships FRAMED AND MATTED • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

Kingdom of the Serpent Art by John Picacio(above) KINGDOM OF THE SERPENT: DESTROYER OF WORLDS / Original Final Drawing for the cover of the Mark Chadbourn novel

Graphite on Strathmore 500 Bristol • 13″ x 18″ (framed dimension)

$2000 • Ships FRAMED AND MATTED • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

X-Men Colossus Art by John Picacio(above) X-MEN: COLOSSUS / Original Final Painting used for the cover of X-MEN: THE RETURN

Greyscale Oils and Acrylics on Crescent Board • 10″ x 14″

$450 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

X-Men Nightcrawler Art by John Picacio(above) X-MEN: NIGHTCRAWLER / Original Final Painting used for the cover of X-MEN: THE RETURN

Greyscale Oils and Acrylics on Crescent Board • 7.5″ x 14″

$350 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

X-Men Cyclops Art by John Picacio(above) X-MEN: CYCLOPS / Original Final Painting used for the cover of X-MEN: THE RETURN

Greyscale Oils and Acrylics on Crescent Board • 10″ x 10.5″

$350 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

Sarek Art by John Picacio(above) SAREK: SPOCK’S FATHER / Original Final Drawing used for the cover of STAR TREK / MYRIAD UNIVERSES: INFINITY’S PRISM

Graphite on Crescent Board • 8.5″ x 11″

$350 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

The Andorian Art by John Picacio(above) THE ANDORIAN / Original Final Drawing used for the cover of STAR TREK / MYRIAD UNIVERSES: ECHOES AND REFRACTIONS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 15″

$350 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) DAVID MARCUS: KIRK’S SON / Original Final Drawing used for the cover of STAR TREK / MYRIAD UNIVERSES: ECHOES AND REFRACTIONS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 12″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) VULCAN WOMAN / Original Final Drawing used for the cover of STAR TREK / MYRIAD UNIVERSES: INFINITY’S PRISM

Graphite on Crescent Board • 14″ x 11″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) JULIAN BASHIR / Original Final Drawing used for the cover of STAR TREK / MYRIAD UNIVERSES: INFINITY’S PRISM

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 12″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) TEROK NOR / Original Final Drawing used for the covers of the STAR TREK: TEROK NOR trilogy

Graphite on Crescent Board • 14″ x 10.5″

$450 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) MOONGLUM / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 14″ x 11″

$450 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) BURN / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 14″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) DANCER / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 14″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

(above) CRUEL FATE / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 14″

$350 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

SOLD! (above) DEMON / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 10″ x 10″

$250 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

SOLD! (above) MELNIBONE / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS

Graphite on Crescent Board • 11″ x 14″

$450 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

SOLD! (above) ELRIC / Original Spot Illustration Drawing for ELRIC: SWORDS AND ROSES

Graphite on Strathmore • 8.5″ x 11″

$200 • Ships flat and unframed • Includes free shipping within the continental USA • Please add $100 for shipping outside the continental USA.

To purchase, email john (at) johnpicacio (dot) com with the subject line, “Original Art”. We’ll exchange emails and I’ll give the payment info so that we can finalize the transaction via Paypal.

Things I Learned At Lightbox Expo 2019

Lightbox Expo 2019* Bobby Chiu and Jim Demonakos know what the hell they’re doing. Together with Nancy Cho, their advisors and volunteers, they just spearheaded the first Lightbox Expo — the most high-octane, smoothly-oiled convention debut I’ve ever seen. It was all about the art and the artists, with the kind of underwriting I’ve never seen for an art event (Weta, Pixar, Dreamworks, Sony, Netflix, etc.). Take a bow, Bobby, Jim, and ALL OF YOU.

* The next time you spot ‘The Artist / Author’ panel scheduled at Lightbox Expo? Highlight that one and get in line EARLY because this past Saturday at 10am, that line ran almost the entire length of the building!! Thanks to all who came out. I had a blast moderating mega-talents Armand Baltazar, Greg Manchess, Mia Araujo, and Iain McCaig. Hopefully Lightbox does this one again next year!

* All conventions should have vast VIP rooms with giant white leather couches and refreshments. (Bless you, Lightbox.)

* I now know how to correctly pronounce Iris Compiet‘s name. And you can too. 🙂 EEDris COHM-peet (that ‘r’ sound is very subtle….roll gently) We did a panel together and this weekend was the first time we’ve crossed paths in person. Terrific presence.Iris Compiet and Allen Williams at Lightbox Expo 2019* Camilla d’Errico is a genius. She’s not only one of the reigning queens of pop surrealism (knew that), but she understands branding and art marketing backwards and forwards. When she talks, take notes.Camilla d'Errico at Lightbox Expo 2019* My booth neighbor Jason Chan is a good dude. We both thank the ghostly presence of Justin ‘Coro’ Kaufman for his generosity. “Looks like you guys can go double-wide.”

* Robbie Treviño (pictured left with Coro Kaufman) can devour a plate of food at terrifying speed. This man is a beast and one of my favorite rising star artists. I scored a copy of his NUMINOUS book and I love what he’s doing.Robbie Treviño and Justin 'Coro' Kaufman at Lightbox Expo 2019* It is impossible not to like Te Hu. There should be more in the world, but there can be only one.

* One of my favorite draughtsman anywhere, Gary Villarreal, has visions toward becoming a mural artist. San Antonio building owners — get this man on speed-dial and fly him in, so we can be one of the first with a GV urban masterpiece.

* I need to start listening to Jason Seiler’s ‘Face The Truth’ podcast. Good times doing a panel with him at Lightbox.

* ArtStation is mobilizing some amazing education, outreach, and community building. Need to get up-to-speed with the new things Daniel Wade and Randall Mackey are up to. Pictured here left to right: Robbie Treviño, Gary Villarreal, me, Camilla d’Errico, and Randall.Robbie Treviño, Gary Villarreal, John Picacio, Camilla d'Errico, and Randall Mackey at Lightbox Expo 2019Congratulations again to Bobby, Jim, Nancy and team. This show’s success was seismic and will ripple for a long while to come. The joy and energy in that building were palpable all weekend, and there were so many things ‘done right’ — a historic weekend for sf/f art.

