tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87074183249560828822024-03-19T01:02:28.376-04:00Karmada ArtsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-24105062828605172712018-11-13T11:49:00.003-05:002018-11-13T11:49:46.683-05:00Convention Season Comes To A Close (and it's time for me to re-update the convention schedule page)Long time, no see since....erm. Hrm. Yeah February. Whew. Clearly I got real busy during that time! I'm still working on Patreon stuffs, Etsy stuffs, and finally comic things. I got wrangled into helping with some cool cosplay stuff too, and crunched out some outfits during this time.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, it's been busy.<br />
<br />
I've had a difficult time doing art for a good chunk of the year :side eyes TalOS:, but that's for health reasons, and I'm hoping that soon I should be able to get back into the swing of things. It's nothing (mostly) physical, and perhaps soon I'll do some chatting about it here on the blog.<br />
<br />
I also think I want to do a product highlight in the lead up to the Holiday Shopping Season, cause that sounds fun and I can go way more in depth here than in my little Etsy blurbs ;)<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
In the meanwhile, here's where you can find me in various places:<br />
<br />
<b>Facebook</b>: <a href="http://facebook.com/karmadaarts">facebook.com/karmadaarts</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/karmadacosplay">facebook.com/karmadacosplay</a><br />
<br />
<b>Instagram</b>: @karmada_arts, @karmada_cosplay, @thedailymortimer (my cute dog!)<br />
<br />
<b>Twitter</b>: @karmada_arts<br />
<br />
<b>Twitch</b>: <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/karmada_arts">twitch.tv/karmada_arts</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tumblr</b>: <a href="http://karmada.tumblr.com/">karmada.tumblr.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Deviant Art</b> (yeah it's still there): <a href="http://karmada.deviantart.com/">karmada.deviantart.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Etsy</b>: <a href="http://karmadaarts.etsy.com/">karmadaarts.etsy.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-72642782120802626962018-02-12T14:19:00.002-05:002018-02-12T14:20:49.496-05:00Artist Alley Retrospective: Evolution of a TableWanna hop back in time and see a little bby artist alley table? No? Too bad, gonna do it anyway!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbY9yqWPhyphenhyphenFotpMPPp-M-Xd1LpnNAI9pXc5Cq0K10jXxONwxTfZ-OrgMswmsGbIpHcNMKtqNd7D0jWLpR6JtnJA2e9-xaUB-Xqm2EAaYuSjuKdxbcz_KJ0sVIaBkY44BLrHEiHc58Lmyz/s1600/ludicrous+speed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbY9yqWPhyphenhyphenFotpMPPp-M-Xd1LpnNAI9pXc5Cq0K10jXxONwxTfZ-OrgMswmsGbIpHcNMKtqNd7D0jWLpR6JtnJA2e9-xaUB-Xqm2EAaYuSjuKdxbcz_KJ0sVIaBkY44BLrHEiHc58Lmyz/s1600/ludicrous+speed.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Artist Alley tables have come a LOOOOONG way from their early times, and especially in what is considered a "good" set up. I'm gonna hide a lot of these under a "read more" so I don't inundate people with all the big photos right away. (I'm also lazy and don't want to have to click on every picture, so I figured you wouldn't want to either).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Disclaimers/Advice:</b></h3>
<ol>
<li>These are all pictures of my own artist alley booths over time. Hence why I drew all over the dang things and made snarky commentary. I would <i>NEVER</i> use another booth as a critique/show point without asking the artist first. (Now if you're in my background, sorry about that! I try to get as little of other people in my pics as possible)</li>
<li>There is no One True Table for you to have. Everybody's table is different. Also, the types of shows people go to are different. You might set your table up a little differently at an Anime Convention vs a Comic Convention (at least I do).</li>
<li>Got a question about stuff? Leave a comment! I'm working on a post about what you need to start out and/or useful display items you might want to use!</li>
</ol>
<div>
And with that, LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">(CLICK ON THE READ MORE - It's hard to see!)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a>I started doing Artist Alleys (henceforth referred to as AAs or Alleys) in 2003, but silly me, I forgot to take pictures. Any pictures are fleeting and blurry, like you were trying to take a picture of a fairy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the wee early years of convention AAs, tables were cheap. At JAFAX they were <i>free</i>. Legit. You heard me, <i>freeeeee</i>. But then again all cons were pretty small, and this was a free college convention put on by the anime club. I saw people sellin' art, and I thought OOOH! That looks fun!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Take in mind, I came up through the art world learning a lot at a local studio, and they would do the large scale craft fairs and art fairs. So I kinda had an idea of what a booth might need to have - or so I thought)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>1.) 2006 - JAFAX</b></h3>
<div>
The year I finally remembered to take a picture of my set up. Many artists at the time would use the table given to them, maybe have a tablecloth if they felt like it, and had their wares strewn about the table, mostly flat. I was determined to be a little different - I wanted a quirky tablecloth (thanks bargain bin at Field's Fabrics!), and unique displays in hopes of setting me apart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had a work cohort's husband build me the bookmark stand to my specifications (I think I covered it in felt) and daaaang that thing was HEAVY AF. But it looked nice. And fit all the bookmarks I had at the time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew that convention artists would keep a binder of works. So I tried that with my little binder, and I wanted some displays for my items (remember "quirky" was my goal?), so I had this little shopping cart that I put like.. a handful of tiny prints (boy I could use that NOW, I have so many), and I wanted to make keychain commissions on the spot so I made a little glass box display.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0sWmHMYChU74TWCTQc2a5E7ApHYKGJMTgI6wgKSAipp54jOT8QBdSpHVgBvpCg-SS2Qae0wkxrdiriJNTJCz8MhcbSwdJiqbtqo9eUgxsgxxKVGFKjRdAQ-fAQB_WKt5YF4cxTzCHB5N/s1600/OldBooth-2006JAFAX-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0sWmHMYChU74TWCTQc2a5E7ApHYKGJMTgI6wgKSAipp54jOT8QBdSpHVgBvpCg-SS2Qae0wkxrdiriJNTJCz8MhcbSwdJiqbtqo9eUgxsgxxKVGFKjRdAQ-fAQB_WKt5YF4cxTzCHB5N/s640/OldBooth-2006JAFAX-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>FUN FACT</b>: I colored most of those commissions with PERMANENT MARKERS. *dies of embarrassment*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I had bought babbys first copics at Youmacon the year prior to this. I didn't use Prismacolor markers cause they dried out on me a lot, and I only had Tria Markers for my fleshtones (a gift from my studio teacher).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>2.) 2009 - ANIME CENTRAL</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Forgot to take booth pictures again, but found an old 2009 booth from Anime Central! Now, there's so many people signing up we have a lottery, and IIRC this was the first year they actually made us buy convention badges on top of the table (table was $60??). They kinda forgot to tell us, and I remember someone coming around going "money pls" and I was confused. This was alleviated the next year, but hey, remember when booths (AND electricity) were super cheap?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started doing laminated ID cards, but upgraded my set up to a pegboard foldable display that a friend of mine made. It was really awesome, and sturdy and had a carpeted board for the bottom... but still heavy AF.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I felt legit cause I had hooks with things! Bags with HOOK LOOPS. Packaged items! Sorta had prints, gave up on the portfolio try because attendees weren't looking at them at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Learned over the years to NOT have my copic set on the table even if I'm working cause people asked if that was for sale, <i>the most</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhkUdVjkrhucROF_st-wZjlvg3FjbbqALoCUQocZKhYXKZz0v61KgbxuT71ZWbHM9VjFb83Dcp-DLoxNMJSpPf7gPL0xZggiHUb58K1TrvXpP4z2swEyes89o4abg-wt79ciLlnEf5hB1/s1600/OldBooth-2009ACEN-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhkUdVjkrhucROF_st-wZjlvg3FjbbqALoCUQocZKhYXKZz0v61KgbxuT71ZWbHM9VjFb83Dcp-DLoxNMJSpPf7gPL0xZggiHUb58K1TrvXpP4z2swEyes89o4abg-wt79ciLlnEf5hB1/s640/OldBooth-2009ACEN-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FUN FACT: I still had no backdrop or any thing of the kind (let alone tall), and looking back on it, I'm seeing that might have been a problem? But I still sold really well so WHO KNOWS.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3>
<b>3.) 2012 - Shuto Con</b></h3>
Some more years pass, more years I forget to take a pic of my booth before stuff gets set up. I graduated to owning a button maker in that time, so now I can add buttons to my list of wares.<br />
<br />
I added a comic in that time. *sighs wistfully* someday I'll write more of it. I promise.<br />
<br />
I added shrinky dink phone charms as those were up and coming, and added charms from Zap (their old old kind, back in the day). I still have those charms because they were for my comic and, well, I'm bad at displaying at this time. They were also really small.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgp7h6ji0pVlf3Ad9XnCaE1o3t9mtCEtxzIOaei_4StB32O7zEQVuqMHyO2ZQJga-5bu_1skYRRkoFHCCJe-J_OOwg1pYpJQMnd-m61VqM5pq66Y8Wl1VYeRJQ1WGLT2PBLnWokAsqVtk/s1600/OldBooth-2012SHUTO-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgp7h6ji0pVlf3Ad9XnCaE1o3t9mtCEtxzIOaei_4StB32O7zEQVuqMHyO2ZQJga-5bu_1skYRRkoFHCCJe-J_OOwg1pYpJQMnd-m61VqM5pq66Y8Wl1VYeRJQ1WGLT2PBLnWokAsqVtk/s640/OldBooth-2012SHUTO-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This table was kind of a hodgepodge of a bunch of different ideas I had seen around the alleys and wanted to do stuff with. I was starting to get tired of lugging the giant heavy gridwalls around, and I knew the "Popular" thing to do is to just tape up all your prints to some backdrop and call it a day.<br />
<br />
I do not miss un-taping all of those on Sunday.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3>
<b>4.) 2015 - Katsucon</b></h3>
Oooooh boy. My first "big-really-far-away"kinda con I made it in all on my own with just the goal of selling (before that I was there to compete, so used the table to pay for the space). I made it through the jury that year, but discovered when we got there I think they were like, maaaaybe 6 ft big.<br />
<br />
My prints were starting to increase in size, and I was intent on using my big-ass pvc pipe monstrosity (whyyyy), so I had to lower my gridwall down to the ground. That's why it's hiding.<br />
<br />
I added matted prints to my table in hopes of looking more "artsy" but I think I realized later that this is just not that kinda show. Nor are a lot of anime cons. Now, if I do a comic show, or say maybe pipedream down the line, get into Gen Con's alley, matted prints would be the way to go. It's really all about reviewing the audience and the type of set ups they're more familiar with.<br />
<br />
And this isn't in a "let's trick the customers" kind of way - it's more of a way to make them more comfortable with your selling space, and less translation is needed in their head to know what is what.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqDboHbKRuagJHMhZdbIb9Umgb4MQ-ooXVCg7o6BYn6EVOZq70Do74HCCZCt0XXCKDUqiN2YFqNAQ5X6GVZ6IQkq2kNlVsoQDis0CiPMbqE-LhZpXDj3I1AtAbK-0rROiZWL5RIwvpixV/s1600/OldBooth-2015KATSU-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqDboHbKRuagJHMhZdbIb9Umgb4MQ-ooXVCg7o6BYn6EVOZq70Do74HCCZCt0XXCKDUqiN2YFqNAQ5X6GVZ6IQkq2kNlVsoQDis0CiPMbqE-LhZpXDj3I1AtAbK-0rROiZWL5RIwvpixV/s640/OldBooth-2015KATSU-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dunno why I spelled set up wrong. It's not supposed to say setum. (setum up, up up) Sorry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think I added some keychain charms in hopes of trying to fit in with the Cool Charm Kids Crowd, but, because I can't afford hundreds of dollars of charms, I went again with the Shrinky Dink ones (about the time their batches started getting weird so making em was dicey).<br />
<br />
The portfolio has made a return, mostly because I'm running out of room to display ALL the prints in various sizes, and... I'm kinda refusing to try to do the massively tall print walls I see other booths though. You do you, but that's not me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>5.) 2017 - Great Lakes Comic Con</b></h3>
Another couple of years pass, and a few good and a few bad cons inbetween. I ended up taking a year off, and started back up in 2017, new, fresh, and with a NEW NAME. For the third time. I SWEAR this one will stay, unless I have to switch to my IRL name.<br />
<br />
I started wanting to aim for the more typical comic-con, small press, artshow styled booths, because after lots of introspection - that's kinda what I'm aiming for. I invested in another actual banner I could use at most shows with a favorite artwork of mine on it - banner holder is still hanging in there well though (I've had it for quite some time).<br />
<br />
Instead of just doing a taped-together print wall, I wanted to start converting to a more "fabric" background that would fill the entire back area, and thus take down any sort of back end distractions that seeing other booths through you might have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuCLu5VBUfiM_1wC7eX1_upaBzv1zcukcqpQvPfAhh73l1XLl-29zTWIe2P-6NhWorzGr1Xj6ArQMqkv74Wk-EznDsqq76fxv9vU0rGq0-AfxSZNEnR19pqh5tiFQhK8zcraoZtjeSt1b/s1600/OldBooth-2017-01-GLCC-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuCLu5VBUfiM_1wC7eX1_upaBzv1zcukcqpQvPfAhh73l1XLl-29zTWIe2P-6NhWorzGr1Xj6ArQMqkv74Wk-EznDsqq76fxv9vU0rGq0-AfxSZNEnR19pqh5tiFQhK8zcraoZtjeSt1b/s640/OldBooth-2017-01-GLCC-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I got an actual tablecloth finally somewhere between the last con we talked about here and this one.<br />
<br />
I wanted to play with more of the "Small Press Aesthetic" and got myself some baskets, some nice book stands, a light up sign (honestly that was more for me because I thought it was cool) and some more "rustic" looking type set ups (like the one with the sketch cards).<br />
<br />
I'd love to use that sketch card set up again, but I'd need a booth larger than 8ft to make it work how i want.<br />
<br />
I also had been researching those cool plywood displays that like, ALL the professional booths I see at Gen Con had, and I couldn't get them at the time, so as a test, I made my own out of black foamcore board. It was relatively successful when the fan wasn't attempting to blow over my prints, but I liked the concept.<br />
<br />
<b>FUN FACT:</b> Making table set ups out of foamcore is a great way to test a set up if you're not sure you want to invest in it yet.<br />
<br />
Also I broke down and got those connector grids in case of table emergencies, and they've done well so far!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3>
<b>6. 2017 - Indy Pop Con</b></h3>
Eeeeey, I'm graduating pieces with each show now! This was my first show where I had my brand new banner with my booth name on it. I had always wanted one (mostly for the "just in case I ran out of room for a banner!) which is typical at smaller booth size shows, and sometimes I need that banner for my comic advertising.<br />
<br />
I also finally got myself some real, legit displays (the ones you see on the left there) and some inexpensive book holders to show off what was in my books! I was able to condense a lot of what I had because, well, as you can see I'm starting to have a copious amount of stuff.<br />
<br />
My kingdom for a middling-sized booth between AA and Vendors... (I refuse to buy two tables out of integrity).<br />
<br />
I also added a new item - STICKERS! Between the show listed above and this one I got myself a Cameo 3 machine and I have never been happier having such a nice die cut machine. THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpANGSLKnMBrK3UOg0QIUsQZwYidkXNo7gTtaoNS0tLr8y3raaiab-BUA1YEMqVDiGQuMj8LqnHIXRR8nNWh0gmOEPrJTe4hia1s3UA_U7uNEcI0Fifk73yAge-BEqRwZyKLM9uDDVF6Bm/s1600/OldBooth-2017-02-IPC-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpANGSLKnMBrK3UOg0QIUsQZwYidkXNo7gTtaoNS0tLr8y3raaiab-BUA1YEMqVDiGQuMj8LqnHIXRR8nNWh0gmOEPrJTe4hia1s3UA_U7uNEcI0Fifk73yAge-BEqRwZyKLM9uDDVF6Bm/s640/OldBooth-2017-02-IPC-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also realized at this show that a.) that black backdrop, while huge is a PAIN THE REAR to assemble because the tabs on the sides I have to thread the poles through. SO MUCH NOPE. On top of that, I found out that black miiiiight not be the best backdrop color in general, as it can eat pictures and I had to fake a border for my sparkly print.<br />
<br />
But I had other ideas...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3>
<b>7.) 2017 - Anime Weekend Atlanta</b></h3>
Before I vended at AWA, I had visited Gen Con yet again, and this time with a discerning eye on what I might want from my booth in the future.<br />
<br />
That's when I came to the conclusion I needed fabric panels like Pro Panels (just like what they have at Gen Con!) and then I went and looked them up. And as delightful and transportable as they are... I do not have a spare 800 lying around, so I took to google.<br />
<br />
Found a lot of tutorials on craft show frames, but I couldn't fit a whole Door Frame into my car. I needed something... more compact-able. That's when I discovered the outdoor carpeting that came in rolls already 6ft wide! Perfect for 6 ft or 8 ft booths!<br />
<br />
Got me some curtain hook things, and went to town with my set up. This is relatively close to what I currently do, give or take some items (and time).<br />
<br />
The stickers have been released from their portfolio prison and now reside on the table itself, and they do well there (or sometimes I tape em up to the gridwall squares I have).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ufd_tjGRoxhzjCzhs_IX_G7OF2miVVewIy10dZonqwt4b7gLdeoM4Mw_5-WZZ9FVEdthFfi104c1jkKnhPzutuOPlUZd9CXpOTzomObZ1F6BotlvP_jUAjHsNl_pk52GPY7_rNddldSR/s1600/OldBooth-2017-03-AWA-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ufd_tjGRoxhzjCzhs_IX_G7OF2miVVewIy10dZonqwt4b7gLdeoM4Mw_5-WZZ9FVEdthFfi104c1jkKnhPzutuOPlUZd9CXpOTzomObZ1F6BotlvP_jUAjHsNl_pk52GPY7_rNddldSR/s640/OldBooth-2017-03-AWA-03.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
