Post Non Con Blues and Covid 19

This update would have been created normally about a week from now. After recovering from 4 days of NakaKon setup and selling.

But in a turn of events that no one thought would happen. The city of KC, issued a state of emergency, and the convention, taking place in Overland Park, was cancelled, 45 minutes before load in for vendors and artists, on Thursday. I go into it, and a lot more in the video above.

It's been a bit surreal. Planet Comicon, which does take place in KCMO, at Bartle Hall, also cancelled it's show, and has opted to move to later in the fall, dates pending. NakaKon, seems to be pursuing the same sort of path.

To say that it's been an emotional toll for a LOT of people, is now the understatement of the month. Not just people that traveled to showcase, but attendees, restaurants, and other services that would have benefited from the increased foot traffic are getting a double whammy in the form of no shows, and a state of emergency for the KCMO area. 

A LOT of artists/vendors I know, are going to take a hit from this, from these two shows. I'm going to include some of the links below so anyone reading this can go check them out. 

Brass Engine - https://www.etsy.com/shop/brassengine

Shankalonian Labs - https://www.facebook.com/shankalonian/

Fowl Language - https://www.fowllanguagestore.com/

Ed Lavallee - https://www.facebook.com/popstarassassin/

Dorky Dino - https://www.facebook.com/dorkydino/

These were just some of the creators I know were going to be at Planet Comicon, I will add to this list if anyone wants to send me a link. Leave it in the comments below, or shoot me a message on the social media.

Here's to hoping for a late year revival for both of the shows. If end of summer, early fall fell into place for both of them, then that could still leave a good 6 months before the 2021 show runs begin.

I cover this a bit in the video, but I want to say, if any of you guys, from attendees, to artists/vendors, are feeling down, that's okay to feel that way. Things aren't easy right now. If you all need an ear to sound off to, reach out to me, we can hang out, or just chat online, whatever can help if you need it. I'm fighting off a lot of depression right now, for a lot of reasons. So I get it. 

Until next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. Be kind to your fellow beings and always take the path less traveled. We all may live in times uncertain, but kindness, understanding, and believing in the good that is in most each and every one of us is what can bring about better days!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com

A little of St. Louis at the Columbia Micro Con

This was one of the more cool locations to hold a micro con. So many thanks to the Bur Oak Brewing Company that hosted the event! If you are in the area, they are located at 8250 Trade Center Dr, Columbia, Missouri 

So remember when I went on and on earlier this year about not doing more shows for the rest of 2018? I have completely and pleasantly failed at doing so. My good friend Ben, of Brass Engine Productions, had let me know about this micro convention happening in Columbia, Missouri, taking place, in a brewery.

No blog entry would be complete without my round of photos of the wonderful attendees that picked up some of my works!

The best part about having friends that do shows, is that I end up finding out about shows that aren't on my radar. More often than not that means that I get a chance to get people outside of my normal range to see my artwork.

Familiar faces were in attendance from Buster Moody to Kyle Strahm (both extremely skilled and prolific comic artists), as well as some new creators and vendors I don't usually see around the KC area.

I can say it's been nice to see the last few bit of older works, and current art reproductions find good homes. I've had many discussions with fellow creators on things like having backstock of items, artwork and the like, that sometimes, no matter what you do, just don't always sell like you think they will.

The last two Tank Girl mini art reproductions left for homes in Columbia.

But for anyone in this sort of rut with your work, I can't say it enough, break the cycle of what shows you may currently be doing, and go out and try some new ones. You may just be pleasantly surprised by the reception your work gets, and what connections you make.

Thanks so much to everyone that picked up issues of Pagan Zoetrope and Ardor!

So since this was a one day show, it went pretty quickly. Aside from Freestate, I don't normally do one day shows very often. But everyone that came out to the show seemed to be having a great time. In fact, many were either brand new to the whole comic/pop culture scene, or in some instances, had no real knowledge of what this show was about, yet were super excited to see what it was about.

It's shows like this, that make me feel better about the future of comics and maybe even pop culture based events in general. It's easy to get burned out and even numb to attending shows, especially the larger ones that are not so well put together.

But when you have those shows that you can slow down and talk to people at? Man, nothing beats that. Sure, sales are important, but I genuinely had a lot of fun doing the show, not the least of which was because I was next to my friends in Brass Engines, booth wise, but because of the positive and engaging atmosphere.

