tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46240858482362993592024-03-13T23:18:24.400-07:00the Artisan RogueWelcome! I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue. This blog is a run of experiences, people, places, and moments doing the things I love, mainly working as an artist. The original version of this website, started out in Geocities, when I was 16 years old. A few years ago I moved it here to Blogger. It's been an amazing path so far. I hope you enjoy your time on here.Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-40007719180035943482024-01-31T15:43:00.000-08:002024-01-31T17:08:22.001-08:00What it means to be an artist, or an oyster...<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i>"What it means to be an artist, or an oyster..."</i></b></h3><p>A statement that I wish I had a better answer for.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWrh3Y8cad9B0QNVpjO8fkgeRYW172ylZOWLGdRzE-zmwgn0ONTeVOka2sWm7HN8BsfNVSGHxBIZIcRnOB8i5F4cg3r4wuqmethVi0e8pUpTIiOXMqw37eCQTnN_LZV1ucMyfKWQ73KiSpzTOgw-Je8nIRf7Z1zOh7eURJ3dz1Tf00i8o6z1FhSfNSaQ/s740/artisanrogue_2024_01_31_what%20it%20means_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWrh3Y8cad9B0QNVpjO8fkgeRYW172ylZOWLGdRzE-zmwgn0ONTeVOka2sWm7HN8BsfNVSGHxBIZIcRnOB8i5F4cg3r4wuqmethVi0e8pUpTIiOXMqw37eCQTnN_LZV1ucMyfKWQ73KiSpzTOgw-Je8nIRf7Z1zOh7eURJ3dz1Tf00i8o6z1FhSfNSaQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2024_01_31_what%20it%20means_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote this with Luna Lovefood on my lap in her new sweater.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>If I gave the definition of what western society in general defines it to be, it might be a life of non-work. An existence sleeping in, doing what one wants, when they want. A life mitigated only by the imagination of the artist. When seen at an art show, they've undoubtedly "made it". They have numerous patrons, gallery shows, and the visual appearances any creative will have, should be reflective of the perhaps bohemian and borderline lawless and carefree lifestyle they no doubt enjoy daily.</p><p>That fantasy laded optic is so askew of the truth for at least 95% of creatives, it's depressing.</p><p>A message posted by a friend and colleague, really hit it on the
head about being an artist in this modern world. It reflected the same sort of thoughts I have about money, social media, and the almost mundane necessity to stay relevant or at least seen, by participating in digital interactions as much as possible.</p><p>Facts be told, one must not only be "out there", putting time into creating, but also learning, marketing, attempting to capture the attention of anyone willing to listen, read, or appreciate what we offer through the semi porous translucent membrane of human perceptions and expectations.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As I shared in my last video journal entry, this is a year
I'm taking to experiment and attempt to expand my horizons. All without doing the
shows and conventions that I've normally done.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>If it sounds insane, that's
because it is.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But to that point, I am the single
person effort behind relaunching my podcast, to all of the editorial, site design, media creation, and marketing that is involved. This takes no account of my comic work, illustration and design for clients, or time for rest and spending time on things like hobbies or those that matter to me. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A point was made, in that post from my colleague, about the way that modern
day marketing works. It's an unfortunate and uncomfortable truth that the more
we post, promote, and create content of whatever kind, the better a chance
we have of our work being discovered and appreciated. Even if most of the time
it feels like we are yelling inside of an auditorium, with empty seats or worse yet, seats filled with people brimming with torpid disinterest.</p><p class="MsoNormal">At conventions and shows, you may find yourself silently screaming for attention as everyone else
around you does the exact same. All vying for the chance someone will choose to stop and consider what we have and who we are. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It reminds me of the faces of the animals in shelters. The overlooked ones feel pain you might not immediately recognize. The difference is many of us get to go home. They may never get that chance.</p><p class="MsoNormal">When I create something,
and take the time to nurture and entwine it with effort from the mind and heart, navigated by an eye
for clean design and presentation, rounded out by a proficiency and knowledge in them, I would love to think that there would be
no problem gaining ground and making a living as an artist. That people would be elated to see something new. That people really can appreciate something made by a fellow human being.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Typing that last paragraph out makes it sound like I'm being
petulant and difficult in my expectations of how working in a creative field is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's more born from burnout and the understanding that I'm
part of a generation of artists drawn to mirage like goals
placed by college and societal expectations. But then realizing that my career started at a point
where a lot of the ways that the world of illustration worked, were heading on
their way out. An extinction of skillsets in the name of corporate progress and banality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Don't misunderstand me, I am grateful for the opportunities
I've had and the often tumultuous paths I've taken to get to where I am. I’m just more of a realist these days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But I'm well aware that life is often presented to us as an
oyster when we are young.</p><p class="MsoNormal">You know the saying. </p><p class="MsoNormal">That the world is our oyster. That's a weird idea to present to a graduating class, or someone suffering depression. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I imagine it
means that when we open it up we will find a pearl. But if I remember right, it
takes a granule of sand entering the internal area of an oyster, causing
irritations, which lead to the creation of a pearl.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If one takes that literally, it makes no sense in today's
world, but then again it does. Much like the struggle of maintaining an online
presence and attempting to be witty, creative, authentic, whatever other sort
of adjective you want to place here, there is a duality to the idea of an
oyster being your world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It would mean that you have to be irritating enough to create something
that is held at value by others, who can forcibly remove it from you and then
present it as something they found and will sell at some later point without
your involvement. We've become so comfortable with the work for hire aspect of nameless creation in the name of an umbrella brand, it's a wonder that any creative cut loose in layoffs doesn't just take up a whole other less stressful job like bathing rabid orangutans. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But an oyster does tend to parallel to what a lot of people in
life do.</p><p class="MsoNormal">When we are young starting as larva/children we are buoyant and move around
by foot until we find somewhere to attach themselves for the rest of their
lives, until something comes along and removes us forcibly. Oddly enough historically, that's one commonality, it's almost always humans that will do that to both of us.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Talking
specifically about creative people, and I will use myself as the example,
it's extremely easy to look back on my younger years and realize how much more
freedom I never realized I had at the time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">How today, I am much less entrenched in my
worldviews and habits. But that isn't true of the points of my professional life. I'm not even talking a physical location necessarily. It could be a long
standing goal I've never gotten to. It could be making time for other people or experiences. Or dealing with any of the other challenges in life that fear and insecurity
threatened to rob me of.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And yet there's a necessity to put myself out there. It
goes beyond whatever I create, and relies on me doing all I listed above and also being some form of a social butterfly.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Marketing and taking the time to engage and network in a world that already
doesn't know which direction it's really going, is simultaneously somehow
erratically rewarding and also the most infuriatingly manufactured effort any
one of us could produce.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is no such thing as perfection. At least not in the way that so many of us strive for an expect out of life. In fact we
will often raise or lower the bar to attain a status closer to our idealized
concept of perfection, to make ourselves feel better and keep ourselves
motivated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Back around the middle of December I had decided that I
would more than likely get completely off of social media for one year, and do
absolutely no shows. I wanted to see if anyone would notice. I wanted to see
what that would do to whatever ego I had. I wondered how much interaction and
reciprocate of comments or likes were more valuable in my head, than me
creating anything of real artistic merit or worth. I did realize quickly that
that is financial suicide in more ways than one. That and I only have so much bone marrow to sell.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The unfortunate truth is that so many people are far more
engaged with what they have going on that unless one has a sizable following online,
I'm willing to wager that most people wouldn't notice or care that someone
hadn't posted or shown anything off for a while. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The
social media machine is one that doesn't allow for extremely critical thinking
or deep assessment of the connections we carry in life. To the contrary, it
becomes more and more of an echo chamber.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely somebody that
understands where I fit in all of this. And social media can and has often provided a connection point for people in my life that I may not see as often, or realistically may never see in person again. There are good things about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">But the
questions come up in my mind about how necessary and how honest are my efforts
in what I create. I wonder to myself that if I excised myself from focusing so
much on interacting online daily, exactly how much more what I accomplish in a
week, a month, or a year?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm approaching this from a very personal standpoint. The more innocent, possibly high minded concept of what the internet
would be and had potential to become, has more and more become a reflecting pool where we
sometimes don't recognize the reflection anymore. What was once heralded as a bastion of information exchange has instead become a bastard. But a charismatic bastard, wearing cheap AI cologne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's an addiction, an emotional one, that is fastidious and
painfully hard to rid of ourselves. Modern interactions happen more often via
phone and screens, and it's not uncommon to see derisive ideologies about
interacting in person with others. Something that is so fundamentally skewed
when you consider that the human race is fundamentally community based and herd like mentality. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Everything I've stated above is what lingers in my mind when
I release an image of a piece of artwork that I've spent a few hours on. It's
what's in my head as I edit the videos that you may watch on my YouTube channel.
It inhabits my secondary reactions when I forget my phone and cannot chronicle
something to share later in a journal, or I'm unable to write something down and save it to my notes app. </p><p class="MsoNormal">All of those reactions come from the need to stay
current, gain the attention of people if even for a few seconds, and also bring
about a disability in comparative structure with others experiences and lives.
We see things said online as windows into another person's life. We often
forget how carefully edited and staged much of what we ingest truly is. Some
people would say that we've had that as long as storytelling has existed, as
long as television programs have been around, so I feel honest when I'm trying
to tell the stories of what I go through as an artist today.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I have to remind
myself that what I'm trying to do will have longevity and merit if I keep it
honest, straightforward, and keep as much of myself in it as I possibly can.
While also at the same time not flinging myself off the cliff's edge of
oversaturation and overexposure, or if quite frankly, I do whatever and no one gives a shit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I wish humans could live to be older, perhaps
around 200 to 250 years old. Not just because of the immense amount of things
we could learn and master with an extended lifetime, but we would witness even
more vibrant and probably confusing trends emerge in modern society. I say that
from a somewhat ignorant view, that a longer
lifespan could allow us all to give time for the things in life that matter. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Self reflection and taking time to appreciate the world around us more, embracing wisdom to a depth few if any have ever achieved. Maybe in that stretch of time we'd also come to realize that
things like engrossing ourselves within the modern facets of social media, need
not be anything more than a passing fad. Enjoy it, but don't make it a false alter of worship and admiration. <o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">So I guess what I'm trying to say is, as much of a challenge
as it is to be a creative individual, it is far more difficult to be a
creative individual today, that can produce things that people will take the
time to invest in and value. Because the real challenge may not always be that it’s your art that is undervalued, it's instead the amount of time and life spent on our parts that has no real perceived value. Just ask anyone working in HR. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Don't believe me? Go to any major museum and listen to the some of the comments and conversations in the art galleries, the history item rooms. Just make sure you have a therapy appointment later that day lined up.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading, I sincerely appreciate it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">- Mario, the Artisan Rogue</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0Independence, MO, USA39.0911161 -94.41550679999998910.780882263821155 -129.5717568 67.401349936178846 -59.259256799999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-87528229970162908342023-12-18T01:21:00.000-08:002023-12-18T01:38:07.108-08:00Closing out the year of 2023<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW-lSNqLshzpjQgFoYftBoUk-phLjeY5-IXGl9WLMEG7TaNtnRCyJxI58KQSLeiIjbT_rHtfpHHm5SFgjFIiAO_qfw_Nt0LSfMjqdy6rIcmYxRy14NrKSJMTbFeo-fx97i5k7CjFxvqTf-mS0Z7BQbzWM7aS6JOck5HWFZjGu9Wvn1hm5c913FJ9m0js/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_01_walkatmidnight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW-lSNqLshzpjQgFoYftBoUk-phLjeY5-IXGl9WLMEG7TaNtnRCyJxI58KQSLeiIjbT_rHtfpHHm5SFgjFIiAO_qfw_Nt0LSfMjqdy6rIcmYxRy14NrKSJMTbFeo-fx97i5k7CjFxvqTf-mS0Z7BQbzWM7aS6JOck5HWFZjGu9Wvn1hm5c913FJ9m0js/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_01_walkatmidnight.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamps light the darkest recesses, when we need them most.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">If you look above at the top of the website, I slightly updated the banner above to feature one of my favorite lyrics from the irreplaceable Tom
Petty.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year I turned 49. Saying that out loud, never mind typing it out, is utterly surreal. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some mornings I still connect with the younger versions of myself still within me, other days I have aches that remind me not of the years but of the mileage earned.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Burnout this year was more than I thought I could endure. So many
times, dour feelings surfaced, driving my mind to where I
simply wanted to walk away from being involved in anything creative.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi7YE4ndOg5ZYACY5vEOzwxfAoFdvMSfMaDLkLuWEKFkHJqYjlK_J9m591RVHqd9L3W8hfU5Oko6jAKKTxnf-h_o99FFJ-e7B2-PMAn1ZzjybEXdymuTEPLOcek4QG5bJO6ppACf6Ma5Iqlv954KlvVyNT_fAcpZjsqZ5u-JnUhNRaTAJou1ICe0rac0/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_06_booth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi7YE4ndOg5ZYACY5vEOzwxfAoFdvMSfMaDLkLuWEKFkHJqYjlK_J9m591RVHqd9L3W8hfU5Oko6jAKKTxnf-h_o99FFJ-e7B2-PMAn1ZzjybEXdymuTEPLOcek4QG5bJO6ppACf6Ma5Iqlv954KlvVyNT_fAcpZjsqZ5u-JnUhNRaTAJou1ICe0rac0/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_06_booth.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do enjoy setting up at shows, it bolsters the interactions and stories I get to hear.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully being around other colleagues and professionals stemmed any foolish decisions I most certainly entertained. Make no mistake, to define a path a progress for myself
when my future seems so incredibly nebulous, makes decisions at a crossroad in life all that more painful.</p><h3>Learning to fly...</h3><p class="MsoNormal">I had an opportunity to have Marc Scheff, a man of interminable skills and capacity, as my career coach for a few months. If you are looking for someone that offers services and knowledge that can help you out personally and professionally, I recommend him highly. When a route seems darkened, often a guide who is familiar with what you will traverse, can help lighten the path and the load you bear.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUt4nj2B551ErKD8dxnhbCG295YJXAj9zkdM-smdQgafTUV514P43szY04kTvrMimy4E04CLQZTts7Oe-OZPgKfVUP3NIoPJGUzOYA-99ubVQaiGD7P36t_HqBqhPBRX5SvXYAsoa52InCpsttRxVv_wIAtv9RkqYeJzjwlaSbxR2O-IgEpGrnZOfIY_k/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_02_colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUt4nj2B551ErKD8dxnhbCG295YJXAj9zkdM-smdQgafTUV514P43szY04kTvrMimy4E04CLQZTts7Oe-OZPgKfVUP3NIoPJGUzOYA-99ubVQaiGD7P36t_HqBqhPBRX5SvXYAsoa52InCpsttRxVv_wIAtv9RkqYeJzjwlaSbxR2O-IgEpGrnZOfIY_k/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_02_colors.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating some personal work that broke rules I had set for myself, was really a release.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">A lot of perspectives shifted for me during the weeks I participated in the sessions. I began to rediscover and learn more about myself. In ways I had never allowed myself to consider. I connected with a group of people in ways I wasn't really capable of anymore.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-mkr5_Uhk_leMGluVhXufVyibhy_FNnzUFV0Lu1MdEwgErGbwhRWH9GZYFyGOBSAOuNXiol9-5K04A4zMEdOhSTHbUJRVawJfUM75LEit9-4tWd2LDFWIE819GfkbmEdbw2LpmKYipji04oeKtImZODGxoJ-skWTT6QLFcZ7OJkDR1wVQdgjPesFVzk/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_07_design.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-mkr5_Uhk_leMGluVhXufVyibhy_FNnzUFV0Lu1MdEwgErGbwhRWH9GZYFyGOBSAOuNXiol9-5K04A4zMEdOhSTHbUJRVawJfUM75LEit9-4tWd2LDFWIE819GfkbmEdbw2LpmKYipji04oeKtImZODGxoJ-skWTT6QLFcZ7OJkDR1wVQdgjPesFVzk/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_07_design.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being able to work through designs for clients during the coaching sessions was beyond helpful.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Something I began to celebrate was acknowledging when I am able to accomplish things that I am proud of. It's nothing I felt doing before, but it has helped me understand how far I've come along, and gives me examples of my ability to do things I'd wanted, and see them through.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I've learned Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese for 30 minutes a day, for 513 days straight</li><li>I have been learning ASL for 212 days, and it's been one of the most rewarding things.</li><li>I started creating and learning animation a week ago, with the goal to have a video covering my year long journey from awkward beginning efforts to hopefully much better end results.</li><li>I have made every effort to push forward into the mental health challenges I have, to better understand myself and overcome so much of what has held me back</li><li>I have said no to less and less things in an effort to experience more in life, but with that comes the ever fragile component of work and life balance</li><li>Every morning, for the last 789 days, I practiced mindfulness as the first thing every morning, reminding myself of what brings joy into my life, what I'm grateful for, and what opportunities lay yet to be found</li><li>I've taken to reciting and enjoying the works of Shakespeare daily, and have done so now for 412 days.</li><li>I started relearning and practicing music from the most remedial level just a month ago</li><li>I've kept to meditating now at least 15 minutes every other day</li><li>A rekindled interest in archery has manifested, something I had forgotten how much I enjoyed when I was a youth around 19 years of age using an English Longbow. It turns out my first effort with a compound bow yielded 7 out of 8 arrows hitting a bullseye </li><li>I touched a sea anemone and a sea cucumber for the first time ever</li><li>I started a daily bullet journal to track my habits for one year</li><li>I've now completed a few physical journals that go more indepth on things I really want to remember </li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">There have been other </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">minutia</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> and weekly goals including organizing and re-naming files on my hard drives for projects years down the road, reading more, and a few others, all of them small steps forward.</span></span></p><h3>Nights of Lights and Memories...</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I didn't do reviews of all of the shows I participated in this year, just allowing myself to be in that space, immersed in those moments had me enjoying things a lot more</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAjh3AwRy4HTAn6ZFx5OGtisjmf2G8cumWOsnBnYupLBNgO6I1hj_qUnHx56Cubtwwc8dGgLtk1uFKcefCJR3FGMCzBDLYpNHjBnZnDrhVpQYV8bgC189QlEF2jXw_ghlWcqjd0w5wV5AhOOCJprGb6mrMDDUaYykmDQgVJ6OMEqDXeRss9D8qQ5BdNU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_03_knights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAjh3AwRy4HTAn6ZFx5OGtisjmf2G8cumWOsnBnYupLBNgO6I1hj_qUnHx56Cubtwwc8dGgLtk1uFKcefCJR3FGMCzBDLYpNHjBnZnDrhVpQYV8bgC189QlEF2jXw_ghlWcqjd0w5wV5AhOOCJprGb6mrMDDUaYykmDQgVJ6OMEqDXeRss9D8qQ5BdNU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_03_knights.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The KC RenFest has been a place of many happy memories for me over the years.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This last weekend, I once again visited the KC RenFest's Knights of Lights.
