Yet Another Con In March: Vancouver Comicon!

Hey everybody! Remember when I said I was doing two cons this month? Well, here's the second one: I'm returning to Vancouver Comicon! (March 2015 edition, yo!)

It's happening this Sunday, March 22, at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia from 11:00 am 'til 5:00 pm. Admission is $4 per person but you can get in for free if you have a new or gently used grade school appropriate graphic novel to donate towards Vancouver public schools or if you're a kid under the age of 14!

I'll be there with my wares of mini comics (buy all four for $5!), buttons, bookmarks, magnets, notebooks, cosmetic bags, greeting cards and the originals of "Nia Polly Tina" and "Yet Another Teenage With On The Internet" in really gorgeous frames available for purchase. I should also mention that if you spend $5 or more, you get a free button of your choice and, well, it's safe to assume that I've accumulated a ton of button designs over the years so you'll have a pretty massive selection to choose from. ;-)

For more information, you can check out the website here or look at the flyer above.

I always have such a soft spot for these shows and I can't wait to see you guys there! ^_^

March Convention Madness: J-Fest 2015!

Hey everybody! Some big ol' news coming your way: I'm doing not one but two conventions this month! grin emoticon

The first of which is J-Fest which is happening this Saturday, March 7, at the Nikkei Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia from 10:00 am 'til 6:00 pm. 

Once again, I'll be sharing a table with the awesomeriffic Camille of Dark Anachronisms Hats & Accessories so be sure to check out her elegant and spookalicious stuff along with my wares of buttons, bookmarks, mini comics, greeting cards, original sketch cards, journals and now cosmetic bags! grin emoticon

I gotta say, out of all the cons I've done, this is one of my favourite ones because not only do you get your vendors, artists, panels and cosplay contests but there's also some Japanese cultural performers throughout the day which gives such a great feel and atmosphere. It's just super cool to watch. It also doesn't hurt that Japadog will be there too. 

For more info on the event itself, check the Facebook event page or on Anime Evolution's website.

Really looking forward to this show and I hope to see you lovely folks there! kiki emoticon

Puffy Pop (Plus Some Embarrassingly Belated Thank Yous)

First off, I feel so bad that I haven't had the chance to thank all those who came out to see me and Camille's table over at Akimatsuri so I'm doing it now! Thank you all so much for your support whether it was buying something, chatting, checking out my stuff or taking a business card. I appreciate it all so much and I'm already gearing up for the next convention in March. ;-)

Second, hope you all have had a very merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays. Also wanna take this time to wish you all a super duper happy new year! To say this was one of (if not) the biggest years of my life so far would be an understatement. I can't wait to see what 2015 holds! :-)

Now finally, onto the image itself! If your teeth aren't aching or rotting a little while looking at this, then I'll have failed miserably at my job. :-P

Akimatsuri 2014!

Hey everybody! So here's a big update for y'all! I'm gonna be doing another convention really soon! The convention in question? (Hey! That rhymes!)

Akimatsuri!

It's a one day anime convention that's gonna be held at UBC Robson Square in Vancouver, British Columbia on December 7 (which totally happens to be one week from today! *GASP!*) from 10:00 AM 'til 6:00 PM.

Admission is $15 per person buuuuut for an extra $5, you can take advantage of the venue being right next to an ice skating rink by getting some ice skate rentals and a hot chocolate from the rink's snack bar! Doesn't the idea of cosplay ice skating sound awesome? (COSPLAYERS ON ICE!! Coming to an arena near you!)

I'll be there with my usual wares but prints, mini comics, buttons and bookmarks but I'll also be debuting my new additions to my line of Lolita Christmas cards, magnets, the original "Madoka Magica" sketch cards in pretty, gorgeous frames plus a few new goodies like...

JOURNALS!

Yup, that's just one of the new pieces of merch I'm gonna be bringing with me to the con as well as another new and awesome product that you'll just have to go to the con and find out what it is. ;-D

Ooh, I'm such a tease. XD

Also, I'll be sharing a table with the awesomeriffic Camille of Dark Anachronisms Hats and Accessories  so be sure to check out her fantastic hats as well! :-D

For more info about Akimatsuri, check out the Facebook event page. 