<br />
I really compacted as much as I could into this particular table, so much I had to invent a fake fourth row for my plywood display as my prints exceed the space I have.<br />
<br />
I have since inherited a HUGE wire display for these and I gotta say I'm kinda excited to see em on it.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * *</div>
<h3>
Back in MY day...</h3>
*gets out old lady cane*<br />
<br />
*sits in rocking chair*<br />
<br />
Now. Sit down kids, as I tell you of the dark times.<br />
<br />
When I started, we didn't have as much internet resources. YouTube didn't exist (that's right, NO video tutorials for us!). And we did a lot of stuff by personal research AT the shows, and taking notes and talking to other artists - Facebook didn't really exist when I started Alley-ing and only now it's become this really big part of the culture.<br />
<br />
But now? Now we have the world at our finger tips.<br />
<br />
Use your resources. Do research. Look up what others are doing. Visit a show, and <i>take notes</i> on what you like. There are so many tutorials out there, and information, and even just connecting with people that you don't have to fumble in the dark like I did.<br />
<br />
And don't worry.<br />
<br />
Your first booth won't be perfect. Your second or third, won't either. In fact, your 10th is probably still being worked on. And <i>that is totally okay</i>.<br />
<br />
The nice thing about booths is they are malleable. Something doesn't work? Get rid of it. Learn something new that you liked? Add it!<br />
<br />
Don't worry about getting it "right" on the first try. Do what you can, and learn from every show!<br />
<br />
There's no ONE true way to do a booth. So experiment. Find out what makes your booth <i>yours</i>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-5083281219102567452018-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:002018-01-18T12:21:37.774-05:00State of the Artist Alley 2018<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWPqErEjNoVtNH9GTrFKxFT3mVfR6u4uwzanz_7lIlIwQbUvgXIh45O41UtXYrYHi8iWPHIYpYe2GFv4n6St_Wv0tK7FiMZwSCy-UCBmiioy6DC1u19r9xNx0_w3tolRcs82EPJAB_nKY/s1600/State-of-the-Artist-Alley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWPqErEjNoVtNH9GTrFKxFT3mVfR6u4uwzanz_7lIlIwQbUvgXIh45O41UtXYrYHi8iWPHIYpYe2GFv4n6St_Wv0tK7FiMZwSCy-UCBmiioy6DC1u19r9xNx0_w3tolRcs82EPJAB_nKY/s1600/State-of-the-Artist-Alley.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
2018 EDITION</h3>
<div>
<i>(aka all the stuff that happened in 2017)</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTE</span></b>: This is mostly in regards to Anime Convention Artist Alleys (as those are the shows I am most familiar with). Comic Conventions and other Niche Conventions may vary in products and issues.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<h3>
<b>A Booming Business</b></h3>
The Artist Alley (referred to as AA or Alley from now on) has grown a lot from its early years. Table set ups are larger, taller, with a lot more products within them. There have been a growth of companies which help provide products for artists to offer more than just prints, and thus have increased the types of products being sold.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Products that Gained Popularity</b></h3>
2017 seemed to be the year of Enamel Pins, Plushies and Zines. Enamel pins used to be a very rare occurrence in the Alley and this year and the last have had an increase of companies that are helping make Enamel Pins easier to get. They tend to act as the middle man, and it's less troublesome than having to navigate all the manufacturer sites. Many of the enamel pin creations are also funded through kickstarters, many of them successful!<br />
<br />
Plushies continue to be a staple, but have not been as successful this year. I've seen kickstarters for many plushies, but less of them coming to tables officially. I think there have been some difficulties with manufacturers?<br />
<br />
Zines are short for magazines, and are often composed of multiple artists providing artwork, comics, writing and more in regards to a singular topic or fandom. There's been an healthy increase of Zine offerings (or at least, the ability to find said zines), and has been a nice new add to products!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Problems with Sign-Ups</h3>
Due to the massive increase of the business of Alleys this year has marked the first very difficult year for artists to find spots in conventions. A lot of conventions are having to switch from the usual First Come First Serve (FCFS) sign ups to Juries or more often, Lotteries. Shows that are FCFS are "easiest" to sign up for, and let you feel in control of your destiny, but there's so many artists signing up that servers are clogging and shows are filling up in seconds. A convention I was signing up for, which has 130ish tables for artists and there were over 800 applications. 800! No wonder it's getting difficult to get in, egads!<br />
<br />
How will this affect alleys from here on out? I know that many Department Heads (DHs) work on a volunteer basis, so having them take so much time to go through hundreds of apps for a small amount of spots is nigh impossible. Will we see more lotteries show up? Will this cause a burst of the AA bubble? Only time will tell.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Other Products and Booths</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYUZjEycmhyJLIPh_N8CSSNaSKepXEJSNYCKVn2iT0KSuRDMXDB8Zn1ftcAD6kUrkMaJ2vvz-eD-Ywfx0_1bkfd52r1Rxg2O5iE6gA9HpOwJOxbOwZe6IFRJBfK7BVdx5nTDB-r8LTw_Z/s1600/2018-01-18-GridCubeSquareStorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1405" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYUZjEycmhyJLIPh_N8CSSNaSKepXEJSNYCKVn2iT0KSuRDMXDB8Zn1ftcAD6kUrkMaJ2vvz-eD-Ywfx0_1bkfd52r1Rxg2O5iE6gA9HpOwJOxbOwZe6IFRJBfK7BVdx5nTDB-r8LTw_Z/s200/2018-01-18-GridCubeSquareStorage.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grid Square Cube Shelving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some things never change - we've still got a plethora of printed bags, charms, prints, hand-made plushes, and clay items. A few newer things I've seen pop up over the past couple of years are more along the lines of soaps, bathbombs, and other "nerdy-based" crafts.<br />
<br />
Booths have gotten more streamlined, and taller. Many shows were instigating a booth height restrictions due to this. The more popular items to set up your booth are Photo Booth Backdrop Frames and Grid Square Shelving (the kind that snap together with little clips).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-lfLYAvmcl4kRRowfKDCx7wz4tHLhoOPURMvDHTEQNqgT8sdAhlxMWleZ5LW3Fp7rk0KMIiE3rIsy2LiOIyZLPklS_yGjS4K1-GzuAh8YBkynwYVB0OEdkxqcLVoMVO8o135wbPf2wes/s1600/2018-01-18-PhotoBackdropStand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-lfLYAvmcl4kRRowfKDCx7wz4tHLhoOPURMvDHTEQNqgT8sdAhlxMWleZ5LW3Fp7rk0KMIiE3rIsy2LiOIyZLPklS_yGjS4K1-GzuAh8YBkynwYVB0OEdkxqcLVoMVO8o135wbPf2wes/s200/2018-01-18-PhotoBackdropStand.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite of the photo backdrops <br />
(I use this one!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A lot of packaging in AAs have increased to more professional bagged/boarded items (a topic I am conflicted on myself), along with the companies that are helping provide these products for us. Set ups for booths have gotten much more professional looking as each year passes, and can make starting out very expensive and difficult.<br />
<br />
<h3>
General Outlook</h3>
The general theme amongst artists seems to be a bit of unease at the start of 2018. With the uncertainty of placement at shows we've been vending at for ages, let alone the gamble of new conventions, a lot of artists are expressing concerns on being able to keep doing what they enjoy.<br />
<br />
I hope that 2018 goes well for the artists, and I'll be back with another State of the Artist Alley next January!<br />
<br />
Keep on creating!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-68538853934040870622018-01-15T13:28:00.001-05:002018-01-15T13:28:37.678-05:00General Updates of the Art KindGreetings! It's our favorite Social Media Monday, so I'm here with another post about more neat things I'm releasing into the internets.<br />
<br />
If you've been a part of the Patreon, I released a link last week, that I'm now showing off here:<br />
<br />
I have a YouTube Channel!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAjCF7F8YQJajXdDnMJS1Q/">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXAjCF7F8YQJajXdDnMJS1Q/</a></div>
<br />
Certainly that's one heck of a link, but don't worry just yet - apparently I can get a custom name after 30 days or I get 100 subscribers. Subscribing is totally free - and if I'm remembering correctly, you'll get email updates when I add videos to it!<br />
<br />
My first video (which egads took me a while to figure out Adobe Premiere Elements), is just a peaceful, watch-along video while I color in an Artist Trading Card of Princess Peach!<br />
<br />
I've got some pleasant music, and I make sure to list what markers I'm using when. As always, I would love to know if this is a kind of video you'd like to see, or if there are other types of videos from me you'd like!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9J9T8yL9_iY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J9T8yL9_iY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">UPCOMING CONVENTION APPEARANCES</span></b><br />
<br />
This weekend I have a small local convention coming up - WASHI CON! It takes place at Eastern Michigan University and is just one day. I'll be there this time with my art table, and I'll be a judge for the costume contest!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2iLEkpQXIp5DIW_UJ49cSneSo3fmzV8ITX47PZwhkLBUnmbbtcdGpmTZgL_WvwiC9I7mTOuj3m7VU6Z3SbpY1W5i_z-LV4tPTeLw9DKCQfA9APhyWPULNfMpunSMcFRRONvun4oR6kff/s1600/2017Youma-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2iLEkpQXIp5DIW_UJ49cSneSo3fmzV8ITX47PZwhkLBUnmbbtcdGpmTZgL_WvwiC9I7mTOuj3m7VU6Z3SbpY1W5i_z-LV4tPTeLw9DKCQfA9APhyWPULNfMpunSMcFRRONvun4oR6kff/s400/2017Youma-01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may or may not be a set up of my booth. Items are same though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE RETURN OF TALOS</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yeah, you read that right! I have a big ol massive post I need to write about my comicking problems from last year as I had an accidental hiatus for Way Too Long. But! With my current output of other arts, I'm set to having pages up and ready around January 29. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gonna get through this fight sequence! Gonna get exciting!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-23080867743566293812018-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:002018-01-08T08:00:38.573-05:00Patreon is Finally Up!I had decided that 2018 was gonna finally be my year of "Honeybadger Don't Care" and go and start the things I had been holding back. It seems I'm not entirely alone in this, because a lot of the creatives I've been following in various social medias have been also taking plunges back into their own creative endeavors!<br />
<br />
First off, I want to say I'm proud of you. It's hard pushing yourself to do the thing that's had you scared.<br />
<br />
And I was scared too! BUT I DID THE THING.<br />
<br />
What thing?<br />
<br />
I finally created my own Patreon, to help with supporting me in making even more arts, and in a way giving me deadlines and keeping me honest about my own schedules! Not that I'm not honest, it's more that sometimes deadlines will woosh by if I don't have people other than me kind of looking over my shoulder. (I'm sure we're all familiar with the woosh of deadlines going by!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/karmada" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/karmada" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.patreon.com/karmada" border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="800" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCYe-s1GoeZtYk3J8Gu4v2WEop-vsDNLRQC7WT_p3yPHkUBF-x5sjPEGium4yK63wM5ziBM6zDkhxdwg64KAwTYZ6uDG0CDVMh1Dm26HHdpJCcb01hbfbqZc80msn0mliWswhP2CRZI8M/s640/PatreonHeader-2018-01-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had been rolling around back and forth on what I wanted to do with Patreon, and I'm sure we've all heard of the kerfluffle that went on late 2017 about Patreon working to change it's fee structure - but that had a happy ending and they went back to the way it was before and while it's not perfect, it's definitely more ideal than what they were trying to push through.<br />
<br />
If you too, are interested in helping support my artworks and comics, please - drop by my Patreon! Every little bit counts and I wanna know what YOU, the audience, wants to see!<br />
<br />
You can find me at:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/karmada"><span style="font-size: large;">patreon.com/karmada</span></a></div>
<br />
Keep up the good work y'all, and get out there and CREATE!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-66056817452325534382018-01-02T12:15:00.002-05:002018-01-02T12:15:57.085-05:00Welcome 2018!!Hello on the New Year, everyone! I'll have you know I'm <i>already</i> having problems remembering that it's not 2017 but 2018 (and I almost messed up the title to the post - okay I did mess up the title, but I ended up fixing it before posting this so, in a way, I was using the correct date the whole time!)<br />
<br />
The nice thing is that it's only January 2, and I feel like that gives me some leeway on my year mistakes. Two weeks from now I'll have no excuse other than I AM A VERY CONFUSED HUMAN so that's my story and I'm sticking to it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, wanted to pop in here and see what I can do to spruce up the old blog. I've been getting a lot of stuff under my belt, and let me tell you - having a calendar hasn't helped my sense of schedule at all. Husband messaged me wanting to know the convention schedule in case he needed to mark time off and so I started compiling an actual list of shows I'm either vending, guesting, or just visiting.<br />
<br />
I had 12 up through November, and that's not including the extra 4-5 I'm waiting to hear back on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseTgwVfsEZWOPI5GlcPfZS07GZDDZvnR-rFFJs0OMDyLHfhM924uvzNH0yOXExLZdu0ell93rMF1XTKTFPMvjxiO1j04H7fen2aEiw17E6D4JzkLO9bLm6MrW869Z_XF9eh0JFBVeOTAR/s1600/tumblr_me4sqwNq2W1rwxcjzo3_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseTgwVfsEZWOPI5GlcPfZS07GZDDZvnR-rFFJs0OMDyLHfhM924uvzNH0yOXExLZdu0ell93rMF1XTKTFPMvjxiO1j04H7fen2aEiw17E6D4JzkLO9bLm6MrW869Z_XF9eh0JFBVeOTAR/s1600/tumblr_me4sqwNq2W1rwxcjzo3_250.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing the convention thing, I am just trying to figure out how, even with a calendar of months I manage to overbook myself and now I'm already getting anxiety thinking about how little time I'll have to do things.<br />
<br />
I also told myself one of my new resolutions for this year was to cut back on the amount of conventions I'm vending so I can actually focus on my artwork rather than just products. *stares at camera*<br />
<br />
I have a host of neat ideas I want to work on - as I want to focus more on my artwork and have my cosplay still continue to be the fun hobby that it is! And with that, I also prefer doing educational panels over ANYTHING else, so hey, if you need somebody to come in and teach about cosplay *wink wink* lemme know.<br />
<br />
And without further ado, here's some items on my checklist:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ideas for the New Year</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Go back to updating TalOS</li>
<li>Start my Patreon</li>
<li>Upload Art Process Videos / Start a YouTube Channel</li>
<li>Review some more how-to-art books here</li>
<li>Update the blog more (AHAHAHAHAH)</li>
<li>Update my Conventions List on the pages</li>
<li>Do more drawings for me!</li>
<li>Remember to post more on FB/Insta/Twitter</li>
</ul>
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<br />
*looks at list*<br />
*checks off update blog more*<br />
*nods sagely*<br />
Welp, that's one thing off the list!<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's make 2018 a better one than last year (it was really rough for a lot of us).<br />
<br />
A Proverb for 2018: "Don't get jealous, get INSPIRED!"<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-69383479665162122462017-09-19T13:44:00.002-04:002017-09-19T13:44:41.558-04:00Book Signing Event in Grand Rapids!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Greetings, all! Been working on a whole bunch of stuff, but thought I'd update with a cool event I'll be at this FRIDAY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAsIqb7yR908Jmh5CgY0YZapFkXrVuqHwF9y3EQ8ik3WLHEKt0EzFrk-wt8f_AdxJ_GvOYHGltI42DNXPBw5MzfAd6apsFX7M8nfinVuS78SV7GNy0ZpxlfyUMq8rz4KMiSQvixPayeO_/s1600/WhereAmILogo2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAsIqb7yR908Jmh5CgY0YZapFkXrVuqHwF9y3EQ8ik3WLHEKt0EzFrk-wt8f_AdxJ_GvOYHGltI42DNXPBw5MzfAd6apsFX7M8nfinVuS78SV7GNy0ZpxlfyUMq8rz4KMiSQvixPayeO_/s320/WhereAmILogo2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to be doing a book signing Friday night at the Barnes and Noble in the Woodland mall (where the Pop Culture Event took place). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've ever been interested in seeing me in person, or more importantly picking up a copy of the book (and getting it signed!), FRIDAY IS YOUR DAY!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yUtRYAN941epw1xDep3LEL5KXoMpfMAXJf9lt7oBjj9_9RN4caH8UOGhsQU7yzvZrPaZRybLUx40AWWlFrL3gUS_AinUkmJlIND_af7GEl2_e9CP7mQnNDRDi33d8Uh8C7ud61rF4Evq/s1600/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yUtRYAN941epw1xDep3LEL5KXoMpfMAXJf9lt7oBjj9_9RN4caH8UOGhsQU7yzvZrPaZRybLUx40AWWlFrL3gUS_AinUkmJlIND_af7GEl2_e9CP7mQnNDRDi33d8Uh8C7ud61rF4Evq/s320/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a link to the facebook event if you'd like to remind yourself when it is!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/539891306342682">https://www.facebook.com/events/539891306342682</a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-18823297882161208902017-07-19T10:57:00.000-04:002017-07-19T10:57:26.255-04:00*brushes dust off the blog* Oh hey! A POST!Greetings! Long time no post - and nobody is surprised by this point, I'm sure, haha! Anyway, I wanted to at least <i>try</i> to get back on the horse again as I try to figure out just what I wanna put on here these days. I've missed like a bajillion convention reviews, so I may just consider them Lost to the Aether and start anew with future conventions.<br />