It was great fun, and led to an unexpected meet up with an old acquaintance
of mine that I had not seen in almost 20 years. After about 10 minutes of
reintroduction and recollection, we were waist deep in conversation, swapping stories about days in the Society for Creative Anachronism, experiences at museums, times working as security
guards, how life was treating us. It was almost a solid hour and a half of storytelling and laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMHzZI8GaLyEgTLY8nq3_6R9Q2xIKqnDDImWoaEriqBkcG-xK-e9K_1rXdQxXQIZaFKrN9EP_udet1ui8WedF_VIws6h6tIJDPXfipWIitYRP2E5mz_2JGMvVEft6qMi3aCqYaolKAoVgbhoi40yapkJq11xRmOffvUxJbpcGHwD-E2gfqeffqlhyphenhyphenwd8/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_04_meandglendour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMHzZI8GaLyEgTLY8nq3_6R9Q2xIKqnDDImWoaEriqBkcG-xK-e9K_1rXdQxXQIZaFKrN9EP_udet1ui8WedF_VIws6h6tIJDPXfipWIitYRP2E5mz_2JGMvVEft6qMi3aCqYaolKAoVgbhoi40yapkJq11xRmOffvUxJbpcGHwD-E2gfqeffqlhyphenhyphenwd8/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_04_meandglendour.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost 20 years is too long to let conversations continue.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">It rounded out something that I made a point of really
emphasizing this year. To focus in on forging new and good memories with people. Not just the few that I'll see from time to time at shows, but so many more that I've known over the years and have lost touch with.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the side effects of recording and
writing about my life over the last 10 to 15 years, is that it becomes evident what has changed for myself. People have moved in and
out of my life, jobs have ended, new ideas have come and gone, and sometimes sadness is involved in those aspects. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">I've spoken previously about
the concept of mindfulness. That has allowed me to think about a day as it begins, which is important, become it's all too easy to become
encumbered with being busy.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskk6qzkw_-5jqGmr0leL0cBCiUw1wpiBDVMeRJGbTzNCKlGChvGZIelElOzz8nXjF5rqLJNUC8PcYVXTMKfKLBoVb9ZeiXFJBaePACH-FyUODgeHZy1XLxEqg5UbL_WYPgGnan-T9PuiVH5J0IU6hSpJtxB8_NX2ZnVeMj3vwi_4bPDAmQulrg_XwUqc/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_05_tomato.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskk6qzkw_-5jqGmr0leL0cBCiUw1wpiBDVMeRJGbTzNCKlGChvGZIelElOzz8nXjF5rqLJNUC8PcYVXTMKfKLBoVb9ZeiXFJBaePACH-FyUODgeHZy1XLxEqg5UbL_WYPgGnan-T9PuiVH5J0IU6hSpJtxB8_NX2ZnVeMj3vwi_4bPDAmQulrg_XwUqc/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_05_tomato.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did stay busy this year, tending to a small garden. It felt like time stretched out as watched the plants grow.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Sure there's something to a robust career, to be in demand, or just letting ourselves be weighed down with "to do lists", that we never make the time to think about the success we've garnered, nor the reality we sit within. It's an easy way to keep people at distance, and attempt to conjure a sense of being in control of our lives.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">I'm certainly one of the people that spent the better part of his
professional career letting go of all the free time I did have, chasing many
dreams that were not my own. Many late hours in cubicles, some years I stayed working three jobs. There were so many more things
that I could have done in regards to simply living more in the moment, and allowing myself to ask..</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.
What was I running from? Depression? Thinking responsibly? The passage of time?</span></span></p><h3>Connections...</h3><p class="MsoNormal">I really pushed myself to reach out to people, creating new
friendships, finding new clients, and most importantly, learning new things. But
the concept of connections isn't just gaining, sometimes it's also losing them.
I learned the not every connection in life is absolutely necessary, in fact
some can be downright negative to have.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4c6yiqktnYGV4GY3FnMKsTLByoMz1KPel43jHHrcOzO1WNW_T3y2uWALp7k1g7OeSvH-RrchHMaHHKtbB4cG1Yr3uVsP6dTTfwRrfPSbBnjDUiDNbaSmVI3yV1jk03QY77TpsX2EMAcDCIQpHnD2GBMJmp1ABRc2vHLVQR3FWUQbO1k8ZPE55C-iDAw/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_08_car.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4c6yiqktnYGV4GY3FnMKsTLByoMz1KPel43jHHrcOzO1WNW_T3y2uWALp7k1g7OeSvH-RrchHMaHHKtbB4cG1Yr3uVsP6dTTfwRrfPSbBnjDUiDNbaSmVI3yV1jk03QY77TpsX2EMAcDCIQpHnD2GBMJmp1ABRc2vHLVQR3FWUQbO1k8ZPE55C-iDAw/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_08_car.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connections can also be with one's surroundings, even ones you come across on a trip. Take that time to stop. Take a photo, a video, or just live in that moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The best ones are the most organic ones, that bloom forward from seeds planted in the gardens of our minds, when things like mutual interests, beliefs, or circumstances allow for us to embrace a wider world.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdad-4DbFxhM5OMlCyquWKFNrlLdV8kB0ivdsbkr0eZWZiZtuS2OI6N5y_oqu-LkSVnt6xPKXmk463jV9IhE-eidebE10vfCArGpsRNSWw6JxWU5TN0oleujWhSqtxV_K-WyRVdwUlIMmKIDNka87kwcjZ-5gRsKZloxRE-EOuGjmHD2H7nrjZVcr3pE/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_09_treeinshop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdad-4DbFxhM5OMlCyquWKFNrlLdV8kB0ivdsbkr0eZWZiZtuS2OI6N5y_oqu-LkSVnt6xPKXmk463jV9IhE-eidebE10vfCArGpsRNSWw6JxWU5TN0oleujWhSqtxV_K-WyRVdwUlIMmKIDNka87kwcjZ-5gRsKZloxRE-EOuGjmHD2H7nrjZVcr3pE/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_09_treeinshop.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While out and about in Louisiana, I came across this. Reference discovered like this, ignites the mind. Already I had two or three story ideas running through my head.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I had to come to terms with the fact that I had started isolating myself as I wrestled with clinical depression for the last two or three years. I also had no less than 4 journal's worth of "receipts" that whether I liked it or not, stood as a chronicle of every moment I took. That can humble you really quickly, but it also gives a very transparent view into yourself. Toxic positivity is one of the most damaging things anyone can market or endure. For a long while, I practically had an intravenous flow of it, because of social media, the nature of conversations changing for the majority of people, and convincing myself that if I only focused in on the positive, that was key to a happy life.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Not even remotely close to how reality works... </p><p class="MsoNormal">Know what's worse than social anxiety? Regret.</p><h3>Days of despondency...</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tumultuous things continue to happen within the creative industry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6W71k0FaGRSnM6d8M71dp2NsQ66zMF2BQOsq65M9V8lgNsN4iB9jZTmhK1vteBYXS5VClIAwic1ddmRWzRdn75LHFbc2I0fO_Tk-RHsrGpVvQPd-5h-Zn5E1ApwdMu8J4xoTRnc7SbU-aoCHvx-c5l9Xqhs0VYvTGJLeHoY0X4jXu8hPiHCP5q5pFfE/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_10_myart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6W71k0FaGRSnM6d8M71dp2NsQ66zMF2BQOsq65M9V8lgNsN4iB9jZTmhK1vteBYXS5VClIAwic1ddmRWzRdn75LHFbc2I0fO_Tk-RHsrGpVvQPd-5h-Zn5E1ApwdMu8J4xoTRnc7SbU-aoCHvx-c5l9Xqhs0VYvTGJLeHoY0X4jXu8hPiHCP5q5pFfE/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_10_myart.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even as I worked on my reproductions this year, I wondered to myself, how many more years will it be viable to be an illustrator? What will things be like for anyone in this industry in ten years?</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The latest public </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">corporate incident, came from Hasbro, who announced the letting go of 1,100 people
this month, bringing the yearly total up to almost 2000 people. My heart goes out to all the people let go. It reminds
me a lot of the hemorrhaging of positions that Hallmark had for so many years, the company is physically shrinking, it's down to two floors of operation at it's Kansas City headquarters. But I'm sure the CEOs and others are fine. Even if let go to show some PR damage control, the severances and stock portfolios they left with could have kept many employed.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The discussion of AI's place in any sort of creative space reached multiple fever
pitches this year, and no doubt will reach an ever higher zenith of argument and
morality play over the next few years. A few creatives, myself included, have
already felt the initial hit of losing work to AI. The most sobering thing about all of this has been the slow infusion of it into the public mind, and the both defiant and unnervingly acceptable place that it occupies from it's staunchest defenders, to the average person that just wants cool things created without the hassle of an artist being involved. Many are calling this a fad that will fade. I think we have yet to see just how much damage this will end up doing to all creative outlets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzMWDcnxNY9rh3v5RUvGzNCM59i1E-gLV3HrZpVOeCFTbLtopejPuDUzpePdMypYdVSHeTjlOkZ93QwG3wonKPn0vXgQaUGumCJuB09oSJUMJzfnRCE2RcEz2w-PaWREJzYmhMDDlj0wDZaWlnvnCnrh_tESx_qbja10_HiWrP8Sh2fOkZ6WUmolTS-A/s740/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_11_brian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzMWDcnxNY9rh3v5RUvGzNCM59i1E-gLV3HrZpVOeCFTbLtopejPuDUzpePdMypYdVSHeTjlOkZ93QwG3wonKPn0vXgQaUGumCJuB09oSJUMJzfnRCE2RcEz2w-PaWREJzYmhMDDlj0wDZaWlnvnCnrh_tESx_qbja10_HiWrP8Sh2fOkZ6WUmolTS-A/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_12_18_close_11_brian.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest in peace man, and thanks for the conversations and advice those years ago. [Image from BrianEwing's website.]</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">In more personal news, earlier this year in April, Brian
Ewing, a fellow illustrator, metalhead, and all around fucking awesome guy
passed away from colon cancer. I had the opportunity to meet him once or twice, (my memory fails me, I need to go back and look at my photos from Spectrum Fantastic Art Live) but in the short times that I got to speak with him he was soft spoken, but that fell to the wayside as soon as you witnessed his powerhouse
talent and indelible skills as a creative. I've been very lucky over the
last decade, to meet some incredible heavyweights within the world of
illustration. The vast majority have been kind, patient, and very open to sharing stories and knowledge.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brian Ewing was absolutely one of the ones
at the top of that list. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His passing earlier this year, was very much the
catalyst that got me to start thinking about myself more seriously as a
professional artist.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It reminded me that we don't know how much time we truly
have. It gave me a foundation to stand upon again and take note as to what I
want to accomplish. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's never easy when someone in our field passes on.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those
creative motions, that unique perspective within that individual, and the
landscape of the mind, all fall silent, the remnants and memories now become stories told in fondness, echoing in the creations they left behind.</span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Fade into new...</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I've stated every single year that I have had any sort of
online journal entry for the month of December, I don't believe in, nor
appreciate the concept of New Year's resolutions.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that it works for
other people, especially any owners of gyms that deal with about a month
and a half of brand new memberships which have attendance fade away beginning
halfway through the month of February. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always viewed it that new beginnings happen every day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I spoke earlier about
learning animation, this has been an effort that has involved watching YouTube
tutorials, mining my memories and watching a lot of DVD extras of many of my
childhood heroes who were animators. I made it a point to not wait until after the first of the year to
begin my effort. Calendars were invented by us. So I thought I might as
well invent a reason to not care about when I choose to start something, and
not let it be held to a specific starting date. Today is always better than tomorrow unless we are talking about death.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It does no good to wait to begin something if the end result could be any one of the following, an effort that resulted in learning, a
final product that may not be perfect but is finished, or when unique opportunities present themselves, even if they reside on the other side of barriers built up of fear, insecurity,
and a reluctance to fail.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This entry took me the better part of three days to write.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Writing anything, not unlike living life, is very much, a
work in progress.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For years I had fooled myself into thinking that
there was this attainable plateau of perfection, or at the very least an
acceptable mode of professional accomplishment that would cast a natural
harmony over my life. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One that would allow me to make no more wrong decisions,
or at the very least have very little to lose if something went wrong. I'd be
the first to tell you that growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was a
particular expectation as to, if one simply applied themselves and had
natural talents that rose above the others, there was no goal you could not
attain.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No job you couldn't secure with a firm handshake.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And it took a few years for me to understand that many of the people I
worked for, and indeed my own parents, were very much people that believed in those ideals.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which unfortunately also meant that the vast majority of companies
that exist today function on those sort of antiquated systems of reward and
acknowledgement, so long as year end earnings consistently go up regardless of
what else is happening in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I've gotten older it's become less and less important for
me to accept things that are going wrong in the world. But I imagine like many of you who may also feel this way, how does change come about?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've had debates over the years, many postulated on the positive interactions
with aspects ranging from politics, to religious interaction, which raised so
many varied reactions to sociopolitical, economic, and human rights, that it
can seem like the world is at times filled with nothing but anger and insanity
no matter where we look. The vast majority of society prefers for people to fit
within preconceived notions and reduced down to numerical data. It's not as
clinical as it sounds, we are engorged within it, as we scroll social media,
adapt to trends and ideologies that are presented well in 4K video, are veneered over with marketing 24/7, and are
willing to back the loudest representative of our more reserved or liberal thought
processes, even if that person is the least informed person in the world. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Influencer, politician, or holy man, they are all the the same...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
believe the scientific term for them is, moron.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn't matter what angle any of the people who are
calling the shots come from, it always seems that the vast majority of them, want what they want. Which means that the rest of the world suffers as we fight
amongst ourselves, and they reap the money and returns.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know what you're thinking, wow this shit got really heavy
really fast. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think about everything I've written in this entry almost daily.
If you don't believe me you should read my journals sometime. I'm hoping to put
all of them together someday, and publish them, but also have them placed in a
time capsule to leave a record of what an average person went through and their
lifetime. Maybe it's because I feel that to speak out today, primarily can
result in either reactions of ignorance or others simply ignoring. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And when
you're a visual artist, a performer, it can seem like the creative efforts you
want to get out into the world may not matter. But they do, they truly do.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It matters if you're doing the best you can. Creative or not. Let me be clear, your job title doesn't define you. You're interactions with the world and the people you come across, do.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So for any of you reading this, I hope that today you'll
pick up something that maybe you left behind because you didn't feel like you
were good enough at it, I hope today that you'll realize you are the only one
that can tell your story, And I hope that today you'll realize that you are far
more than what any company could ever begin to define you as.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The strongest form of self love, is remaining
dedicated to your dreams. It’s keeping that promise your past self pined for,
current you is building discipline for, and is what future you is depending on.</span></span></p><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Links</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.brianewing.com/" target="_blank">Brian Ewing</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://kcknightsoflights.com/" target="_blank">KC Knights of Lights</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.marcscheffcoaching.com/" target="_blank">Marc Scheff Coaching</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">Thank</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> you so much for taking the time to read this blog, it sincerely means the world to me when I've had people talk to me about the stories and thoughts I share on here.
</span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Remember to support artists and small businesses. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">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!</span></span></div></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-17024568643925837782023-08-13T20:36:00.038-07:002023-11-01T22:01:26.382-07:001313 Mockingbird Lane's 5th Anniversary Show with Galactic Empire and Full Metal Z<div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkhbwquM7F166aTq9fXwUPHKqrvNqjYNg_u2AukvhBH1OiwN5btdOZ_tr_vMMLUnMmVigt0j3B6soVl1Pqb1SMKjafNMJgHTz_agxOqErKtVERCPmFigbqI3jxXv7XOa0p0bznt4LUUg-9_yVEYlaBjY11hpyFo4Xum3QxUjYSZomfpPE2y9q2u8ZlFE/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkhbwquM7F166aTq9fXwUPHKqrvNqjYNg_u2AukvhBH1OiwN5btdOZ_tr_vMMLUnMmVigt0j3B6soVl1Pqb1SMKjafNMJgHTz_agxOqErKtVERCPmFigbqI3jxXv7XOa0p0bznt4LUUg-9_yVEYlaBjY11hpyFo4Xum3QxUjYSZomfpPE2y9q2u8ZlFE/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry and Liz are two of the kindest and most down to earth people I've ever met.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The anticipation I had for this show was a mix of nervous
energy and a hell of a lot of excitement. See, I had never been to the Granada
theater before, nor had I seeing the band Galactic Empire perform live. Top
that off with the fact that this was a celebration for the 5th anniversary of
the toy store 1313 Mockingbird Lane, and that I was asked along with two of my friends
who are also artists to set up at the show. I was just over the moon. But
between you the reader and me, I had this wave of insecurity wash over me like Oh
my gosh is anyone going to even like the new Star Wars artwork I had made for
this event?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But my mind quickly went to the reason why I wanted to do
the show. Terry Taylor and his wife Liz, are two of the most wonderful and rad
people I've ever met. Every time I've ever been to the store they are welcoming,
engaging, and very positive people to interact with. I always find myself admiring
the work and love that they put into what is now the third version of this toy
store. There's a link below to their website at the end of this blog, but I'm
telling you if you're in Lawrence Kansas, do yourself a favor and stop by and
check out this store and the wonderful duo that run it. And if you're a pop
culture or music lover, bring your wallets because the inventory does not
disappoint.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I still had a lot of artwork, and it was all packed up still
from the weekend prior, so I wasn't too worried about having items to sell at
the show. What I was worried about is that I don't normally do a whole lot of
Star Wars artwork. That's mostly because I've been focusing on my own IP's as
of late, but I did have a few that I had created beforehand for this show. But
like a maniac about two hours before I had to leave for Lawrence, I decided to
do artwork that was my version of Darth Talon. I'm glad I did, and I'll come
back to that point more towards the end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I was running a little bit behind by the time I finally got on
the road, and I really need to learn my lesson because every single time I feel
like I have exactly the right amount of time to make it to a location, there is
always construction on the highways.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTDTTGFRnDutWj8GhTAclawlew6CSnQX4Be5dbnqsmfN2VQmsJZayF3Ma15YuWK7vgIABiUF3qexIWOrXBp7d0b-nglcAJAHaVhiD3JSMWqtXSU2yMD9Nf7DTGSQfoPV2eMgXinoS3rrnIOxqSRZN2XIwwQskx0GWVpC9qB306YHtnz2fq_w-WPhj54g/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTDTTGFRnDutWj8GhTAclawlew6CSnQX4Be5dbnqsmfN2VQmsJZayF3Ma15YuWK7vgIABiUF3qexIWOrXBp7d0b-nglcAJAHaVhiD3JSMWqtXSU2yMD9Nf7DTGSQfoPV2eMgXinoS3rrnIOxqSRZN2XIwwQskx0GWVpC9qB306YHtnz2fq_w-WPhj54g/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having the astromech droids doing security and promotion out front.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully it wasn't a big issue, but to any of you that have
ever tried to find a parking spot on a Friday afternoon in downtown Lawrence, you'll
understand what kind of a challenge that can be. As I pulled up to the front of
a Granada there was a parking space out front, and with Cameron and Bryan's
help, I got all of my stuff inside. I then found a parking spot one street over,
found out I had to download the parking app, pay online, and then made a