I don't know who was more chill, Baldemar Rivas. or the wonderfully crabby resident brewery black cat, Clyde, that decided to express the universal truth of cats walking across artwork, no matter who is doing what.

I am looking forward to doing more of these mini cons, especially if St. Louis Comics is doing them. The show had a good vibe, and pretty decent attendance. I'm pleasantly out of my wheelhouse of knowledge on what shows may be around the Columbia area, but I think this one is a welcome addition!

Until next time, support your local artists and businesses. Be kind to your fellow beings and always take the path less traveled. We all may live in times uncertain, but kindness, understanding, and believing in the good that is in most each and every one of us is what can bring about better days!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com

KCCC 2017

Ben and Cristin make me one cheerful guy at these shows. I think we might all be House Slytherin...

KCCC, the show that came out of nowhere some years back to offer another comic show opportunity for Kansas City, and although it emerged once again this year, I wonder what it has in store for 2018.

If I'm sounding a bit reserved, or perhaps negative, bear with me, it's far more than just end of the year doldrums and after comic show blues. You can read more about past KCCC shows on my site, and over the course of the time the show has been put on, it felt like it had a powerhouse start, that has slid into a weird zone of existence in the comic show arena in this region.

First and foremost, there were more than a few booths that really made me wish that a jury process akin to what NakaKon or C2E2 utilize, was in place. It's not because I tend to want to have people give half a care about the items they create, or the branding they have, or the overall booth presentation, but it sure as hell would help.

The show presentation seemed off from a few standpoints to me this year. I can't put my finger on it, and I have some issues, that at first I had added to this update, but decided to go back and take out. Mainly because it doesn't do any good to focus on the negative, but also because no one wants to read me be judgemental or pissy about some show issues. :D

(Left) A few more upgrades to the booth are coming next year. (Right) Nicole as Wonder Woman.

Attendance seemed alright, considering there was another comic show going on in Witchita, Kansas at the same time, Air Capital Comicon. Nevermind, that the bigger show Planet is looming in less than a three month window, so that had to cast a shadow across the attendance.

(Left and Right) Thanks for liking my stuff enough to buy it guys! (Center) The tiniest most excitable Wonder Woman at the show. I had to take 5 photos of her, and this was the most clear one.

So some of you may be wondering how I came about to doing this show, since I had previously had it on my website schedule that I was not doing it.

I'm just as surprised as you all were. In a nutshell, it goes like this. From what I understood, KCCC had announced they were coming back for 2017 after the end of the show in 2016. So I had emailed them early in 2017 about whether or not local comic creators would have free tables given to them.

Months go by, income on my part isn't allowing me to invest in another show in 2017, even if it's local, so I had focused on getting ready to do next year. Then out of the blue, on the Monday prior to the show, I get an email with the floor plan, and my name on the artist list.

I'm notorious for planning my schedule, and wanting to know what I need for shows as far as stuff to sell, and what I need to create. I didn't want to pass up the show, because as you all can guess, I didn't pay anything for my table. But as I came to find out, many others DID.

A great Edwardian era looking cosplay, Rogue cosplay, the now owner of my last repro of Iron Patriot, and another great cosplay I did not know the character though.  Anyone know?

I think only three of my other co-creators knew that my booth had been free. I kept it on the downlow until I could figure out who/how/what/why I ended up with a table, when I hadn't remembered any money exchanging hands nor any other emails.

(Left) A Hermione cosplay with parents. (Right) Super kick ass Cyclops and Rogue cosplays.

I know that some management shakeups have happened with the show, and at one point, this show was initially focused on the comics and creators side. At least that is what I believe the genesis of the show idea was.

There were a fair few good creators, authors, and others that were plying truly original and handmade elements and items. But there were just as many that made me scratch my head.

Back towards the end of the show, the empty tables started coming to life with quick sketches from the surrounding artists contributing to an impromptu mural.

I won't go into some of the details, I may someday, but again, I will focus on one thing that helped make my weekend, I finally got to meet Kevin Smith briefly, and had a chance to thank him for being an inspiration on my early want to do any kind of film making.

My brother was cool enough to get us passes to the Kevin Smith podcast/panel. (Lower Right) His autograph on my show badge.