Worldcon 2019 in Dublin

Andrea Chapela, Sara Felix, John Picacio, Julia Rios, Libia Brenda Castro, and Lauren Snow at the 2019 Hugo Losers Party / The Mexicanx InitiativeI’ve been busy handling some family matters this month, and in the midst of those, I ventured to Dublin for this year’s World Science Fiction Convention. I couldn’t miss it, considering www.mexicanxinitiative.com was a Finalist for the Hugo for Best Related Work. Proud to be part of the fearsome foursome listed for that recognition along with Julia Rios, Libia Brenda Castro, and Pablo Defendini. I’m even prouder to say that Libia is the first Mexican woman to ever be nominated for the Hugo in the 77-year history of Worldcon.

As if that weren’t enough reason — I was also a Hugo Award Finalist for Best Professional Artist. My cousin Adria Gonzales had never attended a Worldcon before last year’s in San Jose, and she was an ace, shadowing me across all of my Guest of Honor appearances and Hugo MC responsibilities, managing me as I juggled balls of fire. This year’s Worldcon was less perilous, and she wanted to be there. Our first major stop was St. Michan’s Church — because I couldn’t resist when I read this was one of Dublin’s most macabre sites, built on the site of an old Norse chapel in 1095. It delivered. The dank limestone walls are apparently ideal for preserving death so we got up-close and personal with their resident mummies.

St. Michan's Mummies

Next, Adria and I headed to the Jameson Distillery. Let it be known that I hate guided tours. We had already endured one at St. Michan’s — and happily, it was actually quite good. I was reluctant to press my luck at the distillery though. Adria ordered each of us a Jameson ‘Our Way’ Old Fashioned. It’s one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. So good that I returned on three later occasions for these drinks, and when we took the tour, we had the good fortune to have the great Niall Stewart leading our exploration of how Jameson whiskey is made. A master showman and storyteller, he made me want to reinvent how I present my own work in front of audiences. After the tour finished, I talked to Niall and it turned out that his late brother David was a diehard Worldcon fan who dreamed of someday bringing the event to Dublin. Sadly, David died in 2006 — thirteen years before his dream would be realized. Niall recounted with great pride his brother’s love for science fiction and it won’t be forgotten. Here’s to you, David.

Jameson Distillery Chandelier

The next day, I presented my slideshow ‘The Art of John Picacio’ on an Odeon Cinema screen. It was the first day of Worldcon, and all art proceedings were located a full half-mile from the rest of the convention. It was doubtful there would be much of an audience for my afternoon presentation, and indeed, it started with barely a handful of people in the seats. The art looked *really* good on that big screen though, so I began, and with each passing minute — more and more people kept streaming in, until most of the theatre was full. It was terrific, and I’m grateful not only to all that attended but everyone that thronged my Creators Alley table all weekend. Loteria Grande Cards and Posters sold briskly and those sales once again show that what I’m doing with this art series is connecting across borders and oceans. Thank you, everyone — In Loteria We Trust. More coming this fall.

Loteria Grande Cards and Posters by John Picacio

There was a lot to be grateful for at this Worldcon. Thank you to James Bacon and the entire Dublin 2019 staff for all their hard work. Thank you to the Brotherhood Without Banners for always looking out. Thank you to George R. R. Martin, Parris, Raya Golden, Ti Mikkel, and company for crafting a Hugo Losers Party For The Ages. This one was at the Guinness Storehouse. It was off-the-charts and a privilege to be there with friends and peers. Thank you to everyone who nominated me and The Mexicanx Initiative for Hugo Awards this year. CONGRATULATIONS to all of the Finalists and Winners!

2019 Hugo Awards and Losers Party / Andrea Chapela, LIbia Brenda Castro, Lauren Raye Snow, Jeanette Epps, Sara Felix, John Picacio

Above all though — the highlight of this convention for me was my fellow Mexicanx who made the trip. Libia isn’t just a Hugo-nominated Mexican editor, but an editorial force of nature who will impact this field worldwide for decades to come. Ignore her at your own peril. This was her first Hugo nomination and it won’t be her last.

George R. R. Martin and Libia Brenda Castro entering the 2019 Hugo Losers Party

I loved her poise and her cool, as she savored the moment, and the same goes for Andrea Chapela. She’s figuring out who she is, and she has no fear. Of all of us in the Initiative, I think she’s going to have one of the most dominant presences, when it’s all said and done. Artist Lauren Snow hustled like there was no tomorrow, all weekend long. She made connections toward building her art career and that was her goal. There’s a lot of talent in the world, but talent is wasted if it’s not driven, and she is. Sara Felix created much of the branding for Dublin’s Worldcon, co-designed last year’s Hugo Award base, crafted the Lodestar Award and this year’s Special Committee Award, and has found a growing audience for her evolving art. She did all of this, while also serving as President of The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA). This year was her first nomination for Best Fan Artist, and honestly, I don’t think anyone had a stronger overall fan art resumé than Sara. I look forward to her being back in the running next year. And then there was Julia — nominated for three Hugo Awards and one of my favorites because she’s so shrewd. When she talks, I learn things. We didn’t spend much time together at this Worldcon, but there would not have been a Hugo nomination for www.mexicanxinitiative.com without her. Thank you, Julia.

Lastly — thank you to Adria for being there throughout from Dublin through London, and back home. It was epic. 🙂 #JamesonOldFashionedFTW

Signing off now to pack for Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, CA — see you there, Art Friends and Fiends!

(photo credits: Julia Rios, Sara Felix, Libia Brenda, Adria Gonzales, Andrea Chapela, John Picacio)

Mexicanx Initiative at Dublin's Jameson Distillery / 2019

2019 Hugo Award Thoughts

There’s a new Hugo Award category this year. It’s called “Best Art Book” — not to be confused with “Best Graphic Story”.

