Youth Artist Showcase: Simon Lemire

Who are you?

Simon Lemire, I'm 19 and I'm a visual artist

What is your artistic background?

I've been through all the art classes the high school had to offer, during that time I also took a NSCAD zine workshop, as well as a comics workshop. Following through into post secondary I chose to attend NSCAD and I'm going back this fall for my second year.

What kind of artwork do you do?

I like to draw comics, pencil and ink. Digital is fun to play around with, and good to finish pieces off with, but I prefer the traditional pen on paper drawing and inking.

What kinds of things inspire your artwork?

Lots of things, Music, movies, books. I have a couple books I keep by my desk for when I'm drawing just to flip through and get inspired.

who/what are your biggest influences?

A lot of my influences come from comics, some being Sean Murphy, Darwyn Cooke, Cartoonist Kayfabe (Ed Piskor & Jim Rugg), Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, and Nick Derington to name a few. I've recently become far more interested in cartoonists, those who write and draw their own work. many of the names above at one point or another in their careers could be classified as a cartoonist.

Do you have any favourite or standout pieces of art?

If you're talking about someone else's then it's a four page story featuring The Question by Darwyn Cooke.

but if you're talking about mine I really don't. but this is what I’m working on now.

Do you want to make a career from your art? if so where would you like it to take you?

I’m looking to get into the comics industry, I’d eventually love a shot at DC or Marvel but indie publishers and self publishing is what I'd like to accomplish first and foremost.

Are there any resources you wish were more

available in the community for artists?

I wish there had been something like a community bulletin board in the high school with opportunities for artists and performers. but more likely then not it wouldve been vandalized so I get it. I know that straying a bit away from the eastern shore for resources works for me in terms of art supplies and also events like Hal-Con and DCAF. So I guess an art store and maybe some chances for exposure.

Do you have any upcoming projects or things people can look forward to?

Right now I'm working on a comic book anthology, it's got five stories all between 8-14 pages and currently I'm looking for places to print it, and I'll be posting pictures on my instagram as I get pages done.