Picture this: a boom in published illustration

The "Headlines" show of graduate work from the Sheridan College illustrator's program last week was short and sweet -- just three days' opportunity to see some extraordinary work at the Steam Whistle Brewery. Most every entrant had a stylish business card or handout, with a personal website. There was an excellent catalogue produced and sold for a very modest $15.

The opening on Thursday night was packed with lots of folks who know what's what, including some of Canada's best senior designers, art directors and illustrators. What they saw was some work that was professional calibre and talk on the floor was about where were the outlets to be for this talent. Illustration is not out of fashion, but is not used as much in magazines as it used to be, even though they are the ideal medium (save for advertising) to feature it.

So, here's a modest proposal. There are 2,400 magazines in Canada, of all shapes, sizes and budgets. Even if only half of them (including trades) resolved to seek out and commission work from these young up-and-comers once or twice a year, we're talking about a couple of thousand assignments. That could go a long way to making Canadian magazines fresher, brighter and more thought-provoking and cultivating an important pool of home-grown talent. Sheridan's doing its part; now it's up to the industry.

And it couldn't be easier. The website for the show is still up and available, with samples of the work and contact information for each participant.

(The illustrations, from top, are by Nataly Kim, Chad Covino and Vanessa Touesnard)