JOHN PICACIO is one of the most acclaimed American artists in science fiction and fantasy over the last decade, creating best-selling art for George R. R. Martin’s A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE series, as well as the STAR TREK and X-MEN franchises. Major clients include Penguin Random House, Tor Books, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Subterranean Press, Pyr, Baen Books, Dark Horse Comics, and many more. His body of work features major cover illustrations for authors such as Michael Moorcock, Harlan Ellison, Brenda Cooper, James Dashner, Frederik Pohl, Dan Simmons, Mark Chadbourn, Sheri S. Tepper, James Tiptree, Jr., Lauren Beukes, Jeffrey Ford, and Joe R. Lansdale. Winner of the 2012 and 2013 Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, his accolades include eight Chesley Awards, two Locus Awards, two International Horror Guild Awards, the World Fantasy Award, and the Inkpot Award.

In 2012, he founded his own creative imprint, Lone Boy, which became the launchpad for his Loteria Grande cards, a bold contemporary re-imagineering of the classic Mexican game of chance. He is currently writing and illustrating a Loteria book, and his literary works are represented by Joanna Volpe of New Leaf Literary and Media (NYC). Words that make him happy include comics, hardcover, Palomino Blackwing, Faber-Castell, Kenobi, Batman, Tarkovsky, ghost chili, Dia de los Muertos, Ginobili, and single malt scotch.

He lives and works in San Antonio, TX. For more, visit johnpicacio.com.

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Appearance Schedule

Things I Wish Some Pro Had Told Me

Friday, June 22, 2018, 4:00 p.m.

So you think you’ve got what it takes to break out, excel, and be a professional creator. Hear some no-nonsense advice from professionals in the fields of art, writing, and film.

Brian Gililland – M, Lloyd Lee Barnett, Jerry Bennett, Glenn Garland, John Picacio, Selina Rosen

Opening Ceremonies

Friday, June 22, 2018, 6:00 p.m.

Selina Rosen – M, Astronaut Stan Love, Lloyd Lee Barnett, Jerry Bennett, Rachel Caine, Glenn Garland, Larry Nemecek, John Picacio, Carrie Vaughn

Friends of SoonerCon Reception

Friday, June 22, 2018, 7:00 p.m.

Friends of SoonerCon membership-exclusive social event with SoonerCon 27 guests of honor and featured guests. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided. Thank you to our Friends of SoonerCon supporters!

Lloyd Lee Barnett, Jerry Bennett, Rachel Caine, Glenn Garland, Larry Nemecek, John Picacio, Selina Rosen, Carrie Vaughn

World Peace Through Chocolate Art Reception

Friday, June 22, 2018, 8:00 p.m.

Award-winning artists host a viewing of the region’s largest SF art show. Light desserts provided. (2 hours)

Jerry Bennett, Peri Charlifu, Brad W. Foster, John Picacio

Behind the Veil: The Art of John Picacio

Saturday, June 23, 2018, 11:00 a.m.

Hugo Award-winning artist John Picacio presents a slideshow of the making of his latest cover and product art, with sneak peeks of new Loteria cards and forthcoming works. Q&A with SoonerCon’s Artist Guest of Honor.

John Picacio

Better Diversity for a Better Story

Saturday, June 23, 2018, 1:00 p.m.

Behold the lily-white neo-Celtic fantasy: a study in beige. Yawn. The universe is so much more varied; why isn’t your fiction?

Tex Thompson – M, Lee Killough, A. Lee Martinez, Travis Nance, John Picacio, Trakena Prevost

Loteria Gaming with John Picacio

Saturday, June 23, 2018, 4:00 p.m.

LOTERIA! Play this classic, fun, and easy-to-learn game of chance for the opportunity to win prizes! Award-winning artist John Picacio hosts several rounds of Mexican Bingo. Come discover how the artist is redefining Loteria for a new world audience.

John Picacio

Koffee Klatch

Sunday, June 24, 2018, 10:00 a.m.

Morning networking with convention guests.

Lloyd Lee Barnett, Julie Barrett, Rachel Caine, Peri Charlifu, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Roger Colby, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Dan Erickson, Dara Fogel, Ph.D., Tyrell Gephardt, Brian Gililland, Teddy Harvia, Phillip Hollecker, Gary Jonas, Mike Kennedy, Vickey Malone Kennedy, Lee Killough, Rebecca McFarland Kyle, Melinda LaFevers, William Ledbetter, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Tracy S. Morris, Harold Neal, John Eric Osborn, John Picacio, Jeff Provine, Rook Riley, Sara Saint John, Adrian Simmons, Sue Sinor, Bradley H. Sinor, Seth Skorkowsky, Tommy B. Smith, Christina Stiles, Summer Rain Cosplay, THE james k burk, Laura J. Underwood

Wild Cards, an Introduction and Celebration

Sunday, June 24, 2018, 1:00 p.m.

Did you know George did stories before A Song of Ice and Fire? It’s true! For those unfamiliar with the Wild Cards series, come learn as longtime fans celebrate the series. Started in 1987, it’s recently seen its 25th book released. Now edited by George R. R. Martin, many authors come together to create an everyday superhero universe.

Matthew Price – M, John Picacio, Caroline Spector, Carrie Vaughn,

Closing Ceremonies

Sunday, June 24, 2018, 4:00 p.m.

Selina Rosen – M, Lloyd Lee Barnett, Jerry Bennett, Rachel Caine, Larry Nemecek, John Picacio, Carrie Vaughn