And yet, I suspect some will confuse the two, so I’ll offer how I’m clarifying my own ballot selections, choosing from works released in 2018.

If a book tells a story with pictures carrying the narrative (with or without words) — whether that be comics, big illustration / word spreads, pictures and words as call-and-response, or pictures alone — then consider it under “Graphic Story”.

If a book is a folio of pictures without story, and the words are nothing more than museum text stating the title of the picture and not much more — then consider it under “Best Art Book”.

So for instance, Shaun Tan’s Tales from the Inner City (published by Scholastic / Arthur A. Levine Books) and Jeffrey Alan Love’s The Thousand Demon Tree (published by Flesk) both tell complete visual stories. Tan’s features more prose, but the interplay with his pictures is essential to the storytelling. Remove either, and you have a very different animal. On the other hand, Love’s story is wordless and builds a dynamic, evocative tale. Both works belong under “Best Graphic Story”.

Meanwhile, illustration annuals such as Infected By Art, Volume 6 (edited by Todd Spoor and Bill Cox / published by Art Order) fit perfectly in the Best Art Book category. So do single artist folios such as Beyond Science Fiction: The Alternative Realism of Michael Whelan (published by Baby Tattoo Books), which is essentially a ‘greatest hits collection’ of the one of sf/f’s most influential visual artists. These books are not works of storytelling, so much as essential visual showcases. So go with “Best Art Book” for selections like these.

Hopefully that helps!

I’ve got a couple of other Hugo-related suggestions, in other categories.

THE JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD FOR BEST NEW WRITER: Remember that there is a growing wave of creators who are both artist and author, debuting with dynamic and deserving story works. Gregory Manchess’ Above The Timberline released in 2017, but because it’s his debut as a writer, that would mean 2019 is his final year of eligibility for this award because new writers have two years of eligibility for this recognition. Same goes for Armand Baltazar’s Timeless, a 600-page(!!) graphic epic. Both stories required years in the making, and are singular works poised to stand the test of time. Both writers are deserving of consideration in the John W. Campbell category and shouldn’t be forgotten because they wrote stories that weave pictures with words.
The Mexicanx Initiative / Founded by John Picacio / Worldcon 76
BEST RELATED WORK: Finally, I will humbly offer that on the morning after Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio became only the second Mexican woman to ever be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar, the 2019 Hugo Awards have a chance to make history as well. Editor Julia Rios has curated an amazing website: www.mexicaninitiative.com / The Mexicanx Initiative Experience at Worldcon 76. It crystallizes the groundbreaking Mexicanx Initiative that brought 42 all-star creators together for the first time, opening the door to a new wave of Mexicanx sf/f. That website grants (free of charge) access to exclusive words and images from these creators, as well as Libia Brenda’s stunning anthology A Larger Reality / Una Realidad Más Amplia, which debuted at Worldcon 76.

THE OFFICIAL ENTRY BEING OFFERED FOR HUGO AWARD CONSIDERATION IN THE BEST RELATED WORK CATEGORY IS:
www.mexicanxinitiative.com / The Mexicanx Initiative Experience at Worldcon 76
(Julia Rios, Libia Brenda Castro, Pablo Defendini, John Picacio)

Full disclosure: Julia and Libia have asked that Pablo and I be included in the entry because Pablo created the site, and I founded the M.I.

If nominated, Libia would become the first Mexican woman ever nominated for a Hugo Award in its 77-year history — a ceiling long overdue to be shattered.

BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST: And yes — in case you’re wondering if I’m eligible for Best Professional Artist — I am! But I’m curious who else you’re considering in this category. I’m wondering if I should do a blog post down the road on this.

On that note — any suggestions in the Best Art Book and Best Graphic Story categories? Any other artist / authors that should be considered for the Campbell? Let me know. Happy Nominating! 🙂

POP CON 2019: Thank You, SA!!

San Antonio Pop Con 2019San Antonio Pop Con 2019 is a wrap! Thanks for bringing the love yesterday, SA! You were amazing.

I’m hearing that on a very busy events day in the Alamo City, the attendance this year exceeded last year’s inaugural number, and when you consider that the Author and Artist Guest Rosters were loaded with legends, cult favorites, and rising stars — this was a helluva sophomore year for Pop Con. WELL DONE, SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY. Hats off to Pop Con Goddesses and Gods — Rhonda Woolhouse, Connie Hejl, Haley Holmes, and all of the amazing librarians and volunteers who pour their hearts and souls into this unique festival (and thanks to artist Lauren Raye Snow for helping to manage my booth).

San Antonio is the home of Alamo City Comic Con, a major Fall gathering focused upon celebrity autographings, artist appearances, and an ocean of vendors. San Antonio Book Festival is an April tradition focused upon a strict schedule of author-only appearances, but does not welcome the visual arts end of publishing in a significant way. That’s a word-only event. Both are terrific on their own, BUT that leaves a large ‘third-coast’ pop culture territory that is fast becoming the domain of San Antonio Pop Con, where authors and artists lineups are carefully curated by the SAPL, alongside appearances by voice actors and pop icons. Gaming, anime, comics, books, art, YA novels, film, and major screen media fanbases are all celebrated and welcomed here, and it makes this event a potentially potent, annual literary and arts gala.

New York Times-bestselling author Kelley Armstrong and World Fantasy Award-winning artist Gregory Manchess were the headliners this year, along with the legendary Michael Moorcock, bestselling author Shea Serrano, last year’s Pop Con Guest of Honor C. Robert Cargill, Gonzalo Alvarez, Wes Hartman, Allison Stanley, Freddy Lopez, Jr. and many more. I think with increased media support from TV and print outlets, coordinated advance publicity, and continued championing by the SAPL librarians and staff — San Antonio Pop Con can fill a void that no other event can, and it will build a flagship 21st-century culture for a town that’s so often a mere follower, but perhaps is now ready to lead, thanks to SAPL.