Hope to see you guys there! ^_^

MiniComi 2014!

And now here's the second convention this month: MiniComi!
It's a one day artists market (inspired by the comic markets in Japan) that's gonna be happening this Saturday (July 19) in Olympic Village in Vancouver, British Columbia. The event runs from 10:00 am 'til 5:00 pm and it's totally free to attend (yaaaay, free shows!). There's gonna be quite a few workshops from bead crafts to origami, cosplay walks and even some live music performances which should be pretty cool.

I'll be there with all my artsy wares (mini-comics, prints, buttons, bookmarks, greeting cards, sketch cards etc.) so come on down, don't be shy and give me a shout! :-)

For more information about MiniComi, check out the link here.

Hope to see you there! :-D

The Summer Festival!

Well, look at that! I've got not one but two cons happening this month! First one is (well, like the title states) The Summer Festival! It's happening this Saturday (holy crap, that's tomorrow!) at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia from 2:00 PM 'til late. Did I mention that this is a totally FREE event? Yeah, that's pretty freakin' awesome!

There's a really cool vibe to this one that I'm really looking forward to experiencing. It's like an anime convention meets a summer fair complete with carnival games, watermelon smashing and raffle prizes to be won...including a brand spanking new Wii U with "Mario Kart 8" because hey, everyone should feel the full impact of Luigi's Death Stare. ;-D

I'll be sharing a table with the totally awesomeriffic Camille of Dark Anachronisms Hats and Accessories and no doubt, we will be impossible to miss with our spectacularly gothic lolita aesthetic. As per usual, I'll be selling my wares of mini comics, sketch cards, greeting cards, buttons, bookmarks and more! So don't be shy, come on down and give me a shout. I could even help you on your quest to win a raffle prize. ;-)

For more info about the Summer Festival, check out the official site here. 

Hope to see you all there! :-D

Uberweekend! My Sister's Closet and Fan Expo Vancouver

Hoo boy, do I have quite the weekend lineup!

First off, if you happen to be in downtown Vancouver from 4:00 'til 8:00, head on down to My Sister's Closet where I'll be making my buttons on site as part of their Prevention of Violence Against Women Week events. It's a really great cause and it's absolutely worth checking out. For more information, check out this link.

Secondly, I'm coming back to Fan Expo Vancouver!

No, I won't be selling my art but I'll most definitely be roaming the convention crowds geeking out with the best of them...in (some varying degree of) COSPLAY!! Here's what I'll be donning each day...

Friday: Nurse Lolita. (Not really a costume but just elaborately dressed. )
Saturday: Rule 63!Ash Williams. ("The Evil Dead"/"Army of Darkness")
Sunday: Lumpy Space Princess. ("Adventure Time")

So if you spot me in the mass nerd frenzy, don't be afraid to say "hi" or give me a wave. Whatever works best. 

Of course, there will be photos of said outfits to be posted. You just gotta be patient is all. 

No matter which event you make it to, I hope to see you there! :-D

Vancouver Comicon and a Belated J-Fest Thank You

Hey everyone! I just want to give a(n embarrassingly) belated thank you to everyone who came to J-Fest! It felt so awesome being back behind the table after such a long time and I had a great time checking out all the amazing cosplayers, taking in all the performers from my table (the artist alley/vendor hall shared the same room with the main events stage so I got to check out the taiko drummers, kabuki dancers and the cosplay contest. Hooray convenience!) and just being in that whole environment. :-D

If you missed me at J-Fest, then I've got good news for you...

I'll be returning to the Vancouver Comicon this weekend!

That's right, I'll be back in my old stomping grounds at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia this Sunday (March 23). The con runs from 11:00 am 'til 5:00 pm and admission is $4 per person but kids under 14 get in for free. Of course, you can also get in for free if you donate a new or gently used school-appropriate graphic novel that'll go towards local schools. 

For more information, check out the website or just scroll down and check out the flyer.

As per usual, I'll be there with my prints, bookmarks, buttons, greeting cards, original sketch cards and mini comics (including *gasp* a brand spanking new one if I play my cards right! ) whipping up a sketch card or two on site. So come on down, indulge your inner comic geek and have a good ol' time. 