beeline through the alleyway and parking lots in between to get my table set up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I was never so glad that I had my little personal battery
powered Ryobi fan with me. Because that afternoon heat was not playing around.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhCt9Qkitull3R2dsQic3hleaoJHE9pcfX249nPPwfPSOy8OuEB3GZu5E-LB6pdQqg5CFcCiIqklM4xzLqVDef16XaTtY8ew7S-Kqdt-owkrsu0QzQHPuETFpe-XS-dOQ2vqDi7_laCYj6kXEZ8enXSfN2L0qDGkAQFMaJw3-tPGFQigN4gya6FPBadQ/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhCt9Qkitull3R2dsQic3hleaoJHE9pcfX249nPPwfPSOy8OuEB3GZu5E-LB6pdQqg5CFcCiIqklM4xzLqVDef16XaTtY8ew7S-Kqdt-owkrsu0QzQHPuETFpe-XS-dOQ2vqDi7_laCYj6kXEZ8enXSfN2L0qDGkAQFMaJw3-tPGFQigN4gya6FPBadQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the little details in any establishment that speak to how good of a place it is.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I got inside, hit the restroom real quick, and quickly set
up my table in about 20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sound check was going on while I was setting up. I was
really lamenting the fact that I had not managed to get<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to the venue </span>earlier
because I really wanted to be able to capture some additional photos and videos
for social media, but also to get a better idea of what the Granada looked like
pre sh<span style="font-family: inherit;">ow. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally
the line of people started filtering in, escaping the heat of the setting sun,
as the opening band Full Metal Z was preparing to play.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGFVhBf5rOUUHdJQM_21WYVM8mSYG-N601mA1dxHsBd4210MWz57R0osfpM7PWalSNciPw-CwjmQOhzLY6Xb2BWDKsbzbBjFMccGWKQEETbQq9V4CIhUkePpa9s4XEdrBwLDMPEpdGlV1-Xkl61w-n-v9Q2xbDe6r-sEE5nk5pr-rtMtDK1Fu4RtvGfA/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGFVhBf5rOUUHdJQM_21WYVM8mSYG-N601mA1dxHsBd4210MWz57R0osfpM7PWalSNciPw-CwjmQOhzLY6Xb2BWDKsbzbBjFMccGWKQEETbQq9V4CIhUkePpa9s4XEdrBwLDMPEpdGlV1-Xkl61w-n-v9Q2xbDe6r-sEE5nk5pr-rtMtDK1Fu4RtvGfA/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up was pretty painless. Tables and chairs were provided and appreciated!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">For the most part I stayed at my table because as people
filed in after paying for tickets, the vast majority of them took the time to
take in all of the artwork we had brought. And it was very heartening to not
only see the interest people were showing, but also the sales we started making.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I cannot speak for the others, but I did extremely well. At
first there were a few people reluctant to buy, even at the show specific
prices I had set, but that was because all of my artwork is 13”x19” so I can
understand no one wanting to hold on to that during the show. So I offered to
set the artwork over to the side with their name on it, because a few people
were worried that I would sell out before the end of the night. I'm glad I
listened to them, and not my own internal monologue, because I did in fact end
up selling all but one of my Star Wars pieces. I sold out of all of my arc
trooper art reproductions of the character “Fives”, and remember that Darth
Talon art that I had made just before the show? Sold all of them as well!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvdRccN1Gyttwm5UdnfuM6KORtWW8ikIWhvqI-iCxEcv0QIK_nm3S1ARwwYpLCbvFm9h5qAUm9veGAvuiuroz3fKU0Gl1eD3ovof-8FpWTKqPWq0EhEgfxMy-rkMguXHqSw2KpFDpI0IL6jjqv0aiirIuHlWAh8kAe32dSEME-RqBy09BVmC4MrgzQC4/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvdRccN1Gyttwm5UdnfuM6KORtWW8ikIWhvqI-iCxEcv0QIK_nm3S1ARwwYpLCbvFm9h5qAUm9veGAvuiuroz3fKU0Gl1eD3ovof-8FpWTKqPWq0EhEgfxMy-rkMguXHqSw2KpFDpI0IL6jjqv0aiirIuHlWAh8kAe32dSEME-RqBy09BVmC4MrgzQC4/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_05.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galactic Empire hit the stage with a John Williams sized amount of epic wall of sound effort.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One really unexpected part that was a nice surprise, was the
couple that had bought one of my Godzilla art reproductions mentioned in
passing that they had hoped I would have some of my comics with me because they
had seen me on the Robot Co-op twitch stream! I asked them how they found me on
there and they had seen me post about being on Twitch after following the link
that had my artwork that 1313 had posted about. Rikk Wolf had shown off Ardor
issues #0 and #1 on the stream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">That moment reminded me that no matter what,
always take the time to talk about things that you are doing for your art
career whenever you are given the opportunity. It makes a difference, in
raising your brand awareness, and helping you sell art. That and always carry
business cards. Always</span>.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6clIhwkFrcNa5efiZoeRUi5jOUrntX7cKSqW1Qsirn0JjGA6WjRk9VoZzIpJzUtzFGVB_4nsC9FCmBg_0toHzglupB83uTrTbfn_KUxig6tgqvJTYtwX1BmkdDXPdwjk8gOyEwHmRSRHCICxXw1rBopY4x53g83W6Bo-NSdZ2ZCVYp6p8aKFR4XCTa0/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6clIhwkFrcNa5efiZoeRUi5jOUrntX7cKSqW1Qsirn0JjGA6WjRk9VoZzIpJzUtzFGVB_4nsC9FCmBg_0toHzglupB83uTrTbfn_KUxig6tgqvJTYtwX1BmkdDXPdwjk8gOyEwHmRSRHCICxXw1rBopY4x53g83W6Bo-NSdZ2ZCVYp6p8aKFR4XCTa0/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_06.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think any of us expected the really awesome crowd interactions we all got from show attendees.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Galactic Empire then took the stage, and holy hell this band
is something to hear live. Every single Star Wars theme that they tackled,
really with something to hear. But the one standout for me, was when I was
standing talking to the other two artists during a lull, and Cameron recognized
the first notes of the Jurassic Park theme song.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I've spoken before about being at an event or
experiencing a moment out somewhere in public that immediately ignites memories
in me from the 1980s or the 1990s. We stood there exchanging memories of
Jurassic Park, and I mentioned that the very first time I saw the movie, it was
at a drive in theater. The surreal nature of it being about 10:00 at night,
when Dr. Alan Grant sees </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the brachiosaurus,
and hearing a chorus of car speakers sounding out that scene into the night sky,
will forever be burned into my memory</span>.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2zJx1P6PqeZ4_defP-J-JaxeDRVOKkHNVGZCgkx4aSvI5842SzAn-t7TwgeMJvY8GHS11E2cwjFweTJfORL5NzOTbAcDXaaRVOJQYKMb1QZtGC2AvOlxPPQGpmzz12VmKEnyES_LUiXohbTmE69XwY0AltkZnopY6RCqOaFqOlSjk_rOSQK63tHxonA/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2zJx1P6PqeZ4_defP-J-JaxeDRVOKkHNVGZCgkx4aSvI5842SzAn-t7TwgeMJvY8GHS11E2cwjFweTJfORL5NzOTbAcDXaaRVOJQYKMb1QZtGC2AvOlxPPQGpmzz12VmKEnyES_LUiXohbTmE69XwY0AltkZnopY6RCqOaFqOlSjk_rOSQK63tHxonA/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_07.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think they had just played an amazing rendition of the Jurassic Park theme at this moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Standing
there in the lobby of the Granada, that memory became so clear and immediate in
my head, it was overwhelming. Thanks for that moment Galactic Empire</span>.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bzLhLv5A4D1Qi4XNaed-gg4vOvA3KK544u0jxWwXgPFQNMHDDw-MqopL0huvB2qsQ1gPNTtOzkQ1wWhfQjdvBYS1taz5PIbkd-CyRMZMcUbVZdT4auixmmbUr9ObMzkkzBQJZ6EhlNw2qSCZar1ISybWPTfywY7sWvsggQua7WP_HfVKIUcgMvl-Jng/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bzLhLv5A4D1Qi4XNaed-gg4vOvA3KK544u0jxWwXgPFQNMHDDw-MqopL0huvB2qsQ1gPNTtOzkQ1wWhfQjdvBYS1taz5PIbkd-CyRMZMcUbVZdT4auixmmbUr9ObMzkkzBQJZ6EhlNw2qSCZar1ISybWPTfywY7sWvsggQua7WP_HfVKIUcgMvl-Jng/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't explain the vibe of what essentially was a 3 artist pop up art event, but it was fucking rad. I genuinely was sad the night ended.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Finally,
like all good things, the music ended and the evening was drawing to a close. Attendees
came by to pick up artwork and final sales were made. I also handed out the
last few of my business cards, asking people to check out this blog post</span>.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EniuKSYw_NJMHGTwKTidx55L4TyUfq7A7JkQGTQPazusdS8zF6-0w0HYbEWlGJN1VFbO1oEzCskoiU0Rzaqv84jwA3dWVUEnzD0ck7afgZ6sjNvcvF-8wHWCmna7V9fYVYRinSdxhoJGqqKyTA6ADDI8iUnMzINELd_65xFp3EiNHOvbQKgWsFPZq6A/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EniuKSYw_NJMHGTwKTidx55L4TyUfq7A7JkQGTQPazusdS8zF6-0w0HYbEWlGJN1VFbO1oEzCskoiU0Rzaqv84jwA3dWVUEnzD0ck7afgZ6sjNvcvF-8wHWCmna7V9fYVYRinSdxhoJGqqKyTA6ADDI8iUnMzINELd_65xFp3EiNHOvbQKgWsFPZq6A/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_11_1313Granada_09.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of firsts this week. First time streaming on Twitch, and first time being at the Granada.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After we had all packed up our things, we stood around and
spoke about random things from shows, to late night food, you know things that
artists will talk about at the end of a show. Terry and Liz came over and
thanked us for being in there, for my part I was thankful they had invited me,
because the whole experience really helped prop me back up after the weekend
prior.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Links</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.1313mockingbirdtoys.com/" target="_blank">1313 Mockingbird Lane</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://galacticempireband.com/" target="_blank">Galactic Empire</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FullMetalZBand/" target="_blank">Full Metal Z</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thegranada.com/" target="_blank">the Granada</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://bryantimmins.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Bryan Timmins</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cameron.kieffer/" target="_blank">Cameron Keiffer</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Thank</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and small businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-90114631705013508102023-08-09T21:30:00.019-07:002023-08-25T21:28:46.875-07:00"Like a Rainbow Road in the Dark" Mario Kart 8 w/ Robot Co-Op<div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJMZq6T7WbHJbE68rfG9nOFjxrENSFto5leA47Vt09EjGmi7QutUyZxioeNvTyVOg6e7-hhi_64aQ0D0F5KQLDbCBy5vOsXRGQYdVL74q_3hn8m4GGaMXhHk860hEASPAY-YWaXWoXpEHRmGekhbpX_v1rJMdoBp640ybSMgM8zYjNhkDZaqtqfByuHU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJMZq6T7WbHJbE68rfG9nOFjxrENSFto5leA47Vt09EjGmi7QutUyZxioeNvTyVOg6e7-hhi_64aQ0D0F5KQLDbCBy5vOsXRGQYdVL74q_3hn8m4GGaMXhHk860hEASPAY-YWaXWoXpEHRmGekhbpX_v1rJMdoBp640ybSMgM8zYjNhkDZaqtqfByuHU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't remember the last time I laughed that long playing games.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">When Rikk Wolf of Robot Co-Op asked me to be a part of a
stream on their twitch channel I was really excited! Never mind the fact that
it had been a good long while since I'd hung out with him, it was the
opportunity to play video games with friends, and I was about to stream on Twitch
for the very first time! I’d also get a chance to go behind the scenes, to
witness incredible work ethic, voice acting, and production work come to life
in front of my eyes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The whole experience was a hell of a lot of fun. If you get
a chance please check out the stream located here: <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1894904263" target="_blank">"Like a Rainbow Road in the Dark" on Twitch</a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecNfkF-TOf-IKExfr9GqbsihNCHVderI0mxOSjQUzgrxr8xBROS-0eh-mfi2-wUxvzxoTYOpFYAZctKdrLraHUI88mnYPmnI2RPpdAjMiWBamKO8n2vfO2lHzZSdLVMDMQF8i5jfk-3ooWFnzPvsfJBs-EIbdLzKUEli4Izvz69H2Km2qCyvwacGoSMY/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecNfkF-TOf-IKExfr9GqbsihNCHVderI0mxOSjQUzgrxr8xBROS-0eh-mfi2-wUxvzxoTYOpFYAZctKdrLraHUI88mnYPmnI2RPpdAjMiWBamKO8n2vfO2lHzZSdLVMDMQF8i5jfk-3ooWFnzPvsfJBs-EIbdLzKUEli4Izvz69H2Km2qCyvwacGoSMY/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rikk was kind enough to show off some of the story of Ardor #1</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The live stream started off with us talking a little bit
about my background, some comic books I had created and an upcoming hybrid music
and comic show that was going to be at the Granada in two days. I had also
brought a few items from my Sega collection, specifically Panzer Dragoon
oriented rarities for Rikk to show off on the stream.</p><p class="MsoNormal">A wonderful highlight moment was getting to meet the show mascot Drac, who is immeasurably, unapologetically, and overwhelmingly, adorable. And he knows he is.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUv7pdCiNNVXZkF75em0k77aeZT24RuODYqmt_c4z8Q-3WKVEUyovo5VyMii7lqC8dE_05xL5oo6PZeEx1ZUKrUYCfHTry0F45K-lfhe8L7WxjbjU4iDnE6uWXRd650GNNqOwRjZYDdaSR33QpqHXYAuGNig1_VOEEHpvaXQiPCPT16Ac-E5Mq_JbCcY/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUv7pdCiNNVXZkF75em0k77aeZT24RuODYqmt_c4z8Q-3WKVEUyovo5VyMii7lqC8dE_05xL5oo6PZeEx1ZUKrUYCfHTry0F45K-lfhe8L7WxjbjU4iDnE6uWXRd650GNNqOwRjZYDdaSR33QpqHXYAuGNig1_VOEEHpvaXQiPCPT16Ac-E5Mq_JbCcY/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drac is insanely cute. LOOK AT HIS EYEBROWS.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Getting to be involved along Rick and Zack (who voices the
hilariously offbeat and quick witted Cylon the robot) was absolutely equal parts
tight professionalism and entertainment in the moment.<br /><br />Comedy, especially
improv and reactive comedy, is not easy to sustain or perform unless there is a
rhythm and an unorthodox woven synergy. These two gentlemen, along with many of
the other actors that are involved with Robot Co-op, have it in spades.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Some of it could be that every single one of
them have unique and specific musical backgrounds. Music by its nature is
mathematical, but it is also emotional, and exploratory. If you've ever played in a band, there are organic times that the rhythm and the vibe of the moment lead to unplanned moments of grand improvisation and discovery. I realized how truly
lucky I was to be invited to be a small part of that. The wild part about the
mathematic aspect present in the performances, is that it is a surreal algebraic
ride. Jokes, vocal harmonizing bits, and rapid fire pop culture references, are
the variables. It is solving for “X”.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesAUmfJbKin1KCAiiJKhR3Gz-CNZu_2GMuQ5hVtuOKHeU1VKMI6z4BHikDQqdFAB1hg0vaeEY-o1wPdJV_7bO-iOFwQY5estotzkmI3BrwWIf2ZGvSyHeCA6PiWS4OuKuVy_8Qcqi3va7sKd-EcuyTLZah-zKJJ66GC7LUZMUhvOcB8d5RQKbrWHuDkk/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesAUmfJbKin1KCAiiJKhR3Gz-CNZu_2GMuQ5hVtuOKHeU1VKMI6z4BHikDQqdFAB1hg0vaeEY-o1wPdJV_7bO-iOFwQY5estotzkmI3BrwWIf2ZGvSyHeCA6PiWS4OuKuVy_8Qcqi3va7sKd-EcuyTLZah-zKJJ66GC7LUZMUhvOcB8d5RQKbrWHuDkk/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_09_robotcoop_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though I was absolutely awful in gameplay, I had a blast!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">At the head of the class is Rick, reigning in and
manipulating the performances into a single focused maelstrom for entertainment. LIVE.<br /><br />I have previously watched other streams in the past that had moments of amazing
chaos, and some technical problems, that become infectiously, hilariously, candid, endearing,
and even meme level legendary. Especially for the resilient fan base they have. They call
themselves "Coggers".<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If I get another chance to do this, I don't care if I have
surgery scheduled, that can wait just so that I can be part of one of the most creative
whirlwind efforts, I've ever been part of.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you’re not following <a href="https://www.facebook.com/robotcoopgaming" target="_blank">Robot Co-Op</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Do it. Do it now. And say that in your head, in an Arnold
Schwarzenegger voice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Thank</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-87896115868780834542023-08-07T20:24:00.003-07:002023-08-16T01:29:27.681-07:00Fountain City Con 2023<div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJBm178Db6VFU1sLyChusnprox7k63vw8ZkfB-CanUr3B7bsWB_Z814Ks8ehaZ4ddXNxGxFlmaIhwc7hem_CmZwFroazhJIF_RMyj_d9GZvnsMpk18LGT0i6dlzckDhgvAXy3c_G0MXel6xYsn1w3apSPG-F2nB4bgRDVNpokts3vIClA-h1MThzayI8/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJBm178Db6VFU1sLyChusnprox7k63vw8ZkfB-CanUr3B7bsWB_Z814Ks8ehaZ4ddXNxGxFlmaIhwc7hem_CmZwFroazhJIF_RMyj_d9GZvnsMpk18LGT0i6dlzckDhgvAXy3c_G0MXel6xYsn1w3apSPG-F2nB4bgRDVNpokts3vIClA-h1MThzayI8/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never underestimate a fuzzy little companion's ability to ease anxiety over financial woes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I don't know how many of you reading these blogs do shows,
but I imagine that a fair amount of you do. I hope None of you have to deal
with pre show anxiety. It's actually not complete anxiety it's a mix of some
excitement, a bit of actual anxiety, and almost always a dose of fatigue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Whenever I have any sort of event that I have to do, all
sorts of thoughts start going through my head and begin to drive me down the
road leading to a sleepless night. Thankfully my little pooch Penny must have
sensed that I was filled with unease, and after about 5 minutes of her
attempting to get comfortable in my beard, I finally went to sleep.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Set up and the show hours</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I spent the better part of Friday morning just getting the
last minute things I needed printed out, bagged up, and accounted for. After
getting everything loaded up I headed out to Kansas and got to the show
location with about 2 1/2 hours time to still set up. Even with a day or so
worth of preparation I had still managed to forget my display rack. No big deal
I'd bring it with me tomorrow in the morning since I plan on getting in at
least an hour before the show started.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ7GkpddX8TLW6Fg43uSilwOG9wF_-Q6IYMoM4CopD7goASgj3NuruYeMUBBJ5Tt4KcqE9UcxCMGAK4lvNzLlQoead32VXqRztPxna-4tWLEYIODS2PartScoFMqVuH5563XL4RyB5LE8e6JYCqlXMFZrTRg3ihMuraJux8nDZPiH7GKENPF9BNXLnJw/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ7GkpddX8TLW6Fg43uSilwOG9wF_-Q6IYMoM4CopD7goASgj3NuruYeMUBBJ5Tt4KcqE9UcxCMGAK4lvNzLlQoead32VXqRztPxna-4tWLEYIODS2PartScoFMqVuH5563XL4RyB5LE8e6JYCqlXMFZrTRg3ihMuraJux8nDZPiH7GKENPF9BNXLnJw/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Friday] Setup went pretty well. [Saturday] Taking a selfie all kinds of awkwardly. Like a boss. </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">This overview of the show isn't in any real particular order,
I opted to just cover the highlights and then go into how the show came out for
me. I'll make sure to add in the information for the photos and the captions
below them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mwTXPmdCJaoDLigvFiT8cmk8j9WtO5Y69-l212qAC0aWvXLXzi7SCxtvhwIefjHT1tBWmq3T8ex6iz3YgACjBWDoWHzALfBdslMYYZI6VZYnv3tvGb3nC5woJV-kqqFN9Tv-Uznx0tawszz0U6HQbfQnqLIKuV1Mu540MtMeBgx8ExReFyDrhqeBGQk/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mwTXPmdCJaoDLigvFiT8cmk8j9WtO5Y69-l212qAC0aWvXLXzi7SCxtvhwIefjHT1tBWmq3T8ex6iz3YgACjBWDoWHzALfBdslMYYZI6VZYnv3tvGb3nC5woJV-kqqFN9Tv-Uznx0tawszz0U6HQbfQnqLIKuV1Mu540MtMeBgx8ExReFyDrhqeBGQk/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Saturday] Photo from above level, about 10;45 AM or so.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I made sure I had permission to go up onto the upper level
to take a picture of the show from above. According to the metadata on the
photos this was about 10:45 in the morning. I was originally going to stitch
them all together but then realized in this blog post that it would look
ridiculously tiny. In the photo above you can see my booth down towards the
left hand center. When anyone came in, my booth was first and nearest in view to the entrance/exit.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3AWPHgwJtdojwPm7Bh1RYYjzHhhoZQYVqmkBcO6TZooMhepLSQNNCQbne92D-reRwWsHhUU7octKY5c_8JgHu2onhLW8nLIPiYyTpRIVTp9US91vudclyITJz-r10LlMJfbUAMaZ0GnHlizOzyqeq1JgxD42L0hQ6B_qe4m_APUl4sR5T4YB2z898yY/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3AWPHgwJtdojwPm7Bh1RYYjzHhhoZQYVqmkBcO6TZooMhepLSQNNCQbne92D-reRwWsHhUU7octKY5c_8JgHu2onhLW8nLIPiYyTpRIVTp9US91vudclyITJz-r10LlMJfbUAMaZ0GnHlizOzyqeq1JgxD42L0hQ6B_qe4m_APUl4sR5T4YB2z898yY/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Saturday] Above photo #2</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSPGqgKmZk8RJdz9J6sGIv1qDPs6LfXy2xyjQJYRi156Q9JKPFIxqUDNeQcdCr_1kACVnTmpX1yZn1Iod1TSdpFZAOA6xBs4X9LcGyJq2ztukrSCLmvRruMRY9QCNAl5e32kN32kMqzvS-xUOr2yZS9pJjY6EsfUj1BU5CwXR0YEzTke8Tv_wlDkAuUQ/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSPGqgKmZk8RJdz9J6sGIv1qDPs6LfXy2xyjQJYRi156Q9JKPFIxqUDNeQcdCr_1kACVnTmpX1yZn1Iod1TSdpFZAOA6xBs4X9LcGyJq2ztukrSCLmvRruMRY9QCNAl5e32kN32kMqzvS-xUOr2yZS9pJjY6EsfUj1BU5CwXR0YEzTke8Tv_wlDkAuUQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Saturday] Photo 3 of showroom floor.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">There was enough time that I was able to reorganize my wall
display, update the inventory listings in my square account, re-bag some of the art
productions, alphabetize the art reproductions I had in my print bin, answered
a few emails, started writing this blog post, filmed and edited 3 TikTok videos,
and got caught up on three of my coaching class sessions daily work assignments, while
also talking to my booth neighbors about action figures, shows in the area, and
artwork.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That was about 12:30 PM according to my notes, so I was going to eat the lunch I had packed but my buddy Marty (GodBeast) stopped by and offered some pizza so I was all about that.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink281WEHwGHNugeY9et4x_Rr5xiAn1vdNxnEV-0ANfecC52dMeVSVZ0MeNV9UJUtsDwO7g-NyWXBJy0pUJ7-KHYmwHbByF7wL-ssgFP9ucVLunmE1i8NY1BhBw0IsmCbGBRDj5VHZFI8_vQ38IXOq1TE1E1ZccDj4HtkW0CQpsMZ7vgJU1t78JuakpcU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink281WEHwGHNugeY9et4x_Rr5xiAn1vdNxnEV-0ANfecC52dMeVSVZ0MeNV9UJUtsDwO7g-NyWXBJy0pUJ7-KHYmwHbByF7wL-ssgFP9ucVLunmE1i8NY1BhBw0IsmCbGBRDj5VHZFI8_vQ38IXOq1TE1E1ZccDj4HtkW0CQpsMZ7vgJU1t78JuakpcU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_05.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added in some new art reproductions.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">If I have spare time at a show I will start to do what I did
when I was a security guard, count the people in a venue. I always carry a
legal pad with me that allows me to take down notes during a show, ideas on the
fly, play tic tac toe against myself, or in this case since I was able to see
the front door I just looked and checked off every single time people came in.