I’m sincerely impressed by what Rhonda and team are building here, and as always, I’m grateful to EVERYONE who swung by my booth to score my art swag and especially all of the Loteria Cards, Posters and Prints this weekend. It was a GREAT day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it, SAPL!

(Photos by @thepunisher210, Allison Stanley, @casuallyalfred, Lisa Juarez, Tammy Wadzeck, Justin Burke, Dianna Marie Garza, Gonzalo Alvarez, Gregory Manchess.)

Coming To San Antonio Pop Con!

2019 San Antonio Pop Con GuestsThe 2nd Annual San Antonio Pop Con is almost upon us, happening at the downtown Central Library, this Saturday, February 16th, from 9am-4pm. As you can see above, the roster of artists and authors is EPIC — ranging from legends like Michael Moorcock and Gregory Manchess to bestsellers such as Kelley Armstrong and Shea Serrano, as well as fan favorites Nicky Drayden, Gonzalo Alvarez, C. Robert Cargill, and more.

And yes, I’ll be there too — bringing my latest Loteria Grande Cards, Posters and Prints — and I know many of you have been waiting to get your hands on the new ‘La Musica’ Loteria Grande Cards. I’ll have them in stock at Pop Con along with the debut of the brand-new ‘La Palma’ Grande Card!Loteria Grande Cards by John Picacio (Published by Lone Boy)Many of you have been requesting various giclee prints of my book cover art and Loteria imagery so I’ll have a limited supply of those large prints for sale, along with my limited-run Loteria Posters. Here’s a look at the ones that I plan to have available at Pop Con. Quantities are extremely limited.Artworks by John Picacio.If you see one that you want, I highly recommend that you vouch for it in advance. OR if you see an image on my website, and you want a print of that, please let me know by Thursday, February 14th at 5pm CST, and I’ll make sure you can pick it up at Pop Con. Giclee Prints are printed on thick art paper, sleeved in an archival bag with archival backing board, and signed by me.

I normally sell these for $100 to $125, but at Pop Con, they will be available for only $75 each. If you live in the San Antonio metro area, and have been waiting to get your hands on my Loteria merchandise — this is the chance you’ve been waiting for. Apologies that I’m not able to make this offer available for mail-order sales. This is only for sales that are picked up at San Antonio Pop Con this week.

For those that don’t live in the area — don’t worry. I’ll be making the Loteria Grande Cards available online soon, and everyone on the Loteria List will receive the email alert.

See you at Pop Con this Saturday, San Antonio!

 

Selected 2018 Works

For those seeking one-stop summaries of eligible work for the 2018 awards season, I hope this curated gallery is helpful. Here are a few of my selected published artworks from 2018.

'La Musica' Art by John Picacio for his Loteria Grande Card series (Lone Boy)

‘La Musica’ • Product illustration for Loteria • Client: Lone Boy • December 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

'La Campana' Art by John Picacio for his Loteria Grande Card series (Lone Boy)

‘La Campana’ • Product illustration for Loteria • Client: Lone Boy • July 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

Art © 2018 John Picacio for CONSTANCE VERITY SAVES THE WORLD by A. Lee Martinez (Saga Press)

Cover illustration for A. Lee Martinez’s CONSTANCE VERITY SAVES THE WORLD • Client: Saga Press • Art Director: Michael McCartney• Editor: Joe Monti • July 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

Art by John Picacio for the Wild Cards story 'The Flight of Morpho Girl' (Tor.com)

‘The Flight of Morpho Girl’ • Interior illustration for Caroline Spector and Bradley Denton’s ‘The Flight of Morpho Girl’ • Client: Tor.com • Art Director: Irene Gallo • Editor: George R. R. Martin • May 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes • (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

Cover art by John Picacio for UNCANNY MAGAZINE #25 ('La Valiente')

‘La Valiente’ • Cover illustration for UNCANNY MAGAZINE • November / December 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2017 John Picacio.)

Art by John Picacio for C. Robert Cargill's WE ARE WHERE THE NIGHTMARES GO AND OTHER STORIES (Harper Voyager)

Cover illustration for C. Robert Cargill’s WE ARE WHERE THE NIGHTMARES GO AND OTHER STORIES • Client: HarperCollins / Harper Voyager • Art Director: Owen Corrigan • Editor: Jennifer Brehl • June 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes. (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

Art by John Picacio for the Wild Cards story,

‘Fitting In’ • Interior illustration for Max Gladstone’s ‘Fitting In’ • Client: Tor.com • Art Director: Irene Gallo • Editor: George R. R. Martin • October 2018 • Media: Graphite Drawing / Digital Finishes • (Art © 2018 John Picacio.)

Art by John Picacio featured on the cover of A LARGER REALITY / UNA REALIDAD MAS AMPLIA, edited by Libia Brenda Castro (Cumulo de Tesla / Fireside Fiction)

Cover illustration for A LARGER REALITY / UNA REALIDAD MAS AMPLIA • Client: Cumulo de Tesla / Fireside Fiction • Cover Designer: Pablo Defendini • Editor: Libia Brenda Castro • August 2018 • Media: Oil / Acrylic / Mixed Media

INFINITE WORLDS RECEPTION / AUSTIN, TX

ASFA President Sara Felix has done what many thought impossible — created and curated a successful science fiction / fantasy gallery event that’s not located on a coast. The show is called Infinite Worlds and the reception was this past Saturday, November 10th at the Dougherty Arts Center in Austin, TX (sponsored by The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA)).

It will continue to run until Saturday, December 1st, so if you haven’t experienced it yet — SEE IT.

10% of the featured artworks were sold before the reception even opened its doors! And YES, COLLECTORS — almost all of the art on display is for sale. The Dougherty’s receptionists will be happy to direct you to the price list. 🙂 The reception’s attendance was robust. The artist roster is a who’s who of major sf/f artists from rising stars to masters of the field, and many of them attended the reception including Mariana Palova, Vincent Villafranca, Gary Villarreal, Tehani Farr, Priscilla Kim, Lauren Raye Snow, Dianita, Cody Jimenez, Kiri Østergaard Leonard, Mariya Prytula, Melissa Gay, Sara Felix, and yours truly.

