Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Drouin.
Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started taking art classes when I was 5 years old, and have been drawing, painting, and cartooning ever since! Art class and the library were always my two favorite places to be. I’ve always had a creative imagination, and been inspired by the worlds that are created through reading books and watching cartoons of the 90s. Some of my favorite children’s books: Matilda, Jumanji, Amelia Bedelia, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and favorite cartoons: Ducktales, Darkwing Duck, Rescue Rangers, and Invader Zim. I believe that these definitely had an impact on my art and writing. My art style can be described as whimsical, bold, vibrant, and cute.
Hi, my name is Emily Drouin, and I am a children’s book illustrator, author, comic book artist, animator, and creator of a comic book convention for kids, Kids Con New England. I believe that comic books are a great way to get kids excited about reading and the visual arts. I grew up reading comics: Calvin & Hobbs, Peanuts, Garfield, and Fox Trot were among my favorites, and they inspired me to draw and create my own comics! I started tabling at conventions with my self-published sci-fi comic book series for kids, EPLIS, in 2013. Back then, there didn’t seem to be too much for kids to do at comic cons. I felt the need for there to be a kid-friendly activities area where kids can learn about the comic arts and be entertained, so I offered to run kids zones and teach cartooning & comic book workshops at comic conventions across New England. I decided to take it the next step further and create a comic convention just for kids, and Kids Con New England was born! My husband and I run it, and we’re going on our fourth year of the event. Our mission is to promote art education and literacy through family friendly comics.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Creating a convention is a lot of work, especially when you’re doing it on your own. A year’s worth of work goes into putting on a one day show. It’s been quite the learning experience.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kids Con New England – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the founder of Kids Con New England, the first and largest kids-focused comic book convention in New England! The event is going on its fourth year, and our next event will be held on Sunday May 19, 2019 at the Radisson Nashua, NH. Our focus is on family-friendly comics, workshops, and fun activities that inspire kids to be creative and enjoy reading! More at: kidsconne.com
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have been gradually growing each year, and we are working on bringing more educational programming, fun activities, and more children’s comic book creators.
Pricing:
- Kids under 5yrs old are free!
- Seniors & Military Discount
Contact Info:
- Address: Kids Con New England is held at the Radisson Nashua, NH
- Website: http://www.kidsconne.com
- Email: info@kidsconne.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/kidscon
- Facebook: facebook.com/kidsconne
- Twitter: twitter.com/kidsconne
- Other: Emily’s Comics Art: epliscomic.com , emilyatplay.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