<br />
Speaking of conventions and things - I'm back up and doing artist alleys again this year (it's a slow opening), as well as still promoting book stuff!<br />
<br />
Things I'll be involved in very soon:<br />
<br />
<h3>
SOYCON</h3>
JULY 22<br />
<br />
Out in Shaumburg IL this year, is the 10th (and final??) year of SoyCon! I've been invited to be a guest presenter talking about How To Masquerade! If you're in the area, stop by and say hi!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoyCon/">facebook.com/SoyCon/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK SIGNING - POP CULTURE CELEBRATION</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D9CO7H8cgS2ir2asgi1eVuCT28_T4Mw7enMeoxDqXaSBNBwaWNLzN0VP0_r8RQ7cX1flwI4Ep4OsIM-_Qrdpqyx9PHEekza7Ps6QRWUBcDsEPbmwkMAoH5aRj3vTNjI2ywkeuqiA77Wt/s1600/barnes+and+noble+pop+cultured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D9CO7H8cgS2ir2asgi1eVuCT28_T4Mw7enMeoxDqXaSBNBwaWNLzN0VP0_r8RQ7cX1flwI4Ep4OsIM-_Qrdpqyx9PHEekza7Ps6QRWUBcDsEPbmwkMAoH5aRj3vTNjI2ywkeuqiA77Wt/s320/barnes+and+noble+pop+cultured.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
THAT'S RIGHT KIDDOS! I am gonna be at Barnes and Noble signing books in the GR area on Saturday July 29! Like, I get to be legit author and I'm super pumped, so come see me talk about how to make cosplay things!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/721267178059452">facebook.com/events/721267178059452</a><br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
After that, things kinda cool down a bit for me convention wise and will let me get back to talking about artist alley stuff. I've been wanting to talk about updated pricing, selling, set ups and more - the State of Artist Alleys has changed a LOT since I last did tutorials so I'd like to take the time to review and update those posts! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-44060448828352594642017-03-15T12:17:00.003-04:002017-03-15T12:20:18.272-04:00Shuto Con 2017 Approaches!This weekend is <a href="http://shutocon.com/" target="_blank">Shuto Con</a>, a lovely little convention up in Lansing, Michigan - I think it's in it's 7th year (oh jeez where does the time go, seriously I remember vending at the first one of these...), if I'm reading the website right.<br />
<br />
ANYway, it's a cool little convention (okay by little it's like 5,000, but you see, my frame of reference are ACen - 16,000+ and Gen Con 60,000, so don't judge me okay). They have all sorts of neat things to do, and this year I'm just going as a presenter (I'm hoping to vend next year, I realized I actually have enough stuff to fill a big booth, and will have lots more by next year).<br />
<br />
So just what am I presenting about? COSPLAY and ART, of course! I'm always open for suggestions on other types of panels people would want to see, so feel free to send me ideas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimunLrcS6WGSMHhTwDVWpOe5gNnQI4h_7zdIpvjZCiiFJo93B-K04PK2wzXj4vfrmZPNfS5fyPhkLG9c4eyu7B8vBCYsKOwHqV9qNPKdH4PQJE08dOkRUIIka87HEnJfpgBjQgOXb9fQoQ/s1600/Blog-Divider-Panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimunLrcS6WGSMHhTwDVWpOe5gNnQI4h_7zdIpvjZCiiFJo93B-K04PK2wzXj4vfrmZPNfS5fyPhkLG9c4eyu7B8vBCYsKOwHqV9qNPKdH4PQJE08dOkRUIIka87HEnJfpgBjQgOXb9fQoQ/s1600/Blog-Divider-Panels.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Saturday 2 - 3 pm</b><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Her Legs are HOW long? </span></b><br /><i>An interactive drawing panel on how to draw properly proportioned people</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show">A popular panel of mine - Come and join me in a learning experience for basic body proportions, with a follow-along drawing session at the end. Sketchbooks recommended, but I always bring extra paper and pencils with me for those who need them. ALL SKILL LEVELS are welcome here!</span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Saturday 4 - 5:30 pm</b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Tales from the Tabletop</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another favorite panel, this one is based on Tabletop RPGs where my Husband and I are here to talk about gaming experiences and help answer questions from the audience! We have a whole host of interesting stories of stuff that went Horribly Wrong (but Hilarious), to Super Great Times - come and chat with us about RPGs! NEW: Extra Half Hour added at the end!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Saturday 5 - 6 pm<br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Intro to Cosplay Sewing</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
My basic introductory course about making your own cosplays! This panel is designed to get you started on your journey, introduce some techniques, as well as basic vocabulary for the fledgling cosplayer! All skill levels welcome, but this panel is definitely geared towards beginners. I will have a few book available if anybody is interested!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Sunday 11:30 am - 12:30 pm<br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Cosplay Level UP!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The follow up to my Introductory course - here I will introduce some other techniques that you can use to embellish your costumes, including things like applique, paint, and using textures and fabrics you might not have thought of. Ideal for the intermediate/beginner, but ALL skill levels are welcome! I'll also have whatever extra books I've got left over at this seminar, so if you're interested in one, I'll have em on hand!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Sunday 1:30 - 2:30 pm</b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Time in a Box: Tips for Comic Panel Layout</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Come and listen to me gush about comics! I love drawing comics, and I love examining what makes them TICK. (no pun intended, okay probably intended, don't give me that look). I go over a lot of the basic "anatomy" of what's in a panel, and how you can set up your pages and panels to get the effects your looking for - and keep your comic readable!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-75768240611223298702017-03-14T14:36:00.003-04:002017-03-14T14:36:54.365-04:00It's-Kind-Of-Like-A-Tour-I-PromiseIt's a new year, and a new Convention Season about to start up! Well, at least it's that time for me - I tend to count my Con Season begin with the first "major" convention that I do (which varies from year to year, either Katsucon or Shuto Con are the usual candidates).<br />
<br />
So here I am to tell you where I'll be headed this year on a "Kind of a Tour But Not Actually a Tour" because I'll be having my books with me, along with my artwork depending on what I'll be doing at the show. And if that's not confusing already, I'll be doing a mixture of Guest Presenting and Vending, so you may need to take notes (I promise there won't be a quiz)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx4EEMwIuMcqR-lEUHXwdunryxPLRX50ka2vfMmyfP5-9djB6PliFJ3FnYxcLyFIXwxtQ6QI-ewwO1apDN-XSjrncYshtBOD3MCgpgZlr8wru9TZ7M_lnfSvNROlqrTrDr5WCBd20V-um/s1600/WhereAmILogo2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx4EEMwIuMcqR-lEUHXwdunryxPLRX50ka2vfMmyfP5-9djB6PliFJ3FnYxcLyFIXwxtQ6QI-ewwO1apDN-XSjrncYshtBOD3MCgpgZlr8wru9TZ7M_lnfSvNROlqrTrDr5WCBd20V-um/s400/WhereAmILogo2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The following is a mostly comprehensive list (until I get some updates from other shows I'm waiting on. TBA usually means I'm trying to get further information but there's a <i>decent</i> chance I'll be there). Is there a show you think I should be at/vend at? LET ME KNOW! Also, if you'd like to see me as a guest somewhere - let THEM know they can contact me - check out my regular site: <a href="http://karmadaarts.com/">karmadaarts.com</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MARCH</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://shutocon.com/" target="_blank">Shuto Con</a> - Lansing MI - <i>Presenting</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">APRIL</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sewingexpo.com/" target="_blank">Original Sewing & Quilting Expo</a> - Cleveland OH - <i>Presenting, Book Signing</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://indianacomiccon.com/" target="_blank">Indiana Comic Con</a> - Indianapolis IN - <i>Visiting</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.c2e2.com/" target="_blank">C2E2</a> - <i>Visiting</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2017.penguicon.org/" target="_blank">Penguicon</a> - Southfield MI</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MAY</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anime Park - Canton MI - TBA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.acen.org/" target="_blank">Anime Central</a> - Rosemont IL - <i>Presenting, Vending</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">JUNE</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://colossalcon.com/" target="_blank">Colossalcon</a> - Sandusky OH - TBA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jafax.org/" target="_blank">JAFAX</a> - Grand Rapids, MI - TBA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">JULY</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://indypopcon.com/" target="_blank">Indy Pop Con</a> - Indianapolis IN - <i>Vending</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.motorcitysteamcon.com/" target="_blank">Motor City Steam Con</a> - Romulus MI - <i>Attending</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.dokidokon.org/" target="_blank">Dokidokon</a> - Kalamazoo MI - <i>Attending/Assisting Vendors</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">AUGUST</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.gencon.com/" target="_blank">Gen Con</a> - Indianapolis IN - <i>Attending</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SEPTEMBER</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TBA (I'm waiting to hear on some shows)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">OCTOBER</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.grcomiccon.com/" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Comic Con</a> - Grand Rapids MI - <i>Guest/Presenting</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NOVEMBER</span></b><br />
<a href="http://youmacon.com/" target="_blank">Youmacon </a>- Detroit MI - TBA<br />
<br />
WHEW! That's a hearty list! And I'm sure I'll be adding to this as time goes by. I'm also going to work on adding these to the conventions page on the blog, juuuuust in case you wanted to check it out at any later time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-90753770352181861192017-02-14T10:38:00.000-05:002017-02-14T10:38:33.318-05:00New Year, New Booth, New Blog Name, Etc!New high score! Didn't post until mid February. ;)<br />
<br />
As seems to be my new year tradition, I started out with some sort of medical issues fun. Don't worry I won't go into detail. Let's just say I had a lot of dental work from Christmas until now, and wow, I'm glad it's done. PROTIP: keep up with your dentist. Or do whatever you can to find one that isn't too expensive - because dang. ANYWAY, onto business!<br />
<br />
Several things have happened in the Land of Karmada, one of the more "fun" ones being I am now a proud Dog Momma (as of December 1 2016). Let us all welcome Mortimer!:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLShOfnOoP_XB47kJhfcVVj4lV33zQhU2gjZtI30r4ui2GYnPLsEq_oMZZZUi4g3RzQPycnwz2ZCbJCavv2y0Nb4Yw-wdvXgvRCqdHlps98_ZQ7tjYz8DXRu7MH5JniNWzBQt4t0zHv2A/s1600/morty-with-sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLShOfnOoP_XB47kJhfcVVj4lV33zQhU2gjZtI30r4ui2GYnPLsEq_oMZZZUi4g3RzQPycnwz2ZCbJCavv2y0Nb4Yw-wdvXgvRCqdHlps98_ZQ7tjYz8DXRu7MH5JniNWzBQt4t0zHv2A/s320/morty-with-sweater.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mom keeps buying me clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Why a dog you ask? WHAT AN EXCELLENT QUESTION - as I am a person who has never ever in her entire life owned a pet other than hamsters or fish. My husband, Dave, has had many dogs throughout his life, and has been helping me navigate the world o' dogs (I used to have a great fear of them), and I got him mostly for therapy type reasons. You see, having this little guy around during the day gives me somebody else in the house, and an adorable face to snuggle when I'm feeling down. Even if he's a butt sometimes.<br />
<br />
He's an older dog we adopted, and oh my goodness what a little gentleman. I love him so much.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NEW NAME(S)</span></b><br />
<br />
So, in the yearning to kind of stream all my stuff together I've finally shed the name Crash Bang Labs, and have now become Karmada Arts (akin to Karmada Cosplay)! So here's where you can find me at on the internet:<br />
<br />
<b>BookFace</b>:<br />
Costumes - <a href="http://facebook.com/karmadacosplay">facebook.com/karmadacosplay</a><br />
Art - <a href="http://facebook.com/karmadaarts">facebook.com/karmadaarts</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tumblr</b>: <a href="http://karmada.tumblr.com/">karmada.tumblr.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Twitter</b>: @karmada_arts<br />
<br />
<b>Instagram</b>:<br />
Cosplay - @karmada_cosplay<br />
Artwork - @karmada_arts<br />
<br />
<b>Main Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://karmadaarts.com/">karmadaarts.com</a><br />
<br />
All of these are now listed on all my business cards as well, so no worries no matter which of my cards you pick up.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NEW ADVENTURES!</span></b><br />
<br />
This year I'm not only doing the convention circuit teaching people about how to make cosplay AND artwork, but I'm rejoining the ranks of the Artist Alley. I'm in the process of getting all the business and legal stuff done and what not so I can do this Proper, With Taxes And Things.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, my first convention this year will be a small comic con nearby on Feb 24-25 (fri-sat), and I'm starting to redesign the booth, so this'll be test number one! If you're in the Metro Detroit Michigan area, it's the Great Lakes Comic Con at Macomb Community College, come by, say hi!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NEW BLOG DIRECTIONS!</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Don't worry, I'm still gonna *try* to get my convention reviews done (I'm already one behind, but I don't think I got any pics at it either because I was so swamped), but I'd like to do more general chatter, and some feels I have on things like cosplay and artist's alley stuff. If anybody has any requests for topics, LET ME KNOW!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-4714730481627580062016-11-30T10:37:00.001-05:002016-11-30T10:37:19.038-05:00Nearing the Year End and I have So Much To Talk AboutAside from it feeling like the world has been imploding around me, I still have a lot of things I wanted to cover here, but never got to it. These include, but are not limited to:<br />
<br />
1.) RTX<br />
2.) Glass City Con<br />
3.) Grand Rapids Comic Con<br />
4.) Youmacon<br />
5.) Making Timeskip!Nora<br />
6.) Art stuff!<br />
7.) I am getting a dog<br />
8.) My feels on a lot of art stuff, but we'll see how that goes<br />
<br />
So needless to say, if I can get around to it I will be adding more - some retro-recaps if I remember and things. :)<br />
<br />
[Shameless Self-Promotion Time!]<br />
<br />
In the meantime, it's the Holiday season! Do you have cosplayers on your list, or anybody who is interested in learning how to sew garments? Did you know I wrote a book about how to do that? I did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsKnyW32VQZJayS1rDsyjqZmxQ2AQnAs5cOoVeXI6bQBnxNlmGAHpZw94_p1_XR_bcahr41pl21pQe6VYZN6gFPmBXne3ppbhrkju6mYqJyNB-PN-42rQKmRxu1TX_vi4Mi4So3KYEsC/s1600/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsKnyW32VQZJayS1rDsyjqZmxQ2AQnAs5cOoVeXI6bQBnxNlmGAHpZw94_p1_XR_bcahr41pl21pQe6VYZN6gFPmBXne3ppbhrkju6mYqJyNB-PN-42rQKmRxu1TX_vi4Mi4So3KYEsC/s320/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480520110&sr=8-1&keywords=epic+cosplay+costumes">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480520110&sr=8-1&keywords=epic+cosplay+costumes</a><br />
<br />
[End of Shameless Self-Promotion Time]<br />
<br />
;D Have safe travels this holiday season, I'll be back soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-45066138915211690952016-10-19T14:13:00.001-04:002016-10-19T14:13:55.416-04:00Grand Rapids Comic Con - THIS WEEKEND!Greetings, all! I've got some fun stuff planned for the blog up and coming (that's right, I've been <i>planning</i> for once), but I wanted to give you all an announcement!<br />
<br />
This weekend, I'll be attending GRAND RAPIDS COMIC CON as a guest speaker!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz_jTjlfb0iOgeBWAjajbuN12oV1DI1JM792JViSR8QX658B7ht7PscjM3ire7wDWJqkxnbIdb8-iXRzvZ5kXd3tUBJSc664JM4MM3Qt0H1Ngq5MyAoOYj1dxs6nSdj6YHuqeVk103UfW/s1600/GRCC-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz_jTjlfb0iOgeBWAjajbuN12oV1DI1JM792JViSR8QX658B7ht7PscjM3ire7wDWJqkxnbIdb8-iXRzvZ5kXd3tUBJSc664JM4MM3Qt0H1Ngq5MyAoOYj1dxs6nSdj6YHuqeVk103UfW/s400/GRCC-2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grcomiccon.com/">grcomiccon.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">PANELS</span></b><br />
<br />
As a guest speaker, I'll be presenting 4 panels over the weekend:<br />
<br />
(all panels will be in River Overlook D)<br />
<br />
<b>Found Item Cosplay</b><br />