The podcast that he helmed was pretty funny, and the subjects ranged all over the place, even though I think the original idea was to talk about Batman.

Sunday was extremely slow. You can't tell from the look on my face, but there was live wrestling happening behind me at this point. In a ring. Like real wrestling. Not like two creators got into a wrestling fight over fan art issues.

Overall, KCCC was not remotely a success on my part, but again, I didn't pay for a table, so I was just out fuel and some incidental costs. 

I will say that my show was made by reconnecting with an old school friend, and seeing so many of my fellow co-creators and friends. In the end, it was very much all about that for me. 

Shortly after doing the show, I did start seeing news about Wizard World possibly not continuing with shows into 2019, along with some weird rumors about Planet possibly being shopped around/sold off. I think the latter falls into the rumor rather strongly as I can't see Chris Jackson selling it off.

One subject that once again reared it's head in a lot of conversations I had was the one of, have we just entered the oversaturation of shows point?

Over the course of this year, I've seen a growing proliferation of odd changes to the comic book show circuit to the point of not even being able to say that the word "comic" should even be part of the names.

I guess we'll all see how 2018 shapes up for attendees, show organizers, and the vendors/creators/art resellers that vie for space and money to participate in what are essentially mostly pop culture shows.

Thankfully, there are some stalwart hold outs to the comics and collector side like our own FreeState/FanCons, DINK out in Denver, APE, and even to an extent some zine shows. I want to see more young and innovative creators be in the ranks of artist alley, and for people to discover them. I want more shows to pay attention to the creative individuals, and less on the money rolling in. I get it, we all want to make money. But there should be some integrity hand in hand with each dollar bill.

Until next time, support your local artists, be kind to your fellow beings, and always take the path less traveled!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com

TopCon 2017

The level of my laid back attitude was directly comparable to the feel of TopCon.

I'd not done TopCon before. I knew it was a smaller show that was growing. That was about all I had to go on. But I always go into every show with the idea that new connections, ideas, and possible sales can come out of them. I mean, sure, anyone that vends at a show wants to make some income, and I'm not adverse to that.

The setup once again, slowly evolving. This is not it's final form...

But considering how my run of shows have been varying from decent to way off the freaking mark, I try to find other ways to make shows work for me. Like other artists, I'll bring artwork to work on, accept commissions, write, work on this now almost year long documentary, and catch up with friends.

I love great conversations, and just talking about infinite subjects, and I can say that if there is one thing that is so very wonderful about comic/pop culture shows, either big or small, it's that I have some friends I could talk endlessly to about games, history, art, creating things, you name it.

TopCon for me was not a financial success, but in other ways, it was a blessing, and a wonderful vial of regeneration for my soul.

Adding to the sketchbook. I'll be releasing a collected sketchbook later next year.

I did get quite a bit more sketching done at this show, my only lament was that I forgot my tripod, so none of these got filmed in any capacity. That's something I hope to add to my set up down the road to facilitate making YouTube content, or possibly live stream to Twitch. So many possibilities, so many variables to overcome.

(Right) K2SO and Cassian I think are my favorite commission I've been asked to do this year.

This show had more than a good number of people attending a comic show for the first time. I keep thinking that most people that attend these shows have been going to them for years, but many of them as I was pitching ICWXP and we got to talking about Kansas City in general, had not heard of Planet or NakaKon, which was kind of surprising.

So many thanks for supporting my art career!

Something I was finding was how for a good number of them, larger shows were just too much to handle. Either because of the spectacle, the costs involved, noise, general environment, you name it. It gave me some pause in how I may approach some of my marketing and what shows I may do in the future.

I think this was the last of my Iron Patriots going off to a good home.

I was pleasantly surprised to meet people that had followed my insane ramblings and art video productions on YouTube. There are times when I feel that I am performing to an empty theatre, which just brings back all kinds of horrible stage fright moments, and it's back to being a failing stand up comedian all over again. But when people come forward and give me ideas and feed back, in constructive and truly engaged ways..., oh man, that's just the best.

There was a lot more cosplay at the show than  I managed to get photos of. There was also a museum in attendance with a giant, I think Mosasaur skull? (anyone able to correct me on this?)