Back when I still worked at bars I used to carry a little physical counter you
know the little silver round ones that have a button and there's a three digit
readout? Those kind. I was actually missing that little tool as I was sitting
there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The good news is that Saturday allowed for me to catch up
with a lot of people in the afternoon, And I went and picked up an action
figure from my buddy Terry Taylor over at 1313 mockingbird lane. He was only
set up for one day, just Saturday. I'd be seeing him in a few days again on
Friday at the 5th anniversary celebration show for his toy store at the Granada
in Lawrence KS.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I made my first sale of the day right around 3:45 PM, I sold
one Godzilla art reproduction to a young gentleman. I think it was Saturday that I caught up with my old friend Rick Stasi, who was kind enough to gift me a copy of his latest publication, "Letters from the Exodus".<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">After that, I spent the rest of the afternoon until 6:00 PM
when the show ended, just catching up with people and trading with anyone that
was interested.<o:p></o:p></p><h3>Sunday</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I finally got home around 7:30 PM. Add a few things I had to
get done before I could get to bed, but when I finally did I passed the hell
out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I woke up early enough on the morning that I had wanted to
get to the show about 45 minutes before it opened, but I instead just spent
some time watering my plants out back before I got on the road.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The traffic on the way in was practically nonexistent, and
when I got to the venue, I parked behind the building and made my way inside. I
had a nice unexpected meet up with a few of my other friends where we just
talked about shows, old age, aired grievances, and ending it with me oversharing
way too much about an awkward appointment I had with the doctor a few months back. If
you know you know. LOL.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIGpGCTmueNWO7bGHaKlPZahG7ozmpuA0vGxWsSk26a2P3hTsmAlyC5pn-4zHHgAd2QtV8ebiUQiqE6MQ_KcxgxeIFfxAwhJeqpLc3Fa841CY8KFKqvD-ixkS-C4FL8y2YyypsMmp7Smb4sVFKxzh86OCS4iXSqN0WM17Qv7CclJx0cyR-mAe7JDx9YU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIGpGCTmueNWO7bGHaKlPZahG7ozmpuA0vGxWsSk26a2P3hTsmAlyC5pn-4zHHgAd2QtV8ebiUQiqE6MQ_KcxgxeIFfxAwhJeqpLc3Fa841CY8KFKqvD-ixkS-C4FL8y2YyypsMmp7Smb4sVFKxzh86OCS4iXSqN0WM17Qv7CclJx0cyR-mAe7JDx9YU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_06.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake Angell's sculpting skills are insanely rad.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Anyway,...<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday I had set up a trade with GodBeast for some of
his Glyos figurines in exchange for two of my works of art, and I also wanted
to pick up a few things from some other people. Those you'll see at the end of
this post as well.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXksKOrYFLI-gFogZfCITCc9TIinAmR-Zy1Dd5m92lNZziaWuzLqCHbWruizTd-Vxlu1khoWPt1-SfEHS5aRDp2OaKruVb7TN_mroU6crtjfwaqc7wo1-GkolB6aLSGkuCHvSJ8jrCu0I6A8EErJHTsBRxdI0M9jDEVFUJVcT2g-h0bZgIMsoPR37MpU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXksKOrYFLI-gFogZfCITCc9TIinAmR-Zy1Dd5m92lNZziaWuzLqCHbWruizTd-Vxlu1khoWPt1-SfEHS5aRDp2OaKruVb7TN_mroU6crtjfwaqc7wo1-GkolB6aLSGkuCHvSJ8jrCu0I6A8EErJHTsBRxdI0M9jDEVFUJVcT2g-h0bZgIMsoPR37MpU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_07.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may be a future purchase in the near future for me... Pixel Dan needs to know these exist.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I have a lot of Jake’s creations in my collection, and his
work is always an inspiration to me. But I was super excited that his son Rylan
was that the show and he had some custom action figures! The one that
immediately drew my attention was his clear Boba Fett on a white cardback. I
also ended up picking up a custom action figure from my buddy Bryan Timmins.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3>Cosplayers</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I didn't really see a whole bunch of cosplayers go by my booth, but the ones that did were fantastic.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEysnGBgIXru2qc16_8BsOW9sRoEItwb-JgvTbVpcaXqZQu5rvLc-hc8rWa4tyHVNisSvJCjHdnPrYreyiUfwXrjDI6RPEyilwJ23vbeRKFNK0V71KjjbU0Mx_br0R26VDuoRMECtndj7n5_2lRbLI3D7Wzmp8wDw885khT2l-uGQe4Ad5Xr9Ydu6fxHQ/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEysnGBgIXru2qc16_8BsOW9sRoEItwb-JgvTbVpcaXqZQu5rvLc-hc8rWa4tyHVNisSvJCjHdnPrYreyiUfwXrjDI6RPEyilwJ23vbeRKFNK0V71KjjbU0Mx_br0R26VDuoRMECtndj7n5_2lRbLI3D7Wzmp8wDw885khT2l-uGQe4Ad5Xr9Ydu6fxHQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] These three made me miss NakaKon [Right] Love this take on the Mandalorian.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Every single time I see a
cosplayer I tell myself, "I want to do a show and I want to run my booth in
cosplay"! And every single time I have an attack of common sense and realize
that I would probably injure myself and a lot of innocent bystanders in the
process of simply trying to run a credit card while in cosplay. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m-lUGkeXXL5DDE5hWBlkESL81GVJF1tWAAbku7Qzp_X3P5-gL0vtmQkRp-daQ-e9pIQJOxpFjhJ1QYhejaxllG8ACr_SJIj-1OC704PHYUAm_rw1RpYhgLxgoQtBu3IVMEpeE1-YdENxQ_-H_5vKedAukUPw9gzJfazSCvfjnbomNTOQ26S92cfQeCA/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m-lUGkeXXL5DDE5hWBlkESL81GVJF1tWAAbku7Qzp_X3P5-gL0vtmQkRp-daQ-e9pIQJOxpFjhJ1QYhejaxllG8ACr_SJIj-1OC704PHYUAm_rw1RpYhgLxgoQtBu3IVMEpeE1-YdENxQ_-H_5vKedAukUPw9gzJfazSCvfjnbomNTOQ26S92cfQeCA/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_09.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] The Monster Hunters LEGO sets are some of my favorites, as was were this vampire trio! [Right] You can't go wrong with any version of Bob Ross! The tiara of brushes was a great idea!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
trio in Lego cosplay above reminds me that there was a Lego group that had an
amazing set up at the show and although I walked back in that area three or
four times I forgot to take photos of the amazing setup they had!</span></p><h3>Time to catch up and meeting new friends</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The show ended at 3:00 PM, but thankfully I made my second
sale of the weekend at 1:47 PM. I also brought my total of business cards
handed out for the weekend, to a total of seven. I had stated that wrong
earlier to somebody that I was talking to, I had handed out four business cards
on Saturday, and three on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj0FCR0tXkxRjMNrBehCZqfA5IohoHHSyN5tdGGDpINNxCBaRANautM8Atbzvtes1TAEiZM7jG1dAvmvYqqN5Upxb7XX4wREm8kV684sE_VgxuguEj46yekVkwq91ap7wa27cDWJec6gTn5DtJG93pp1TJcu5jVGg61RyWnxPL71vZxEYlWDXxK0sDSI/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj0FCR0tXkxRjMNrBehCZqfA5IohoHHSyN5tdGGDpINNxCBaRANautM8Atbzvtes1TAEiZM7jG1dAvmvYqqN5Upxb7XX4wREm8kV684sE_VgxuguEj46yekVkwq91ap7wa27cDWJec6gTn5DtJG93pp1TJcu5jVGg61RyWnxPL71vZxEYlWDXxK0sDSI/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Saturday] Onua and Zen absolutely were awesome to have has table neighbors! I traded for some amazing art, and to find that they that were as into MOTU, Jurassic Park, and the She-ra Cartoon as I was. Really missed these two Sunday.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I kept my booth together until about 2:45 PM, when I slowly
started to pack up the extra stuff I had. I had everything torn down in 15
minutes, and it took four trips out to my vehicle with things to get everything
loaded up.<o:p></o:p></p><h3>Studio collection additions and final thoughts.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'll start with the final thoughts on the show. First the
positives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The booth was free</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->the venue was well lit and spacious</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->there was a lot of amazing vendors and creators
on site</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I caught up with a lot of people</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I had time to get a lot of my business stuff out
of the way and organized</li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->My booth neighbors were phenomenal company on Saturday</li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">now the not so positive<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I sold two pieces of art totaling up to $60 for the weekend </li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">With every show and event I do, I have a handful of various
people that will reach out and give me their thoughts on what I write when it comes to my experiences doing shows. Thankfully it's been a mostly positive experience over the years, of which I'm very grateful for and extremely appreciative of.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Doing show reviews initially started out as a personal
record, but then also evolved into a resource for vendors, creators, and as I've come to find in recent years, attendees, both new and old to
be able to utilize. The one review I get the most feedback from in person is the one of my C2E2 experience.</p><p class="MsoNormal">One thing that I take pride in is providing an honest, open, and fact based viewpoint when it comes to my experiences doing any event or
show. I'm 100% transparent about financial things.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After working 20 plus years in marketing and
promotions across various companies, I understand that people want to know about
an show experiences, specifically
creatives, because for the vast majority of us, income and reliable avenues and
venues that provide that, are becoming more scarce even as the number of shows inflate yearly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope to keep reviewing shows like this for years to come, even long after I've stopped tabling at them. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">With that said, let me share the handful of amazing things
that I got while at this show, all of them from incredibly skilled and dare I
say talented people, all of them being creatives that I hold in very high
regard.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWkIRXnmei6nh16FZ2xTvMhW68YoHJqvOIsEkMVAwmyZy2iJGf3mcCVuyv0peXpg3HbLPjSGFOKz_qbUU4MJEvQ2c9fGDmR2_fC0XFG8IQoP7QntW-aWQRvJmIv7z4vn0wnZ4NRKDLGWC-5CzHkz0sYpUfzpZx_yB-SbvZedGAYb7eRupupzwi5xEuAI/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWkIRXnmei6nh16FZ2xTvMhW68YoHJqvOIsEkMVAwmyZy2iJGf3mcCVuyv0peXpg3HbLPjSGFOKz_qbUU4MJEvQ2c9fGDmR2_fC0XFG8IQoP7QntW-aWQRvJmIv7z4vn0wnZ4NRKDLGWC-5CzHkz0sYpUfzpZx_yB-SbvZedGAYb7eRupupzwi5xEuAI/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Horde Trooper from 1313 Mockingbird Lane [Right] Hallmark 2021 Ornament of Castle Grayskull by Jake Angell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo6mLwUPKM4lDUaHEZv0H7UqgxTQc-Swgtrur1LbpiM5WFPrbqSOtBg-J-aKmOb5gTFMq4eBFPhjydBZjbLVwLjSdNAK2xNvYu2Y0gtQWB10Jxwm-LSAJgC1ThLYN-myXoW4SPtUXsCY6WZqneFbR9hallduli1fK1Vaq1VxrPUcvXPFuD5PcSwOZV5g/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo6mLwUPKM4lDUaHEZv0H7UqgxTQc-Swgtrur1LbpiM5WFPrbqSOtBg-J-aKmOb5gTFMq4eBFPhjydBZjbLVwLjSdNAK2xNvYu2Y0gtQWB10Jxwm-LSAJgC1ThLYN-myXoW4SPtUXsCY6WZqneFbR9hallduli1fK1Vaq1VxrPUcvXPFuD5PcSwOZV5g/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stickers and a Zombcicle by Jake Anglell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcn8hfwc5k-M1jiDGBDywNZB1bc6_CbsS5Ik-5DCYMTWwuwRjGCoh1ZQ68bJWFp7oqwl7-xQhWc0F-CLs34jxIHZq_itobzovEuiXGb3NUicwOjl4Ru-OG0bayf07sEKNCRwneGlc8ezA1urE__nanHxGNo1gXlcaqD6-zr2muVKCjRDptwPemhdX-G8/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcn8hfwc5k-M1jiDGBDywNZB1bc6_CbsS5Ik-5DCYMTWwuwRjGCoh1ZQ68bJWFp7oqwl7-xQhWc0F-CLs34jxIHZq_itobzovEuiXGb3NUicwOjl4Ru-OG0bayf07sEKNCRwneGlc8ezA1urE__nanHxGNo1gXlcaqD6-zr2muVKCjRDptwPemhdX-G8/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warduke (Nemesis format) and Boba Fett (Mushi format) inspired releases from the Godbeast </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE-sNS_tbKVlY4buWBXmQ63ZEYK6wiWuLM0XANW8CEP9OIlCrXbbYgmEb1jthzokXCUwo81XKGUvI0Wox20Ga20AIxGAM-eCvJ2ysB_fLFE7z0A5JTEPZkzbGL9hUKQgsrhhxm10k3XJUlEcJceV_D8eUE35tk0nbWBmk18CTCo0zLflxjK16mQHf6kw/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE-sNS_tbKVlY4buWBXmQ63ZEYK6wiWuLM0XANW8CEP9OIlCrXbbYgmEb1jthzokXCUwo81XKGUvI0Wox20Ga20AIxGAM-eCvJ2ysB_fLFE7z0A5JTEPZkzbGL9hUKQgsrhhxm10k3XJUlEcJceV_D8eUE35tk0nbWBmk18CTCo0zLflxjK16mQHf6kw/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Action Figures [Left] Revenge of the Ninja figure by Bryan Timmins [Right] Clear - what I christened the 'John Cena edition' - Boba Fett by Rylan Angell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg9B2Yiyc9-Ej8OMpXze0GOouLzC_yWYpFkS90VeG-VDPlg-gD-nGJatUqVK-NdfMIO5Lt7fP--drZHeQs6Rylxc65DyULsaixdapBZ-ZKeXYEgOSP5mKZSnOmcmnmm4OrK4oN9NbPl882KDHZLco2frODmOLgm8mpbIQa6-YSRUdGsHIRxHYcBAVfWk/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg9B2Yiyc9-Ej8OMpXze0GOouLzC_yWYpFkS90VeG-VDPlg-gD-nGJatUqVK-NdfMIO5Lt7fP--drZHeQs6Rylxc65DyULsaixdapBZ-ZKeXYEgOSP5mKZSnOmcmnmm4OrK4oN9NbPl882KDHZLco2frODmOLgm8mpbIQa6-YSRUdGsHIRxHYcBAVfWk/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_16.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four phenomenal art reproductions by Onua! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOZ98Oo38J74IO9l4natKdnCMiY1rvbimiMzpHmQJllhyRFL1EawYdqrBL99ciqbcM9ZbviYhtHk8K70aDZLr36hq2AtGe3tQ-ORpnCfOnteCwUwa4Qlmb8Qj_pfAssiNzsopTaANJICVJYugQBYEtjICCEuDjIEU4PJ3vpe03c4asNU0j5-IQtJtj1U/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOZ98Oo38J74IO9l4natKdnCMiY1rvbimiMzpHmQJllhyRFL1EawYdqrBL99ciqbcM9ZbviYhtHk8K70aDZLr36hq2AtGe3tQ-ORpnCfOnteCwUwa4Qlmb8Qj_pfAssiNzsopTaANJICVJYugQBYEtjICCEuDjIEU4PJ3vpe03c4asNU0j5-IQtJtj1U/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_05_fountaincity_17.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a wonderful surprise on behalf of Rick Stasi, his latest publication Letters from the Exodus.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here are also links to many mentioned in this blog update:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jakeangelldesigns/" target="_blank">Jake Angell</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://bryantimmins.carbonmade.com/" target="_blank">Bryan Timmins</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://www.godbeast.com/" target="_blank">the Godbeast</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.1313mockingbirdtoys.com/" target="_blank">1313 Mockingbird Lane</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.rickstasi.com/" target="_blank">Rick Stasi</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Onua_TF" target="_blank">Onua</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank">Fountain City Con</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.thepitchkc.com/fountain-city-con-takes-local-comic-book-conventions-back-to-a-less-crowded-overwhelming-time/?fbclid=IwAR1s1LhTLQmInkpDxnZxzJ97iS1BHvMxtBM6vZEFXXXhnq99Jm1kUp9KsCM" target="_blank">Pitch Weekly Coverage of Fountain City Con</a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-87355445772463274682023-07-30T14:42:00.003-07:002023-08-13T16:17:29.743-07:00Missouri Game Con, Retro TV Toys, and Comic Book Relief!<div><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I do enjoy a good road trip, as many of you may know. So when the opportunity
to go to Missouri Game Con came up, my brother and I made plans to attend. We had previously attended another show in the Saint Charles area, QuadCon, which is a retro toy themed show. If memory serves me
right, the first year we went, we met Pixel Dan, got a photo with him, and I bought his Masters of the Universe book.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The days prior to the show had all been extremely hot, but thankfully my A/C works very well in my truck, and there's a lot of places to stop over the course of that four hour drive.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Early morning story.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I imagine there's a fair amount of people that don't like
taking extremely long trips to get to shows. Especially when you have the high number of local ones that happen around the greater Kansas City area. But I like getting out to shows where new vendors, artists, and shops are.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The drive to St. Louis was uneventful. Somehow
I had miscalculated the amount of time it was going to take to drive there and
we ended up arriving to the area of the show location almost 45 minutes before
the 11:00 general admission would be let into the show. There was an early bird
option which I believe started at 10 AM, but that was $100 a ticket.
