Dylan Cole returns to IAMAG for Master Classes ’26 in Montreal.
I don’t usually feature press releases here at befores & afters, but a recent note from IAMAG caught my eye. Their Master Classes for 2026 already have a host of artists and designers lined up to attend, including Dylan Cole (Avatar: The Way of Water and Fire and Ash), Patrick O’Keefe (Spider‑Man: Beyond the Spider‑Verse) and legendary concept artist Iain McCaig.
Check out the news, below. I also took the opportunity to feature some of Cole’s concepts from Fire and Ash.
Renowned concept artist and production designer Dylan Cole is set to return to the IAMAG Master Classes for their landmark 2026 edition, taking place July 3–5 in Montreal, Canada. Cole, best known for his visionary work on Avatar: The Way of Water, headlines a stacked roster of speakers at IAMAG Master Classes ’26: “Uncharted Paths”, the first IAMAG event ever held in North America.
Cole’s return underscores IAMAG’s continued commitment to showcasing top-tier talent across film, animation, and games, while fostering meaningful connections offering an international stage for industry leaders to share insights, workflows, and vision.
Following a decade of success in Paris, IAMAG is bringing its event to Montreal’s Centre Mont-Royal, offering three days of high-level keynotes, masterclasses, portfolio reviews, panels, and networking opportunities. The event is designed to connect studios, professionals, and emerging talent across the creative production pipeline.
“Bringing IAMAG Master Classes to Montreal is a milestone,” said Patrice Leymarie, IAMAG Founder and Organiser. “This city is a magnet for visual storytellers and innovators. We’re creating a space where world-class artists like Dylan can share, inspire, and elevate others on a whole new continent.”
Speaker Line-Up Highlights
In addition to Dylan Cole, the event will feature an all-star line-up of artists, designers, and creative leads from across the entertainment industry, including:
Patrick O’Keefe – Production Designer, Spider‑Man: Beyond the Spider‑Verse
Eddy Okba – Animator with credits across major animated franchises
Iain McCaig – Legendary concept artist (Star Wars, Harry Potter)
Nathan Fowkes – Veteran visual development artist
Aurélien Prédal – Production designer, Le Petit Prince
Mike Azevedo, Aleksi Briclot, Lorenzo Lanfranconi, Samuel Smith, and more
Over 40 master classes and events will span the weekend, with exclusive access for attendees both in-person and online.
Full three‑day passes (in person) will grant access to all sessions, master classes, portfolio reviews, signing opportunities, and networking events. Online access or replay options will also be made available via IAMAG’s digital platform.
For more information, updates, or press inquiries, visit the official IAMAG Master Classes ’26 page.