By the time the show started to draw to a close, I was pretty tired. This year, the amount of shows had really started to wear on me some. Maybe it's because I am recording them more than just as blog posts, I am running the chance of increased burnout.

I had decided (you can tell by the look on my face below) that this would be the last show I was going to do this year.

The look of a man who is finding something interesting over to the left. I think someone had a burger.

But it was not to be, as in a bizarre twist of chance, fate, or utter forgetfulness, I somehow am now getting ready to do KCCC this weekend.

So the next update will be my fatigued and disjointed blog update on KCCC, which I am hoping will be a high note to end the year on.

Until next time, support your local artists, be kind to your fellow beings, and always take the path less traveled!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Podcaster, Writer, Toy Collector, and Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com

StealthCon 2017 - Rainy Day

It's never a good thing to wake up to rain on the day you have to set up a show.

Friday Set Up

I'm no stranger to adverse weather. I've done outside art fairs and shows about as frequently as I've done comic shows inside of venues. As the old saying goes, the show must go on. It's just like Missouri that only two weekends ago, it was snowing at NakaKon, it would only make sense that it would be a stormfront heavy weekend this year at StealthCon.

I have learned my lesson over the years and waterproof or seal the heck out of every component for set up.

When I got there, I was trying to figure out which possible way would yield the least amount of me retaining moisture content, but considering that it was pouring like crazy out there, I figured I'd go ask if I could park right out front of the student union. That way, I only had but a few meters up the wheelchair ramp with my equipment on a cart to clear. 

Anyone want to go deep sea fishing? My boat is the S.S. DampSocks.

Once I got all of my gear inside, I took a little walk around the vendor area and met SSgt. Travis Keele who had been my primary contact through all of this. Was nice to put a face to a name, and he turned out to be a super cool and helpful guy all through the weekend.

It takes a unique kind of person to want to do shows, because it's not easy. But it can be fun.

I caught up with some friends, old and new, Brass Engine Productions, B-Squared Computers, and Thompson Productions to name a few. I was just looking at my time keeping app and I had gotten there at 5:30pm and finally finished up at 9:45pm. The wall behind my table had a bit of challenge in that a stair step sort of wooden shelf was sticking out where the floor and wall met. I am so freaking grateful that these ProPanels I use can adapt to any uneven ground and I was able to make my banner and the walls fit for the most part. After I got done, I left and tried to get a good night's rest so I could get back to the show early to finish any last minute things I knew I overlooked.

Saturday

(Left) The final set up. (Upper Right) A graded and archived Alley Viper from G.I.Joe. (Lower Right) Me looking as awake as possible by the front banner for the show entrance.

I spent a bit of time getting everything all ready, and moved around a few things until I was happy, then it was time to set in for the long haul. I was on my way to fill up my water bottle when I saw this...

I thought it was a prank at first. WHO DOES A PHOTOSHOOT IN THE BATHROOM?! Finally I noticed the room number written on it (inset zoom).

So of course one of my favorite things is taking pictures for all of you lovely readers to look at, and I have a slew of them for you to look at.

For some reason, I believe they may be fans of Brom's work. Very cool work on the wings.

I am glad I managed to get halfway decent photos, as at any point and time I had two to three cameras that I kept trying to remember to have recording or taking time lapse video with.

I think this is a cosplay from Dr. Who. Can anyone confirm this? I know I know... I should finally watch the show. This was beautifully done, and I loved the pose.

I did have only one bit of footage bite the dust, and it was a long time lapse segment from the better part of Saturday. Not happy about that, but if I had to lose anything, that would be the one that I was alright with.

Teen Titans Starfire and Raven. Very excellent work!

I have some amazing friends, and Ben (of Brass Engine Productions) is just one that I look forward to seeing at shows. Thanks for picking up "the Loner #1"!

Sunday

The new owners of original wood art "Skeleton Warrior 2 #41"! An awesome PacMan cosplay, and two fun ladies that picked up one of my werewolf art repros.

The show did have a slower feel this year, I'm not sure what the overall attendance was. That said, I still spend a lot of time connecting with people and ended up being interviewed twice. That was pretty cool and immensely appreciated!

I did an overnight commission for my buddy David where he wanted his wife as Lady Thor. Thanks so much for supporting my art man! (Right) A pretty bad ass steampunk cosplay.