My original art for the Wild Cards story ‘Evernight’ by Victor Milán (pictured right) is available for purchase during this show (graphite, 16″x20″, $1200), and my original Loteria art for ‘La Campana’ is also on display, although not for sale at this time.

It’s sometimes said that the middle of the US doesn’t have a big enough population of major artists and hungry collectors to support exhibitions of this caliber. Sara’s Infinite Worlds exhibition might end up being a gamechanger in that regard, especially if this becomes the first of a tradition in one of the most pop-culture savvy cities in America.

Art fans and collectors descend upon ASFA’s Infinite Worlds show in Austin, TX.

ASFA President Sara Felix delivers the opening welcome, with an assist from her daughter Eva.

Art by Tehani Farr, Vanessa Lemen, Francis Vallejo, Lauren Raye Snow, John Jude Palencar, Vincent Villafranca, and the Shiflett Brothers.

Art by Cody Jimenez, Sam Flegal, Ingrid Kallick, Eric Wilkerson, Greg Ruth, Vincent Villafranca, and the Shiflett Brothers.

Artist Cody Jimenez and his daughter. (Cody’s painting sold at the show before the Reception even opened its doors!)

Artist Dianita Ceron.

Detail of Vanessa Lemen’s ‘Time Will Tell’.

Detail of Eric Wilkerson’s ‘Alien Lives Matter’.

Detail of Tehani Farr’s ‘Ayla’.

Detail of Sara Felix’s ‘Geodes In Space’. (Sara’s piece also sold at the show before the Reception even began.)

Artist Priscilla Kim in a staring contest with my original Loteria art for ‘La Campana’.

Check out Sara Felix’s photo gallery for more views of the exhibition!

Worldcon 76: The End Is The Beginning

Last week, I stood centerstage at Worldcon 76‘s Opening Ceremonies with my fellow Mexicanx, locked arms in ‘X’ formations, reading a statement condemning the inhumane treatment of immigrants and families at the border. We banded together, strangers united by a desire to share our visions, to give our all, to do more than we can do ourselves, and maybe change this world for the better. It was a historic moment, still rippling, still resonating. It marked the arrival of The Mexicanx Initiative’s founding assembly. We stepped across that stage as individuals, and walked off together as family, bonded by hope, eager to add new color and shape to the tapestry of modern science fiction and fantasy.

It was my first official act as Worldcon’s Artist Guest of Honor — becoming only the third Worldcon GoH to ever be a Hugo Awards Master of Ceremonies in the same year (Connie Willis and David Gerrold are the others). More on those Hugos later….

• TUESDAY the 14th: The opening act of my Worldcon week was not a Worldcon happening, but it was a big one, as George R. R. Martin and I shared the stage for a benefit live conversation at The Fox Theatre for Locus Magazine. SF in SF‘s Rina Weisman produced the event, and she did an incredible job. It was billed as a talk between George and me, and we ended up giving the fans a 2-1/2 hour event complete with signed books, signed prints, a lot of laughs, new insights, candid responses, and a wide-ranging Q&A. He and I have done this type of event before, but never in a theatre this beautiful, in front of an audience this big. It was a joy to see how much the fans appreciated it.

• WEDNESDAY the 15th: Setting up an Art Show and a Dealers Booth at the same time is not recommended, but it needed to be done. It wasn’t the last time I had to be in multiple places at once. ‘Twas a tough task, not made easier by union guys who argued amongst themselves and weren’t ready for exhibitors to set up during scheduled hours. I’m pro-union, but unfortunately, there was a rotten foreman apple in this CC bunch, making trouble for his own union teammates and the rest of us. Exhibitors did their best with the time remaining. I lost at least two hours of setup, waiting for just a simple table to be delivered, and I was far from alone in being delayed. This was not Worldcon 76’s fault. Dealers Room head Angela Jones-Parker and her team were terrific under the circumstances. Thank you, Angela!!

• THURSDAY the 16th: Had to set up an GoH Art Show and a Dealers Booth in a very limited slot of time, thanks to Wednesday’s hijinks. Could not have done it without my cousin Adria Gonzales, who was amazing throughout the entire show. It was her first Worldcon. She was a dynamo, start to finish. I had 19 minutes to set up my Dealers Booth from scratch before doors opened to the public, and when they did, I signed and sold Loteria Grande Cards and Posters so fast for four hours that I didn’t have time to put the money in my pocket, instead letting it cascade in piles on the floor of my booth. The aftermath looked like a Colombian drug deal gone bad.

Adria is a professional corporate accountant, and when she finally finished setting up my Art Show and walked into my booth, she was NOT pleased at the sight of all that money on the floor. 😉 From then on, she became my booth assistant and things ran just as fast, and a LOT more smoothly. That said — THANK YOU, Worldcon 76, for mobbing my tables for five days. It was a dream to see all of you, to sign hundreds of your badges and programs, to take selfies with you, to shake your hands, and to hand you full-color slices of Loteria Karma all day long.

After The Mexicanx Initiative’s baptism-by-greenscreen-and-stagelights at Opening Ceremonies, all of us Mexicanx marched to The M.I. Reception, coordinated by ASFA President Sara Felix, with assistance from Diane Osborne, Christine Doyle, Linda Wenzelburger, and Rina Weisman. Mr. “Mexicanity” himself — Hector Gonzalez Hernandez — prepared an ASTONISHING feast for us, featuring the best carnitas I’ve ever had, along with seven different salsas, including one called ‘Dracarys’ made with Trinidad Scorpion chilis (or was it Carolina Reapers?). Either way — no one died that night. GRRM himself graced the Mexicanx with an extended visit even though the room was sweltering. Wave after wave of sponsors arrived. The Mexicanx partied and bonded. It was an amazing night of food, friendship, and revelry.

