15th February 2025

11am - 3:30pm

Future Yard CIC

75 Argyle Street

 

WHAT IS Mersey

Margins?

Mersey Margins Collective Comics Fair is a brand new independent comics fair! Devised by the Marginal Changemakers, a cohort committed to addressing issues in publishing and the comics industry, this fair is designed to uplift and empower young early career Liverpool City Region comics artists! 

 

Programming

11:00 AM
COMIC FAIR OPENS

11:30 AM
BEX OLLERTON - COMICS & MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP
YELLOW ROOM

12:30 PM
PITAHPAT - COMICS & COMMUNITY TALK
LIVE ROOM

1:30 PM
EMMA REYNOLDS - COMICS & CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP
YELLOW ROOM

2:30 PM
COMICS & IDENTITY PANEL -
JULIAN GRAY, LEWIS HANCOX, SHARPTXNGUE, BEX OLLERTON
LIVE ROOM

3:30 PM
COMIC FAIR CLOSES

TALKS & WORKSHOPS

Click on photos to book free tickets (workshops only)

11.30 AM - COMICS & MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP WITH BEX OLLERTON

Bex Ollerton is a comic artist from Manchester, UK. She makes work about mental health, neurodivergence and the general struggles of being a human being in an overwhelming world. Ollerton strives to use the medium to convey a strong emotional truth and discuss things that can be hard to talk about.

She posts her work online under the handle @schnumn.

This workshop will be in the Yellow Room and you must book your ticket in advance.

12.30 PM - COMICS & COMMUNITY TALK WITH PITAHPAT

Pita Santos (also known as Pitahpat) is a queer Filipino illustrator, designer and creative facilitator based in Manchester. They have a multidisciplinary practice, using a blend of analogue and digital to create bright, colourful, and joyful imagery. With a playful and light-hearted approach, Pita aims to create meaningful work to tell stories, bring people together, and use creativity for good.

Alongside their illustration practice, they are also co-founder of Caterpillar Press, a risograph press based in PINK Studios in Stockport, as well as a co-founder of Studio Haluhalo, a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Manchester.

This talk will be held in the Live Room and is unticketed.

1.30 PM - COMICS & CLIMATE JUSTICE WORKSHOP WITH EMMA REYNOLDS

Emma Reynolds is an illustrator and author based in Manchester, UK.

Her latest book Drawn to Change The World: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists, is a middle grade graphic novel with each activist bio illustrated by an acclaimed artist from around the world.

Emma’s author-illustrator debut picture book Amara and the Bats about bat conservation, peaceful protest and community action is a Nautilus winner, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, National Science Teacher Association ‘Best in STEM’, and an Empathy Lab #ReadForEmpathy selection.

In early 2019 she started #KidLit4Climate the first global illustrated climate campaign, bringing together thousands of children’s illustrators and authors from more than fifty countries in solidarity with the youth climate strikes.

This workshop will be in the Yellow Room and you must book your ticket in advance.

2.30 PM - PANEL: COMICS & IDENTITY

Mersey Margins will conclude with a panel on Comics and Identity, featuring guest speakers Julian Gray, Lewis Hancox, Bex Ollerton and Sharp Txngue.

This event will be held in the Live Room, and is unticketed.

Julian Gray is a freelance illustrator and comic creator based in Manchester, UK.

Unapologetically queer, trans, disabled, and mixed heritage, Julian is passionate about filling the world with stories featuring marginalised characters where their marginalisation is not the centrepiece. He is especially fond of flawed characters and queer romances. His illustrations are often character-driven and take inspiration from his favourites: superhero comics, speculative fiction, the Victorian aristocracy and historical gothic aesthetics.

He has worked with clients such as the BBC, LGBT Foundation, Barnardo's, DaDaFest, and the University of Liverpool. His first solo exhibition, 'Stories For Us', ran at the Lowry from March to May 2022 and introduced his comic work to a broader audience.

Lewis Hancox is a writer, illustrator and content creator from the North West UK. He is the author-illustrator of "Welcome to St. Hell" and "Escape from St Hell", a graphic memoir series published by Scholastic, and his short horror comic "Sketchy" is featured in the new Harper Collins anthology "Of the Flesh." He is also known for his online comedy and animations, often drawing from his experiences as an emo trans teen in the 2000s.