Hope to see you there! :-D

J-Fest 2014!

*gasp!*

Could that be the name of a convention in the title of this entry?

Why YES IT IS! :-D

That's right, folks! I'm going to be stepping back behind the artist alley table for J-Fest! It's a one day anime and Japanese culture convention taking place March 8 (that's this Saturday) at the Nikkei National Museum and Japanese Cultural Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person and there's plenty of awesome stuff to go around. Not only do we have your artist alley and vendors but there's panels, gaming rooms, viewing rooms, the maid cafe, the cosplay contest and even a few traditional Japanese musical and dance performances that look super cool!

For more information, check out the Facebook event page here.

Like I said, I'll be in the artist alley selling my mini comics, buttons, prints, bookmarks, original sketch cards and greeting cards (and yes, my recent pieces "Bloodwork" and "Shibuya Sweethearts" will be in the mix). So come on down and check it out! If you see me, don't be afraid to give me a shout or a wave and flip through my portfolio...despite my potentially vampiric appearance. 

It's been quite a long time since I last did a convention (that would be Word on the Street all the way back in 2011...damn, that was ages ago) but I'm super pumped for this and can't wait for Saturday!

Hope to see you there. :-D

News! Glorious News! (And It's Freakin' Massive!)

WHEW! 

This last week has been quite the whirlwind week for me and yes, it totally has something to do with the title of this journal entry so let's cut to the chase and reveal the freakin' massive news of the glorious variety, shall we?

Freakin' Massive News of the Glorious Variety the First!

After an embarrassingly long delay, I've finally made myself a proper Facebook fan page! Please be a dear, check out the page and give it a good ol' like. That is if you want to, of course. ^_^

Freakin' Massive News of the Glorious Variety the Second! (And trust me, it's massive!)

A month or so ago, I went downtown to get my art looked at. I can officially say that said place downtown was My Sister's Closet. It's a fantastic second hand boutique fully owned and operated by the Battered Women's Support Services with all the profits going straight to said organization along with many other awesome local charity organizations. They also have the Women Artisans program that not only helps local female artists get exposure and financial independence but also goes towards BWSS themselves. It's a program that I'm beyond proud to be a part of.

Yup, you read that right. My artwork, comics, buttons, greeting cards, original sketch cards and bookmarks are officially being sold in a store.

I can't even begin to describe how psyched I am for this. :-D

Brushing Off the Dust ad Cobwebs...

So, uh...it's been quite a while since I last logged on here, yes?

Did you all miss me? (Or even notice I was absent. :-P)

It's obvious that quite a few things have changed around here site-wise like this whole new journal system, for instance. So strange and so new! But yeah, I should probably cut to the chase and offer up some kind of explanation as to why I've been so distant from this blog (and DeviantART) and just posting art in general. 

As you might recall from a journal entry eons ago, I decided to take a hiatus of sorts from doing the artist alley/convention tables to go back to school and focus on improving my art. To say that this past year has been insane would be amassive understatement. Without going into too many long and winding details, I've experienced both triumphant, extraordinary highs and tumultuous, devastating lows. As a result, I hadn't been creating or posting as much art as I would've liked to. I mean, I still do plenty of drawing (life drawing classes help BIG TIME. Never pass down an opportunity to go to a life drawing session, guys!) but I guess I was so hellbent on improving my art that I became overly critical of everything that landed on the paper. In a weird way, I became scared of drawing. I had forgotten for a while that drawing was supposed to be something that was (GASP! Shock of all shocks!) FUN. 

Now that I'm getting into a much more calm and stable frame of mind, I've been rediscovering my joy of drawing. Be it pencilling, inking or coloring, once I get into a good creative groove, there's nothing that can stop me! Hell, I've even noticed some (dare I say the magic word?) improvement in my recent pieces. It might not've seemed noticeable at the time but looking back on my work then and comparing it to now, I feel like my coloring has been improving (I've been paying more attention to little things like light and shadow), my body shapes are becoming more varied, my anatomy is coming along bit by bit. Yes, hands are still a snot to deal with but they're coming along. 

Bottom line: I feel like I'm finally ready to share with you guys some of my newer pieces.