<b>FRI 5:15 pm</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having troubles sewing a costume from the ground up? Maybe you don’t feel like creating everything from scratch? Never fear! Found-Item Cosplay can help! This seminar focuses on advice and suggestions on how to make costumes out of garments and supplies you find in your house, the thrift store, and more!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Intro to Cosplay Sewing</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;">SAT 11:15 am</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So you want to start making cosplay costumes – but aren’t sure where to start? Join Karmada Cosplay for a seminar focusing on the basics of how to choose a costume, pick patterns, some sewing basics and more! Ideal for the beginner cosplayer, but all are welcome!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b>Schlepping Cosplay Like a Pro</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><b>SAT 3:45 pm</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Making a costume at the last minute? Hey me too! Join Karmada Cosplay to learn all sorts of techniques and basic designs that’ll get you a costume in a hurry. Topics covered will include how to create simple costume pieces from basic shapes, and some general sewing techniques to help you on all costumes. Recommended for intermediate to advanced cosplayers, but all are welcome!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cosplay Level UP!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">SUN 11:15 am</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Want to take your cosplay to the next level? This panel focuses on more advanced construction techniques and other supplies that can make your costumes even better! Come and learn about fabric choices, some handy construction techniques, and learn a little bit about materials other than cloth. Great for intermediate to advanced cosplayers, but all are welcome!</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">TABLE!</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Time for some shameless self promotion, eh? Word on the street is that I'll have a table to help promote the book, and my artwork, at the show!<br />
<br />
I'll of course have copies of Epic Cosplay Costumes for sale ($25, btw), and I'm more than happy to sign them for people! I'll also have my comics, artbooks, and artist trading cards (prints and originals) for sale, and we'll see if I wanna bring anything else with me.<br />
<br />
I'll see you there! :)<br />
<b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-46982083436137100822016-10-13T11:53:00.002-04:002016-10-13T11:53:43.804-04:00New Fresh Name, Same Great Content!You might have noticed the past week or so I made an update to all my websites. I'm officially switching names to Karmada Arts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT25ckyuv6lSrQBEsLHTuRVs8MTQE7jMDUxZ72gO2sfw10v_tY_dR8WEtlrhaszaQAP2w9XfdDIF0oD445kl8i92fNKDfDyjvbzUO7P4VQ9Ua-wZVSBdw3SwWJy3YGXPscRlUk2ZzWmG-5/s1600/and+there+was+much+rejoicing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT25ckyuv6lSrQBEsLHTuRVs8MTQE7jMDUxZ72gO2sfw10v_tY_dR8WEtlrhaszaQAP2w9XfdDIF0oD445kl8i92fNKDfDyjvbzUO7P4VQ9Ua-wZVSBdw3SwWJy3YGXPscRlUk2ZzWmG-5/s1600/and+there+was+much+rejoicing.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I decided to go ahead with the change because with things like the book (and I got interviewed in our metro newspaper), people are associating me with the name Karmada now. Which is exactly perfect! I've been using the name for years, and it works as a good Pen Name/Cosplay Name/Rockstar Name for me.<br />
<br />
However, I realized that people would probably want to look me up by that name, and my art was under a TOTALLY different name. Thus, the change. Everything is now under a version of Karmada!<br />
<br />
So here's an update of where you can find me:<br />
<br />
<b>Facebook:</b><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/karmadaarts">facebook.com/karmadaarts</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/karmadacosplay">facebook.com/karmadacosplay</a><br />
<br />
<b>Twitter:</b><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/karmada_arts" target="_blank">@karmada_arts</a><br />
<br />
<b>Instagram:</b><br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/karmada_arts" target="_blank">@karmada_arts</a><br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/karmada_cosplay" target="_blank">@karmada_cosplay</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tumblr:</b><br />
<a href="http://karmada.tumblr.com/">karmada.tumblr.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Deviant Art:</b><br />
<a href="http://karmada.deviantart.com/">karmada.deviantart.com</a><br />
<br />
I'm also on Snapchat, but I'm am honestly still figuring that one out because I am an Old now and this New Fangled Technology confuses me so. NO REALLY I don't get it, but I wanna understand it. I have a tutorial from a friend coming when she gets back from a trip. DON'T JUDGE ME.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-78298662057008374902016-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-14T08:00:00.171-04:00Costume Lighting Round: Ren Faire EditionSo this past weekend, I had signed up to visit our local Renaissance Festival with an old Rennie Pal of mine (that's a code word for people like to do the Ren Faire thing) - turns out she was taking a RenFest newbie, so I was more than happy to tag along!<br />
<br />
I of course have not been to a festival for the last like, FIVE years, so I had to go unbury all my garb from the costume archive. Upon trying on garments I had intended to wear, I realized I didn't quite... erm... <i>fit</i> the pieces like I did before.<br />
<br />
And I realized I can sew like 10x better now, (#cosplayerproblems!) and wanted to wear something new.<br />
<br />
I decided this Thursday Morning. I literally had two days.<br />
<br />
When it comes to Garb, you don't necessarily get to just pick a picture (though many people like to use the old paintings as reference!), and go with <i>that</i> character. You kinda get to make one up. So I spent most of Thursday ruminating and browsing around trying to figure out what I was gonna be. I had intended to be a fairy at the faire before, so I figured I'd do something fantastical again.<br />
<br />
That's when it hit me. I'll make a GENIE! The theme that weekend was Wonders of the World, so I'd fit right in, and I happened to have dyed my hair a bright orange for the holidays so I'd do a fire genie! And thus I made the following:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2J4z6mDXb4KVntbvCVHiSTMO64CHNx1OE6iD31_1TzC0fpEvo1Zc4n5w8-JCUP-6f4T3cHCwdnsV86PNrgPZFHbQplyQMaUCL9m2WU0jKgSSEBGOoR9XgwdKyXZ7Z7yE3XUuV5YE3Gt_/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2J4z6mDXb4KVntbvCVHiSTMO64CHNx1OE6iD31_1TzC0fpEvo1Zc4n5w8-JCUP-6f4T3cHCwdnsV86PNrgPZFHbQplyQMaUCL9m2WU0jKgSSEBGOoR9XgwdKyXZ7Z7yE3XUuV5YE3Gt_/s400/2016-09-14-Genie01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I was super unlucky at the stores until Dave got home, and we went searching and found this weirdly iridescent fabric. I wanted to do the dorky beaded lamp trims because FANCY but I wasn't sure what to get. And that's when the Voice Of Reason (Dave) said to get something I really liked because if I cheaped out on the trim, and just got whatever I wouldn't want to wear it again, and why waste the money like that, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I picked this one out:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__pN9BLPx82EZaHRu1Z7wld7NrUHpQe3d_6z0YWdEPuVg_iZmyCE_xD-DDNRVsooUyct02EKkEFay12BEGxhVIj5qj4hI_2xKbX6QNohScwL_xMES_Gs7sh4C9gl1-weVgcISKu6_VUYW/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__pN9BLPx82EZaHRu1Z7wld7NrUHpQe3d_6z0YWdEPuVg_iZmyCE_xD-DDNRVsooUyct02EKkEFay12BEGxhVIj5qj4hI_2xKbX6QNohScwL_xMES_Gs7sh4C9gl1-weVgcISKu6_VUYW/s320/2016-09-14-Genie02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It totally looks like rupees from Zelda, and I am thrilled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He is a wise man.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I washed fabric and then stayed up way too late thursday night making pants. With, I might add a very frustrating set of pattern instructions. I'm not sure if I was just super tired (possibly) or if the editor who designed the weird hopping around directions wasn't paying attention. Either way, I schlepped the pant pieces together in the way I know pants go (see, these are the things you learn by making a bazillion costumes), and slapped in an invisible zipper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxebwdYVCYVvpm-kKemFRxmG3RMcu1B7V8Z-MNCD-xtPgSk8_WZhO-lJtkxSoqeWn_Us3LR_Pe4ZW7MWOxWvVhq3eT781xKtdPKoHjE-S2s-T9CK8iKeaV9627m2bcRHnS9lcIpIT3Srcv/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxebwdYVCYVvpm-kKemFRxmG3RMcu1B7V8Z-MNCD-xtPgSk8_WZhO-lJtkxSoqeWn_Us3LR_Pe4ZW7MWOxWvVhq3eT781xKtdPKoHjE-S2s-T9CK8iKeaV9627m2bcRHnS9lcIpIT3Srcv/s400/2016-09-14-Genie03.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pants were plain. I decided Friday to change that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Because I can't be super normal when making any pattern, I overlayed the orangey fabric with a sheer shimmery red, so in the sun you sometimes see a glimmer of orange. Like fire.<br />
<br />
Also, I wanted to put the red as a trim on the shirt. Which then induced more swearing as I had to make a pattern piece on the fly and do the fold over and hide in the seam trick, but I think it came out well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircj4Si0M02mvD6nw4KaoWCiX8cQmODSq7xGINB0ilYmzeTbdjAZRAX8XnByfhccczQ_ISsW4UIMlAEAkjhs5wLFoJmXuSExVMMVtLvSJ75WSL_HLLmOr-noW50TijaJRMpPsxfkgZ7Mzd/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircj4Si0M02mvD6nw4KaoWCiX8cQmODSq7xGINB0ilYmzeTbdjAZRAX8XnByfhccczQ_ISsW4UIMlAEAkjhs5wLFoJmXuSExVMMVtLvSJ75WSL_HLLmOr-noW50TijaJRMpPsxfkgZ7Mzd/s400/2016-09-14-Genie04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These sleeves will be getting remade because <br />I'd like to be able to move my arms when wearing it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And then last but not least I wanted to have some matching genie-type earrings and I had some beads that came off the trim as I cut parts, so I used those for a whole cohesive look! And the beads were plastic so they're effectively weightless.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_MisNhRdnF0ss55BP8f9X_iEx-BoWpKsSAsqdPhfobkg24pQsZD8lcpI2GJ2xUnEAPJKEwsEAFGF2TxJMie4-crKFdAFKtEgpXlNssdsARjSgbDnBuNPVyPnwHmcVHR4Dnhyn6nosceF/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_MisNhRdnF0ss55BP8f9X_iEx-BoWpKsSAsqdPhfobkg24pQsZD8lcpI2GJ2xUnEAPJKEwsEAFGF2TxJMie4-crKFdAFKtEgpXlNssdsARjSgbDnBuNPVyPnwHmcVHR4Dnhyn6nosceF/s320/2016-09-14-Genie05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUPEE JEWELRY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I work at home, and costuming is part of the stuff I do as a job now, I took friday afternoon and sewed up the top. So within about 24 hours I had a complete new costume! (I borrowed some parts from another old cosplay of mine too).<br />
<br />
Got to go to the faire, all blinged out, and the test run was a success!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUzWYODmjyWOl8g7gmeiS-xFop1KZmFPJLukRiG9QU2_BWG1Wf320L721QdGUJjhJijiwRdjTnTc1kPhdUBPTNnB5gCnzLRWGXysxPvTLLG9Upw9eexfP5I8cMxAHiqadN5K-VUSV4daz/s1600/2016-09-14-Genie06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUzWYODmjyWOl8g7gmeiS-xFop1KZmFPJLukRiG9QU2_BWG1Wf320L721QdGUJjhJijiwRdjTnTc1kPhdUBPTNnB5gCnzLRWGXysxPvTLLG9Upw9eexfP5I8cMxAHiqadN5K-VUSV4daz/s400/2016-09-14-Genie06.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was moments before the sky opened up on us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TL;DR</b></span><br />
<br />
I sewed a Ren Faire costume in a day, and it was pretty fun. A little frustrating now and then, but simple enough I could hack it together. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners to try doing (seriously staying up way too late isn't the smartest thing to do when dealing with fast moving needles), but it was a fun experience.<br />
<br />
Costume is 8/10 will wear again - I just need to make better moving sleeves, thankfully these ones are easily removed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-83359459085830290832016-09-12T11:59:00.001-04:002016-09-12T12:00:21.700-04:00Books in the Wild!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is on Amazon now! Go
here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</span></a> (and
leave a review if you enjoyed it!)<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Before we return to our regularly scheduled blog posts, I
wanted to make one last post about books! We're now in the throes of September
and the books are officially "Out!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzfJB0sjrYNJfOSN5TplXL7wI1aHUkfcKg_FBn8Cc5Y9xjQO7psMTYjmsUvPje_yB5TK9p-XFGM5mZmCmFrXRwqSDBEIRZjFY_5cl_W-kNF8msotIHp_2BAZnB2UR7R_OezqR7jvESWYR/s1600/2016.09.12.StackOfBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzfJB0sjrYNJfOSN5TplXL7wI1aHUkfcKg_FBn8Cc5Y9xjQO7psMTYjmsUvPje_yB5TK9p-XFGM5mZmCmFrXRwqSDBEIRZjFY_5cl_W-kNF8msotIHp_2BAZnB2UR7R_OezqR7jvESWYR/s400/2016.09.12.StackOfBooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're real! *cue anxiety attack*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Books in the Wild - What Can Readers Help With?</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So now that the books have manifested into reality,
there's still some steps in the book process! Firstly, <i>I want to know
if you're making things!</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Have you made a costume using these tutorials?</b> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If so, PLEASE! Send me a link to my cosplay page! (<a href="http://facebook.com/karmadacosplay"><span style="color: blue;">facebook.com/karmadacosplay</span></a>)
I would love to start a gallery of people making use of these tutorials. I love
seeing the creative work y'all come up with, so let me advertise you!<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Did you enjoy the book, or have something you really
liked about it?</b> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Leave a review! That means either on the Amazon page (see
link at top), or at the Barnes and Noble website. By leaving your happy review,
means that the publisher knows the book was a success! If it gets positive
enough reviews and sales, there's a chance more cosplay books could be coming
your way.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL21uyfWGk5gwhANLzGLYYwcS3_Z787HnH0-gXWI-k5ni72QMPyVRnAIS4p3aIlqfuCCu8kgEzosY5YpedAhq6kZzXZf6ASIZB6Popxg9xxQFwCa7x3lbcS1s3-C8UICM2QZBKzhdrEbOx/s1600/ECC-artwork-consurvival-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL21uyfWGk5gwhANLzGLYYwcS3_Z787HnH0-gXWI-k5ni72QMPyVRnAIS4p3aIlqfuCCu8kgEzosY5YpedAhq6kZzXZf6ASIZB6Popxg9xxQFwCa7x3lbcS1s3-C8UICM2QZBKzhdrEbOx/s320/ECC-artwork-consurvival-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Share These Links!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Because it's not a huge distribution (yet), sharing any
sorts of links, tumblr posts, twitter posts and the like are a BIG help! If you
know people who might be interested in a book like this, SHARE the posts! I can
be found at the following social media sites:<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Facebook</b>: <a href="http://facebook.com/karmadacosplay"><span style="color: blue;">facebook.com/karmadacosplay</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tumblr</b>: <a href="http://karmada.tumblr.com/"><span style="color: blue;">karmada.tumblr.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Twitter</b>: <a href="http://twitter.com/karmada_arts"><span style="color: blue;">twitter.com/karmada_arts</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have some other sites, but those are more art related,
if you are interested they are here:<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Instagram</b>: <a href="http://instagram.com/karmada_arts"><span style="color: blue;">instagram.com/karmada_arts</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>DeviantArt</b>: <a href="http://karmada.deviantart.com/"><span style="color: blue;">karmada.deviantart.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OsGNekjqe02FJAxIMRpIW46WN4R1T2BrfDbDsR9YXgb02fVeGyeBAf2n7Zs27kvivpS9RoKHU-UQlJ4pgStQkNk337aCrx47n72QyqCkVV6rCJtkGD8VPNdeYBfnWcw2ZtOP9_RDJ0cS/s1600/ECC-artwork-01-welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OsGNekjqe02FJAxIMRpIW46WN4R1T2BrfDbDsR9YXgb02fVeGyeBAf2n7Zs27kvivpS9RoKHU-UQlJ4pgStQkNk337aCrx47n72QyqCkVV6rCJtkGD8VPNdeYBfnWcw2ZtOP9_RDJ0cS/s320/ECC-artwork-01-welcome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once again, thank you so much for your support for <i>Epic
Cosplay Costumes</i>! My hope is that I can help many more people enter the
magical world of Cosplay. It's fun, educational, and FANTASTIC! So get out
there, and start MAKING COSTUMES!<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
~karmada<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-88033126841773702762016-08-30T12:31:00.001-04:002016-08-30T12:31:17.661-04:00Epic Cosplay Costumes: Happy Publication Week!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is set to be released in stores September 1st of this year, and you can get it on Amazon now! Go here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsKnyW32VQZJayS1rDsyjqZmxQ2AQnAs5cOoVeXI6bQBnxNlmGAHpZw94_p1_XR_bcahr41pl21pQe6VYZN6gFPmBXne3ppbhrkju6mYqJyNB-PN-42rQKmRxu1TX_vi4Mi4So3KYEsC/s1600/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsKnyW32VQZJayS1rDsyjqZmxQ2AQnAs5cOoVeXI6bQBnxNlmGAHpZw94_p1_XR_bcahr41pl21pQe6VYZN6gFPmBXne3ppbhrkju6mYqJyNB-PN-42rQKmRxu1TX_vi4Mi4So3KYEsC/s320/Cosplay-Book-Cover-Web.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Beginner’s Guide
& Veteran Handbook</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This week marks the official release of Epic Cosplay
Costumes. I hope that you’ve all enjoyed a sort of preview of all the
interesting things I’ve included in the book (asides from the many tutorials)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I wanted this book to not only be a tutorial guide on how
to make some basic types of costume pieces, but to also be a welcoming guide to
cosplay itself. I’ve found there are a lot of people out there who are curious
about cosplay, and want to start, but get intimidated or don’t think it’s “for
them”. I wanted to show them that it’s okay, and it’s not as complicated as one
might think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At the same time, I wanted to make a book that would be
useful for the more ‘veteran’ cosplayers out there. Those of us who’ve put together
our own costumes, but looking for more information, or a guide to help out. I
designed all the tutorials with an easy-to-follow customizable sizing layout,
but at the end of each project I added tips on how to alter these items. In
fact, I STRONGLY encourage it! Mess with the patterns, experiment and alter
them to make the costumes of your dreams!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">All the Things to
Learn & Grow</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I would like to leave you all with some food-for-thought,
though really it’s me kind of getting a little mushy about the whole thing.