From there, I went up six floors to the Darwin’s Children Party, hosted by Tom Rodgers and author Greg Bear. They’re developing a pitch for a major television series based on Bear’s Nebula Award-winning Darwin’s Radio. I created some concept art for it and the work adorned the walls of the suite. The room was packed as fans picked the concept art they liked best from the choices on the wall for the main character of Stella. People were passionate about their choices, and I think that bodes well for this show’s future. I signed all of the posters. It was a blast. Congrats, Tom and Greg.

• FRIDAY the 17th: I was one of the panelists on ‘New Ancestral Myths’ with Mimi Mondal, Jeannette Ng, and J.C. Cervantes. My M.I. sister Raquel Castro moderated and she did a great job. I heard a lot of positive comments and I’m glad it went well. After that, I almost lost my voice hosting ‘Loteria’ at Callahans’ Place with no microphone available, but a quick-footed tech named Kludge finally found one, or else I probably would have shredded my vocal cords long before Sunday arrived. (Thanks, Kludge.) I think this was the most Loteria players I’ve hosted in a single room since I hosted nearly 200 players at a DragonCon. It was so much fun. I signed a ton of Loteria Grande Cards and Posters that day (and a lot of convention t-shirts), and by 5pm, it was time for the Chesley Awards.

This year, I was up for a Chesley Award for Best Interior Illustration, but lost to Gregory Manchess. That category was STACKED and anyone could have won, but Greg richly deserved it for his work on Above The Timberline, one of my favorite 2017 releases. He’s one of my all-time favorite illustrators and this was his first Chesley Award (which is about 15 years overdue). It was terrific to see him win.

• SATURDAY the 18th: Adria said on Friday, “You’re gonna be almost sold out by Sunday at this rate.” She was prophetic. Saturday was bonkers at my Dealers Booth, and again, I thank you, Worldcon, for swarming my booth and scoring your personal pieces of Loteria karma. It was one of the most successful single days I’ve ever had in any dealers room, at any con. Meanwhile in the Art Show, my ‘El Arbol’ original sold, along with several other works. I signed autographs for five solid hours, and then moderated a killer panel called “The Artist / Author: The New Wave of Storytellers”. I was joined by Hugo Fan Artist Finalist Grace P. Fong, newly-minted Chesley Winner Greg Manchess, Robbie Trevino, and Mariana Palova. They were all terrific and I think that panel could have gone for another hour, and still been compelling. I did a back-to-back straight into my GoH slideshow called “Art and Soul” and it was very well-attended. Thanks, Worldcon!

Met up with Lucasfilm Executive Fiction Editor Jennifer Heddle for dinner, along with my Hugo Ceremony Directors Jessica Guggenheim and Randall Shepherd, plus Ryan Guggenheim, and Adria. It was terrific being with Jen, since the 2002 Worldcon in San Jose was the place where we first bonded with our own personal ‘Rat Pack’ of up-and-comers sixteen years earlier (shoutout to the mighty Lou Anders who appeared at his Worldcon in years, and it was AWESOME to see him).

That night, there were amazing parties everywhere, and instead I went back to my room to prepare for the Hugo Ceremony. The irony of being a Worldcon Guest of Honor and yet missing all the Saturday night parties was not lost on me.

• SUNDAY the 19th: It was a hard day. A lot of things beyond my control went wrong. In short, I ended up with almost no time to rehearse onstage. No time to coordinate with tech and work out the kinks for one of the biggest nights of my life, with my whole industry watching. I had a brief talk with Stage Manager Michael Rafferty and said, “We’re gonna have to trust each other’s talent.” My co-Directors, Randy and Jessica, worked tirelessly to update the script, making revisions as breaking developments swirled around us, all the way ’til the last minute. They were incredible.

Four minutes before showtime, I walked past Robert Silverberg backstage. He was calmly lounging in purple shadow, when he looked up and said, “You’ve always been your own boss. No need to change now.” Right words, right time. Took my mark at the curtain. Waited for countdown. Voice of Ghod said my name. Boom. GO.

I always forget how applause makes me feel like I’m underwater. I knew I was going to ‘X-up’ centerstage in salute to my Mexicanx brothers and sisters, but from there, every word of my opening address was blank page. Unscripted. Pulled from the bright stagelights, the infinite sea of faces, the inky black, that primetime moment you can’t calculate no matter how hard you try. It’s right there in front of your eyes, beyond the dazzle, if you can stop your heart from exploding out of your chest. All of those struggling years, building to arrive at that moment….I remembered that kid who so desperately wanted to be a part of this business….that guy who appeared at his first Worldcon a mere twenty-one years ago. And he led me through the darkness, like he always does — because I’m still that guy. I still want it as bad as I did when I worked on my first book cover, when I resigned from architecture to be the person I am full-time, seventeen years ago. I don’t remember everything I said up there — it just comes out — and no, I don’t want to watch the video and find out. Once is enough. 🙂

I do know I have now become a drinking meme because I’m apparently partial to the phrase, “Let’s keep this moving along.” Many humans damaged their livers Sunday night, pounding the sauce every time I uttered that, which rumors say is a lot. I do know I said that I would keep the Hugos running like a freight train so I could get us to the parties. I’ve been in those front rows as a Hugo Finalist, and I know how it feels to sit through a long, drawn-out ceremony. It’s hard. Worldcon is my extended family. You don’t treat your family to hardship if it’s in your power, and that night, it was in my power. So I did what I do, and I took us all somewhere we haven’t been before — or at least somewhere we haven’t been in a very long time.

We started the Hugos at 8:15pm that night, and we ended at 10pm — under two hours — even while carrying the most categories a Ceremony has ever had, proving we have room for inclusion — and then some — and yet still deliver my industry to its parties at a decent hour.