Sometimes I had to step away from my table, and if my brother (who was helping me out at the show) wasn't able to help, then I did the next best thing and got a Power Ranger Zord to man the table!

I think he may have cost me some sales, according to witnesses, he kept defending and deflecting questions in a tiny mute display of martial art ability.

I love seeing entire families get into the cosplay zone, because for me, that means it's a hobby they all can get into and be creative with. This family was rocking the Alice through the Looking Glass theme.

Wonderful job, really liked "Time"!

So not unlike when I was trying to get the courage to introduce myself to David Vincent at Naka, I was also trying to get over to meet Phil Lamarr, voice of Samurai Jack, Hermes from Futurama, and so many more roles it's not funny. We only had a few moments to speak, but it was a highlight for me at the show. Speaking of, the line up of guests was really nice, and for two years in a row, it's been a nice surprise to see what the overall variety has been. 

Thanks for taking the time to talk Phil!

Batman Beyond and Captain America cosplays!

It was nice to see the local businesses like Rock N Sports and B-Squared Computers come out and be a part of the show. I've been shopping at Rock N Sports for a long time because they carry a lot of great vintage games, books, collectibles, and rare items. B-Squared is my go to place for getting my computer up and running when I manage to mess it up. Both are run by super cool people, Nolan and Matt. If you are ever in the Warrensburg or Knob Noster areas, look them up and stop by their shops!

Nolan (on Left) had brought an NES which was constantly being played by people wandering the convention space.

As the show wound down on Sunday, I managed to get pictures of my three favorite cosplays of the entire weekend.

Beauty and the Beast looked fantastic, and this 3 year old Moana was just spot on!

Just before the show closed down, I sold another copy of my graphic novel. I'm down to about 13 of the first run left now.

Even though I was tired, and worn, it was now time to start tearing down my display and pack it up for storage until my next show. Of course, it was raining again outside.

I wasn't in a rush, partly because I was still filming a few things, and getting photos, but also because of taking the time to reflect on the show, and what kinds of feedback and improvements could be leveraged onto next year's event.

And so it ends as it began. Empty tables in a large room.

It's weird, the show was a long one, in that I was really just relaxing at this show. I wasn't in a mad rush, nor was I doing as I had done in years prior, where I would often be tense or stressed out about how the show would go.

To be honest, when you do shows long enough, you start to get a feel, a vibe within the first few hours of being exposed to the attending crowd. Although the crowds have been pleasant to very friendly at these last two shows, there has been a weird air of reluctance or browsing that I have been feeling. And hey, I'm no stranger to that feeling. But as a working artist, whose income relies on creating things that at the same time are meaningful to me, but also able to be appreciated by the people who see my work, I am humbled and grateful for all and any that do support me, talk to me, and come out to these kinds of shows. That take the time to listen to stories, have me review your art, and listen to my pitch on behalf of Incognito Cinema Warriors XP.

The term working artist,.. is a badge many of us wear, and over the years, it tarnishes, it patinas, it wears, but it gains character and solidarity with all whom understand it, and know that it means the world to not only myself, but every vendor there and at countless shows, that any of you attendees to these shows do interact and support us.

A little bit of the unexpected

On my way into the show, Sunday morning, I had just parked my car, and was walking across the street when out of nowhere, this large fox runs across my path, about three feet in front of me. I didn't have my camera in hand, I had just decided to save some memory space and wait until I was inside to start recording. I thought, "Yeah, no one is going to believe that a fox just ran by the student union in front of me at StealthCon". So I did what anyone carrying camera gear, a freshly done commission, art supplies and more would do. I gave chase.

The little guy was some kind of ninja, because over where the bell tower is, I saw him for a moment, and then he vanished. I looked everywhere, looked for any tracks, nothing. A little disappointed, I sat down to get my camera out to record my thoughts, when I heard a rustle behind the bench I was sitting on.

The moments seem jumbled to me in my memory, but I had to go back and watch the footage to remember how and what he acted like. Just before I was able to pull my camera out, he trotted around the edge of the bench and sat there. Looking straight at me, about three feet from me. Casual and if anything a little cocky in his demeanor and body language.

I spoke to him (I am always talking to animals, wild and domestic), and he whined and growled a bit, rolled over to expose his belly, and after I got my camera out, he almost seemed to play up to it.