I don't know exactly how many people were in there that it paid for that early
bird fee, but one vendor I spoke to said that it was about 10 to 15 people that
had paid that to get in early.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45fPTjzPvO6UQhI0Z_nSVWOx-gwHJ2YMyO-YBxtFpUWLeeJcZ0yaElguvhr8_pQ60Qi5_Z0ZfEOrQZkTcPzgvW927ufvZEgbdQj_PJlVHzCR64eZ4fRjsFFCb-0X1G7mbHwQxXI-xxjLIjZOkIP1Hp0oBY8sYGdTiRc4KWOJrJriI8B8SCiX2rGKzT0M/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45fPTjzPvO6UQhI0Z_nSVWOx-gwHJ2YMyO-YBxtFpUWLeeJcZ0yaElguvhr8_pQ60Qi5_Z0ZfEOrQZkTcPzgvW927ufvZEgbdQj_PJlVHzCR64eZ4fRjsFFCb-0X1G7mbHwQxXI-xxjLIjZOkIP1Hp0oBY8sYGdTiRc4KWOJrJriI8B8SCiX2rGKzT0M/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line of people waiting to get in was doubling back on itself, in an effort to keep people in the shade.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">As we finally got up close to the venue, a place called Orlando's, I took note of the parking spaces. It
looked like there was already a mad dash happening to line up outside of the
door so people were parking quickly if not a bit erratically. I chose to park
my truck towards the back end of the lot, reverse pulling into a parking spot.<br /><br />I've worked enough shows and venues in my time, that I had a feeling parking
was going to be a mess out there as the day wore on, and in this heat, I didn't feel like parking somewhere that we'd get blocked in.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Getting out of the truck, we started walking
toward an ever lengthening line of fellow pop culture enthusiasts and
collectors. I don't care if it's a large show like C2E2 or smaller one day
conventions held locally, there's always that really cool feeling of being
around people that on the average I probably share a great amount of hobby
interest with. <br /><br />I don't know why the memory of going to the midnight openings
that would happen at Toys R Us popped into my mind at that moment. I know those were corporate events sponsored by the drive to sell more Star
Wars toys, but those sort of events were like the last waning vestiges of 80s
and 90s era pop culture infused moments that functioned as sort of midnight micro cons.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In this instance, I
think it's the fact that as we walked up, the exuberance and excitement was
very evident in line. As I took photos and a few video clips I realized that
the line started at the door, went down to the corner, folded back upon itself
and then once again, to keep people in an orderly fashion and thankfully in the
shade away from the now rising sun. The conversations around me varied from
talking about the Barbie movie, recent additions to collections, other shows
and events, and far more mundane subjects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As we stood in line I took a fairly general head count, and
from the door to where we were, was about 100 to 150 people. As it got closer to
11:00, the line, still growing, got up to around 300
people by the time they opened the doors for us. The staff was
really on top of things, although they did seem a little caught off guard by
how many people were in the line. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There was one fellow wrangling all of us outside, doing his
best to keep the ever growing line out of the sun. About 10 minutes before the
doors opened, one or two other people came out to check tickets on phones and
administer stamps to the back of our hands. I noticed they had a desk inside to
do this at, but I'm really glad that they decided to come outside and get a
jump start on getting people inside.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Packing it in.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The line began to move quickly once general admission was
allowed in. Days prior to this I have been thinking about what I might want to
try and find it this show. I knew that it was a video game themed show, so that
certainly meant a lot of vintage video game systems and games, and no doubt a
lot of other items and related periphery. But I don't think I was prepared, what I saw once I got inside.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGLbOkmInAsspP3DEFEXtATeSaseazJH9nMCGaXPbxRiqDVOObGuYLcImCn7ZXPkHxchcSpJ74oYirUSvr1cQPXwqsWV0ckwEorihdOaesrIeVQ08f7oinICbnSoPbsouUHjqJiNUa3SLMak_TM9ehs5DP5D-dmLqeQ3SC5b58f632aNi3hkTBQSgPzQ/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGLbOkmInAsspP3DEFEXtATeSaseazJH9nMCGaXPbxRiqDVOObGuYLcImCn7ZXPkHxchcSpJ74oYirUSvr1cQPXwqsWV0ckwEorihdOaesrIeVQ08f7oinICbnSoPbsouUHjqJiNUa3SLMak_TM9ehs5DP5D-dmLqeQ3SC5b58f632aNi3hkTBQSgPzQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. MANY. PEOPLE.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">One of the reasons that I do these reviews is because I want
to be able to provide people with an idea of what it's like when you actually
get into the show. Table and walkway layouts, density of crowd, what amenities
are available, etc.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But even the few photos I got of what I saw the moment I got
into the door, just don't do justice to how overwhelmingly packed the room was
quickly becoming. The rush to get inside came to an instant slow down and then stop once we got in the room and saw the density of the crowd in regards to the size of the show room.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_81h5VOVUHJFru_KJ1jwlqsVogFYaWwynpdfGGpKfYaL33R_J0ocgKLAfa5meyYJx1KtHDg8xyNFSWSAk8oNcG7f7Krb6OTD4DN31N8RB0Y9Eg8vFZlZCpm4YKGJJSLY0obLcK857JC9SdsQjFWHiy9nQnbLbNl3USzUD9g6lB1e28sYZHN75xCw46t4/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_81h5VOVUHJFru_KJ1jwlqsVogFYaWwynpdfGGpKfYaL33R_J0ocgKLAfa5meyYJx1KtHDg8xyNFSWSAk8oNcG7f7Krb6OTD4DN31N8RB0Y9Eg8vFZlZCpm4YKGJJSLY0obLcK857JC9SdsQjFWHiy9nQnbLbNl3USzUD9g6lB1e28sYZHN75xCw46t4/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though the room wasn't that big, I still felt that I didn't get a chance to see every vendor at the show.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Once we got in the door, I know that we had to make some
quick decisions on which direction we were going to head, and for the life of
me I couldn't understand which flow or direction the crowd as a whole was
taking. The first thing I noticed was I actually couldn't make out where people
were walking at all. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have a few friends that do shows. And the ones that are
really good at it no and have an intimate understanding of vendor table
organization, widths necessary for people to comfortably be able to interact
and walk through areas to maintain a stress free purchasing and interaction
environment. Never mind preventing a possible situation where if a Fire Marshall showed
up they could shut down the show.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo1_sHQ4kIHQKzn8vNEVP_NktGVWrw1JD4_JEIx5JGntbvfdSRVKBWPDm5k4zXL-sGS4NgDkLEdOxW-8o3kzx7LsyT07TQqJ0dgsvhOPR4ObC3OegKppJNMB7o8GT59ibLno0atPOSqp20hRiqf0bm-x8AkNO_u6x9gFySHTcOLHM1RZ5DV66Tb66rkg/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo1_sHQ4kIHQKzn8vNEVP_NktGVWrw1JD4_JEIx5JGntbvfdSRVKBWPDm5k4zXL-sGS4NgDkLEdOxW-8o3kzx7LsyT07TQqJ0dgsvhOPR4ObC3OegKppJNMB7o8GT59ibLno0atPOSqp20hRiqf0bm-x8AkNO_u6x9gFySHTcOLHM1RZ5DV66Tb66rkg/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't ever remember seeing a show with this many sealed and boxed classic consoles.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Within minutes I was in a very slow moving part of the show.
Patience was a virtue that I was hoping a lot of people were going to have that
day. Claustrophobia was a fear that began to rear its ugly head for me. I'm not
exaggerating when I'm saying that the last time I remember being pressed up
against that many people, was about twenty six year ago at a GWAR/Misfits
concert, near the stage.</p><p class="MsoNormal">So much of the first moments were a blur. Because I was really trying not to bump into people, knock things off of tables, or stumble. I can only imagine what the kids in attendance felt like. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I estimate that many of the walkways between the tables had
only between 3 1/2 to 4 feet distance between each other. From what I
understand this venue was a quick replacement that was being utilized because
the original venue became unavailable. This is just little bits that I heard
from some of the vendors at the show. Regardless of what was happening I was
determined to make the best of a sort of screwball circumstance. Neither I nor
my brother were in any hurry to leave, so to make it easier we decided to go to
different areas of the room and when we got tired eventually meet up back in
the lobby.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Exploration and the hunt.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The vast majority of vendors were selling video game systems
and games, both retro and new. There were some standouts, I
think one or two artists had tables, the indie developers that had created a
brand new Atari inspired game called “Mr. run and jump”, were there. A few
vendors had action figures, pokémon cards, and some other pop culture inspired
items.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIO4qOFYcuhDvP9iNv8a1qwJzHnQSk-wc9141QWVMr_0E3jnZTFeuzSCOc4iUkB4KTM2IxtVEqcwr8P-D5Viw9efLAE8VBvUR6OR6Vjdd9XU0BEK9p1XLwIbqSvFzObuh351xRhGKHwodEGKs2AayAzrpFPAD6NlOxdQH9w6KMp9oxcfyL-oQNrvmRLM/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIO4qOFYcuhDvP9iNv8a1qwJzHnQSk-wc9141QWVMr_0E3jnZTFeuzSCOc4iUkB4KTM2IxtVEqcwr8P-D5Viw9efLAE8VBvUR6OR6Vjdd9XU0BEK9p1XLwIbqSvFzObuh351xRhGKHwodEGKs2AayAzrpFPAD6NlOxdQH9w6KMp9oxcfyL-oQNrvmRLM/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Colecovision system.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">I'm very methodical when I attend a show to make sure that I
at least walk by every single table at a show, and try to interact or go
through whatever items that a vendor has brought to a show. That's how you find
hidden gems and unknown treasures.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, because of the density of attendees, and the lines
that people were in, around the tables came to a dead stop, so it was a sort of
hit and miss on finding things. It did work to my advantage in one situation
where I found a $10 laser disc edition of Jurassic Park the Lost World. I was to
search a bin that was underneath the table that had laser discs in it, and it
led to having a really informative conversation about laser disc player repair
with the vendor I bought the disc from.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRL2g3lCcMAv6oHh2B94X9fPUmzGmPKkyiQxaUVc1K6bZO3Oj9N_GSZ5jJfdbgMUWCCzATyQjWhUzdiCOppJxHaqBfxaA9oxwOPrIqU6HsPRudpdrOha9S34O-TPeeBCKrpFe2K7gBA7BpWqYGN4taZgMg1J-JcJWOufLBkaVfgycoshATkFAhO_p6gk/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRL2g3lCcMAv6oHh2B94X9fPUmzGmPKkyiQxaUVc1K6bZO3Oj9N_GSZ5jJfdbgMUWCCzATyQjWhUzdiCOppJxHaqBfxaA9oxwOPrIqU6HsPRudpdrOha9S34O-TPeeBCKrpFe2K7gBA7BpWqYGN4taZgMg1J-JcJWOufLBkaVfgycoshATkFAhO_p6gk/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_05.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early find at the show, that I never managed to make it back around to picking up.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Taking time to record video and take photos wasn't the
easiest. It wasn't the lack of time, but I felt bad stopping to stabilize
myself to get good clear video or photographs if I was standing in an area
where people were trying to get through. I have a smaller camera rig that is
self-contained that would have been much better for getting video in this
circumstance. The only downside to that camera is unlike any video that I take
on my iPhone which I can quickly turn around and edit and then upload to social
media, I would have to wait until I was back at the studio to download the
footage, edit it, and then upload it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I did stop to talk at one table that had a fantastic architectural mock up of the Resident Evil Mansion, and I discovered that it was a project to build a real one in or around the Springfield, Missouri area.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IonVWcz37G1DgAfr30NCWio7I7LTUnDYKVLXdalH8R1O2NOAPkqGoQY35JoCxPJv2d7Yhmi2rmKcCCwHM8fTI5xLnMhnV8_09GcqIXBLiRVH6XvBJfaaoxNjee8G_h7O0aJtKyYkGQevo5jw7S6aLPoRScu1Xp5lbnFDZYDorWIXQG0DNNfBZK65pyM/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IonVWcz37G1DgAfr30NCWio7I7LTUnDYKVLXdalH8R1O2NOAPkqGoQY35JoCxPJv2d7Yhmi2rmKcCCwHM8fTI5xLnMhnV8_09GcqIXBLiRVH6XvBJfaaoxNjee8G_h7O0aJtKyYkGQevo5jw7S6aLPoRScu1Xp5lbnFDZYDorWIXQG0DNNfBZK65pyM/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_06.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celeb Webb talked me through what the idea and inspiration about the build of the mansion was all about.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">As I'd mentioned before, the crowd seemed really chill and relaxed,
even considering the circumstances we were in. I only saw one individual get
upset during a transaction with a vendor, but that was because of the lack of
signal that was occurring towards the center of the room. Being stuck in place,
one can't help but be privy to conversations around oneself. From what I could
gather a PayPal transaction wasn't working, because either one or both phones
were unable to send money. The vendor in the hopes of being able to salvage a
sale did say that there was a general Wi-Fi signal available at the convention.
That sort of information is fine, but I'm fairly certain the Wi-Fi was already
having a challenging time with all of the other vendors and possible attendees
on it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rule of thumb that I live by when I come to a show? Bring
cash. It will save you and the vendors a lot of heartache if signal is weak or they can't take card.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI4wDN5B24V8OqR1nIxQMxl0n0O1Ta5NlzihZduPdT_6kErbn8Q06SSLUNzNeNTnNm0ct2iuTvB8LoX4Cwtr_x_MeRt9ueJVlT5xddjmtl4OHygfjVU-borlCxOd3t_0Hiv7oR1Ad_6lrSS4ym29hWB1murhugacZ4QNGAjFEBUck8-geLwY1G1SehY4/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI4wDN5B24V8OqR1nIxQMxl0n0O1Ta5NlzihZduPdT_6kErbn8Q06SSLUNzNeNTnNm0ct2iuTvB8LoX4Cwtr_x_MeRt9ueJVlT5xddjmtl4OHygfjVU-borlCxOd3t_0Hiv7oR1Ad_6lrSS4ym29hWB1murhugacZ4QNGAjFEBUck8-geLwY1G1SehY4/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_07.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember passing up on this for $10 some 18 years ago.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Some vendors may cut you a deal on multiple items, all
because you can pay them a flat amount right there. Personally I find it a lot
easier to be able to budget and limit myself. Of course I still have access to
my card because you never know what you're going to find when you go to a show,
and if I'm eating at a restaurant or go to another location afterwards I like
having a backup plan for spending or emergencies.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Crowd burnout.</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After about an hour and a half I feel like I had covered 2/3
of the room pretty thoroughly. I'd also managed to stay well within my spending
budget. But we had already made plans to hit up two other places that were
nearby after we left the show.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">So as we had planned earlier, we met in the lobby area near
the entrance. My brother had made some major purchases and it took forever to
carry a boxed Xbox across the convention floor, with a bag filled with a few
other items in hand as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There's also a little survival tip for you all: bring
reusable or plastic bags when you go to shows. First, it's being
environmentally friendly. Second if you bring your own bags, especially
reusable fabric ones, I recommend buying some that are uniquely your own for safety
and loss reasons, preferably with your last name and maybe a four digit number
that you can use to identify the bag, written or sewn to the inside liner. I had always done that on my
show gear, every single item has a hidden identification label that I can use
to prove that something is mine in the event of theft or loss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I managed to pick up a few things: the laser disc edition of
Jurassic Park the lost world, A loose cartridge game for I believe the Japanese Famicom system, and three Japanese Nintendo DS games complete with cases and
manuals. I know there were a few other things that I had wished I'd gone back
for, but on my way back out to the front I stopped to play the demo of Mr. Run
and Jump, made a note to buy it on steam for a future playthrough video, and
finally made my way to the lobby.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My brother and I then just made sure we had everything we
came there with and had purchased and made sure that
neither one of us wanted to have one more jump into the fray to get anything
else from vendors before we left.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm over the moon happy to see midsize to small shows have
incredible attendance. And from what I'm understanding they did the best they
could with the venue space they had on hand. But my gosh, I could have spent
another hour or two at the show really digging through bins, making more
connections and picking up more business cards, there was a Star Wars pachinko
machine there was love at first sight for me, even at $900. I can't justify a
purchase like that at the moment, but I would have liked to have known who the
vendor was.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The majority of video game items I saw revolved around
primarily Nintendo, Atari, Intellevision, and a decent amount of Sega. Prices
ranged from extremely affordable to high price rare.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It
turns out the parking lot was a bit of crazy sauce. To be fair I didn't see any
lines as to where people could park marked out on the asphalt, but judging by
the way that a lot of people were parking, I can completely see why parking
lines are a necessity to modern society. Thankfully we weren't pinned in to the
parking spot I had chosen earlier, and I got my truck out effortlessly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We had two more destinations we wanted to get to, the first
one was a local toy store called RetroTV Toys that had a really impressive
eBay page, so i wanted to see what I'd find there. The second was a comic book
store my brother wanted to hit up named Comic Book Relief.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">RetroTVToys</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We entered the address for the toy store into the GPS and found that it
was only about 10 minutes away from where the show was happening. Turning up
the air conditioning, we drove through a fairly dizzying amount of right and
left turns to get to the store. Honestly, as we were driving up I couldn't
see it, but my brother managed to see it at the last minute. Turning onto
a one way street, I quickly swung into a small parking lot and pulled up right
in front of the store window.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EGBev_ZCPB4TnKVfQoge2QYf2L77XJT0lSnhfxW_gwwiy_WGD7udgaVDdO2YK1SR-Iy-u1M2jUYgx3xG34yzC6-FjDOEF0lvAhE3sZw-CIGK1hHJw_FkEioPnYPuDOXfMgsRMW03JkzFoKvSHQNpjwTDzG-Q9bTrhoQ3RuYIykWOjFNS0WtaFB7KLoQ/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EGBev_ZCPB4TnKVfQoge2QYf2L77XJT0lSnhfxW_gwwiy_WGD7udgaVDdO2YK1SR-Iy-u1M2jUYgx3xG34yzC6-FjDOEF0lvAhE3sZw-CIGK1hHJw_FkEioPnYPuDOXfMgsRMW03JkzFoKvSHQNpjwTDzG-Q9bTrhoQ3RuYIykWOjFNS0WtaFB7KLoQ/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stores like this are the last vestiges of that old going to Toys R Us feeling and finding great items!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">It was nice to be in an air conditioned place with elbow
room.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I love when I go into a store and the quantity and quality
of what they offer makes me pause to appreciate what I have to select from. It
didn't take me long to find a few items that I wanted to bring home to display
in the studio. The staff was super friendly, and the store was nicely laid out, well lit, and had both new and retro items on hand.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWJbcES_fdcqjNoLOXHlpfmROvHjvj07tLupr-S7_JBclP1LfifPPQMHynhmkC8fGmKTckq8I6L_LBurf1xYEfwfs8WZ-strm3qUE87IT1IDoabGPiUXkdoyqO7Od3PsNK8V3Eoa0Q2qJtR1sP_hZnORhxQd3bPCATvsw-IjN8NrMu1bEeGjaATHQvjU/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWJbcES_fdcqjNoLOXHlpfmROvHjvj07tLupr-S7_JBclP1LfifPPQMHynhmkC8fGmKTckq8I6L_LBurf1xYEfwfs8WZ-strm3qUE87IT1IDoabGPiUXkdoyqO7Od3PsNK8V3Eoa0Q2qJtR1sP_hZnORhxQd3bPCATvsw-IjN8NrMu1bEeGjaATHQvjU/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_09.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A WIDE range of items, including most major retro lines were available for purchase.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">This is a store I'm definitely going to come back to the
next time I'm up in the Saint Louis area.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Comic Book Relief</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This store was a little harder to find. my brother entered
the address into the gps and as we headed that direction I noticed storm clouds
were coming in. That always makes me a little bit nervous when I'm in
unfamiliar territory driving around. We did manage to find what was the
original location, but we didn't notice until we got out of the truck that
another business was now setting up where comic book relief had previously been.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbSvzVtKMsans2FboLQy4t5LI5sn-XsW2DtgdIO_HJkyVZibvur_OEzgc7rjUcilrfa8e6BsQEVaCiv1Do8Ss_3cdHcSzBchrXF7MFc8PiHnrgia_MkoWjCVLLdl6hSKj8QslD-Z-WxoJAmGQlWQbmeUa7G5dm2amY8uaKwUbPS4amE63LvrNYDqiueA/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbSvzVtKMsans2FboLQy4t5LI5sn-XsW2DtgdIO_HJkyVZibvur_OEzgc7rjUcilrfa8e6BsQEVaCiv1Do8Ss_3cdHcSzBchrXF7MFc8PiHnrgia_MkoWjCVLLdl6hSKj8QslD-Z-WxoJAmGQlWQbmeUa7G5dm2amY8uaKwUbPS4amE63LvrNYDqiueA/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started to approach the store, and noticed the absence of anything comic book like on the shelves.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">It was a little bit puzzling as we had seen a Facebook post earlier in the day
showcasing that the location was indeed open. As the rain storm bore down on us
we were able to figure out that they had simply relocated to the other side of
a nearby gas station.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT276Egxc6aaBryseYGCzDKWW_EPpqPEV2sJ6MWdSQoJLsqfcJnnD4sisT67JKRLaUxyl5Zpwl8ymgdD1NxL8ttbDm29GG50IeCSE8cO07uWzmYuq7sN-SrvBNTrjOzp1hBecgSnLwWFfrMEM9Ho9kgdU8bZjVyQO8ewvLOQVqg4oXMhNFpuoLA-jEpK4/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT276Egxc6aaBryseYGCzDKWW_EPpqPEV2sJ6MWdSQoJLsqfcJnnD4sisT67JKRLaUxyl5Zpwl8ymgdD1NxL8ttbDm29GG50IeCSE8cO07uWzmYuq7sN-SrvBNTrjOzp1hBecgSnLwWFfrMEM9Ho9kgdU8bZjVyQO8ewvLOQVqg4oXMhNFpuoLA-jEpK4/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seriously looked like tornado weather was upon us...</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">We managed to get to the shop just as the worst of the rain started to fall. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Comic book relief is organized immaculately. An alpha/numerical
order and OCD driven system reigns across the shelving and storage drawers. It
was absolutely a pleasure to look for books and I was able to locate a few
fairly obscure ones.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y9izif439aDHJAI-pf72YDJws72K6MXSOQ8Z4xYgwQudxAWMx4s9rVwi6WD0RGlTj9n2O4W7jTtGBkB37xWOfuONilmd7843HWtIeeFBxfooS6O9kKVBMKOUjXvIRy4ezRLZx21E1tD1snUXt0PQml9yBD2WmriYrq9CKU-NBfibt5527qQ6buT2YsY/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y9izif439aDHJAI-pf72YDJws72K6MXSOQ8Z4xYgwQudxAWMx4s9rVwi6WD0RGlTj9n2O4W7jTtGBkB37xWOfuONilmd7843HWtIeeFBxfooS6O9kKVBMKOUjXvIRy4ezRLZx21E1tD1snUXt0PQml9yBD2WmriYrq9CKU-NBfibt5527qQ6buT2YsY/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This level of organization is enviable and appreciated!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">After spending about an hour there with the majority of the bad weather having passed, we decided to leave Saint Louis and headed back home.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">All three locations and experiences were simply phenomenal.
