Hot off the presses, is this year's Applied Arts Illustration and Photography Annual, the best lowdown for what's going on in the Canadian graphic arts industry. Overall, the slick matte cover gives off a good vibe, and there are some decent articles inside, as well as the actual photography and illustration award winners. I always feel there could be more illustration featured, but bias aside, at least the photography showcased is pretty amazing.
In the illustration section there are the usual suspects like Rick Sealock and Pol Turgeon, but surprisingly a lot of new faces and fresh talent, which is always good to see. My portrait of Drake, ended up in the portrait section on a spread featuring some other well done portraits including Forest Whitaker and Georges St-Pierre. Here are a few shots of the layout

Straight outta the TDot, and backed by his pseudo street cred earned on the streets of Degrassi, Canadian rapper Drake continues to flex the boundaries of international stardom. Rarely does a musician from the Great White North, successfully make the leap into the U.S. market, but it seems to be no trouble for this actor-turned-rapper. Aside from the Bieb and Drake, it doesn't seem like anyone else from Canada is even making a dent over the border. Aided by a host of big name collaborators, there's no telling how big this Young Money heavyweight will get. However the machine works, Canada doesn't really seem to get this whole complex music promo starpower thing. Which is actually kind of nice.
Portrait done in watercolour on rough board