Cosplay is an amazing hobby. You learn all sorts of wonderful new skills (all
the time, don’t worry you’ll ALWAYS find something new to figure out), meet
cool people, and it even can help you boost your own confidence!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The TL;DR list of neat things you learn (just in case you
get any naysayers ;) )<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Puzzle
Solving/Problem Solving<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
AKA “how do I make THAT”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Research
Techniques<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Finding your reference images, looking up styles of
clothing, how things are made, trying to find that tutorial that’ll help you
make that one odd thing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Following
Directions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Making stuff with patterns and following the instructions
provided. Following tutorials.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sewing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You’re putting fabric together! This includes all sorts
of stuff from plain seams, to ironing, buttons, spacial awareness, and so much
more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Instructional Writing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A lot of us write up about how we made our costumes – for
other cosplayers to find and use our tutorials!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Event
Planning/Scheduling<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How to coordinate a group project, travel planning (going
to conventions), event coordinating (signing up for things like Masquerades)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>TIME MANAGEMENT<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
AHAHAHAHAH sure. Yes. We totally learn this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Budgeting<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You learn how to save up monies for that fabric you
really want, or that show you want to visit, you learn to clip coupons and wait
for pattern sales.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Social Skills<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One of the best parts of cosplay is how it can change
your outlook on social interactions. It helps create great conversation
starters, and helps you find fellow fans. It’s been known to boost social
self-esteem, and I know I feel a lot more confident in a costume than in
regular clothes when I’m at a convention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO53YHfun9hlB4DN0mjblV9zsRXe1doYrOSg_TJT3rb2ug5SRJIsqbUa0CJEIpsppAziiJm3dJ86GIpHgXScWAvFCMRZ2S4fK-OQZ70pfZOAeN2Asr17otbMt0liI1OkK9qBbbb_O_-n6/s1600/ECC-artwork-masq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO53YHfun9hlB4DN0mjblV9zsRXe1doYrOSg_TJT3rb2ug5SRJIsqbUa0CJEIpsppAziiJm3dJ86GIpHgXScWAvFCMRZ2S4fK-OQZ70pfZOAeN2Asr17otbMt0liI1OkK9qBbbb_O_-n6/s640/ECC-artwork-masq.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You Can Do It!</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The long story short here, is that cosplay can be a very
fun, rewarding hobby, and if you’ve ever wanted to try it out – now’s the time
to start! There are all sorts of information sources out there, and handy
guides like Epic Cosplay Costumes to help you along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Get out there and DO THE THING! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I believe in you! See you at the convention! ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-9815955618039909372016-08-23T11:36:00.001-04:002016-08-23T11:36:08.702-04:00Epic Cosplay Costumes: Convention Survival Kit<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is set to be released in stores September 1st of this year, and you can get it on Amazon now! Go here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cosplay is More Than Just Sewing</span></b><br />
<br />
Epic Cosplay Costumes (ECC) is at it's core, a book about how to make costume pieces that can be used to create many types of cosplay. However, as you've noticed throughout the last several posts I've made regarding the book, I included a whole bunch of other topics that can be helpful in creating and wearing the costumes of your dreams!<br />
<br />
I wanted to save this introduction for last, because it's one that I feel very passionately about:<br />
<br />
<b>Conventions.</b><br />
<br />
That's right. You've probably seen em on TV, in the news, and so forth, but one of the biggest places people take and wear cosplay are to conventions!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGrHzfojPXoA8vjSxCnNX6dxA-KF1WWZaiLn0RNNR5v69kT6puk77smfLCCToZuMzuaEKoih7GgHh6vFy9LekZxZ0NyJewdjmrj0N7553_tiu2jsLEf60dnrquBhpOgIS7lAh25415yWO/s1600/ECC-artwork-consurvival-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGrHzfojPXoA8vjSxCnNX6dxA-KF1WWZaiLn0RNNR5v69kT6puk77smfLCCToZuMzuaEKoih7GgHh6vFy9LekZxZ0NyJewdjmrj0N7553_tiu2jsLEf60dnrquBhpOgIS7lAh25415yWO/s400/ECC-artwork-consurvival-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far, from my knowledge there is no actual "Stuff Con"<br />It a convention... about STUFF. Stuff you like!<br />Like anime. Or comics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Convention Survival Kit</span></b><br />
<br />
Conventions <i>can </i>seem big, scary, and intimidating, but many of us want to visit one(and cosplay too). To a fledgling con-goer (or their parents), all the sign ups, travel and set up to even get ready to go to a convention can be very confusing or overwhelming.<br />
<br />
I wanted to use this section to give the general ins and outs about what it takes to actually get to and participate in an actual convention. While they're all different, there's a lot of similarities between the hundreds (if not thousands) of conventions out there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiAO2nuY_aCeLMcTDsDcfUHtrTHhuYDLgNcpYzYrhxFCVfRwQngag1O2Zz926fnRthrcLQJwVoAvQxBblKqPSr9QZ4C4x9GtLZBEZhvlx0IbI7zXYqWu_eK4smqZmoszyeC-NZ4X3UL4a/s1600/ECC-artwork-consurvival-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiAO2nuY_aCeLMcTDsDcfUHtrTHhuYDLgNcpYzYrhxFCVfRwQngag1O2Zz926fnRthrcLQJwVoAvQxBblKqPSr9QZ4C4x9GtLZBEZhvlx0IbI7zXYqWu_eK4smqZmoszyeC-NZ4X3UL4a/s400/ECC-artwork-consurvival-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE INTERNET.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Topics include</b>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Signing up to attend</li>
<li>What sort of events they'll have</li>
<li>Where to find information like cosplay and convention rules</li>
<li>Traversing the hallways (and watching for attendees so your costume and/or props stay in one piece)</li>
<li>Getting photos</li>
<li>...and more! </li>
</ul>
Some of it's technical know-how mixed in with some general attendee etiquette - this includes what you, as a cosplayer, should be aware of, as well as what attendees should know regarding cosplayers and convention behavior too! <br />
<br />
This section is devoted to helping make YOUR experience at a convention as smooth and stress-free as I can through text. I want to not only see you all make great and wonderful costumes, but I want to see you wear them with confidence. Conventions aren't as insurmountable as you think - in fact, they can be a very fun and rewarding experience!<br />
<br />
So go on! Go sign up and get out there, meet other cosplayers and fans - have a great time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-36787656549061234672016-08-19T15:35:00.003-04:002016-08-19T15:35:48.835-04:00Super Tiny Recap: JAFAX 2016We're back with another Sort-Of-Retro-Recap-Because-I-Was-So-Busy-Traveling about yet ANOTHER convention!<br />
<br />
This week's recap is JAFAX.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnYPy-1mPfUHvsy_6RER8jGYS2Ih1oXeZvp8-XUJqtAqiTYtXy3e8axHgIT77zlzqlAtd1XaR0C4CZAevH8q2F4wf2S20ihrJI-jMEibRi8hf_3Aj4vHCoZppSIOcy6ehT0XmcCrMhTFM/s1600/JAFAX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnYPy-1mPfUHvsy_6RER8jGYS2Ih1oXeZvp8-XUJqtAqiTYtXy3e8axHgIT77zlzqlAtd1XaR0C4CZAevH8q2F4wf2S20ihrJI-jMEibRi8hf_3Aj4vHCoZppSIOcy6ehT0XmcCrMhTFM/s320/JAFAX.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more information found at <a href="http://jafax.org/">jafax.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I only ended up spending a single day there due to traveling logistics, but I wanted to chime in on the new location and show!<br />
<br />
For many many many years, JAFAX has been a small anime convention taking place at Grand Valley State University's campus (and I'd say is responsible for me really getting into the convention scene in general). Over these many many many years, the number of attendees has grown what feels like exponentially. And grow it did, so big that it could no longer be contained on a campus easily.<br />
<br />
And thus they took a year off, and relocated to downtown Grand Rapids and the DeVos Center.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check In & Entryway</span></b><br />
<br />
Finding the show wasn't too hard - the DeVos Center is directly off the freeway, so for us single-dayers or commuters, it wasn't too hard to find. The center itself is HUGE and so very pretty. I hadn't pre-registered because I am basically a giant doofus, and I figured they're really expedient with other stuff, this should be okay, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3o9pChMKXFi6LclAgY2qGg4kcoYUb-5ffgZzTUHic9DJE83QfGddQjkOp-uskQg79QZg8ft8BX22wuX-lrV2UfdiWXTGDdCUC5M8BGpL_nMH03IJ3oOJNDKLxhOjT5YmxIdSKsnPzyE0/s1600/webJAFAX2016-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3o9pChMKXFi6LclAgY2qGg4kcoYUb-5ffgZzTUHic9DJE83QfGddQjkOp-uskQg79QZg8ft8BX22wuX-lrV2UfdiWXTGDdCUC5M8BGpL_nMH03IJ3oOJNDKLxhOjT5YmxIdSKsnPzyE0/s400/webJAFAX2016-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I later discovered this further wrapped around around the corner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When I got in to the show, the line was IMMENSE. And while yes, it was a bit of a bother waiting (because I was a panelist I got to flag a volunteer to help me out. I wasn't even able to drive up until the early afternoon due to scheduling and I felt so bad about it! That's all on me though), I was so happy that there were so many people trying to get into the show.<br />
<br />
And JAFAX handled it as best as any show could! They knew things weren't working right, the system was running extra slow so check in wasn't working as efficiently as planned. But they worked with the attendees, providing next day badges and the like. Because that's the kind of show they are. I'm proud to know them.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dealer Hall</b></span><br />
<br />
I didn't have a lot of time to spare, so I quickly dashed to the Dealer Hall, which had a very nice set up. It was in a big ballroom type room, and had carpeted floors and sound absorbing walls. I can't tell you how happy that makes me, because sometimes the din of crowds and people talking make my head hurt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdg1i45yj9oTJ4KkRhmlAMqatfK199M4HUxkuqexflKHNg_I26HOVGyP-_Dwe2_fIs3CiNsJ6rBeoIuL7QYw5FVlLfCs5QK_8ODoUcrm2Fr4dNNAHFff08vf4FyqadbKQkDur0qAK46kB/s1600/webJAFAX2016-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdg1i45yj9oTJ4KkRhmlAMqatfK199M4HUxkuqexflKHNg_I26HOVGyP-_Dwe2_fIs3CiNsJ6rBeoIuL7QYw5FVlLfCs5QK_8ODoUcrm2Fr4dNNAHFff08vf4FyqadbKQkDur0qAK46kB/s400/webJAFAX2016-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANOTHER TRASH CAN I AM SO BAD AT PHOTOS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The artists and the vendors were vaguely separated into areas, but in a way, also interspersed, which worked for the smaller nature of the vendor hall.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Other Stuff</span></b><br />
<br />
Check in for panels was great - staff was really nice. The panel rooms themselves were lovely!<br />
<br />
They also had a couple of food booths set up by DeVos center themselves, and I am always so happy when conventions have instant ramen bowls available. I will eat that in a heartbeat over fast food at conventions!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EARZpc_9RDh7zBWsihB4M4FZmfiYgqVGOAVzZbKpKy0H_71EfLFwTiMiSm-AivNSq2WLoH5mDBYpkNUF9-53DkPxGdV4_SeD-cQlZYTlDYAwVQQmm16Rxpyi33EhUmBdAxtzm4KTQ1kA/s1600/webJAFAX2016-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EARZpc_9RDh7zBWsihB4M4FZmfiYgqVGOAVzZbKpKy0H_71EfLFwTiMiSm-AivNSq2WLoH5mDBYpkNUF9-53DkPxGdV4_SeD-cQlZYTlDYAwVQQmm16Rxpyi33EhUmBdAxtzm4KTQ1kA/s400/webJAFAX2016-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got one of the last spicy bowls. MWAHAHAH. It was DELICIOUS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was literally only there for a handful of hours, as I drove home immediately (as in 3 days I was driving to Texas), so I can't really comment much on the good, the bad, the suggestions like I normally do.<br />
<br />
I really liked the new center. It had a LOT of potential for future shows, and I hope next year to attend the full weekend! This show has a lot of space to grow into, and I bet it can. I can't wait to see what it turns into!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-5786199871569580082016-08-15T11:55:00.000-04:002016-08-15T11:55:24.595-04:00Epic Cosplay Costumes: Cosplay Wigs<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is set to be released September 1st of this year, and you can pre-order it on Amazon! Go here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Other Pieces of a Costume</span></b><br />
<br />
Many people see photos of fantastic cosplays and they get a tad overwhelmed, or unsure of how to create the same effects on their own. A common question I've gotten is actually about something OTHER than the costume pieces to make.<br />
<br />
<i>Wigs</i>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi-HO2LFsvOUptHt6bYtPJZ3HUQSwTHs6quQLNeropVAax4x6DUSQyrNG4Y6zi9E8JYgzJyZHHMjLAZAZR2vG9YiRKbQT0XLL3zW21hPfuiqwMjCzFSkgTYkcos7qZ9WcsW5i1i2KPksY/s1600/Cosplay-Book-Wigs01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi-HO2LFsvOUptHt6bYtPJZ3HUQSwTHs6quQLNeropVAax4x6DUSQyrNG4Y6zi9E8JYgzJyZHHMjLAZAZR2vG9YiRKbQT0XLL3zW21hPfuiqwMjCzFSkgTYkcos7qZ9WcsW5i1i2KPksY/s400/Cosplay-Book-Wigs01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FUN FACT: Some of these wigs are based on ones I own ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The world of cosplay wigs has transformed from scrounging around on the internet and in Halloween stores hoping you can get something to vaguely work with (and use mysterious things like caulk or heat sealers - it was a dark time) to a big business! Technology has advanced so much that cosplay wigs are extremely easy to come across these days and can make your costuming even easier!<br />
<br />
I wanted to introduce cosplayers who might not be familiar with some of the terminology or basics of wig finding/wearing. Let's be honest here - you can write an entire book on wigs <i>alone </i>(in fact, some people have!) - so I didn't want to get too mired in in-depth explanation, but more of a general overview so it's not so scary!<br />
<br />
<b>Side Note</b>: I also wanted to mention that in this section I also talk about the fact that you don't <i>have</i> to wear a wig if you don't want to. This chapter is merely to introduce the inexperienced wig users with some handy info on how to wear and care for their colorful hairpieces!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Wear & Care For a Wig</span></b><br />
<br />
This particular section in the book, while smaller, is here to provide you some interesting general information regarding wigs and their wear and care!<br />
<br />
Throughout the chapter, I talk about supplies you'll want to have on hand if you're going to be wearing and/or styling wigs, as well as how to put ON a wig.<br />
<br />
<i>That's right!</i> I'm going to tell you how to put a wig on your head - because I'll be the first to admit, I had no idea what I was doing back in the day. I explain what to do with your hair underneath (wear wig caps, people!), how to place a wig onto your head, even where you can sew in snap clips or where to place bobby pins.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkae7HPIF7AwTn6H9yMVOfY1bO4-bZDso-M2b98EPdCdAfI2GchCGmzgc_KGEO2M7DEBCNaAX0Nu8noW2T-ONwJ2bPWBvMqQf_QpEDwAV0ehyphenhyphen8BmvZRiBbHK1NUxK94GgZq_KEhwM45FoA/s1600/Cosplay-Book-Wigs02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkae7HPIF7AwTn6H9yMVOfY1bO4-bZDso-M2b98EPdCdAfI2GchCGmzgc_KGEO2M7DEBCNaAX0Nu8noW2T-ONwJ2bPWBvMqQf_QpEDwAV0ehyphenhyphen8BmvZRiBbHK1NUxK94GgZq_KEhwM45FoA/s400/Cosplay-Book-Wigs02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE FUTURE IS NOW!<br />Heat Styling! OH MY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's Not That Scary!</b></span><br />