BEX OLLERTON

Bex Ollerton is a comic artist from Manchester, UK. She makes work about mental health, neurodivergence and the general struggles of being a human being in an overwhelming world. Ollerton strives to use the medium to convey a strong emotional truth and discuss things that can be hard to talk about.

She posts her work online under the handle @schnumn.

Olamide Florence (or Flo) aka Sharp Txngue is a queer, neurodivergent Black illustrator!

She is particularly inspired by the fantasy and imagination of cartoons, TV and film! She fuses these ideas with themes in her life like queer love, relationships, food and celebration!

She turns this creative fuel into illustrative art prints (A6-A4), vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, zines and painted originals.


EXHIBITORS

To find out more about the artist click on their photo to head to their website
(this will open a new tab)

BEEP

THEY/THEM - FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR

Hello! I have been online making art since 2013. I would describe my style as cartoony and experimental. I love to play around with collage and Textures, as well as integrating traditional assets in my digital works. I draw my little pony artworks as well as OCS.

I’ll be taking cash and paypal on the day!

FIND ME AT:  

https://clowncarsgobeep.weebly.com/#/ 

https://beep-beep.carrd.co/ 

CARA BROWN

SHE/HER - COMIC ARTIST

I'm Cara! A comic artist from Liverpool, specialising in autobio and horror comics. I am so excited to be tabling at Mersey Margins, its a great opportunity as a newly emerging comic artist and I can't wait to meet and talk to new people about Comics! 

I’ll be taking cash and card on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.instagram.com/caraashji/

HANNAH (NOVA)

SHE/THEY - ILLUSTRATION STUDENT

Hi!! i'm Hannah (aka Nova) and i'm currently an illustration student at LJMU! This is my first experience showing/tabling my work and i'm so excited to see everyone else's artwork too!

I’ll be taking cash and contactless card on the day!

FIND ME AT: https://www.instagram.com/nova_starrrr_/

JODI ROSKELL

SHE/THEY - DIGITAL ARTIST AND ASTROPHYSICS STUDENT

I create digital art with a heavy focus on bright colours and experimenting with glitchy aesthetics and traditional tools. My aim with any piece is to be weird and have fun. I’m absolutely ecstatic to table at Mersey Margins to get an opportunity to meet local artists and make connections.  

I’ll be taking card only on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://bsky.app/profile/jodiexists.bsky.social 

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/jodiexists-art 

https://www.instagram.com/jodiexists/ 

JULIANN HAYMONDS

THEY/THEM - ILLUSTRATOR

Hi, I’m Juliann! I’m a hobbyist illustrator who’s recently moved to Liverpool. I’m big on analogue image making, and art with a narrative. Mersey Margins looked like a great opportunity to meet some new creative neighbours, make some friends, and establish myself in the local creative community. 

I’ll be taking cash, card and paypal on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.instagram.com/juliann.haymonds/

LIBBY ROXBY

ANY PRONOUNS - STUDENT AND COMICS EVANGELIST

As an artist and writer, I have spent the last few years immersing myself in both independent and mainstream comics. My goal when making comics of my own is always to make the most of the medium’s strengths. Mersey Margins is an opportunity to meet people with new perspectives!

I’ll be taking card only on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.tumblr.com/dibleopard

https://dibs.neocities.org/comic/home

https://bsky.app/profile/lroxby.bsky.social

LINK

SHE/THEY - ILLUSTRATION STUDENT

Hi i'm Link! I'm a 2nd year illustration student at LJMU University. I draw what I like when I like, and hopefully have some fun while doing it. Mersey Margins will be my first experience showing my work, so i'm excited to give this my best shot! 

I’ll be taking cash only on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.instagram.com/linkaiia/

RAY

HE/HIM - CARTOONIST

I create silly and fun zines and also worked with marginal to create my own picture book, Archie’s Grand Plan! I am super excited to table for the first time, see everyone and celebrate other amazing artists!

I’ll be taking cash and card on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.instagram.com/_otter_nonsense/

An underwater graphic showcasing Séimí Che's Artwork

SÉIMÍ CHE

HE/HIM - STUDENT

My work consists of mostly characters from various parts of popculture. This includes superheroes, scifi, fantasy and horror. 