This year, the Hugo Awards faced one of its most important opportunities in years, with the awarding of Worldcon’s first Young Adult Book Award, recognizing that mammoth fellowship of readers and creators who are the future of Worldcons-to-come. Those fans and pros do not know what to think of Worldcon’s YA category at this point, and who can blame them. I was proud to see three things happen Sunday night that I hope that audience recognizes as a bridge of welcome. I positioned the YA category as the penultimate award, putting the two Best Novel categories together at the end of the night as they should be. I asked Felicia Day to award this inaugural recognition because her visibility and ambassadorship boost Worldcon’s credibility with those readers. Finally, two objets d’art were presented to winner Nnedi Okorafor — one hand-crafted in wood and resin by ASFA President Sara Felix, as well as a plaque. Today’s YA readers are the future of Worldcon, so that our sons and daughters might still have a Worldcon tradition to enjoy. Let’s hope Dublin 2019 and New Zealand 2020 show the future lifeblood of Worldcon the same respect — if not more — that the con expects for itself today.

Congratulations to Nora Jemisin on a history-making three-peat in the Best Novel category. I loved her speech. (And yeah, I think Bob got it wrong, regarding this.) She was great. She understood the moment. She was the moment because of her great novels, not just because of great acceptance speeches. Totally right on. Honored to witness it. Nora’s work and ongoing legacy will stand the test of time.

With that, I called ‘recess’ and the 2018 Hugo Awards Ceremony was over. Parris and George R.R. Martin soon commenced another EPIC Hugo Losers’ Party at San Jose’s Glass House. It was stellar, complete with chocolate fountains, terrific cocktails, and giant dancing robots. I received a cryptic text near midnight, requesting me to stay near the stage where GRRM addressed the house, as he does at every Losers’ Party. He announced the only Alfie Award Winner of the night, and look out, gente — it was me. For those who don’t know what an Alfie is, it’s George’s award tradition created in response to troll attacks upon the Hugos. The Alfies are named afer the legendary Alfred Bester and were awarded in 2015 and 2016, but none in 2017.

I can honestly say this 2018 Alfie means as much to me as any recognition I’ve ever received. This one is a commemoration of my Mexicanx brothers and sisters and they celebrated it onstage as I accepted it. They danced with the trophy. Took selfies with it. Ghod only knows what else they did with it that night, but it was an incredible knighting by one of our most beloved, legendary creators, validating them all within the Worldcon fold — as if anything is now possible for them — which it is.

Worldcons are magical happenings. There’s nothing quite like them.

I know.

My Mexicanx brothers and sisters now know it too, after that night, after this amazing week.

Love you, Worldcon. This was one of the single greatest experiences of my entire life.

Thanks to Kevin Roche, Andy Trembley, Christine Doyle, Cindy Scott, Kathryn Duval, Diane Osborne, Ric and Debbie Bretschneider, Sara Felix, Linda Wenzelburger, Rina Weisman, Kerry Kuhn, Angela Jones-Parker, Elayne Pelz, Nancy Alegria, the O’Hallorans, Chris Castro, Debi Chowdhury, Randy Smith, Lisa Hertel, Jerome Scott, Sandra Childress, Chuck Serface, Lori Buschbaum, and all of the tireless volunteers who make Worldcons happen. Thank you again to my incredible Hugo Ceremony co-Directors, Jessica Guggenheim and Randall Shepherd (and Michael Rafferty)!!! Thank you to Pablo Defendini, Meg Frank, Julia Rios, Fireside Magazine, Will Frank, Liza Trombi, Francesca Myman, Lenore Gallegos, Elias Gallegos, and Ti Mikkel.

And finally, all love to The Mexicanx Initiative, the great Parris McBride Martin, GRRM, and my cousin Adria Gonzales.

(Photos by Adria Gonzales, Rick Canfield, Jose Luis Zarate, Debi Chowdhury, Tom Rodgers, Bronwyn Lake, Liz Gorinsky, Gabriela Damian Miravete, Raquel Castro, Lauren Snow, Jeremy Brett.)

#Xup

Constellation Nebraska

Memo to sf/f pros and fans: DO NOT SLEEP ON NEBRASKA.

I was the Artist Guest of Honor at Constellation 9 in Lincoln, Nebraska this past weekend. It’s a small sf/f convention — the kind that pulls a modest 350-person attendance and serves a ‘big tent’ approach to fandom, celebrating art, books, films, TV, anime, gaming, cosplay and more. However, in all of my years of attending conventions, I’ve never seen a show with bigger heart. How big are we talking here?

Big enough to take The Mexicanx Initiative‘s $4333 remaining distance toward its $15,000 Assistance Fund goal and CRUSH IT in a single, unrelenting, hellacious Saturday Night Charity Auction.

That’s right.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED for The Mexicanx Initiative’s Assistance Fund — we reached our $15,000 goal this past Saturday night, thanks to everyone who gave in recent weeks and finished off by the incredible sf/f fandom of Constellation Nebraska, who believe in an American dream where all cultures are represented and welcomed. Shoutouts to Nanci H., Sam S., Nate W., Theron, Brian H., and the greatness of Dylan N. of NebrasKon (pictured upper right), who offered to shave his head AND his beard in order to raise money for The Initiative, generating a thunderous roar from the approving mob, reportedly causing onlookers to pass out. It was an epic night, hosted by John Pershing and Richard Graham, and by the end of the three-hour fever dream, Constellation Nebraska generated a whopping, record-setting $4,444, which brought the Mexicanx Initiative’s Assistance Fund total to $15,121!

And Nebraska wasn’t done — on Sunday, more contributions arrived, bringing The Mexicanx Initiative’s Assistance Fund total to $15,304.19 — $4,627.19 of that coming from the hearts, souls, and hairlines of the legendary Nebraskan people. Every dollar of that will benefit the 50 Mexicanx all-star pros and fans attending Worldcon 76 this summer.