It was a nice way to start of Sunday. I know culturally the fox is viewed as a trixter, but I took it that it was a sign to live life fully and in fun. I also believe in astrology, so there's that. ;D

This guy has more personality than some people I've known over the years.

Next up will be Planet Comicon, and then after that, I'm not sure, as some shows are still pending for me. But be sure that I'll have my camera and notebook near me to keep these updates coming.

And if you'd like to check out one of my interviews, you can read it here. Thanks to Andy and Aaron for the time and questions and all the rest!

Until next time, support your local artists, be kind to your fellow beings, and always take the path less traveled!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Podcaster, Writer, Toy Collector, and Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com

NakaKon 2017 - First show of the year.

(Upper Image) The early set up Thursday afternoon. (Lower Image) Waiting in line to get in... before I realized that there was another way in.

NakaKon is now over, it's Wednesday, and I am still feeling a bit of fatigue from not only the insane idea of daylight savings time, but also just having this be my first show of the year.

I immensely enjoy NakaKon as I've said before, because the show is run so very well, and the attendees and staff are really a joy to interact with. This year was a bit different in that I had a bunch of assorted cameras that I started using to film a small documentary on doing shows. It's been a bit of a challenge, because I wanted it to be more cohesive, and I had to keep remembering to film things, not just photograph them as I would for these blog updates. The good thing was that I got about 5 to 7 hours of footage that I have to start editing through over the next few months. I started filming from the moment I left on Thursday to go get in line (see lower half of photo above), and through the entirely of the show.

I got there incredibly early each day, and left really late all days except Sunday, because my feet were threatening to go all Kicky McAsserson on me.

The plan is to keep doing this at each of the shows I will do this year, and after November, start compiling and editing it all together. In my vlog, I'd touched on the aspect of doing updates when I had something to say, and I covered some of what my idea was behind this. I want to be able to give a glimpse behind the vendor/artist alley table. To see what it's like to do these shows, to get my own reactions, thoughts, and moments down for not only posterity, but so that I can begin helping educate and create a resource for anyone to see as a primer for getting into comic/anime/art shows.

All set up.

So after getting in, and before I got my booth all set up as you see above, I of course didn't know where my table was, so I went to go get my badge, and my friend Beth, who runs the show (excellently I might add), greeted me, gave me my info and tax packet, and a special welcome vip vendor bag, WHICH HAD HOME MADE COOKIES, and a variety of items. I had elected to participate in the VIP program, which was a really good marketing move on my part, and I encourage anyone that is able to be accepted into the show, to look into participating in this program. I know I will again next year.

Become a VIP and get a great VIP supporter bag, which had some kick ass cookies and other goodies in it!

What is NakaKon if not for a lot of amazing and wonderful cosplay roaming the show room floor and hallways of the convention center and hotel?

Some of the first cosplays I ran across.

There are so many times when I tell myself I want to go to these shows dressed up, but let's be honest, I forget my business cards all the time. No way am I going to remember everything that comprises a well put together cosplay.

I am pretty certain that the middle cosplay was a Day of the Dead tinged Cruella de Ville.

I do love that even though Naka is primarily an anime/manga show, you will see a proliferation of character themes across the board show up.

(Left) A little Gryffindor stopped by my booth. The sorting hat evidently was still deciding. (Right) Cool people that picked up cool art.

Now I want to talk about a few things I did not expect. When I got there, I noticed the booth next to me was still unattended, and then just shortly after the show started, the gentleman below appeared and started to lay out artwork on the table. I noticed much of the artwork looked like it had been done in different styles, but because I was still organizing my own stuff, I didn't think much about it until I ran for a restroom break, and in coming back, saw this scene unfolding.

I realized what people were talking to him about, and heard some of the conversations, and there was that slow burn realization come over me. Like the kind a wildebeest that took too long to finish his drink at the edge of a pond and realizes everyone else is miles from the oncoming cheetahs. I use that metaphor to say, I can be a bit slow on the uptake.

Ladies and gentleman, this man below, signing many an autograph, is the very skilled and prolific stand up comedian/actor/voice actor, David Vincent.

Signing autographs like a boss.