Aside from the spacing issues and the sheer amount of people at the Missouri
game convention, it was a very well stocked show. It's really something when
you attend a show and they get the marketing knocked down so well that it leads
to a line of a couple of 100 people outside who are ready to spend when they
get in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">RetroTVToys and Comic Book Relief were both excellent additional stops that I'm so glad we took the time to find. There's a lot of times in
the past where I've gone to shows quite a few hours away from Kansas City and
never bothered to look to see what else was available to experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.mogamecon.com/" target="_blank">Missouri Game Con</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ebay.com/str/Retro-TV-Toys-and-Collectibles" target="_blank">RetroTVToys</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://comicbookrelief.com/store/" target="_blank">Comic Book Relief</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2132540/Mr_Run_and_Jump/" target="_blank">Mr. Run and Jump</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Additions to the studio collection.</h3><p class="MsoNormal">So with that here's a few photos of what I picked up at the
convention, the toy store, and the comic book shop.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXmue_Iw2FJNR9MvQymtQkIa3YOI3bMgPX-vRwh5os83QRfsuAUOpxpyhtwjxDJm1fnD0axLdQGaUqLEDNVVDxP1YJDEByHca5DCBoXkIdB59GxrY6ih3Cl3pWjqP2ClOo4krdzBRGImh-v1acwmWZeXf76xOkrIGLpWROYtlXbYyFyVO-HpHyncU6m8/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXmue_Iw2FJNR9MvQymtQkIa3YOI3bMgPX-vRwh5os83QRfsuAUOpxpyhtwjxDJm1fnD0axLdQGaUqLEDNVVDxP1YJDEByHca5DCBoXkIdB59GxrY6ih3Cl3pWjqP2ClOo4krdzBRGImh-v1acwmWZeXf76xOkrIGLpWROYtlXbYyFyVO-HpHyncU6m8/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurassic Park The Lost World Widescreen LaserDisc - $10</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9r8K8p6p2_2FhhsJlgE-8144YeL1Pdr354cdcl2Z9wRnfma922oBVxj3Gq4ofiNjcnMNKExwdtdZTZ_BM7KI05Ram3ghXVcTXxaUU_GdD5qwDJ5VO2bKCuXpbeYEWU-butfYk2F6BSTABUaegKZ7wmHaAevdcAVvQKIw-EMJZokR8PaehzGEi8Z3Uj8/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9r8K8p6p2_2FhhsJlgE-8144YeL1Pdr354cdcl2Z9wRnfma922oBVxj3Gq4ofiNjcnMNKExwdtdZTZ_BM7KI05Ram3ghXVcTXxaUU_GdD5qwDJ5VO2bKCuXpbeYEWU-butfYk2F6BSTABUaegKZ7wmHaAevdcAVvQKIw-EMJZokR8PaehzGEi8Z3Uj8/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darth Maul and ReAction Soundwave - $10 each</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZVloeYTRmkOzatkcUqvSlunqyagIoN0ktKfYUxhZK7ECIQZJBeLHDnm6p2ZsEriaY34ATGSEaCvUCOVG-CYEoDw3epdDUFeBOCy0tzJxxoFn3HlkkbxE_pOZIT4xkO3DcyLu_Yn0NVlgVtXPDZMul06PbdjFnw5mDx4t56mrUIMMv3u529gU8IiCiXE/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZVloeYTRmkOzatkcUqvSlunqyagIoN0ktKfYUxhZK7ECIQZJBeLHDnm6p2ZsEriaY34ATGSEaCvUCOVG-CYEoDw3epdDUFeBOCy0tzJxxoFn3HlkkbxE_pOZIT4xkO3DcyLu_Yn0NVlgVtXPDZMul06PbdjFnw5mDx4t56mrUIMMv3u529gU8IiCiXE/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Hawks Tallyhawk - $25</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xs-Iaw1QrsdT_sUxf8lxLgVWrfbqPJ0eNQYgQXgHptl5QLf18AXpt7GBn0UFlEz7pU3PoSsgCxGbE91p6REgDgU67FqUd7G-SghFFJd4ttwrC4Ap2PRonjC0zvKuuCahufGzC5qyhp6ga2QF2YHEQMWX4mgAFzt1h_Lv36wN4h2jXvhDY4b6aoA-4No/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xs-Iaw1QrsdT_sUxf8lxLgVWrfbqPJ0eNQYgQXgHptl5QLf18AXpt7GBn0UFlEz7pU3PoSsgCxGbE91p6REgDgU67FqUd7G-SghFFJd4ttwrC4Ap2PRonjC0zvKuuCahufGzC5qyhp6ga2QF2YHEQMWX4mgAFzt1h_Lv36wN4h2jXvhDY4b6aoA-4No/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_16.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Import Nintendo DS Games, 1 Import Famicom game - $30 for all four</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFm_b7xNXhqjV7VsiqbA0c22FX7IKTZhqsvLV8HU0QM8YLD1xUtXx_qtVm9CvRjkTXIzMcOsKfyt2XLjA6zWj7FDgMEwyD9bc7DmeBhrSTGwcMsx7bYq2LeynUlEPCArbf2jaKC1wCVEylrF3vl97qSAX2XXm9JmxhKmYrlOBmXcWCaQkWf8b52TEagM/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFm_b7xNXhqjV7VsiqbA0c22FX7IKTZhqsvLV8HU0QM8YLD1xUtXx_qtVm9CvRjkTXIzMcOsKfyt2XLjA6zWj7FDgMEwyD9bc7DmeBhrSTGwcMsx7bYq2LeynUlEPCArbf2jaKC1wCVEylrF3vl97qSAX2XXm9JmxhKmYrlOBmXcWCaQkWf8b52TEagM/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_17.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNES Super Mario Bros World Wall Display/T-Shirt holder Display Cartridge - $10</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPBTjR5zkLAQ_0ZUiRXmQbG7w6FLm4tX3av7MkxMDcQ1L_rxY3VWLh2Qj7humHwf37eYGzGmJ4QzvZx4xXeNoKSnAEC-4c1KLSFHXMy5TLSzKtHTfl-_X0gmFcvG2gqCaFPyImuB9UcdekM_abVaqxjD3_eELvPNZWnm6S0QjkG0l89nF1HFtcXkhU_M/s740/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPBTjR5zkLAQ_0ZUiRXmQbG7w6FLm4tX3av7MkxMDcQ1L_rxY3VWLh2Qj7humHwf37eYGzGmJ4QzvZx4xXeNoKSnAEC-4c1KLSFHXMy5TLSzKtHTfl-_X0gmFcvG2gqCaFPyImuB9UcdekM_abVaqxjD3_eELvPNZWnm6S0QjkG0l89nF1HFtcXkhU_M/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_08_14_mogamecon_18.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scalphunter, Crystar, DC Who's Who, and Sad Sack comics - $9</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0St. Louis, MO, USA38.6270025 -90.19940419999998910.316768663821158 -125.35565419999999 66.937236336178842 -55.043154199999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-18106849172431947012023-07-18T13:38:00.000-07:002023-11-28T13:15:44.390-08:00Over halfway through 2023<div><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The older I get the faster it seems that time passes me by. Today
is a really good example of how when I woke up I had the energy and the urge to
accomplish a lot of things today. And then as the day wore on I had feelings of
anxiety and worry that started to derail me. It's not an uncommon thing that
happens to me, but it is annoying. I can remember a time when I didn't think
about my mental health as much. It truly was ignorance is bliss. The one
failing that I can find, at least in my case, is that when I started going to
therapy, and now participating in this coaching class, I feel like I've become
almost hyper aware and yet at the same time numb to things in my day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Part of me thinks that as I'm getting older I'm becoming
more forgetful, and that's true. I'm finding myself thinking more about the
actions I take both big and small. It's a precious action that I've started to
really appreciate more. I spent so many years rushing towards the destination
of nowhere in particular, just somewhere, anywhere, over and over again. I gained
a lot of insight over the last few years, especially since covid had us locked
down. There are times when it doesn't even seem like that was a moment in my
reality. I've spoken about this before in videos and in past blog entries, but
having worked at a museum with a small group of people during lockdown made my
experience very odd. I was simultaneously out in a world working in a building
that would attract hundreds if not thousands of people over the course of a
week, but it then stood fairly empty. Just a handful of us doing rounds,
interacting, and biding our time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel safe enough to admit that even after all that time
that is passed, there is a part of me that still feels vacant. There are people
I talk to that would just soon forget the whole thing happened, they want to
forget how much living was lost for the better part of a year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm remembering those days because there are moments today
that I still feel the isolation and feeling that whatever norms we once had,
became inextricably changed forever. It's the closest sort of approximation I
have to define the thoughts in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New habits formed for me. I became more aware and wary
around large groups of people. I finally became comfortable enough to be able
to attend shows and be around people in general. But there was still a twinge
of something, something I had not been able to really give a name to, that
lingered in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And only recently have I been able to overcome and
understand what it was.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't depression. It's not avoidance. It's a newfound sense
of self-awareness. One that for the better part of my life, I thought I was
fully armed with.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every morning that I wake up, I give myself a few minutes to
practice mindfulness, and give appreciation for the good things that are a part
of my life. I give thanks that I woke up in the morning, that I have a roof over my head, and all the other
myriad parts of my life that I am very grateful for.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For a few weeks I kept asking myself why I didn't want to
take the time to update my blog. A partially true answer would be that I burned
out pretty rapidly chronicling so many shows last year. In fact there is still
three or four blog entries I've not completed. I'm actively working to inspire
myself to complete those, at least for posterity. A completely true answer is
that I genuinely felt like I didn't have much to say. This has been the same
for a lot of my other outlets for posting media and images. Somewhere after
February I hit a wall creatively and emotionally. I was once again back in the
mindset of “is this what I want to do? Am I still happy? Do I still want to be
an illustrator or whatever it is I'm attempting to be?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've followed this blog you know that this is familiar
territory that I had covered at least twice before. This time, the observation
and thoughts are accompanied by something I hadn't really considered prior. In
connection to this thought, I've had friends recently that have suffered from a
few sicknesses and ailments, which reminded me of the fragility of human health
and well-being. Since the beginning of the year I've also had a few
acquaintances and friends pass on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some years back I had a teacher that helped me overcome the
social anxiety I had. They had mentioned that life was like a play. There is a
stage that the main character lives their life out on. And a spectrum of
characters wander in and out of eyesight as the performance goes onward. That
our lives consist effectively of three acts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first act is filled with the buoyancy of learning and
gaining knowledge, discoveries we make within and without others, And the
feeling that a journey has just begun.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Act 2 brings about challenges, obstacles, and a different
light with which to view the familiar and the new. Responsibilities and the
desire to fulfill dreams from our youth begin to formulate who we want to
become. It is also a time when the companions of heartbreak, our first sorrows,
and the first moments of unease and tinges of fear apply for apartment spaces
in our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then act 3. A part of the play that rarely has a hard
line delineation from act 2. But you're well aware when you are in it. The
sunset of the show, a time of reflection and resonance. When stories either
come full circle or come to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For some reason I've become keenly aware that I am living
towards the end of act two in my life. It's a bit surreal to think about it
that way, but it doesn't make it any less true. Not discussing evolution or
finality in our lives Is pretty much the norm. Truthfully I've only ever really
found a handful of people who are comfortable discussing anything like this.
Most people would find it to be a dark turn and subject matter best left
ignored in the present. To the contrary, I have found that acknowledging that a
lot of time has passed by, has, with quite a bit of trepidation in my heart,
allowed me to be very aware of how precious the time is that we have. It's
allowed me to think about the things that I want to accomplish, and ask myself,
can I honestly still do or aspire to the things I thought about 25 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both the coaching course and the therapy sessions that I
have had, led to me asking questions about what is going on around me, and what
do I really want to do with whatever time I have left. Even as I go back over
this blog post looking for typos, I'm really aware of the fact that the things
I write about, the things i think about, and the craving to change my art
output, are coming from someone who has changed More than I realized.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of this maybe a direct rejection of having been a
member of generation X, raised by television programming, pop culture icons,
and an overdeveloped exposure to an artificial presentation of history and an
overdose of nostalgia. Don't get me wrong. I very much still appreciate and
love so much of what made-up my childhood. The music, the toys, the cartoons,
everything that was in the 1980s and 1990s. But I was startled to realize that
there was almost a delusional haze of Evergreen mentality that came with those
two decades. Almost a mental fountain of youth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And as much as I enjoyed growing up and being around so much
of what has defined who I am today, I wonder if it also hasn't stunted me to
some degree. This has been a topic of conversation among quite a few people
I've run across. Rarely at shows or in person, mainly online, specifically
youtube.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though I don't know where exactly I want to be by the time this
whole crazy life of mine decides to end act 3. I do know that there are so many
things I have yet to experience and see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the last few weeks, I gave myself a goal to start
opening myself up to saying yes to more things. Within reason. It's still very
much a work in progress, but I've asked myself questions, and now I need to
have the bravery to answer them honestly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've seen any of my videos you know that I recently had
an opportunity to touch a sea anemone, a couple of Stingrays for the second
time, and coolest of all a sea cucumber. I also was able to walk around and
explore a Steamboat for the very first time. I got to see the world's first 3D
printed car in person. I grew cucumbers in my garden for the first time, and
just today ate part of one. And last but not least, after I put out some
squirrel feed, I sat at my window and watched the youngest squirrel that lives
in the tree out front calm down and nervously approach the little wooden couch
shaped squirrel feeder I have, and with all the caution in the world, it
started to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In life we can often find ourselves focusing on the negative
things. And it makes sense when those things happen they can cause all sorts of
bad emotions to come pushing forward. I can tell you it does make a difference
when you take the time to acknowledge the moments no matter how small, that
bring a smile to your face or a feeling of calm to your mind. Regardless of any
picture or video the good moments are fleeting, but the memory and the moment
are irreplaceable and more valuable than words can say.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've made it this far on this blog entry thank you. I
promise, the rest of the ones I have planned will go back to my regular
scheduled programming of lighter subjects. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Expect two show updates this next month. The first one is
rapidly arriving it is a show being held by 1313 mockingbird lane toys at the
Granada, and the band galactic empires performing. Then later in the month I
have one of my two favorite shows, Free State comic con happening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And to close this out in other news, I'm still
actively posting videos to TikTok, and have made our gargantuan effort to
reinvigorate my YouTube channel. I have managed to post content daily for
almost two months solid now. Everything from video game play throughs, to part
time lapses, to video journals, and a few other random videos I've always wanted
to do. So if you have the time, I'd appreciate all of you to go and check out
my channel and maybe even give it a follow.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-50634124320297843592023-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:002023-06-22T15:34:31.272-07:00Halfway point<div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivKuhJ3XhBVFlTPR5FBx2ILq0ze15ULU3Pv4frYXQK7J_WQZ2sxyMmh0SunIAyg7jnBFSOxjFsIJYHc5d2HN9hsoy8ePiTuERcUpyP-T2NwaQb6j1Wt2fpY3HxgaqxGZqCtqjqxI3BqlcXFX3UU67eZrEBwzJUuilxz6ovWb6hk9KpYjA34BgpWYlsSE/s740/artisanrogue_2023_06_22_halfwaypoint_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivKuhJ3XhBVFlTPR5FBx2ILq0ze15ULU3Pv4frYXQK7J_WQZ2sxyMmh0SunIAyg7jnBFSOxjFsIJYHc5d2HN9hsoy8ePiTuERcUpyP-T2NwaQb6j1Wt2fpY3HxgaqxGZqCtqjqxI3BqlcXFX3UU67eZrEBwzJUuilxz6ovWb6hk9KpYjA34BgpWYlsSE/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_06_22_halfwaypoint_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radar sleeping as my arm goes numb trying to get this photo.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Have you ever woken up and realized that far more time has
passed than you're comfortable admitting?</p><p>I don't mean suddenly sitting up in
bed one morning and having an epiphany, I mean maybe you're sitting in a
conversation and somebody says something that Stokes a point of thought or
reflection in your mind. The last entry I made on here spoke to the amount of
burnout that I was dealing with. Thankfully it seems that a good amount of that
burnout has started to fall to the side. I had to come to terms with a lot of
what went wrong in 2022, and how I wanted to approach it in a constructive way
and build upon that.</p><p>As I'd mentioned before of course I go to therapy, and
thankfully I also have access to a career coach.</p><p>It's allowed me a forum
filled with the combination of interaction, intense self reflection, and then
understanding that it's not so much procrastination as much as it is avoidance
that I am putting myself through. Originally I was going to list out a whole
bunch of things that were negative aspects I had to deal with, and although
that might be a really good exercise for myself, I don't think it makes the
best blog post. </p><p>What I will focus on, is some of the positive things that
have happened for me. The most important of which has been an honest start on
organizing a lot of the overwhelming things I need to finish and accomplish so
that I can move onwards professionally and personally. I'll go more into depth
on those things in another post.</p><p>In other news, I recently was given an opportunity to speak
on the subject of artificial intelligence and how it affects creatives, and lead a discussion about it with the attendees. </p><p>The
presentation was to a small and enthusiastic group of people that had a lot
of questions, and a lot of input, which made for really enjoying and
inspirational evening. What led to this was that I had created a one hour video of me
reacting to working in the program Adobe Firefly some weeks prior. I was pleasantly surprised
when a friend of mine who works at Adobe had shared that with his coworkers,
this video in turn had led to me doing this talk on AI. It now looks like I
might have an opportunity to go on the radio on KKFI possibly, and speak more about
it. </p><p>It's funny where life can take you and what you end up doing that isn't
necessarily outside of your wheelhouse, but it's still unexpected. I've updated
the page on here is showing the conventions and events I will be taking part in
for the remainder of the year. There's still two or three events I'm waiting to
hear back on, so fingers crossed I'll be able to get into those. </p><p>Late nights
and irregular hours have started to infiltrate my days again unfortunately. I
know that's not good for my health but there's a lot of times when I feel like
the only time I'm able to think is late at night. There's a lot of times my
mood swings get the better of me, and I can find myself being impatient,
annoyingly driven, and prone to moments of heavy self doubt. I think that can
happen to anyone whenever life seems overwhelming. I used to think this was
connected to having a midlife crisis, or maybe just getting through the COVID
years, But I think it's a more general feeling that I found other people have
as well. </p><p>It's a feeling of aimlessness, questioning ones place in life, and
even aspects of feeling isolated in one's thoughts. For a few months I'd
wondered if I was ever going to blog again. I honestly didn't have a whole lot
that I wanted to write about on here. But then I remembered how much my website
and this blog in particular has remained an archive of memories for me, and many of the very kind comments that people have told me over the years. </p><p>That
led to me getting into the editor and starting to do some small updates on the
website overall and then writing out this blog. It was also because I was
working on my YouTube channel which yesterday was the 13 year anniversary of me
having logged on to YouTube for the first time and started up this channel.
