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
LIVE ROOM
11:00 AM - 12 NOON
QUIET HOUR
LIVE ROOM
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
BEX OLLERTON - COMICS & MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP
YELLOW ROOM
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
PITAHPAT - COMICS & COMMUNITY TALK
LIVE ROOM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
EMMA REYNOLDS - COMICS & CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP
YELLOW ROOM
2:30 PM - 3:15 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)
Workshops are appropriate for ages 14 and up
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 making art online since 2013. I would describe my style as cartoony and experimental. I love to play around with collage and Texture, as well as integrating traditional assets in my digital works. I draw my little pony artwork as well as OCS.
I’ll be taking cash and PayPal on the day!
FIND ME AT:
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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:
SÉIMÍ CHE
HE/HIM - STUDENT
My work consists of mostly characters from various parts of pop culture. This includes superheroes, sci-fi, 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 skills that Merseyside has to offer together!
I’ll be taking cash and PayPal on the day!
FIND ME AT;
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:
WORMSUPERFAN_ART
THEY/THEM - ILLUSTRATOR
I create mostly vintage-inspired vaguely weird and spooky art, including prints, badges, patches and more. I'm excited to table at Mersey Margins because I love sharing my art.
I’ll be taking cash and card on the day!
FIND ME AT:
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
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
We ask that everyone at Mersey Margins adhere to our code of conduct:
Respect everybody’s pronouns & names.
Be responsible, respect our space and be aware that your actions affect others.
Be reflective: share space and time so everyone gets a chance to speak.
Be aware of boundaries - respect people’s physical and emotional boundaries and have a content warning for topics which may be triggering.
Be mindful of everybody’s abilities and lived experiences.
If you have any concerns or need help, let a member of staff know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Do I need to get a ticket?
No tickets are needed to attend the fair or the panels and talks in the LIVE ROOM—they’re open on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the day. However, workshops in the YELLOW ROOM require booking in advance through Eventbrite. There are 20 spaces available for attendees for each workshop, so book early to secure your spot!
2. How do I book my place on the workshops?
You can book your spot on the workshops through the Eventbrite links provided below:
COMICS AND MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mersey-margins-free-workshop-comics-and-mental-health-with-bex-ollerton-tickets-1195582662929?aff=oddtdtcreator
COMICS AND CLIMATE JUSTIC WORKSHOP: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1196374350889?aff=oddtdtcreator
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long to register!3. Can I leave and re-enter the event on the day?
Yes, you’re free to leave and re-enter the event as needed. However, if the event reaches full capacity, we will operate a one-in, one-out system. Please be mindful of this when planning your day. Feel free to attend the entire event or drop in for specific parts that interest you.4. Will I be able to get food and drink at the event?
Yes! The Future Yard Bar and Pizza Kitchen will be open, serving drinks and pizza with vegan and vegetarian options available. Seating areas will also be provided for you to relax and enjoy your food.5. Is the event accessible?
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and BSL interpreters will be present for key sessions. We’re also considering offering a quiet hour to ensure the event is inclusive for everyone. If you have specific access needs, please let us know in advance by contacting ollie@comicsyouth.co.uk. For example, we can assist with transportation by reimbursing travel within the Liverpool City Region if you are facing financial hardship. A full post detailing accessibility features will be shared on our Instagram closer to the event, so stay tuned.6. Is the event being filmed?
Yes, the event will be filmed for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be included in any footage, please let a member of staff know on the day, and we’ll ensure your preferences are respected.7. Do I need to bring cash or card for the stalls?
Each artist has their own payment preferences, which can be found in the ‘exhibitors’ section on this webpage, or on our exhibitor announcement posts on Instagram. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend bringing both cash and card on the day.
