ICON is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to address the most important ideas and issues in illustration today. Every two years, we plan and produce ICON The Illustration Conference: a forum for ongoing dialogue on the topics that unite our community—inspiration, studio practice, advocacy, and education.
Inspiration
Big ideas, bold voices, and perspective shifts. ICON helps you expand your creative horizons and renew your sense of wonder by enjoying awesome work and getting to know the people who make it happen.
Industry & Studio Practice
Real talk on running a business and fueling your process. Some conferences focus on tools and techniques for making art, while others talk about making money. Only ICON brings together the art and practice of illustration—so you can grow your skills and your career at the same time.
Business & Advocacy
Speaking up for equity, visibility, and change. ICON was formed in the mid-1990s in response to the proliferation of stock illustration and its impact on illustrators’ livelihoods. Today, as we face newer challenges and opportunities, we’re as committed as ever to providing a platform for all voices.
Education
This is how we learn, teach, and pass it on. Through Prisms: The Illustration Education Symposium, ICON seeks to deepen the connections between education, research, and practice in illustration—and to help create a clear pathway from art school to your early career and beyond.
ICON The Illustration Conference is led entirely by a volunteer board of art and design industry professionals. Over a two-year term, the ICON Board plans, organizes, and produces the upcoming conference.
Executives & Staff
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
ICON Executive Director & Co-Directors
Board of Directors
Mainstage Program Chair
Prisms/Education Program Chair
Workshops Program Chair
PR & Communications Chair
Events & Logistics Chair
Advocacy Chair
Advisors
Roadshow & Bookstore Program Advisor
Kaleidoscope Program Advisor
Portfolio Review Program Advisor
Motion Commotion Program Advisor
Volunteer & Merchandise Advisor
Design Advisor
Supporting Roles
Mentees
Local Liaisons/Advisors
Student Volunteers
Sara Barnes, ICON12
Bri Hermanson, ICON11
Julie Murphy & Len Small, ICON10
Esther Pearl Watson, ICON9
Ellen Weinstein, ICON8
John Hendrix, ICON7
Martha Rich, ICON6
Whitney Sherman, ICON5
Anne Field, ICON4
Cathie Bleck, ICON3
Marc Burckhardt, ICON2
Jo Ann Miller, ICON1
Anyone involved in the art and business of illustration is welcome to step up and help shape the future of our industry.
ICON Staff
Mark Heflin is the Executive Director of ICON The Illustration Conference, having served since 2009. Prior to his appointment, he was on the board of directors for ICON5 (2008) in New York. Mark also serves as the director of American Illustration and American Photography (AI-AP). He is a proud volunteer at God’s Love We Deliver in New York City and sings with the Empire City Men’s Chorus.
Lily Smith-Kirkley is a Co-Director of ICON The Illustration Conference, having served since 2017. Before taking on this role, she was on the board of directors for ICON11 (2022) in Kansas City and ICON10 (2018) in Detroit. Lily is also the founder and Creative Director of Lilco Studio, a design, illustration, and letterpress printing business. She lives in Dallas with her wife, where they enjoy kayaking, training their dogs, and landscaping with native Texas plants.
Steven Compton is a Co-Director of ICON The Illustration Conference, having served since 2023. Prior to accepting this role, he was on the board of directors for ICON12 (2024) in Minneapolis. Steven is also the Director of Exhibitions and Collections Manager at the Society of Illustrators in New York, where he organizes major exhibitions and oversees 2,500+ works. He lives in Jersey City with his wife and their son, where he enjoys cooking, watching bad horror movies, and making art.
Kolea Baker
Cathie Bleck
Bunny Carter
Brad Holland
Dave Lesh
Jo Ann Miller
Joel Nakamura
CF Payne
Anne Telford
Marzena Torzecka
Richard Tuschman