That is so surreal to think about. I struggled for a long time to get followers
and in the last few weeks I've managed to start growing once again. </p><p>Granted I'm
uploading videos a lot, it's been daily content for about 3 months now. I'm
still learning and I'm doing what I can in lieu of the fact that I no longer
have my Etsy store, and need to drive traffic to my gum road store and to any
live events I'll be selling at. I think that's enough for now, I'm looking
forward to doing reviews of shows and finishing up the reviews for the last
three shows of 2022 that I never did publish. On that note quickly eventually
the archives I have for past shows and events will be going away and they will
be replaced with either publications or downloadable PDF files. There's a
couple of reasons for this that I'll not get into right now, but I need to
streamline this website and organize a lot of my older stuff.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-1469103416599715382023-02-26T18:53:00.001-08:002023-02-26T19:03:57.205-08:00A year to wait on...<div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswiwP4XoCHM8wsswbnlzMrLQcC8UsKGj5676qeimjeIcw6SR4emwH0afiU7EnhE8mObci932O3s3F0B2VF0vFb-aO-jvvutfbkm323Mt2s2O5924W48N2j8U-o2K4fxjEaIqZVFclv1cba3Wr4jI9J40SP8zLe7FrNWzPBUj9UdQtHhPRAdAMe6rd/s740/artisanrogue_2023_02_26_ayeartowait_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswiwP4XoCHM8wsswbnlzMrLQcC8UsKGj5676qeimjeIcw6SR4emwH0afiU7EnhE8mObci932O3s3F0B2VF0vFb-aO-jvvutfbkm323Mt2s2O5924W48N2j8U-o2K4fxjEaIqZVFclv1cba3Wr4jI9J40SP8zLe7FrNWzPBUj9UdQtHhPRAdAMe6rd/s16000/artisanrogue_2023_02_26_ayeartowait_00.jpg" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s the end of February. </span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And the year already seems like it’s flying by.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year didn’t start out like I thought it was going to. In fact, it has a feeling similar to this last year continuing.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you that follow this blog, you’ve probably realized that I’m still missing a few entries from last year, and that I didn’t post it all in January or the first part of February. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'll cut to the chase. Burn out is real. I have immense burn out. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was brought on by a lot of things, but the point is that I am almost completely and utterly burned out. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It serious enough that it's been something I've spoken to my therapist about. </span></p><p>What does one do when burn out is the case? </p><p>In the movies, a character might out of the blue win the lottery, or maybe they've suddenly struck on an inheritance, or they cash in a seemingly endless savings account they've been holding onto for a rainy day.</p><p>But when one isn't in any of those positions, what can one do?</p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On a couple of other places in social media I’ve already mentioned that I didn't get accepted into NakaKon this year.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The more time goes on, the more I realize that this is all working out in a way that I had not expected.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been struggling to complete volume one of my latest graphic novel, a by product of the burn out.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m also on the downward slope of a combination of, and I kid you not, a bout of COVID-19, and either the flu or a case of bronchitis, that knocked me out of the productivity position for now two weeks. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I mean it seems like it's all reinforcement of the </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the decision I made shortly before the end of 2022, that this was not going to be a good year to attempt to do any shows, especially considering how bad last year went for me financially.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to preface what I'm about to write out with the fact that I'm not currently depressed, nor am I trying to have any sort of pity party. But I do feel that honest and open thoughts can hopefully help others.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve barely been functioning, even on social media. Yes, in part because my voice is shot right now, and I can only go a few minutes without having a small coughing fit.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some days seem aimless, even more because I'm not pressured now to prepare for shows.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The feeling of connection to wanting to either create videos, artwork, or practice any of my hobbies, is a very weak one.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years through various jobs and during this last year especially, I had that feeling growing deep down inside. One that made me want to just put things to the side.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But it’s also been a lot of self reflection, critical, thinking, and moments of meditation and mindfulness. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Which thankfully has been a good thing. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have found myself questioning what I want to do with the rest of my life. Was I ever happy on the paths that I have been following prior? Did I proceed down professional paths because I thought they were the right thing to do, or was it because it was what everyone else expected of me?
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Honest questions that I think a lot of people never take the time to really ask of ourselves. I know I really don't. Not as much as I should. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All of that has been some extremely heavy weight to bear. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had started the year with a small video journal project that I thought would help keep me proactive.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And it did. At first. I would cover my thoughts, and eventually my creative processes.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Losing my voice when I was sick absolutely wrecked the continuity the of that project.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Normally I would’ve been overwhelmed by a feeling of self defeat and would not have wanted to carry back on with it. But thankfully to the contrary, as soon as my voice recovers, I plan on jumping right back in but instead doing it on a weekly basis. The daily aspect was probably too ambitious to start with, but it was cathartic and very eye opening, so for that I am very grateful. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s very much how I’ve decided to address a lot of the circumstances I find myself in. I mean I got sick from the very first convention I attended this year.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to take it as a sign that I just really need to stay the hell away from shows this year. Never mind the fact that I have an overwhelming amount of things from freelance to my website, to all sorts of personal projects and organization efforts that seriously need real attention. It’s quite frankly why I haven’t finished the other three last blog posts from this last year. They just haven’t been that important.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And when I get this sick, I am keenly aware, as macabre as this sounds, of my life spent. It's a look at my own mortality, and what is really important in life. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know what form the rest of the blog posts are going to take this year.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel that I need to make a real deep dive into re-introducing people to the fact that I am a working artist. I’m not even joking. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a few real honest conversations with people last year that opened my eyes to a few things that I have never considered. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There were people that have no idea that I am an illustrator or graphic designer, really, a visual artist of any kind. There are people that know me for my spoken word performances, or poetry reads. There were other people that knew I did video production, and even some that had no idea what I do</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet all last year I was fairly prolific on social media, showcasing everything that I created, art shows I was a part of.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a frustrating revelation to say the least.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not sure why this is the case. But it is one that I am absolutely dealing with and it’s made me wonder if my own assumptions are the reason for this problem. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I rarely talk about my Etsy store, I don’t post many in progress, art images, or upload art videos to my YouTube channel as much as I used to. I also feel that because I’ve not released a comic or a graphic novel in sometime that people forget that this is something that I am working on .</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It sounds like I’m throwing a little bit of a pity party, but I’m not.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I simply am trying to understand how I was able to spectacularly fail at 86% of my marketing and show efforts this last year. I know that there were variables outside of my own control, but I am unable to comprehend why my performance was so bad, unless I taken to consideration a few factors, that, after a year of blogging and talking to people, I have been able to extrapolate.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In no particular order, these are a few of the things I found:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I rarely say anything I make is for sale. </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I always forget about price signage at shows </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I never talk about anywhere to purchase my artwork whether it’s online or at a location </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I take a long time to create books and art reproduction releases </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t do a lot of fan art </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I may come off to some people as either egotistical or standoffish, as I’ve come to understand </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a multitude of other things I’ve considered, but these are the most predominant ones. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of this, I’ve decided to really honestly take a look at who I am as a creator, as an artist, as a person. It made me ask questions that I was not comfortable answering at the time. Maybe it just seemed redundant since these are the same things I've had for years in my head.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="313" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wRE4zP826yA" width="454" youtube-src-id="wRE4zP826yA"></iframe></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So I hope you all bear with me as I begin to try some new things and expand upon other things this year. I am extremely grateful for any one and everyone of you that have ever given me back feedback, critiques, or praise for any of the things I do . It really means a lot more than you know.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that’s a lot of odd or uncomfortable stuff for me to put out there, but I’m being honest. I simply want to be able to take a look at where I’m at now and where I’m headed for the rest of my life and I would love to be able to know that I did the best I possibly could as an artist.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-5123972120890602412022-10-22T20:32:00.216-07:002023-01-02T23:50:37.916-08:00QuadCon 2022<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So the next show I was attending was QuadCon, located over in St. Charles, Missouri</span>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ14IYJqVzikV86EvF-TAvVPwSBsVO7dP42LmiE7paCfJGOxjkyc-CZzCix5qWhMPUcCjQ9VMBcyJLvFLLG3FZbSQpka3B4LwDIlr4xu7FUZh0-LnI5zU9q_lqLYjr1A3vQIuOY835BXkyr9KzLtMNnFsV-UJ9TzmDUReNUPoFWrDwubJodulyo71/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ14IYJqVzikV86EvF-TAvVPwSBsVO7dP42LmiE7paCfJGOxjkyc-CZzCix5qWhMPUcCjQ9VMBcyJLvFLLG3FZbSQpka3B4LwDIlr4xu7FUZh0-LnI5zU9q_lqLYjr1A3vQIuOY835BXkyr9KzLtMNnFsV-UJ9TzmDUReNUPoFWrDwubJodulyo71/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I placed an order for brand new issues of my comic through Kablam printing, and they came in the same day. I was going to leave for Saint Charles. </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a show me and my brother love going to, and the reason we went the very first time was to meet YouTube personality and toy enthusiast, Pixel Dan.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After so many shows, it’s just nice to get out, and just relax, and maybe find some cool things to add to my studio collection.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYzHU8ppsj6r07sXx_mQbBWggvTtJy9VAFmOz1e27dZwmdmMvunFManM4hNlBWyxZkzjTySsZoy-lzldJn5zGScG3H1SCkcoWjEY_ZOqPzF9TXYClm6oOvt8LLKCtkMDaGYqmEyg5ZyTCS3zvfsjYLVU5R455kSWQZkXvi4AdInL1GN_jP8o0rhBw/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYzHU8ppsj6r07sXx_mQbBWggvTtJy9VAFmOz1e27dZwmdmMvunFManM4hNlBWyxZkzjTySsZoy-lzldJn5zGScG3H1SCkcoWjEY_ZOqPzF9TXYClm6oOvt8LLKCtkMDaGYqmEyg5ZyTCS3zvfsjYLVU5R455kSWQZkXvi4AdInL1GN_jP8o0rhBw/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Saint Charles is out near St. Louis, so from Kansas City it’s about a 3 to 4 Hour drive. Which means an early departure time.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We pulled in right around 10:30 AM, and cover was five dollars entry, I believe there are other discounts available</span>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoT9b027MhrRbRtIdcJbaTFLHaS7HvAJePEq404_cDt9aAFzjY2tjdm5461CTRIWcLrW4qsLjXPpizaz4KdJ0EOQkeLS9ehR0f3cbFNwSSek9TxMr5K0YRFwXDn-UBGVOWPA6m-JlO2aie-hQbNN3pSAtynEctlnJBxbawK_Soag3WJgo5dkqWlriB/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoT9b027MhrRbRtIdcJbaTFLHaS7HvAJePEq404_cDt9aAFzjY2tjdm5461CTRIWcLrW4qsLjXPpizaz4KdJ0EOQkeLS9ehR0f3cbFNwSSek9TxMr5K0YRFwXDn-UBGVOWPA6m-JlO2aie-hQbNN3pSAtynEctlnJBxbawK_Soag3WJgo5dkqWlriB/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot of families attend this show.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For those that have not been to QuadCon, it’s a pretty defined toy, Collector event, with some comic book, dealers, and a few local artists selling things</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofb8TEF_1snHI9d-lEEuLbZezlyOYN3olrlHiYDfvIJ31rzei81Sp6UDutWG8ylxWWDuJkizYAFMgf4fAHto6yrif9GnkgEML8osev3O650vjs09Fm83RwI91xUJyBYi3CtybaBCDJi8BJsUau3SXrEEdKUdUlSZh0EhFFmsbu0APOSz9vdTSXDHz/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofb8TEF_1snHI9d-lEEuLbZezlyOYN3olrlHiYDfvIJ31rzei81Sp6UDutWG8ylxWWDuJkizYAFMgf4fAHto6yrif9GnkgEML8osev3O650vjs09Fm83RwI91xUJyBYi3CtybaBCDJi8BJsUau3SXrEEdKUdUlSZh0EhFFmsbu0APOSz9vdTSXDHz/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Always nice to see what sort of transformers and robot sort of items show up.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If this sort of show is in your wheelhouse, this is thankfully one of the shows that still caters to vintage items pretty religiously.</span> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BxkjeYmmmMZ89x3kfo4omwkxHh3DtpOxWd2XcJkigLjbvCeS7U0O26c6AjeRmWEIqPBo6KWVoSJsf3NiTDTAi1ryy9mYvDU3Pz8Pb-92WrHyMlB0ARDkHyz-iTcHryWYLBLJsfIvqEQ4e_HK9wUhJ48wMTWj88cgOnTqRHOmUfvG5yX8fsqXdB5E/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BxkjeYmmmMZ89x3kfo4omwkxHh3DtpOxWd2XcJkigLjbvCeS7U0O26c6AjeRmWEIqPBo6KWVoSJsf3NiTDTAi1ryy9mYvDU3Pz8Pb-92WrHyMlB0ARDkHyz-iTcHryWYLBLJsfIvqEQ4e_HK9wUhJ48wMTWj88cgOnTqRHOmUfvG5yX8fsqXdB5E/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_05.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the life of me, I don’t know where I’d seen this before, but I know I never owned it.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s kind of a rush doing the shows because the earlier you get there the better the selection. I made my first purchase of the day within the first 15 minutes of walking in the door.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFLfbGI5rfJrcQ1MjkR5QaX1obUw6ylT23MM5gCHB5JFFUNZFudRF3qRIwJSRIYVeZTpdRwugpwikXDqumIAuJnwPuDOgKHB2Ngfbv1xhqp1qgyRZffCVTl_fw9nkaPpYGOeQS8JJYbbHQ5iZyC1paTVpSpE-LC0DBj47qTW-CWwb5jGLTNhvbFe1/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFLfbGI5rfJrcQ1MjkR5QaX1obUw6ylT23MM5gCHB5JFFUNZFudRF3qRIwJSRIYVeZTpdRwugpwikXDqumIAuJnwPuDOgKHB2Ngfbv1xhqp1qgyRZffCVTl_fw9nkaPpYGOeQS8JJYbbHQ5iZyC1paTVpSpE-LC0DBj47qTW-CWwb5jGLTNhvbFe1/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_06.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Seeing carded Rock Lords, in person is a rarity indeed. But also seeing carded M.A.S.K. and Dinoriders items really surprised me.
</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I never had this Horde Playset as a kid, but seeing one still sealed in the box with a little shelf wear, and encased in acrylic for about $1200 was pretty astounding.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvoYkH8Bm1jQCLjqTDWmvBbhB1O9_W3yrNUexCwtxcIkjX9TGwTstDE5KoA_7ItUlALmR__JcfzFnMwaq0hejyzRv0JLIJPR2YV8oedRx7Z0IuoHBIszKq6Z51GqyM77LDyhU8PGZqoRsTrFqgJkic_nWsRFSIldtmX4LReooVTotn_DNFZJwqkv1/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvoYkH8Bm1jQCLjqTDWmvBbhB1O9_W3yrNUexCwtxcIkjX9TGwTstDE5KoA_7ItUlALmR__JcfzFnMwaq0hejyzRv0JLIJPR2YV8oedRx7Z0IuoHBIszKq6Z51GqyM77LDyhU8PGZqoRsTrFqgJkic_nWsRFSIldtmX4LReooVTotn_DNFZJwqkv1/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_07.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Occasionally, you’ll see something so rare you can’t help but stand and stare at it.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The cosplayer you see below was hands-down, the best cosplay effort I have seen all year long. It’s a pretty impressive, Batman costume, but my brother and I quickly noticed he was carrying some thing. I couldn’t help it. I laughed out loud because as you can see..</span>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAqUSD8E6XzU7ClMN03zq4HQ9AbIGLCggtcwYRcF0fZ7AYxWdoX9rN_2iBkdwBwpVmVjbN8yhjByEys8FOrVezu7f-1qgYaJCnkFGsi1PzqQpmGNvNOcwL-I563q2v2atudiWTvXsmBk88eB2Pmwivr5_LHwAe7tyltvPrnrkJKG4HPVYL3e1emLv/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAqUSD8E6XzU7ClMN03zq4HQ9AbIGLCggtcwYRcF0fZ7AYxWdoX9rN_2iBkdwBwpVmVjbN8yhjByEys8FOrVezu7f-1qgYaJCnkFGsi1PzqQpmGNvNOcwL-I563q2v2atudiWTvXsmBk88eB2Pmwivr5_LHwAe7tyltvPrnrkJKG4HPVYL3e1emLv/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He had applications for a new Robin in hand. Take a good look. THIS is perfection.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Batman was carrying the skeletal remains of Jason Todd and was holding applications for a new Robin. I’m not much of a DC fan, but I think like anyone who is into comics and pop culture, you can’t help but not know about the series arc, "A death in the family", when Robin dies at the hand of the Joker.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This cosplay idea was so well done on many levels, I sincerely hope he won the cosplay contest. If anyone reading this knows the name of this cosplayer, please let me know so I can add it to this blog update!</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jShSbiD0ZfjcPXv94yhdEswPhsy_iuUx9jYpOaakGbCgWxWdK0ch_xy3TjMGKl72PUMse0wBaQKfG_Llkp7JsdUzoTUWemVRJdr5eXBjiMKPPmDB9lO_GQex7ygpr1b1m4-qYVG0Wpo_h-CmHFu6wV-OCcJFzlOkiN-gcFErPmqpfPbaTkdi0rU/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jShSbiD0ZfjcPXv94yhdEswPhsy_iuUx9jYpOaakGbCgWxWdK0ch_xy3TjMGKl72PUMse0wBaQKfG_Llkp7JsdUzoTUWemVRJdr5eXBjiMKPPmDB9lO_GQex7ygpr1b1m4-qYVG0Wpo_h-CmHFu6wV-OCcJFzlOkiN-gcFErPmqpfPbaTkdi0rU/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_09.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite literally a shop that sold fantasy themed items.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After a few hours there we decided we seen everything we could and had bought the items we really wanted. So we decided to see what else was in the area, and also wanted to scout out a food location. For food we found a Smash Burger’s restaurant. Pretty good food, but little bit pricey.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same shopping center was a comics and games store simply named "Fantasy Shop".</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an impressive store, filled with miniatures, sculpting tools, role-playing items, action figures, graphic novels, and a good handful of people playing war games. They also had some sort of painting competition going on, and we were asked if we’d like to put our vote in for the best painted beholder miniature.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iMhqYFvK_S03-fsy7FIycSLYDaVm5AuNWm87CWfbJiRnAUx7xBLwnLZayMeBCBh9_Q9noeXYYmdKC6O5xl8jQwxkG3rgYUUuv6kofzHz40Lr7DJgsbppq0IvFAJZ1EfbZixUA4ijacC7w1I_rAEdQaGMZa-7qakWO9ZQ6KswluT6_8evRkGJ9m5l/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iMhqYFvK_S03-fsy7FIycSLYDaVm5AuNWm87CWfbJiRnAUx7xBLwnLZayMeBCBh9_Q9noeXYYmdKC6O5xl8jQwxkG3rgYUUuv6kofzHz40Lr7DJgsbppq0IvFAJZ1EfbZixUA4ijacC7w1I_rAEdQaGMZa-7qakWO9ZQ6KswluT6_8evRkGJ9m5l/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think my brother picked up a couple of graphic novels, I immediately went over to the miniatures, and found some excellent sculpting tools to purchase.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After leaving the store, we noticed a nearby half price books, and decided to check it out. I’m a bit of a bibliophile, and I’ve never been to one of these bookstores before.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd42qb__Y24On_TtgoGcZTv-kfUn5LQD2TbC_jFAWW5Zl02-kxSKDu221wKU_chjSm1aCEEx6nt50Eg462xkXgql-RCeA4C7fnzrz239mXPBWtg8BPDr_4WJlCJESm2f9uocVYiOvj_qp7dW7-Sn424Yvd108rV6xEc0qmby6InOyPMRBKmd8ErMkD/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd42qb__Y24On_TtgoGcZTv-kfUn5LQD2TbC_jFAWW5Zl02-kxSKDu221wKU_chjSm1aCEEx6nt50Eg462xkXgql-RCeA4C7fnzrz239mXPBWtg8BPDr_4WJlCJESm2f9uocVYiOvj_qp7dW7-Sn424Yvd108rV6xEc0qmby6InOyPMRBKmd8ErMkD/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of my budget items, but still cool to have found these!</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There were a lot of used books, that covered a wide range of subjects, but they also sold DVDs, records, music CDs, a few random video game systems, and some odds and ends in action figures.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For some reason it reminded me of an alternate dimension Hastings</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><br /><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">QuadCon 2022 was held October 22nd, 2022, from 10am to 4pm.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Olympia Event Center - St. Charles, Missouri</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Entry Fee: $5 (free after 2pm)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As a vendor?</b> If you’re a toy or collectible vendor, and you’ve got items that are outside of the well-known intellectual properties from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, I have no doubt you’d have a killer show. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you happen to be one of the visual artists set up at the show, I imagine unless your work specifically caters to toy, or pop culture in general with a retro aesthetic, you might not be as successful. I haven’t done the show myself, so I’m only speaking to what I’ve witnessed as far as interactions at the show.