This was Constellation’s ninth convention. I think this event has room to grow. They’ve got a great facility and great core leadership. I’ve seen my art on countless convention t-shirts over the years, but I’ve never seen one cooler than Constellation 9’s. I will wear it proudly. Thank you to Rod, Jodie, Jeff, Terri, Patricia(!!), Ray(!!), Mary, Noel, Carrie, Nate, Tom, Justin, Leia Buns, and of course, Nanci, for everything you did. It was a terrific weekend, and I look forward to seeing this convention become bigger and better in its next ten years.

In Loteria We Trust.

Dream On

I’m back in studio after spending most of this past week in the Bay Area. I did several rounds of outreach talks and presentations at San Jose State University, discussing sf/f art, career paths, The Mexicanx Initiative, Worldcon 76, and more. The kids were passionate and amazing. SJSU has an incredible Mexican-American Studies program and cultural heritage emphasis, and last year when I was asked to be Worldcon’s Artist Guest of Honor, I knew I wanted to reach out to this university because of their excellence in those departments. SJSU is also located within a few minutes’ walk from the site of this year’s Worldcon. As expected, there was a fantastic range of racial diversity, but I was especially glad to see so many DREAMers and Mexicanx in the audiences. I hope to see them again when they attend their first Worldcon and first Hugo Awards Ceremony this August.

Thank you to Kathryn Blackmer Reyes, Vanessa Fernández, Julia Curry, Andrew Blanton, Lily Pinedo Gangai, Marcos Pizarro, Sonja Daniels, Bonnie Sugiyama, and everyone who made my visit possible. Kathryn did incredible work, championing and arranging this endeavor. It would not have happened without her leadership. And again — MUCHAS GRACIAS to all of the students who were so incredible all week long.

After the SJSU appearances, I did a Loteria Game Night and Poster Signing at Borderlands Books in San Francisco. Thank you to everyone who came to play on a rainy night, and especially to Alan Beatts and Jude Feldman for hosting. I know many of the friends that night will be attending Worldcon this summer and I can’t wait to see them again.

“There Is Another.”

On January 24th, I created The Mexicanx Initiative to sponsor Worldcon 76 Attending Memberships for a few deserving Mexicanx sf/f professionals and fans to attend the con. It was an idea I imagined when I was named Artist Guest of Honor last August, and the idea quickly became a ‘thing’ as some amazing friends and allies joined in, until we fully funded 50(!!!) Attending Memberships to Worldcon this summer.

The number of requests for these memberships has been overwhelming, rolling in from north and south of the current US/Mexico border — and they continue to roll in. To date, we’ve granted 34 Attending Memberships and you can see those amazing all-star Recipients pictured above. That means 16 more decisions have to be made in the coming weeks. I’ve been moving at a fast, but thorough pace, announcing several per week, but that will now slow down as final roster spots are considered. So once that’s done, mission accomplished, right?

Not quite.

Publicly, I’ve been generating Sponsorship money for the Mexicanx Initiative’s Membership Fund, but all the while, I’ve also been secretly working on a second Mexicanx Initiative Fund.

Enter the M.I.’s Assistance Fund.

While the initial Membership Fund is essentially “mission accomplished” because we fully funded 50 Attending Memberships, the Assistance Fund has been accepting separate monies since January, for helping Recipients with their travel, hotel and food needs because so many face an expensive, sometimes complex, journey. I’ve been doing that without going public, but as of today — anyone can give to The Fund, encouraging diversity and inclusion toward a stronger, more balanced sf/f field.

And here’s where you make it happen:
Donate To MEXICANX INITIATIVE ASSISTANCE FUND.

Your money will go directly to Worldcon’s Treasury. They will allocate it toward The Assistance Fund (different from the already-completed Sponsored Membership Fund). How will the Assistance Fund money be distributed to the Recipients? Every dollar will be given to the Recipients via Worldcon 76’s Registration Team at the convention in August, and will be distributed in equal portions. I suspect our south-of-the-border Mexicanx will receive the bulk of the funds, divided evenly amongst them. The north-of-the-border Mexicanx will receive the remainder, again divided evenly amongst them. No Assistance grants will be distributed until funding is completed, but 100% will go to our Membership Recipients at Worldcon 76.

This way, all will receive a share of assistance, but the south-of-the-border attendees will receive more than the north, which is what I want. In the coming weeks, I hope we can generate at least $15,000 to help these folks make their Worldcon dream come true, and from what I’m hearing, we already have $6000 toward that figure.

Let’s do this.

Appreciated, all.

In Loteria We Trust.

California Dreaming

I’ll be in the Bay Area this month — talking art, process, Game of Thrones, Loteria, The Mexicanx Initiative, World Science Fiction Convention, and how to live the life you most want. Here’s where you can find me.

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 14TH

Daytime: Student-Only Appearances at San Jose State University

5:30pm at San Jose State University: “The Art of John Picacio” — a FREE, open-to-the-public slideshow lecture about my science fiction/fantasy art career, featuring working process of my book cover artworks and product illustrations for properties such as Star Trek, the X-Men, and George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, plus my own reimagining of the classic Loteria cards. There will be Q+A, as well as a short reception immediately after. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library • Room 225)

ALSO: Heads up, Mexicanx (people of Mexican American heritage or Mexican citizens)! If you’re a fan of science fiction / fantasy literature or art, or aspiring sf/f professional, and have always wanted to attend a World Science Fiction Convention, let me know why you should come to Worldcon in San Jose and you might just get sponsored for a free Attending Membership ($230 value) to this summer’s convention, courtesy of The Mexicanx Initiative. Offer open to SJSU students and faculty. Drop a comment below, if interested.

THURSDAY • MARCH 15TH

Daytime: Student-Only Appearances at San Jose State University

7pm at San Francisco’s Borderlands Books: LOTERIA GAME NIGHT + POSTER SIGNING — Come win fantastic prizes! I’ll be hosting several rounds of Loteria, the popular Mexican game of chance (AKA ‘Mexican Bingo’). It’s free, fast-paced and easy to play. Open to the public. I’ll also be signing my limited-run Loteria Grande Art Cards and Posters while supplies last!

See you soon, Northern California!