Sure, I'm always open for critique (what aspiring creative isn't?) but most of all, I hope you enjoy them. 

Important Update: Embarking Onwards to Emily Carr!

Hey guys!

Sorry I haven't uploaded a whole lot of artwork on here for the last month or so but I figured now would be a good time to let you all in on a pretty major decision I've made.

Those of you who know me in the meaty flesh 'n' blood world outside of the Interwebs will probably know what I'm gonna be talking about but for those of you who don't, here it goes...

I'm going to be taking this next year or so off from doing conventions and festivals and going back to school (the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, to be exact) with a major focus on developing my drawing skills. Yup, I'll be able to call myself a moody, neurotic art student without any hesitation! 

I came to this decision one night a month or so ago when I was running into some real problems drawing hands and promptly found myself frantically searching for drawing classes. That was when I figured "You know what? I'm so sick of running into these problems all the time! I don't wanna be held prisoner by my own inability to draw hands...and perspective...and buildings..."

Well, you get the picture.

The other major motivator was being surrounded and inspired by so many talented, dedicated artists and creators (whether they're online, out-of-town at a convention or part of the local comics and animation scene). Being exposed to their awe-inspiring works makes me look at my own work and think "I really oughtta step it up and take my work to the next level."

There was also a huge element of stagnation that was beginning to loom over my works. I spent about a year or so constantly drawing and creating but the intention a large percent of the time was to create product to sell at various cons. Very little time was spent honing my craft because I was just so busy and fiercely focused on making marketable art. 

That and there's another past time I love dearly that's woefully fallen to the way side as a result of all this: writing. 

Sure, I wrote stories but all of those were scripts for my mini comics. It's been way too damn long since I wrote any columns or pieces meant to be read by other people, not just for my own personal reference. Hopefully, along with the schooling, this sabbatical will help me reignite my passion for writing.

With all of that said, don't think I'm ditching this site or the art community for good. Just be prepared to see a gradual shift in my art, a few experiments and for me to be a lot pickier about what gets uploaded on here. 

The Most Embarrassingly Belated Journal Entry EVER

Daaaaaaaaamn.

I knew I was getting bad with updating journals on here but I sure took it to a new extreme this time, didn't I?

I figured I'd post this entry just to let you know that no; I didn't die, get kidnapped, or join a travelling carnival on a completely spontaneous whim. I guess you could say that after doing three conventions all within virtually a month-long span wiped me out much more than I had anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED doing them all but man it's exhausting. Usually after I've done a con, I keep a considerable distance from my drawing table for a few days.

Somehow those few days transformed into weeks and as a result, it ended up becoming something of an unintentional hiatus. Again.

I feel kinda bad for letting myself drift away for this long but on the other hand, I suppose I needed the vacation. (Even though it wasn't in Disneyland or somewhere else equally fantastic.)

I do have a drawing or two on the pipeline (including one I worked on during my stint on Word on the Street) and Sketchavember is creeping up ever so closely. That was such a blast to do last year and you can bet your sweet tush that I'm gonna do it again this year. ;)

Speaking of events that are creeping up ever so closely, anybody excited for Halloween?

The Word on the Street (and Under the Street)

So here it is; the last of the three shows I've been doing from late August until now!

The Word on the Street is a huge Canada-wide festival celebrating reading and all forms of the written word. It's only natural that Vancouver would be a part of that fun. ;-)

It usually happens on the last Sunday of September (which in this case is the 25th...and it's creeping up ever so closely) but this year it's been expanded to include some events on the Friday (September 23) and Saturday (September 24).

The main festival itself will still take place in and around Library Square and the CBC Plaza right downtown in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, September 25. It runs from 11 AM until 5 PM and, perhaps one of the best parts of all, it's totally free!

I'll be there on Sunday as part of Word Under the Street, the marketplace and exhibitors devoted to independent and alternative comics and zines. This will be located inside the library, downstairs in the Alice MacKay room. Not only will I have all my goods in tow (portfolio, mini comics, greeting cards, original sketch cards, bookmarks, prints and some buttons! Everyone loves buttons! Hooray!), I'll also be taking part in the Comic Critique sessions. If you have any unpublished comics that you would like some feedback on, bring them over and you'll have an awesome oppurtunity to have professional creators and artists look at them and give you plenty of advice and input. For more information on the Comic Critiques along with all the other things going on Under the Street, look here.