<br />
Cosplay wigs aren't as much of a scary thing any more, and they've made it 1000 times easier to find and style them than way in the past. I hope that when you peruse through this section, perhaps you too will find that cosplay wigs aren't as daunting as you once thought!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Places to Find Wigs</span></b><br />
<br />
Here's a couple of my favorite online stores, with tons of colors and styles available!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://arda-wigs.com/" target="_blank">Arda Wigs</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.epiccosplay.com/" target="_blank">Epic Cosplay Wigs</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>NEXT WEEK:</b> A Special Section about ConventionsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-48355585485507628852016-08-12T07:00:00.000-04:002016-08-12T07:00:22.520-04:00Retro Recap: Indy Pop Con 2016Indy Pop Con 2016 was mostly a blur to me this year for a couple of reasons. I was giving a whole host of instructional panels (one of my favorite things to do!), but more importantly I had literally gotten back from Europe about 3 days before the show. I was super jet-lagged the day I got back, and never had the chance to actually just <i>rest</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqEQxZOv0BzdVbxxS9wi_sgwCx2ebaDLOh51YL2C_4zz-O8isrTyg6LV04oZb7fqQQ6-eC82B9gtYciuXcQJ-dffe_2IP1SYnJByPcRhojg09CW4DCdJ-3TKI1aKBir9AbqNBr4Ez3JSV/s1600/Web-IPC2016-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqEQxZOv0BzdVbxxS9wi_sgwCx2ebaDLOh51YL2C_4zz-O8isrTyg6LV04oZb7fqQQ6-eC82B9gtYciuXcQJ-dffe_2IP1SYnJByPcRhojg09CW4DCdJ-3TKI1aKBir9AbqNBr4Ez3JSV/s400/Web-IPC2016-07.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Day of Rest was actually Re-Writing Panels and <br />Designing Booklets for 14 hours straight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Word to the wise, this is NOT a smart idea. I think I still managed to teach pretty darn well at all my panels and much fun was had! But I'll talk about that in a little bit. Time for another Retro Recap (mostly because it happened like 2 months ago and I'm super behind in my recaps)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">INDY POP CON 2016</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmv9g5lo-CYEVCjTM2cpXrVZTk5CVAol0d_lWy9g31ifrU1cfoBacOYmw74Tjkb6dqtWFNYsLQ8yt6mMUPFuXj2xkW-Lo6lFurktY8GZhxwIv4P34-65nnyL85xEaCppyqV6rs5LKWfVB/s1600/Web-IPC2016-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmv9g5lo-CYEVCjTM2cpXrVZTk5CVAol0d_lWy9g31ifrU1cfoBacOYmw74Tjkb6dqtWFNYsLQ8yt6mMUPFuXj2xkW-Lo6lFurktY8GZhxwIv4P34-65nnyL85xEaCppyqV6rs5LKWfVB/s320/Web-IPC2016-05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
I had ended up missing last years IPC due to conflicting events, and I had longed to vend at this years show but stuff and timing just didn't end up working out as I had hoped. BUT! I was presented with the opportunity to present make and take workshops all about drawing and artwork, and how could I resist?<br />
<br />
I did spend most of my time in a panel room, or behind a booth helping my art pal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinytrexstudios" target="_blank">Tiny T-Rex Studios</a> watch their stuff. (and making buttons on the spot for people!) So I didn't see nearly as much of the show as I'd like but I have my general thoughts on how it went, and my suggestions and feelings on the show!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU4WtnNLKq-SeezghLucoorWzG3O5_WbzqV7JpMioTCcAmYU4nqm8z0IFi2SOVx7NwMn95G9dtg5oIip_lSVFbGI4rHGjM3mJ6q3VJUv3mMzzk3FVgjO-d9uLCD1EDSxxni58ZoeOIWgE/s1600/Web-IPC2016-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU4WtnNLKq-SeezghLucoorWzG3O5_WbzqV7JpMioTCcAmYU4nqm8z0IFi2SOVx7NwMn95G9dtg5oIip_lSVFbGI4rHGjM3mJ6q3VJUv3mMzzk3FVgjO-d9uLCD1EDSxxni58ZoeOIWgE/s400/Web-IPC2016-06.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a great dinosaur babysitter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Click the READ MORE for the rest of the post!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">DEALER HALL/ARTIST ALLEY</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFJ_OK37TiBngy8wA9tPpI3FfzH7qI8ffoWIqABIvEO_4PeWBX8rcoAsg_JKUnItzBo_aF5a9Hve0WsJnLWvKGwCg3LXv2NQCLh0vsqT_cUMaNUm5hwgdnIgXSzgLfl957sQJGs3hMw4w/s1600/Web-IPC2016-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFJ_OK37TiBngy8wA9tPpI3FfzH7qI8ffoWIqABIvEO_4PeWBX8rcoAsg_JKUnItzBo_aF5a9Hve0WsJnLWvKGwCg3LXv2NQCLh0vsqT_cUMaNUm5hwgdnIgXSzgLfl957sQJGs3hMw4w/s400/Web-IPC2016-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now all I'm seeing is that I clearly wanted to photograph that trashcan. <br />CAN'T UNSEE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>NOTE</b>: all my pictures were taken along the beginning of the last day, when attendance was a little less than the busy day of Saturday. It was also the only day I didn't have panels to give!<br />
<br />
The hall itself was pretty spacious (they had trimmed it down from years prior), and afforded a lot of aisle space between booths. Also carpet! There was a whole host of a variety of areas - vendors, artist alley, indie game designers, signatures, and the ever present miscellany type booths that I Can't Categorize.<br />
<br />
In front of the artists area, there was a small gaming area set up by Mayfair Games, for attendees to play card/board games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11e7vbm4rO996lC_TmevnsFW5Uk5V1wtrBWnNp7Ci6qWkW0UBte1cVNuQMjeyIKA0U2IX5rdkbfquhXBbkvOmSus8JLQr27r8NME2Zw4iCtveagaY6w8xcxs5OlUGVSUPgzRW89cgfBKf/s1600/Web-IPC2016-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11e7vbm4rO996lC_TmevnsFW5Uk5V1wtrBWnNp7Ci6qWkW0UBte1cVNuQMjeyIKA0U2IX5rdkbfquhXBbkvOmSus8JLQr27r8NME2Zw4iCtveagaY6w8xcxs5OlUGVSUPgzRW89cgfBKf/s400/Web-IPC2016-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a few more tables not pictured here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The artist alley area was just beyond that, and while it had nice aisles, the odd break up of traffic with the board game area made navigation as an attendee a little difficult. There were a few aisles that people could possibly just <i>miss</i> because they started adjacent to the game area, and it wasn't a natural flow of traffic.<br />
<br />
I saw this as almost a fatal flaw in design, as it meant anybody down those aisles was already at a disadvantage. By having the gaming area just in front of it, but not enough of an aisle gap to push attendees across the whole alley, those tables down the center aisles could get missed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGJiB4Qp_CsONVnB4KcYpnveIW-r8wurcLffwa453nQGW5b2JW5FcqEb2Rc5DDj-eRFqXu1F_EuK1gy_TcDAi8rYC6uhk1IqNROmUgSx7y7e02jgSMA5l3dEAJJvwaqZzw5niodxJ2dZy/s1600/Web-IPC2016-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGJiB4Qp_CsONVnB4KcYpnveIW-r8wurcLffwa453nQGW5b2JW5FcqEb2Rc5DDj-eRFqXu1F_EuK1gy_TcDAi8rYC6uhk1IqNROmUgSx7y7e02jgSMA5l3dEAJJvwaqZzw5niodxJ2dZy/s400/Web-IPC2016-04.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left (not pictured) gaming area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MAKE AND TAKE PANELS</span></b><br />
<br />
This had its pluses and minuses. I'll admit, I had a WONDERFUL time teaching. I love to teach people about art and how to make it! My grumbles were mostly about the behind the scenes stuff - turns out they kind of... didn't list the panels in the program handed out, nor explained exactly what they were.<br />
<br />
This year, there were a handful of make and take panels for attendees to go to, however they all had a <i>materials</i> <i>fee</i> associated with it.<br />
<br />
I had to turn away a lot of people who wanted to come to my panel because there was not enough signage/information/notification that they'd have to purchase a ticket. Tickets could be ordered ahead of time, but I had no way of actually taking money AT my panel. So I had to send the poor attendees back to registration to buy a separate ticket.<br />
<br />
I really enjoy the concept of make and take panels, and would really like to see them become a feature of this particular convention! It's a unique type of thing that I think would really give the show a little extra personality.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER STUFF</span></b><br />
<br />
As was started last year, they had a Trading Card collection set out specifically for this year. Since I missed last years I wanted to try collecting some cards this time around!<br />
<br />
For those who don't know, IPC lets the artists attending the convention draw up images for Trading Cards representing guests, events and otherwise. I think this is a SUPER neat thing to do - and I'd love for more conventions to do it, but there's still some bumps in the execution that I know over time will get ironed out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Kk0eE0XExgDuigm2cmII_BObzpb67oYlrT9yqs0Zo0O8dZewLSWKojZX2RcWPouv2Pp7vSkPFO4jBFJBi3s05gTUj2LqMqfUEdNrmcKwRm12uTT_bpUTKXiQ3AnyVD_cT5LL3mETjv1F/s1600/Web-IPC2016-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Kk0eE0XExgDuigm2cmII_BObzpb67oYlrT9yqs0Zo0O8dZewLSWKojZX2RcWPouv2Pp7vSkPFO4jBFJBi3s05gTUj2LqMqfUEdNrmcKwRm12uTT_bpUTKXiQ3AnyVD_cT5LL3mETjv1F/s400/Web-IPC2016-03.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to get 20 some of them this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The cards themselves are kind of a mystery where they are at. Which promotes conversation and community, but sometimes the cards were obscurely hidden they were almost impossible to find. Also the number of cards available seems to vary depending on the popularity of that guest - more "popular" guests will have more cards made in general.<br />
<br />
Also, another thing is the distribution. You can't always tell when a booth has a card - unless you get up close and see down on the table. I'd love to see them make little standee signs that artists and booths can put on their display indicating a card was there. I get the "mystery" of it, but by Sunday, we're all tired.<br />
<br />
And now for the TL;DR part of the post!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THINGS I LIKED</span></b><br />
<br />
+<b>Location</b>. <br />I love the Indianapolis Convention Center. It's so nice, and spacious, and kind of feels like home to me at this point. The main halls are really great too.<br />
<br />
+<b>Carpet in Dealer Hall</b>. <br />Yes PLEASE. I loved the fact they still put out carpet in the aisles of the show. It does wonders for my feet (ACEN I'm looking at you), and I'm not hobbled by the end of the weekend.<br />
<br />
+<b>WIDE AISLES.</b><br />
Oh my gosh yes. The aisles here were pretty wide (probably intending for more traffic) but it's nice not being 8 feet away from somebody looking across at you. Cuts down on my minor claustrophobia too.<br />
<br />
+<b>Pleasant Crowds.</b><br />
From my experience with the attendees, everybody seemed pretty chill? I didn't get run over a lot, so that's a plus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE AS MUCH</span></b><br />
<br />
-<b>Program Problems.</b><br />
I was a little perturbed that the program was kind of just... <i>missing</i> all the make and take panels, and I know we had settled on them all months prior to the show. It made me a little grumbly, and nervous because I hate confrontation and I hated having to turn away students.<br />
<br />
-<b>Low Attendance?</b><br />
Maybe it was the location, maybe it was the fact it was on Father's Day weekend, I dunno. It felt like there weren't as many people as I thought would show up? I managed to have a lot of people in my panels, which was good, but I worried about the artists and vendors.<br />
<br />
-<b>Not the best Dealer Hall Layout?</b><br />
I know that layouts are tough. So I know there's only <i>so</i> much that can be done, but I did find some areas that were kind of blocked/dead ended and did not encourage the walking path of attendees. I liked that there was the gaming area, but it prevented a lot of traffic and possibly cut sales of a lot of people unintentionally.<br />
<br />
-<b>Crowds Still Confused</b><br />
I loved the crowds, don't get me wrong, but much akin to the first year, attendees don't seem to understand what a convention is. Like, they feel like they've paid the entry fee, why does everything else still cost money? Things like art, panels, signatures. This creates a very low flow of cash for all vending in the hall (vendors, artists, and guests).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SUGGESTIONS</b></span><br />
<br />
~<b>Clean Up Sign Up Process.</b><br />
As somebody who wants to do more panels in the future, let alone artist alleys, I beg of you. Please clean up your sign up process for panels. Panels are done through attendee voting on <i>Reddit</i>. No. Just... stahp. Get somebody to vet the panels.<br />
<br />
~<b>Organize Communication.</b><br />
Speaking on behalf of friends who were trying to participate in the trading card drawings, please stop using the facebook group as the main contact for everything from artist alley, to panels, etc. Use the emails I know y'all have. Maybe I'm old and curmudgeonly, but I really like email. It's very businessey. And I can keep records SO MUCH BETTER.<br />
<br />
<b>~Decide What You Want Your Show To Be</b><br />
I feel like Pop Con has a whole lot of things it wants to be, so tries them all out, but in the chaos a lot of it gets lost. If you want to have more YouTube/Twitch guests, you need to find a way to tone down or make all signatures free in a way. I passed by the Internet Guests (free signing) where they'd be swarmed by attendees, but passed by freaking NOLAN NORTH looking forlorn because nobody was in line because autographs were $30.<br />
<br />
I love Indy Pop Con, and I love the enthusiasm of the creators and staff. It draws a lovely family crowd as well as some of the more Hardcore convention crowd. But I encourage the convention to try to make all their offerings on a similar level, or have very blantant advertising of what exactly attendees should be expecting at the show (cosplay contests, signings, costs of panels) to prevent a disgruntled set of guests and/or attendees.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WOULD I GO BACK?</span></b><br />
<br />
Yeah! I happen to be fortunate and know a few people in the area of Indianapolis that will allow me to borrow a couch, so I'm not out hotel fees.<br />
<br />
Would I recommend it for long traveling artists without that benefit? Possibly not. It is going through some growing pains, so having vendors is good, but don't necessarily expect to be a moneybags when you leave. This is a great show to help get advertised and make connections.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-58288065334864768332016-08-09T15:37:00.001-04:002016-08-09T15:38:28.728-04:00Epic Cosplay Costumes: Building New Skill Sets<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is set to be released September 1st of this year, and you can pre-order it on Amazon! Go here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">More Than Just Tutorials</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
When the idea for the book Epic Cosplay Costumes (ECC) was pitched, obviously we wanted to have a handful of tutorials on how to make some standard costume pieces that can make all sorts of costumes. But I had even more I wanted to teach people. I wanted to set readers along the path of how to make changes and costume parts on the fly!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OKFrl-1Dk_WeKZs5GgZpdrowN2jORXny4R6xfLIlz_bTnAREQke-MSmI2ondS3YcNzYSaXpXvbf9J8ZSyxZfSMjg6mm9d3_gol2sPb6Sc0bBZCsYLWUEloDvY96bGDDMY8mosdbeSyur/s1600/SewingToolbox-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OKFrl-1Dk_WeKZs5GgZpdrowN2jORXny4R6xfLIlz_bTnAREQke-MSmI2ondS3YcNzYSaXpXvbf9J8ZSyxZfSMjg6mm9d3_gol2sPb6Sc0bBZCsYLWUEloDvY96bGDDMY8mosdbeSyur/s400/SewingToolbox-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toolbox Illustration Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But how on earth was I going to tell people to just "add some things" and that's when the "Sewing Toolbox" section of this book was born.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Different Type of Toolset</span></b><br />