Just go to his wiki page and you'll see the insane amount of characters he voices. Here's a mind trip for you, one of my favorite iOS games is Fire Emblem Heroes, and he voiced a character named Robin in that game that had stomped my adventure party into the ground early that morning while I was killing a bit of time. I was listening to the voice of the guy in the booth next to me in an app, never knowing that was him.

To say that I was excited is like saying pandas probably like to eat bamboo leaves. Yes. Yes I was. But only after I finally walked around to look at the 8 foot banner with his NAME on it, and all the characters he played. That's about the time the realization, the fanboy sweaty palms and all that happened.

See, as far as anime voice actors go, without a doubt, David is one of my two all time favorites (the other being Steve Blum), because his gravity and honesty comes out in his work. This is a guy that knows what it's like to climb to the levels he has, with a healthy amount of trial and steadiness.

So later, I attended his panel, which was a huge amount of fun. David knows how to work a room, and I was mentally taking notes on his stage presence, his instant connection that he navigated with the audience, and how he managed to get six young people to improve voice over efforts within a few runs. This is a guy that clearly coaches, but also knows the pitfalls and mistakes he himself may have made early on, and could help people overcome issues on the fly.

I didn't get a chance to tell him how much I appreciated his patience and how genuinely cool he came off as. We didn't get a chance to speak as much as I had wanted, but I'm hoping Naka brings him (and VO director Joel McDonald) back for another run soon.

But speaking of unexpected things, Saturday was met with this...

Ah Missouri, you nutty nutty weather wild state.

Although I do love snow, and man did it make for some cool shots of video, the green was pretty vacant for most of the show because it also was cold as hell. 

As time permitted, I did manage to get out on the vendor room floor and out in the halls to get some cool footage and photos of more cosplay and crowd shots.

Two of the new Ghostbusters, and a silly T-Rex.

The dad and son with the horns were pretty awesome.

THE most laid back photo I took at the show that weekend.

I got a few commissions and sold mainly art reproductions over the course of the show, and a few originals (yeah, I know, I have to update my storenvy site, a few of you have already emailed me about that).

A Night Elf and Chaos Warrior. My first commission was of the new version of the Red Power Ranger.

I also got to attend Joel McDonald's kick ass 2 hour panel where he literally did a phenomenal job, of cutting through the fog of expectations for voice work, and he had a great many of us try our voice efforts out. I was in between using my own voice pitched up a bit for a young character that was more serious, but erroneously chose to use a more gruff voice, and it didn't work. I knew it as soon as I did it. But Joel was right on point, he said I made it sound like the kid smoked 6 packs a day.

That was such a valuable moment, and a reset button for my own efforts. Since not having worked at Hallmark full time in some time, I've not had the direction and push to refine my voice over work as well as I'd like. Between that panel and being next to David Vincent, I realize I have a hell of a long way to keep going. I got very lucky having had some skills to do the work that I did get at Hallmark in voice acting, but if I want to ever rate on the radar anywhere near the attentions of these two pros, I need to work and practice and experiment much more.

A new friend dropped off this little beauty. Which was good, it was late Sunday, about closing and I was tired and hungry.

So that's a quick overview of NakaKon 2017. I got to meet some great people and visit with some old friends. I still have a lot of you that I owe responses to, I am getting onto those email replies very soon. Thank you all who bought stuff, listened to what Incognito Cinema Warriors XP was all about, and have sent me messages, and traded art and toys with me. That was super cool of you all.

To any of you thinking about coming to the show, it's worth it. Especially if Anime/Manga and cosplay is your thing.

For anyone wondering, I use Ka-Blam to get my comics and graphic novels printed. There's a link over on the side if you want more info.

I'm already looking forward to next year's NakaKon. But for now, StealthCon is bearing down on my schedule and will be here in a week and a half. Gotta reorganize and realign my stuff to show off down there. Also really excited to have a chance to meet Phil Lamarr (he is the voice of Samurai Jack and many others), who is going to be at the show.

Now for any of you that like strategy games, I want to show you something cool that Fire Emblem Heroes did. They listed the voice actor and illustrator names on the profiles of the characters. That is UNHEARD of in most games in a layout like this. And very much appreciated to see this sort of thing out there.

First listing is the English Voice Actor, the second listing is the artist.

Until next time, support your local artists, be kind to your fellow beings, and always take the path less traveled!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Podcaster, Writer, Toy Collector, and Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com