Of course, there's plenty more things going on outside the library (and trust me, that's an understatement). There will be hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, readings (from authors, poets and storytellers), panel discussions of all topics under the literary sun, publishers, live performers...and that's just immediately off the top of my head!

For more information on Word on the Street and all the events and programs involved, check out the main festival site (specifically the Vancouver branch) here.

I checked this out last year as an atendee and there was so much to explore and take in. I absolutely enjoyed every moment of it and I can't wait to step over to the other side of the table. ;-)

See you guys there! :-)

An Embarrassingly Belated Follow-Up on Vancouver Comicon

Yeah. If there was a title that stated the obvious, it would definitely be this one. I would have posted this earlier but random colds are a total snot to deal with.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I just want to thank everyone who came down to the Vancouver Comicon last Sunday...even during the crazy hot weather that fell on that day! Though strangely enough, the Hertiage Hall didn't feel as balmy as it did during Comix and Stories. Maybe it's because the artist/creator tables were placed under the ceiling fans.

Anyways, I also wanna extend a huge thanks to everyone who stopped by my table that day. Whether you gave my work a glimpse, took a business card or flyer, chatted with me or bought something, every little bit is greatly appreciated and it makes my days at the cons all the more memorable. You people are awesome.

Speaking of awesome things; over the last few Vancouver Comicons I've been to, I've noticed a small rise in cosplayers. There was a movie-verse Wolverine, a girl in a Supergirl costume and a pair of steampunk girls (of all the days I choose to break out my badass goggles!). I totally approve of this trend. Keep 'em coming, Vancouver.

A shout out goes to Frank who asked me to draw a sketch in the vein of my "Do It Yourself, Dammit" piece. Luckily, I took a picture of it just before I gave it to him...but I still have to upload it onto my Photobucket.

Overall, another fun con experience. I still find it hard to believe I've done this many in such a relatively short frame of time (a year could be considered short, right?).

Two down, one more to go! And trust me, this one's gonna be a pretty freaking massive one...and different from anything I've done before!

You're intrigued, no? ;-)

Con #2: Vancouver Comicon, September Edition

Here's the second of three conventions I'm doing this late August/September.

Once again, I'll be doing another appearance at the September edition of the Vancouver Comicon this Sunday (September 11) at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The show runs from 11 AM until 5 PM and admission is $4 person but you admission is free for kids under 14 or if you have a new or gently used grade school appropriate graphic novel to donate. Those books will go towards Vancouver public schools.

I'll have my usual goods in tow (prints, greeting cards, mini comics, original sketch cards etc.) as well as some brand spanking new material such as my cyber gothed out bookmarks and, if I'm lucky, some buttons! Yup. I'm the proud new owner of a DIY button making press. I can't wait to help further the button addiction epidemic (for which I pray there will never be a cure). Plus, I'll also have my portfolio filled with all my original art work, comic pages, concept art and character designs for you all to browse through. Perhaps even a sketch card or two will be drawn on site.

So come on down, check out the comic-y goodness (perhaps you may even win one of the hourly door prizes!) and don't hesitate to give me a shout. I'll be sure to remember my industrial sized water bottle this time! :-P

For more info on the convention itself and all the creators and guests involved, you can check out the main convention site or direct your gaze to the spiffy flyer just below all this text.

Hope to see you there! :-)

Comix and Stories 2011: A Sorta Belated Follow-Up

Well, Comix and Stories has come and gone. I have been a little busy getting more stuff together for the next con but I thought I'd take some time to divulge a little on last Sunday's show.

Firstly, I wanna give a huge thank you to everyone who came down to the Heritage Hall on Sunday. While the attendance might have been a bit...sluggish (hey, it was a gorgeously hot summer day out after all), I still feel pretty fortunate enough to have had plenty of people buy my stuff, check out my portfolio and even just give my table a browse through. You folks are awesome.