<br />
Thinking of a Tool Box, you're probably thinking of things like having a sewing machine, iron, pins, etc (and don't worry there's a whole section with illustrations for those things too!), but it's something entirely different.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5zbqgHh6cyhLHN-Yhbvzff92ciMMcJcdfzXWXhK5h5t-FGolI2SHc4AYmiVWzHX7B0_1xYvc_JTNZcmxtb1t2WJd8NJJcut3-nsOoPlxOToFBvInh7eAlLqllHeKllShoWXliVrquawA/s1600/SewingToolbox-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5zbqgHh6cyhLHN-Yhbvzff92ciMMcJcdfzXWXhK5h5t-FGolI2SHc4AYmiVWzHX7B0_1xYvc_JTNZcmxtb1t2WJd8NJJcut3-nsOoPlxOToFBvInh7eAlLqllHeKllShoWXliVrquawA/s1600/SewingToolbox-02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the "gathering fabric" illustrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What I intended to teach readers is a whole host of creative techniques that can be applied to most any costumes you come up with. This includes simple things such as ironing seams down flat or gathering fabric, and all the way up to "how to add ruffles" to things like skirt edges, and a popular technique called "Stitch in the Ditch".<br />
<br />
Now each of these mini tutorials includes more of a "vague" set of directions as they are meant to be used in relation to whatever project your working on. It's kind of a small encyclopedia entry about a technique and how to do it. Along with a small description (and sometimes steps) on how to do said technique, they are also accompanied by illustrations demonstrating each technique.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG_tdr0igZuTegkqfg5COvDuZ7kl8-l2IRODRPHQW6QKWrDVTRD9LU9EiBNnjBIAMG6hTm-K3Z-seA9l9zLMT8Sxkh1FksPbOA8rbdv3xc9S8rfbeB3_W5-bWEoMR-sMl4bzjLCGcKnez/s1600/SewingToolbox-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG_tdr0igZuTegkqfg5COvDuZ7kl8-l2IRODRPHQW6QKWrDVTRD9LU9EiBNnjBIAMG6hTm-K3Z-seA9l9zLMT8Sxkh1FksPbOA8rbdv3xc9S8rfbeB3_W5-bWEoMR-sMl4bzjLCGcKnez/s1600/SewingToolbox-01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample of "Stitch in the Ditch" tutorial images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All the illustrations were vectored by me as well - in order of showing readers nice, clear, easy to follow diagrams that can be applied to many different projects.<br />
<br />
My biggest hope is that my readers will not only be able to make costumes with the tutorials included, but also learn extra creative techniques that will help them in their cosplay future! Get out there, and get CREATIVE!<br />
<br />
<b>NEXT WEEK</b>: Cosplay Wigs<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-66981282541948240152016-08-03T13:57:00.002-04:002016-08-03T13:57:30.672-04:00Retro Recap: Animecon (Netherlands) 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A Convention Halfway Across the world (for me)... Animecon!<br />
<br />
Through a wonderful chance, I got to attend the one, the only Animecon taking place at the World Forum in the Hague, Netherlands. It's an amazing show that was hosting a whole ton of cosplay competitions all over the world. I was there as part of Karmaluna cosplay participating in their standard Group Category.<br />
<br />
I wanted to just kinda give you all a view of some of the neat stuff I saw and did while I was at the show (and honestly some of the stuff I wish our cons here would do).<br />
<br />
The actual show Animecon took place at a cool location called the World Forum - it's basically a fancy convention center with a huge auditorium connected to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyT6DpavP0cIoIZ9278pubYExKZKYFIkhJHO0Bpg_qudNk2sOFBGeh8PwiCouDFC7Q5w-tYU-Bowco6vKNrlhhsnkPqBR3M6pjsxx50yxUimbOyjZnVaaxWMzAyRGTLCyQdHdTffhHW_P/s1600/AnimeconWeb-079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyT6DpavP0cIoIZ9278pubYExKZKYFIkhJHO0Bpg_qudNk2sOFBGeh8PwiCouDFC7Q5w-tYU-Bowco6vKNrlhhsnkPqBR3M6pjsxx50yxUimbOyjZnVaaxWMzAyRGTLCyQdHdTffhHW_P/s400/AnimeconWeb-079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(Click the Read More for the rest of the adventure!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
It felt smaller than some cons I go to (I'd honestly call it a "midsized" convention), but it had a robust amount of people who came by.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5jaYPi4gjTJ2_XKMzYFZdt-96r1HTJXcU8k8rVfBtVbTZOPVNK9EM2x2GKaX5WQ_xTEvRLI5dYPj2zA9fgQ-I5Oep2M1f6ObWnHSJ1i9Eh7v6JC50eeto7E-935F0hyb0fByJkiQEUoi/s1600/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5jaYPi4gjTJ2_XKMzYFZdt-96r1HTJXcU8k8rVfBtVbTZOPVNK9EM2x2GKaX5WQ_xTEvRLI5dYPj2zA9fgQ-I5Oep2M1f6ObWnHSJ1i9Eh7v6JC50eeto7E-935F0hyb0fByJkiQEUoi/s400/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the registration area, small, but efficient!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And there were tons of cosplayers, of course! It was fun to see all the types of costumes that are worn in European conventions. I definitely realized that Geek is a universal language, and while I might not have been able to tell what the fans were saying all the time, they spoke with the same delight and vigor that we do here in the states. This not only warmed my heart, but helped my anxiety a little bit, because no matter the nationality, we were all one group: Geeks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6CP-xxzNqQ8XzkmmWRGUU3VD4y_InwEp4SdtSwGjwDFiRngMpAn6n3qLnEM3rds1tyuTHU83hDuC_DCvc5_c5Bmr-xGem8IK1Lm7LHP6ulGa_LlPbetFbjI4DJlWaztl0OdVr74GBscI/s1600/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6CP-xxzNqQ8XzkmmWRGUU3VD4y_InwEp4SdtSwGjwDFiRngMpAn6n3qLnEM3rds1tyuTHU83hDuC_DCvc5_c5Bmr-xGem8IK1Lm7LHP6ulGa_LlPbetFbjI4DJlWaztl0OdVr74GBscI/s400/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main hallway area - always busy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The vendor hall took us a little while to find, as most conventions are on single floor locations, or only have an upstairs, the World Forum had a downstairs. They did an interesting thing with their vendor hall - both artists and regular vendors were interspersed amongst each other.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLrFtwb7BbZopijRpxbkAxJ5h8JdAQ108U9GpB678RdJ0hOmmZmRk8fu0oGjpvqi_yX7xN_avdgrDipoNBmHEVRCKss6u2OCdKz58mGLyy4iB3D-8lBT2nLJ8XwR4UjdVWODZFxT2fh88/s1600/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLrFtwb7BbZopijRpxbkAxJ5h8JdAQ108U9GpB678RdJ0hOmmZmRk8fu0oGjpvqi_yX7xN_avdgrDipoNBmHEVRCKss6u2OCdKz58mGLyy4iB3D-8lBT2nLJ8XwR4UjdVWODZFxT2fh88/s400/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A HUGE dealer hall was hidden beneath!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm not sure how I felt about it - mostly because as an artist I'm used to having a separate artist area, but that didn't stop me from picking up some extraordinarily lovely artworks and speaking with some very lovely artists.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewvzKZcyWIA67VbSBAs0mOCwnT38aTQnZbPg_DRyH_okMAw4r5QT4QBioUJZ2tSBS6U-sp0zMS7IXnu5gawira_d7YQb-SvpNXD6SJNrQkwlBI9xhUKl3jl8hIQLhSXpZZaVRlziUcGU7/s1600/AnimeconWeb-082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewvzKZcyWIA67VbSBAs0mOCwnT38aTQnZbPg_DRyH_okMAw4r5QT4QBioUJZ2tSBS6U-sp0zMS7IXnu5gawira_d7YQb-SvpNXD6SJNrQkwlBI9xhUKl3jl8hIQLhSXpZZaVRlziUcGU7/s400/AnimeconWeb-082.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE INDIE STUFF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I felt kind of like the dumb American, as Dutch is a very interesting looking language, and sometimes hard to understand/read. But there were so many people there, and workers who understood English and there were usually English captions on almost everything so it wasn't too haphazard. I envy you all who can speak more than one language relatively well. Also, thank you for making me feel so welcome. :)<br />
<br />
Now, onto my favorite part: THE FOOD COURT.<br />
<br />
I had heard they did something odd here - which was you had to purchase "coins" in order to buy food at the show. This seemed weird, but it worked out great, and you didn't have anybody fumbling for change. Next, the other cool thing is they actually had like local businesses and restaurants come in and you could get freshly cooked food (asian for the most part, of course!) on site.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3wic7m_v7i5GUUekn2ciiT2CvKJHgWBOE7ib5r1csFuZS4TNSfOeXaZex3sUEcm6WZxKtHRoVHV3gHMg7euFft8moR9_GT7LZ1bBZgggM9zO_3M1lrDKr_nWK6Fqf30xmy7D6wYfoVOj/s1600/AnimeconWeb-038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3wic7m_v7i5GUUekn2ciiT2CvKJHgWBOE7ib5r1csFuZS4TNSfOeXaZex3sUEcm6WZxKtHRoVHV3gHMg7euFft8moR9_GT7LZ1bBZgggM9zO_3M1lrDKr_nWK6Fqf30xmy7D6wYfoVOj/s400/AnimeconWeb-038.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yakisoba booth I waited for what felt like an eternity. But it was good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I honestly spent so much time here during downtimes because not only did they have meals, they had tasty snacks too. All made on-site. It was AMAZING.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9PqN2IYPzLe4uH5cVFbZx45BAlqqY4m78j048gFDBhJczaF4yFp6J1JJJ7wsBTim2-5gxtfLSlUBjPgTZIEDUiC7aIDgubTjVmFHnFw2XHvYptIKdDuZcQOnFpZxYJLGalWKQM3RoyWw/s1600/AnimeconWeb-037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9PqN2IYPzLe4uH5cVFbZx45BAlqqY4m78j048gFDBhJczaF4yFp6J1JJJ7wsBTim2-5gxtfLSlUBjPgTZIEDUiC7aIDgubTjVmFHnFw2XHvYptIKdDuZcQOnFpZxYJLGalWKQM3RoyWw/s400/AnimeconWeb-037.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish pastry things! I didn't end up getting one, but that's okay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It reminded me of having food trucks at a convention except instead of being outside, the stores came INSIDE and vended from there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs-WKVhXvVEuEg5xGEWsZ1Yjxzt62hb3tSddDA-s6DvF0itxFM35ZuoylQ8hsP-vB5aUBkXID5B3ZiJLX4mSpf9U0I8q_wIztpOAQ5SUf4og82OdQLUckhHlm3rfA7MazvVqjmCUjM0cj/s1600/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs-WKVhXvVEuEg5xGEWsZ1Yjxzt62hb3tSddDA-s6DvF0itxFM35ZuoylQ8hsP-vB5aUBkXID5B3ZiJLX4mSpf9U0I8q_wIztpOAQ5SUf4og82OdQLUckhHlm3rfA7MazvVqjmCUjM0cj/s400/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food coins - they had the mascot on the other side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But enough about food! We were there to compete, and it was a lot of fun. Our competition was on the first day of the show - which was great. I'm always the person who likes to get the hard stuff done ASAP so I can enjoy the rest of the event.<br />
<br />
Our day was full of preparing, dress rehearsals and judging, along with the performances that evening. The stage was amazing because it was a full actual stage with proper rubberized floor and everything.<br />
<br />
We had a few mishaps along the way (our sound cut out at the start and we got to start over, BUT it stopped at the BEST possible time so it was funny in hindsight), but our costume changes all went as planned and I honestly couldn't ask for more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9iiKLEaDA1_5Wpm6CdElYTOLFJNlzZKJxUNIsTwP_kso3vWwtaVsAmNMwX7nlUULhQgBwAXuuLbShLN5HjSx4sDrwfJL48I_0-hBYUbO2twtm0fz962ckgzJhyphenhyphenSuO0Q5e1JgVCATC3Hz/s1600/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9iiKLEaDA1_5Wpm6CdElYTOLFJNlzZKJxUNIsTwP_kso3vWwtaVsAmNMwX7nlUULhQgBwAXuuLbShLN5HjSx4sDrwfJL48I_0-hBYUbO2twtm0fz962ckgzJhyphenhyphenSuO0Q5e1JgVCATC3Hz/s400/ConPicsAnimeconWeb-06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Kees Stravers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We didn't end up winning, but it was an honor to be able to represent Home while competing abroad, and I hope that I did us justice! I loved being able to meet all the other lovely cosplayers there too, they were all so nice. Maybe we'll see you on this side of the pond someday? ;)<br />
<br />
The next two days we got to watch all the other competitions which were great as well! So entertaining - and varied! We had dramatic skits and we had hilarious skits, and we had some that were somewhere in between. Winners all around, I say!<br />
<br />
After a busy 4 days of working, and an extra day of sightseeing (and the ocean trying to come home in my shoes), I was happy, but glad to be home. I loved Animecon, and would adore some of the US cons adopting things like the food courts, and they had a really amazing manga contest, and were generally very supportive of ALL the extracurriculars people do at conventions.<br />
<br />
I may not make it back there any time soon, but I had a lot of fun, and would definitely attend that show again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-31575456177211991922016-08-01T11:04:00.003-04:002016-08-01T11:04:37.604-04:00Epic Cosplay Costumes: Condensing a Process into Words<b>Epic Cosplay Costumes</b> is set to be released September 1st of this year, and you can pre-order it on Amazon! Go here to check it out: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770">https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Cosplay-Costumes-Step-Step/dp/1440245770</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"How Do I Make XYZ?"</span></b><br />
<br />
I knew from the start that the book Epic Cosplay Costumes (ECC) would be featuring a bunch of step by step tutorials - as that is the nature of a maker's book, but I wanted to add something <i>extra</i>. I wanted to add value to the book as a guide for future projects and just what exactly the process of cosplay is. But that's kind of a nebulous idea, when you get right down to it - however it is one of the most common questions I receive from people.<br />
<br />
People want to make costumes, but aren't necessarily sure what that first step it. And a lot of costumes can look... complicated. Confusing.<br />
<br />
Such as, how to go from something like this concept art (left) to full on costume (right)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wlAOAQJwSz2hgLSG0dvHEUkwMiH4Xl6poRi99evQ0ERK7p_wqR8oJtmnSophsSaH_PJkvWys_WdNRrNNqC78jUbSWVAYWYKezS1jkOkqeIgCAlY1r2QOnhciGUr9NfHVZTNR88LwKg1o/s1600/Elemental-9828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wlAOAQJwSz2hgLSG0dvHEUkwMiH4Xl6poRi99evQ0ERK7p_wqR8oJtmnSophsSaH_PJkvWys_WdNRrNNqC78jUbSWVAYWYKezS1jkOkqeIgCAlY1r2QOnhciGUr9NfHVZTNR88LwKg1o/s400/Elemental-9828.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Elemental Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfz2IXg7hwJ32u__C9beZx-Embd3PdDI1Nt-cVvY20R7kMMj3KxN5OcGSUvOCmLlC8AKj7Tuv3Caa6OQ0IYCezQRt3cvMPXhHmrtla_wr1m5uxLg_MzU-EJCdANbYns3yR4Iqm75sF-Zb/s1600/Elizabeth-reference-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfz2IXg7hwJ32u__C9beZx-Embd3PdDI1Nt-cVvY20R7kMMj3KxN5OcGSUvOCmLlC8AKj7Tuv3Caa6OQ0IYCezQRt3cvMPXhHmrtla_wr1m5uxLg_MzU-EJCdANbYns3yR4Iqm75sF-Zb/s400/Elizabeth-reference-web.jpg" width="313" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Because, for all intents and purposes, there really isn't a set group of patterns that's going to have exactly every character costume ever (though we're really trying to right now, and GOSH IT'S GREAT!). So my next big hurdle was how to condense 15 years of cosplay knowledge and techniques down into a single book. And that's when it came to me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Breaking It Down</span></b><br />
<br />
Every costume can be separated into easier to manage chunks, pieces you can get from various patterns or draft yourself! This is usually the first step I do. It might not be written down exactly all the time, but for me, it's the process of gathering the patterns I'll want to work with that represent bits and pieces of the costume I'm working on.<br />
<br />
It's this process that I've written down, in hopes of helping cosplayers attacking those costumes they thought were impossible before! In the book there's a host of samples of types of garments you'll commonly see in costumes as well as regular patterns, along with some fun illustrated samples of costumes.<br />
<br />
These costumes might light a little familiar as you read through the book - they're all the sample costumes photographed and placed in the book! So if you like one of the projects in our photos, we've got the breakdown for you (and they can all be made with projects included in the book!).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn5aCs46WoNBBd_oAZOCzSLfc02zcN7CC9t3gFDubarIhY6GLy1THsJWOaCLYah1R-MCKVgUzOb7WnvdvDNMWoHl7I4Oy5l-_O83t83Za57v2JK7mIp-50KHiONyyOJPOhTkkQaguBIf0/s1600/Cosplay-Book-BreakItDown-Superheroine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn5aCs46WoNBBd_oAZOCzSLfc02zcN7CC9t3gFDubarIhY6GLy1THsJWOaCLYah1R-MCKVgUzOb7WnvdvDNMWoHl7I4Oy5l-_O83t83Za57v2JK7mIp-50KHiONyyOJPOhTkkQaguBIf0/s640/Cosplay-Book-BreakItDown-Superheroine.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Superheroine" sample image<br />Drawn by me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Break My Directions!</b></span><br />