I’ll be taking cash and card on the day!

SOPHIE LOCKWOOD

THEY/THEM - DIGITAL AND FIBER ARTIST

I cannot wait to bring my edgy and emotionally open artwork, and poetry book 'Beasts' to Mersey Margins! I'm so excited to see and connect with the other artists and showcase the wide variety of talent and skill that Merseyside has to offer together!

I’ll be taking cash and paypal on the day!

FIND ME AT;

https://www.instagram.com/agenderpunkarts/

WOLFIIBURR

SHE/HER - FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR

Hello! I'm Keris, otherwise known as Wolfiiburr aka that one artist with the cutesy sounding username but actually draws a lot of horror art. It is really exciting to be working with Mersey Margins and have the opportunity to meet other creators, I am looking forward to sharing my work with you all! 

I’ll be taking card only on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://wolfiiburr.tumblr.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wolfiiburr/ 

WORMSUPERFAN_ART

THEY/THEM - ILLUSTRATOR

I create mostly vintage inspired vaguely weird and spooky art, including prints, badges, patches and more. I'm exited to table at Mersey Margins because I love sharing my art. 

I’ll be taking cash and card on the day!

FIND ME AT:

https://www.linktr.ee/wormsuperfanart

 

VENUE

We will be holding the convention at FUTURE YARD, 75 ARGYLE STREET, CH41 6AB on 15 February from 11 AM until 3:30 PM

All programming will be on the ground floor, there are gender neutral toilets at the venue, and Future Yard’s café and Pizza Kitchen will be open on the day, serving plenty of vegan and vegetarian options!

 
Future Yard Facade

Future Yard Facade

 

OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

We ask that everyone at Mersey Margins adhere to our code of conduct:

  1. Respect everybody’s pronouns & names. 

  2. Be responsible, respect our space and be aware that your actions affect others. 

  3. Be reflective: share space and time so everyone gets a chance to speak. 

  4. Be aware of boundaries - respect people’s physical and emotional boundaries and have a content warning for topics which may be triggering.  

  5. Be mindful of everybody’s abilities and lived experiences. 

  6. If you have any concerns or need help, let a member of staff know. 


 

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

FORUMS

As part of Mersey Margins we have invited guest speakers to deliver industry talks to our exhibitors. Limited free tickets are also available to members of the public.
Click on the images below to book your free ticket!  

 

17 JANUARY 2025 - TORIA MCCALLUM ON CONVENTIONS

 

Are you an early career comics artist wanting to learn more about the comics industry and how to turn comics into a viable profession? Join us for a free conversation about comic conventions, featuring guest speaker Toria Scribbles!

You will have to opportunity to learn more about the art of tabling and how to navigate comic conventions as a professional artist, tips and wisdom from Toria's comics career, as well as having the chance ask questions and to meet other artists!

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER: Toria McCallum is a Comic Artist, Cartoonist, Illustrator and massive dork located in the North West of the UK living with two cats and their cat-like partner. Toria specialises in sequential art, character design and visual storytelling. They've been active in the British Small Press Comics scene since 2017 and exhibited as a creator as various comic conventions, festivals and arts markets around the UK.

 

31 JANUARY 2025 - GEORGE WILLIAMS ON PUBLISHING

 

Are you an early career comics artist wanting to learn more about the comics industry and how to turn comics into a viable profession? Join us for a free conversation about comics publishing, featuring guest speaker George Williams!

You will have the opportunity to learn more pitching books, working with publishers and how to navigate the comics industry as a professional artist, plus tips and wisdom from George's comics career, as well as having the chance ask questions and to meet other artists!

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER: "I’m a trans man from the UK who loves working in basically every kind of genre! From grisly horror to cute animals to paleoart, I’m your guy!

I graduated university with an MDes in Illustration and Comics in 2020, and have been working professionally in comics ever since."

 

Not an artist but want to take part? We’re currently recruiting for more young people aged 14-25 to help us organise Mersey Margins! Click here to join us!


Keep checking back to this page as we will release more information about the event closer to the day!