It also always serves as a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and get input from fellow comicking peers. A special thanks goes out to Albert Art for being an awesome table buddy and providing lots of Gummy Bears. Oh man, did those Gummy Bears get us through those droughts of hunger and the slight zombie-like delirium that comes with being at your table for a few hours inside a balmy building. And a shout out to Julie for being a sweetheart with mad business skills!

Note to self: next time bring a hand held fan and don't forget to bring your giant water bottle. Trust me, I was longing for it by the end of the day.

Overall, I'm still pretty happy with how Comix and Stories went this year. :-)

One con down, two more to go!

Comix and Stories 2011

Remember those not-so-oblique references to a cluster of conventions I made in my last journal (that was a month ago)?

Well, here's the first one out of three conventions I'll be hitting up this late August/September.

Once again, I'll be appearing at Comix and Stories; a day long celebration of all things indie and small press be it comics, cartoons, animation, zines, artwork and culture. It's going to be held at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia this Sunday (August 28). Admission is $4 per person and it goes from 11 AM until 5 PM.

Not only will I have all my prints (including my most recent "Oh, Usa"), original sketch cards, greeting cards and mini comics on my table for sale, I'll also be offering everyone a sneak peek of a few character designs I've whipped up for my upcoming book...character designs that haven't even been posted online! Not even on here! (Ooooh!) Of course, my portfolio will still be there for you all to browse through and I may just whip up a new sketch card or two on site. Perhaps I may even sketch out an oh-so-creepy "Silent Hill" nurse if I have the time.

As always, don't hesitate to drop by my table to give me a shout. ;-)

For more information on the show and all the especially awesome and talented creators involved, visit the main convention site here.

Then again, you could always scroll down a bit and take a look at the spiffy flyer just below all this info.

Seriously though, I loved doing Comix and Stories last year (hard to believe it was that long ago) and I can't wait to do it again this year! :-D

Hope to see you there.

Whoops...

Um, sorry about that (very) unintentional hiatus, you guys.

It's funny how weddings can pretty much transport you to a whole other planet just by being involved with one. This is especially evident when you're a bridesmaid...and your sister is the bride. Everyone eats, sleeps, breathes and bleeds nuptials and eventually it catches up with you. By the time the big day finally rolls around, you just can't help but feel the excitement, joy, giddiness and happiness of such an event. All the stress and anxiety pays off in the best way possible culminating in one of the most fantastic and memorable experiences you'll ever be involved with.

But even with such a wonderful occasion, the inevitable post-wedding hangover occurs. (For the record; tequila in any form, even just a single shot; never, never, never, NEVER AGAIN!) Let's face it, weddings are exhausting and can wipe out even the most busy of bodies. Which is to say my drawing table and materials gathered a little bit of dust in that time.

However, I haven't been totally neglectful of my art. Up until the week of the wedding I had been working on a few character designs and concept sketches for an upcoming one-shot mini comic I hope to have completed by the end of September (or late fall at the, well, latest). I might share a few of them with you if you ask politely enough. ;-)

Now that I have emerged from my post-wedding hangover, I'm ready to hit the drawing table once again so prepare to see a lot of new stuff as well as some more convention news.

"Convention news?!" I hear you muttering (or not, I don't have ultra-doggy hearing senses). That will have to wait for another journal.

Ooh, I'm such a tease. ;-P

Vancouver Comicon Aftermath Plus Other Goodies

Well, another convention has come and gone and I just want to take this time out to give a HUGE thank you everyone who came on down to the con this past Sunday. Whether you bought something, browsed through my portfolio or even just gave my table a glance I truly appreciate every bit of support I'm able to get. You guys are awesome.

If there's one thing I've learned from my most recent con ventures, it's that the Trolololo song is my lucky charm. No really, I started off my days listening to that song just as I was getting ready to head out in hopes of a little extra spring in my step. I got more than an extra spring. I ended up winning one of the raffle prizes and got the most devastatingly beautiful Trollface sketch from my tablemate Enerjak (I'm already concocting a follow-up. Oh, just you wait.).

Now, it's back to work on more art, comics and fuelling my "Bioshock" addiction.

Oh crap. You weren't supposed to know that.



Yes, I'm aware of how gratuitous this is...but I can't help it!