<br />
Now, not only will you learn that it's not too scary to break down costumes into parts you're looking for, there's one other important skill I wanted to teach readers through this book: Altering The Instructions.<br />
<br />
NOW. I'm not talking about forgoing the instructions in the book, but what I'm really referring to is how to take each project and change it to suit your needs. Be it the color/type of fabric, the shapes added to pieces, lengths of sleeves, and more. Each fabric project includes ways you can "alter" each tutorial to get a whole host of other garments!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDWjGLMBb3ERKgz37q2OYUOu9t079MMmHZev3NB2R1gus0oYHgjFj4fOnhPWuwEyWp_IdktD-mEy9QUyc6NA7RW-egbe9TPuLaU-R4Jlk-uuTqlJM8NqMx48EGaGU4ky91rlQFrtRCevJ/s1600/Web-ProjectSample01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDWjGLMBb3ERKgz37q2OYUOu9t079MMmHZev3NB2R1gus0oYHgjFj4fOnhPWuwEyWp_IdktD-mEy9QUyc6NA7RW-egbe9TPuLaU-R4Jlk-uuTqlJM8NqMx48EGaGU4ky91rlQFrtRCevJ/s1600/Web-ProjectSample01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample of other ways to alter the "Rectangle Bow" project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The only stipulation is that it's gonna require a little bit of bravery on your part. Due to space constraints I obviously couldn't go into extreme detail on how to make each change - but these images are here to spur on your imagination! To see the other garments types these projects can make.<br />
<br />
And with that knowledge, you'll have the skills forming on how to make any costume your heart desires.<br />
<br />
<b>NEXT TIME:</b> Sewing Toolbox<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707418324956082882.post-79128305147998503182016-07-27T12:18:00.002-04:002016-07-27T14:04:54.599-04:00Retro Recap: Anime Central 2016Wow. This is probably the "latest" Retro Recap I've ever done, but that's okay I was busy with all the traveling and finishing the book, so that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. So here's my vagueish recap of Anime Central 2016<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Doing Something A Little Different</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This year was a little different than my usual. I'm typically in the Artist Alley selling my artwork, but I decided to take this year "off" as I configure my comics and personal artwork to improve/change the booth. I also find that taking a year off every once in a while and actually experiencing the convention kind of gives me (as an artist) an insider view of what the crowds are like and what they're looking for.<br />
<br />
Since I didn't have the luxury of getting to check in at the Artist Alley reg area this year, I had to buy a badge like a <i>plebeian</i>. (I kid, I kid.) So naturally, being afraid of linecon I had them mail out my badge, which worked like a charm and apparently so did a ton of other people. So this was the waiting line before we could enter the dealer hall area on Friday morning:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWRznvh2CG5jB4FQkwqr5aL_-aS7FZGBor3gLE8A1reR8gUHqgFiuI9-rfgZ7aemnWjMvJcEdGCMjuvS81AY6AoUTit7HSesPUCzxBg4LlYB1fmITN-KlnaVtR_sgdvUjruh0KybQKsR4/s1600/ACEN2016-web-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWRznvh2CG5jB4FQkwqr5aL_-aS7FZGBor3gLE8A1reR8gUHqgFiuI9-rfgZ7aemnWjMvJcEdGCMjuvS81AY6AoUTit7HSesPUCzxBg4LlYB1fmITN-KlnaVtR_sgdvUjruh0KybQKsR4/s1600/ACEN2016-web-00.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Tons of people, all waiting. And then the gates opened and the flood of people entered! It was kind of magical to be on that side for once. (click on "Read More" for the rest of the entry!)<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dealer Hall</span></b><br />
<br />
The dealer hall was massive. Literally massive, and I honestly kept getting lost (thank you Dave for helping me navigate). Not because the aisles were laid out poorly, no no, it was just so HUGE and I'm not used to it. (remember I'm usually behind a booth!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn1HCIMfrjWir5aN9Afh-YwHBMaWkGv3dVK6lFXrfBiXj46ezzMqe3Vfdopq6myWXqfjwT63dJxN5nRXM8DkHdH5Jt5ppzT6S5pjwmmXyzf3QKtJmNAl6vz0ScAokupxVanGkvqj-b0JW/s1600/ACEN2016-web-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn1HCIMfrjWir5aN9Afh-YwHBMaWkGv3dVK6lFXrfBiXj46ezzMqe3Vfdopq6myWXqfjwT63dJxN5nRXM8DkHdH5Jt5ppzT6S5pjwmmXyzf3QKtJmNAl6vz0ScAokupxVanGkvqj-b0JW/s1600/ACEN2016-web-02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upon entering there's this big blue carpeted area where you have all the big industry booths - Crunchyroll, Viz media, Good Smile, etc. After that blue carpet area (as you can see the end of it in this picture above) was the Artist Alley. Which was ENORMOUS. I think it had more artists than I'd ever dealt with before in years past, which is great...ish? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Artist's Alley</span></b></div>
<br />
As somebody who typically tries to vend in the alley I wanted to give a little bit of feedback as a patron this year. For those not in the know, Anime Central's competition to get into their Artist Alley is ENORMOUS. Like super crazy, and each year the hardworking staff try to come up with new ways to accept artists that's in a fair and equal manner. And every year a ton of artists try to beat the system. Tis the nature of the beast.<br />
<br />
Which lead them to this years method: <i>Lottery</i>.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm not a huge fan of lotteries when it comes to conventions, but I understand why conventions get to the point of using them. One of the biggest competitive conventions I tried to apply for was SPX which has so many entries lottery is the only fair way these days. Long story short is, I get it.<br />
<br />
Previous years have been pseudo first come/first serve/jury combos (which I'm usually the most fond of) and trying to keep their ratio of artists types to be equally distributed. Apparently that's what they were aiming for with the lottery, but.... in my opinion it fell a little short.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>DISCLAIMER</i></b>: I thought all the art that was at the show was lovely. This is not a critique against the artists at all. They all work hard (I know!), and they all have their own merits and abilities. Everybody's booths were on point for the style that pervaded throughout the show. These are my general critiques of the nature of the Alley itself.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>WHAT I LIKED</b></h4>
+<b>So Many Artists!</b> The alley itself was so big, it was kind of uplifting to see so many people expressing themselves with art and trying to get themselves out there.<br />
<br />
+<b>Easy to Navigate Rows! </b>YES PLZ. Keep this up. Anime Central switched to rows a couple of years ago and I've been eternally grateful. I find the island set up gets attendees (and artists) lost finding tables.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>WHAT I WASN'T FOND OF</b></h4>
<div>
<b>- So Many Artists!</b> Yes. It's both a positive and a negative. I honestly couldn't find a lot of feedback from the AA facebook group I'm on (or I've forgotten it by now, which is also entirely possible). But I am honestly curious as to if we became oversaturated with artists? It almost seemed too massive at points. But I blame my next "thing I wasn't fond of".</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>- Homogeny. </b>I'm not gonna blame the artists entirely for this (I'm considering them collateral damage really). I'm going to blame the fact that Artist Alley business has become just that: a business, and now there are huge FB groups which talk and converse. People can see what others are doing, others are creating, and what's "popular". But there was something that bothered me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All the tables looked the same. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'm a person who prides themselves on picking out varieties in art (even tiny minor ones) with ease. But as I walked the aisles, I walked past booth after booth, and there were about 4-5 major types of artwork (and I started to wonder if there were a few really popular tutorials that people started to learn to draw with and now it's just integrated into their style), mostly prints (3-D was hard to find), and the printed objects were also the same.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Booths were typically set up as a pseudo puppet theater style (pvc pipe edge, prints dangling), and most people had a combination of the following: Prints, Plastic Printed Charms, Printed Zipper Bags, Pins. Obviously there were a smattering of notebooks, bookmarks, etc. But honestly everybody was selling a similar product just with different pictures on it. And I'll be honest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was bored.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know if this is just due to the over-saturation of people trying to sell artwork (I'm blaming terrible economy on this), or thinking that the only way to "make it" is to do what the popular people are selling. All these items are TOTALLY neat on their own! I've purchased a few neat charms, and I'm still debating on what bag I'd want to carry my pens in, and I love prints.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But enough about that. I just want to stress that all the artwork was definitely beautiful! It just all felt... the same.</div>
<h4>
<b>SUGGESTIONS</b></h4>
~ <b>Go Back to Partial Jury. </b>I know it's a ton of extra effort, and honestly I'll pay a little more to make sure that the alley gets to remain a nice diverse area of types of artwork. Which leads me to my next point:<br />
<br />
~<b>Raise that Price</b>. Obviously people love Anime Central because it's a big money maker. We're getting a crazy number of entries and only so many tables. (at least 200% entries to tables). I think it's time for a price hike. At least a little bit. Anime Central is so big it's not really a "beginner" convention like it was in 2005.<br />
<br />
~<b>Add a "Pro Row"</b>. Okay, this is actually based on another gripe I sometimes have. If you are needing two booth spaces in the AA you obviously have outgrown the regular sized table. I'd love to see the addition of a "Pro Row" giving slightly more booth space (almost like an amateur vendor booth but not as big?).<br />
<br />
~<b>Artists: Don't Give Into Popularity</b>. Sure having a few things that are recognizable are great! Like charms or prints. But design your booth to flatter your art, not to mimic what's the "most effective" because then everybody looks the "most effective" and nobody is. Sell your personality through your booth! It's like your own little house. Get creative!<br />
<br />
Side Note I'd Like to Add:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Holographic Film Prints</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are a Privilege, Not a Right.</div>
<br />
<br />
Seriously y'all. Not EVERYTHING needs to have glitter foil. It's cool when used appropriately. Makes me cross-eyed when put on EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
*coughs* NOW, BACK TO THE SHOW!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">All the Other Stuff!</span></b><br />
<br />
My three days were pretty fun. I wandered a lot, got to go to a lot of panels, and got to float around in armor all day on Saturday. My ankle/foot was trying to die (I blame a lot of the cement floors and me not walking a lot usually), but I had a pretty good time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRobAs9Z7fanEFJLZ7-s1ffo2C6xPCmV8Kmg35FC6VI2DXfgUlaG0EkqdPG1Fi3-AZDd3wynrnjf9KLwNQULTHUWO5pN37YFdS4s03L2ykC8F4i7GIcD8isMsN3oZpV9krfjI34ylc5hn/s1600/ACEN2016-web-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRobAs9Z7fanEFJLZ7-s1ffo2C6xPCmV8Kmg35FC6VI2DXfgUlaG0EkqdPG1Fi3-AZDd3wynrnjf9KLwNQULTHUWO5pN37YFdS4s03L2ykC8F4i7GIcD8isMsN3oZpV9krfjI34ylc5hn/s1600/ACEN2016-web-03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For those who don't know, there are a LOT of people who go to this show now. It takes place in like 3 hotels and the convention center, and thank goodness for the police acting as a crosswalk for us.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Game Room</span></b><br />
<br />
So ACen has a game room that was down in the Hyatt, and it was pretty neat! I got to stop by but it was super busy so not much gaming was to be had. I did get to do a little bit of DDR as Tex, so that was fun and I accomplished that goal for the day.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Food Trucks</span></b><br />
<br />
OMG. Please bring these back next year. They instituted a few food trucks out in the back for the Hyatt this year as a test and they were wildly popular. It also helped in mitigating the traffic at the Expoteria and I got to try new foods! Also, I love food trucks.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food Line at Hyatt</b></span><br />
<br />
Speaking of food, the Hyatt hotel (the main towered one the con started at), offered a neat selection of cooked meals for purchase as opposed to having like the hotel restaurant open. The food offered was pretty great and I enjoyed partaking of it! I dunno when they started that either, but man it was tasty!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal Ball</span></b><br />
<br />
So Dave and I tried to attend the Crystal Ball they held at Anime Central a handful of years ago and ... it was kind of lackluster. However, since we were just attending we thought we'd give it a go again because why not?<br />
<br />
WE WERE SO GLAD WE DID. We brought out our nicest dresses and business wear and got ourselves ready to go. And with the blessings of the staff we got to wear a little something "extra":<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hyjj4PNDGjoOKyT3YBiHATd2Q3ctGHWOcEhUFi9TaVG-aFOUCGg5SPOTuZ96EDmRBgdejfdr2b-8PW7EbNNz3qEjww2MJ5bGth7inWDNmd3O28ygbT2pmI98pNbtGSJfT0siFPY1cDE0/s1600/ACEN2016-web-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hyjj4PNDGjoOKyT3YBiHATd2Q3ctGHWOcEhUFi9TaVG-aFOUCGg5SPOTuZ96EDmRBgdejfdr2b-8PW7EbNNz3qEjww2MJ5bGth7inWDNmd3O28ygbT2pmI98pNbtGSJfT0siFPY1cDE0/s400/ACEN2016-web-04.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because we are silly people, we thought "Why not go to the ball as Church and Tex?". And man they were a hit. So look for us next year - I'm workin on getting a baby blue suit for Church to wear and me a sparkly black dress for Tex. Because that's how the Husband and I roll. WHY BE NORMAL WHEN YOU CAN BE SPARTANS??<br />
<br />
So anyway, my praises for the dance are tenfold. The room was beautifully decorated somewhere between wedding and prom, lots of seating and a huge dancing area. There were some lovely dance teachers that taught us some basic ballroom before the dancing started, which was quite handy. Also the DJ was ON POINT and played great music. Everything was danceable and a fun time!<br />
<br />
One cool thing they had was a photographer person. I figured maybe it was some random person from the convention doing photos. NOPE. It was like a Wedding Photographer level photographer and about a couple of weeks after they show, they released the whole set of photos they took. They are WONDERFUL and it's like having the Wedding Dance photos I didn't have cause we didn't have a dancing reception.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGjVDDPf1OXE4PMrbWRNaiD-X4RQonD8Uj9C3XnFI86jRUDzjCfRYHzi9nvWkw7lV6urnf5M8WSRNGW5qsiVc2Mr-OFFXdzHJ6cRW23MrCAyDTGqCqoDZSiuPwqV4XpcQ0W6UrLIDz1qO/s1600/web-2016_EP_ACEN_FormalDance_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGjVDDPf1OXE4PMrbWRNaiD-X4RQonD8Uj9C3XnFI86jRUDzjCfRYHzi9nvWkw7lV6urnf5M8WSRNGW5qsiVc2Mr-OFFXdzHJ6cRW23MrCAyDTGqCqoDZSiuPwqV4XpcQ0W6UrLIDz1qO/s640/web-2016_EP_ACEN_FormalDance_0045.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I AM A PRETTY SPARTAN PRINCESS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We left on Sunday night and MAN I was exhausted. I had a great time visiting, but I hope to maybe get back to vending next year. I kinda missed having my table!<br />
<br />
But props to ACEN - I had a great time! You just keep getting better, so KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0