</span></p><p><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As an attendee?</b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Yes absolutely. This is now my fourth or fifth time attending the show, and I plan on coming back next year.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Again, as you can see from the photos above, and the videos on my TikTok account, this show is very much a toy collectors event, and there is a wide range of prices on everything. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a cosplay contest, and I believe some sort of gaming contest/competition held as well. But this is primarily a shopping event. It’s extremely family friendly, and thankfully, because the price points range from dollar items to upwards of thousand dollar items, there is literally anything for any family member to possibly find. I would recommend getting there early, as each time we’ve done the show I’ve managed to find items that I feel would’ve sold fairly quickly.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Show Entry Fee: $5.00 (Free after 2pm)</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $60.00</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $70.00</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$135.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>Just attended the show<br /><br /><b>Total Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$0.00</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a lot to see and do for attendees.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show floor layout was large and spread out.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance is good.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vendors so far have had a wide range of items.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing comes to mind. </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to approach this as an attendee/collector. QuadCon is not a large show, but it is a good show.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the vendors that show up, and I have my favorites that I consistently look to buy things from. You will find vendors who understand the vintage aspect of what they are selling, and may genuinely understand the history, scarcity, and modern state of an item. There aren’t too many shows that you’ll find that.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is one show that happens twice a year in this location. QuadCon holds a multitude of other shows, that I imagine fall within the same sort of show organization and feel as these, at least according to what I’ve seen posted online.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve managed to find finishing pieces for my collections, and I sincerely have been collecting since I was 15 years old so I have a lot of lines to complete. I would recommend a budget of no less than $50, and if you can help it shoot for around $250.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I can speak first hand to the fact that there were items I saw the first couple of shows that had I had an extra hundred dollars, I’d be in possession of some really unique and hard to find items. I’m not saying having a lot of money is necessary to attend the show. I am saying that you never know what you’ll find, and that’s an exciting prospect for any pop-culture or toy collector, especially in a day and age of a lot of shows having the same old run-of-the-mill items consistently showing up for sale</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>QuadCon 2022</u></b></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u> Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was probably the lightest grouping of items I picked up at quad con. Not because there weren’t other items, but my budget was still reeling from all the other shows I’ve done. So I gave myself a spending budget of no more than $150, to cover purchases, food, and fuel to get up there.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMrrK7aNk7QX_Ae447p-L0_7gLhjedDIuPhBBPxXX0TDhGsGHLa7_AUlj1l8zEjlOXTcv-ewfzrapJYd09RB2-uoQRBvwetjtRwCO5cohw44L8_8twpj27HZHSXuEehzKcw_1ZB58HHQwP9FI56ZDJT8FM6Oicg_kPeVLk3uQMUtm74aFAlOBimfp/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMrrK7aNk7QX_Ae447p-L0_7gLhjedDIuPhBBPxXX0TDhGsGHLa7_AUlj1l8zEjlOXTcv-ewfzrapJYd09RB2-uoQRBvwetjtRwCO5cohw44L8_8twpj27HZHSXuEehzKcw_1ZB58HHQwP9FI56ZDJT8FM6Oicg_kPeVLk3uQMUtm74aFAlOBimfp/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_22_QuadCon_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I picked up a vintage 1982 Hercules Remco figure, a GoBots "Crasher" figure, and a cobra Hiss III tank.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The drive back home was nice and pretty relaxing. It helped take a bit of the edge off of how shows have been for me. I’m glad the Kansas City Japan festival turned out as well as it did, but to attend a show just for the hell of it, was cool.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have two weeks until I have to be in Wichita for my next convention Air Capital Con. Gotta get to bagging the new Ardor comics that came in, and check to see what new art reproductions I need to make as well.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s two more events coming up this weekend that I will review.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">They aren’t normal shows, but they are artistic style events, of them are late night light events, one held at the Kansas City zoo, and the other one at Powell Gardens.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking forward to both of those, hopefully they'll be cool!</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://quadcitycon.com/" target="_blank">QuadCon</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-87953200538663800252022-10-08T22:11:00.275-07:002022-12-29T15:11:25.338-08:00Greater Kansas City Japan Festival 2022<p>Doing the Kansas City Japan Festival turned out to be phenomenal for me, but I was beginning to drag quite a bit after all these shows. </p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was now falling behind on a LOT of things, just trying to keep up. But there wasn't time to dwell on all that. I had to get ready to put forth my best foot at this new show.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEg4eVRoGrZ_XTX9q3vhowo04cJrhBccUwIxMKVVdNi7xM1XwYLk2QmDhUZTRcD4ude08LVENwr1MVbNbx44wvfHxJz2N5wwJ1gxPd5drlOMUNG16N_ZdlMv8idWfI-YE2KFaxLguRm7Vgg2W1RM_SpaA9VtZC67cRvwY5JnACikRYc7HhnBzyApB/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_00_frontarch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEg4eVRoGrZ_XTX9q3vhowo04cJrhBccUwIxMKVVdNi7xM1XwYLk2QmDhUZTRcD4ude08LVENwr1MVbNbx44wvfHxJz2N5wwJ1gxPd5drlOMUNG16N_ZdlMv8idWfI-YE2KFaxLguRm7Vgg2W1RM_SpaA9VtZC67cRvwY5JnACikRYc7HhnBzyApB/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_00_frontarch.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main entrance archway.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I knew the show existed, but I didn’t know that artists were involved with the show. A few weeks back I received an email from someone at NakaKon letting me know about it, and asking if I’d like to be a part of it. The booth fee was $150, and I still had a large backlog of items that I could sell at a show.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think this was my fifth week in a row doing a show. But I was pretty excited to see how this was going to play out. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show is one day, so I showed up the day prior for set up. In my haste to get to the show, I had forgotten any way to transport my displays into the venue, but thankfully the staff was able to find me a cart for all my items. Which is really good considering that the room I was set up to be in was on the third floor. I was instructed to come in through the back entrance and take the elevator up to the third-floor for set up.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCuTcS2MTbPjUFrp7oCmGJ_lUqsUfn_ejHKUvHgTFwLq5whjsWeRHzSwq8KKMZwtHwqjl5gIdRs6nyRNCRRVyuWUOT3TFiTUIi7NYmvFJmvVkboqRxcNC34ZnXqDhiT_6X3HYJ-topXQh201BUFeFnKXKbLbezRFghHeA-XHg4cum3flkSlVL-aSX/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_01_setup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCuTcS2MTbPjUFrp7oCmGJ_lUqsUfn_ejHKUvHgTFwLq5whjsWeRHzSwq8KKMZwtHwqjl5gIdRs6nyRNCRRVyuWUOT3TFiTUIi7NYmvFJmvVkboqRxcNC34ZnXqDhiT_6X3HYJ-topXQh201BUFeFnKXKbLbezRFghHeA-XHg4cum3flkSlVL-aSX/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_01_setup.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever so thankful the staff found me a cart. The room I was in was up on the third floor!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The way the rooms set up worked, was that whatever tables were in there you could lay claim to. I set up my walls and my banner, and then moved three tables situated around me. This was easily the most display space I’ve had at any show. It worked out to essentially be $50 a table, that’s one heck of a deal. Throw in great lighting, carpeted floor, and a great green background that matches my overall aesthetic, and I was a very happy dude, indeed.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Product wise I brought everything I had to previous shows and then some. I’m glad that I over planned for the show. As you can see in the photo below, there’s also a small reading kiosk that showcased concept art for board games that helped me possibly get some future commission work. I can’t explain it, but maybe having run the gauntlet of all of the rest of the shows made me determined to throw myself into this show with renewed energy and as much positive thinking as I could muster.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While I was setting up, I wondered what Otaku Gardens was. Turns out they were really cool group of dudes that sold some really kick ass stickers. It was a win-win as anyone that came into the room got to see a plethora of artwork across five or six tables.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">From what I understand there were things going on on all three floors. I know there was food, martial art demonstrations, history display booths, and other hobbies and interests involving Japan’s culture. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExMi0cjRNb1CvG0NoS7FAEVBgMUN_Wp7NqPnU48J1pny-biBrUfTktQWqeuJzhAGTOemioPFPwn10LKK7w_ucBNIZ8gr8DTcuY65YZ-5s8GQwl0VlZvWF821jf1t8AtUYfVwUHA1OkA9JRqDCKqBMRHrUdD1mV4e_NNjcR6FCIpXB0sheO3-l1Z85/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_02_tableshot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExMi0cjRNb1CvG0NoS7FAEVBgMUN_Wp7NqPnU48J1pny-biBrUfTktQWqeuJzhAGTOemioPFPwn10LKK7w_ucBNIZ8gr8DTcuY65YZ-5s8GQwl0VlZvWF821jf1t8AtUYfVwUHA1OkA9JRqDCKqBMRHrUdD1mV4e_NNjcR6FCIpXB0sheO3-l1Z85/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_02_tableshot.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again set up for world domination and ego stroking.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the early morning and right around 2 o’clock. I had time to work on some sketches and post to social media.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mind you I was still pretty tired, but as long as people were talking to me, I was fine. The moment it started to have a lull, I was in trouble. An urge to take a nap was strong.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankfully, I had a few friends stop by who watched my booth, and I was able to make a few quick rounds while also hitting the restroom. I needed content for TikTok, and for this blog post, so I took more vids and pics while out in the hall.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first time this year, I actually started to run out of things that I was selling. That was a jolt of excitement that is hard for me to put into words, even as I type this, without getting a little emotional.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve read the previous blogs, you understand just how much money I’ve thrown at this year's efforts, and how little the return on the investment has been in many circumstances. Thankfully, the upswing started in the show previous to this one.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nxv0N1jPkWUWXSqYQK4F3N2ibyhqg4K-MBKpBvgfJiL7RxHkjE_frSPRsMkZ9IwnICD7vvSKtoRi2G0ege1lGZy4BraXtqaFfZlpQvT4gaZm2K2wW8ccwK_x5os9bDpvXuRRh9gHjsMcarqLt5rMmgeLqU81o61nPQ3r885H8v2CSKvtlA3ruURJ/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_03_conceptart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nxv0N1jPkWUWXSqYQK4F3N2ibyhqg4K-MBKpBvgfJiL7RxHkjE_frSPRsMkZ9IwnICD7vvSKtoRi2G0ege1lGZy4BraXtqaFfZlpQvT4gaZm2K2wW8ccwK_x5os9bDpvXuRRh9gHjsMcarqLt5rMmgeLqU81o61nPQ3r885H8v2CSKvtlA3ruURJ/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_03_conceptart.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off concept work for boardgames.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The accurate numbers are below in the expense and earnings area but I knew I had done pretty good considering I ran out of comics to sell, received an email commission, and sold out of a bunch of my larger, art reproductions. It felt damn good.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The crowd in attendance was amazing, and this show above any of the rest, had the most amount of people that followed me on TikTok come and meet me and purchase things. Real talk, I never thought that was gonna happen. For years, I’ve struggled to gain ground on everything from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, and it’s been a clawing and dragging experience the whole way. It looks like I’m well on my way to hitting 2000 followers by the end of this year. Having kept count, 78 of them have come to my shows, and 32 of them purchased things I made. That goes a long way toward rebuilding my wounded pride, and damaged ego from so many shows prior.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, in the last hour sales begin to dwindle, as the attendees began to thin out. It was weird, because being isolated in one of the classrooms, I was unable to get a gauge for the overall attendance like I can doing any other sort of show.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSki_KlKHrGLtZrh3H9mTdDelQ-Vh3P0jr7YRNaMWnH121cgFdF5JmtFeVe7DcWEAeeOk0PvT7MO2r9t5odSwBc-FNbMELS8mzRnGEnjgSOnqAND1psdsMtg-ntbjxUk33zd8IdXTmS4IbPvequzh_eYuA38LnOVHIENgFQErLFytOYS32uz_qoVt1/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_04_showopening.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSki_KlKHrGLtZrh3H9mTdDelQ-Vh3P0jr7YRNaMWnH121cgFdF5JmtFeVe7DcWEAeeOk0PvT7MO2r9t5odSwBc-FNbMELS8mzRnGEnjgSOnqAND1psdsMtg-ntbjxUk33zd8IdXTmS4IbPvequzh_eYuA38LnOVHIENgFQErLFytOYS32uz_qoVt1/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_04_showopening.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were events all over the building.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span></span></span></span></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I seriously had a blast doing the show, and not just because I made money, but because of the incredibly awesome people that came out to the show. A lot of them were there to shop, define new, art, and books, and so much other stuff. if you’re from Kansas City, you may understand when I say, it’s a vast majority of the population says they support art, but rarely do. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s not a dig, that’s just what I’ve experienced. Not just for my art work, but in many other circumstances, with other artists, I've known. that said this was an event that did work out well.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r5-ujhW9Q_Y5vJDdO_RKcu-rpjfSl1ee9-oV9aVgctZEbXF0IlKZakGXwo2bSLPWfgWm6aux6VtPk0SMbCDsxccNxSThz5BsFz-cK_5u2bo4B_S88vLXXQL76SGVD4l6BHmQsl9NR7YFtzDeWrTlo4G6y3QgBoL1jJcL5E6-CUCuXwyKSoY5e7It/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_05_bonsai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r5-ujhW9Q_Y5vJDdO_RKcu-rpjfSl1ee9-oV9aVgctZEbXF0IlKZakGXwo2bSLPWfgWm6aux6VtPk0SMbCDsxccNxSThz5BsFz-cK_5u2bo4B_S88vLXXQL76SGVD4l6BHmQsl9NR7YFtzDeWrTlo4G6y3QgBoL1jJcL5E6-CUCuXwyKSoY5e7It/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_05_bonsai.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only got a quick glimpse of the bonsai tree area.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AFMdKYM95TSvfwXGjacWoseayE2Pp_y_7AlR6VE7UQDDx0H3APGg_vudcK58gHnIYgXuBaMK8u8TovNAoRBkv03BkXwmaDaIkVlR1uz-dMWR_8nWW_qoo3dciof9e1pT8M-y_J1o1byYNF934SVnM5EJHX2vH7RFolYAZXRG4buCIsGZcXgKmZW/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_06_art_cosplay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AFMdKYM95TSvfwXGjacWoseayE2Pp_y_7AlR6VE7UQDDx0H3APGg_vudcK58gHnIYgXuBaMK8u8TovNAoRBkv03BkXwmaDaIkVlR1uz-dMWR_8nWW_qoo3dciof9e1pT8M-y_J1o1byYNF934SVnM5EJHX2vH7RFolYAZXRG4buCIsGZcXgKmZW/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_06_art_cosplay.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Sketching at the show. [Right] I think it's a cosplay from Dragonball, either way, it's cool!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCy4I-bkTiZVcIEZComWxPa82ONV86-FY48JNITLYtc6uKTGmYWDaieifsGK22HKT_VMykaz4yiU5cFXl_mdJixrlUguMDguyb02Q-ZfIaTsojbPW0R-yl6AYcdT4iSxFJ8CeZO2La8zxkkNtLCAB4OcaEFz2ldJ_aYPShvdhBFl4lMkp64iECm2o/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_07_gamingroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCy4I-bkTiZVcIEZComWxPa82ONV86-FY48JNITLYtc6uKTGmYWDaieifsGK22HKT_VMykaz4yiU5cFXl_mdJixrlUguMDguyb02Q-ZfIaTsojbPW0R-yl6AYcdT4iSxFJ8CeZO2La8zxkkNtLCAB4OcaEFz2ldJ_aYPShvdhBFl4lMkp64iECm2o/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_07_gamingroom.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gaming room was full!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusYeonpyORAqrj1Pli5xfYDh-a6U9uvrXWSTTSOJvGTsc5sd9JvkTSI6vbeSvlXRXWT1fMpL-Xxwt91SFtt3010lvBpCxIN5os4h_EH_iWiOAzka2Wzsb6pW-pM0WDEbuHv0EMy0REpeTu1bWrKdI47dkzvR5ZCosl2Bc0QteVHvCXPT9ekRMpjtw/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_08_crowd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusYeonpyORAqrj1Pli5xfYDh-a6U9uvrXWSTTSOJvGTsc5sd9JvkTSI6vbeSvlXRXWT1fMpL-Xxwt91SFtt3010lvBpCxIN5os4h_EH_iWiOAzka2Wzsb6pW-pM0WDEbuHv0EMy0REpeTu1bWrKdI47dkzvR5ZCosl2Bc0QteVHvCXPT9ekRMpjtw/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_08_crowd.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first hour was pretty light, but the rest of the day was waves of people.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Any show that I can talk to people is a joy, and so many of the people that came out provided me with great conversations.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDinCyIedlsibpoQee4AjywrDtdjhk16WNzRyQEtcG5sKDiJRbtjfNaTneX1IZtpSw_CZyJSp6MYZYrfgYMhiuNm5zepXIt3Z6Imo679EZ-Wmfx_WUpanOJxD01GAoYJx84ashSVIyALMBMa6N3JyC-9w7ibLaRUMjBZ9D588SW92QFtdc7lK51Wt/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_09_artsales.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDinCyIedlsibpoQee4AjywrDtdjhk16WNzRyQEtcG5sKDiJRbtjfNaTneX1IZtpSw_CZyJSp6MYZYrfgYMhiuNm5zepXIt3Z6Imo679EZ-Wmfx_WUpanOJxD01GAoYJx84ashSVIyALMBMa6N3JyC-9w7ibLaRUMjBZ9D588SW92QFtdc7lK51Wt/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_09_artsales.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started running out of some of the art reproduction editions.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>As the show close down, my roommates Otaku Gardens quickly gathered all their items packed up, said goodbyes, and were out. My teardown was slower, I was sincerely so tired by this point it wasn’t funny. I took the time to carefully re-pack everything and did a quick inventory so that I know what else I still needed to make more of for future shows..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9H4wjpTzKWKe2NVTkgm2wtSGNIIdOGO1EX8-TARd-p6u6InjpWS_esZctREonszaSd8U2MIPERlqovmueI6bR2GqvVzaG3eO3vMJTQeuCmpHQW4hcEX9jFs-7_b8qN-cN0ZB6jBhx5GAF2exRW_3GYOLlpPu842UsmTeshKbqCwxwPKXaiiQ-tL8/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_10_thedonut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9H4wjpTzKWKe2NVTkgm2wtSGNIIdOGO1EX8-TARd-p6u6InjpWS_esZctREonszaSd8U2MIPERlqovmueI6bR2GqvVzaG3eO3vMJTQeuCmpHQW4hcEX9jFs-7_b8qN-cN0ZB6jBhx5GAF2exRW_3GYOLlpPu842UsmTeshKbqCwxwPKXaiiQ-tL8/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_10_thedonut.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After show donut from the staff who waited on my slow self to pack up. I'm seeing a pattern of happiness with donuts... </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}">And a funny coincidence, when I came back in to get the last of my items, one of the staff members asked me if I wanted a doughnut. If you read the C2E2 blog entry, you’ll recall that on Sunday I was given a doughnut. Donuts for me or a rare and exciting thing, because I try not to eat too many of them. But every time I see a donut, I am reminded of Mitch Hedberg. And I think he’d be the first person to tell me. “Hey man I see you got a donut. Any show is automatically better with a doughnut. It’s like the circle of life except it’s a doughnut. It also means you came back full circle. So stop listening to me and eat the donut man.”</span></p><p>Let me take a moment to think Mitch Hedberg for his comedy, and allowing me to look at life and laugh at both the good and the bad.</p></span></span></span></span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLb2Pt8u4QmE2byi5-ekaT4HyzYYOAJScsm2ahV63sj8J7wJRx43LycQ2LGoAhfSC4ec-Ox0YDSphFjHiofX69eooK5d0hhiGGXp83NYl3zWbJhJyJ-g1P8eEauVspzyqmltKzuF_dbb9z6tWcacROqae-4kzGyCZk8ZTH5kgjTFN9XqRphn46etl/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_11_loadout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLb2Pt8u4QmE2byi5-ekaT4HyzYYOAJScsm2ahV63sj8J7wJRx43LycQ2LGoAhfSC4ec-Ox0YDSphFjHiofX69eooK5d0hhiGGXp83NYl3zWbJhJyJ-g1P8eEauVspzyqmltKzuF_dbb9z6tWcacROqae-4kzGyCZk8ZTH5kgjTFN9XqRphn46etl/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_09_KCJapanFestival_11_loadout.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading out late that evening.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Greater Kansas City Japan Festival 2022 was held October 8th, 2022, from 10am to 7pm.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: JCCC - 12345 College Blvd - Overland Park, Kansas</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ADULTS: $15
STUDENTS (WITH ID): $10
CHILDREN AGES 6–13: $5
CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER: FREE!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As a vendor?</b> I would have to say hell yeah it was! I can’t speak for any other vendors, but I know that our room specifically was doing well.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As an attendee?</b> I think so the friends that stop by told me that the show was a lot of fun for them, but there was a lot of people. If I don’t get a chance to vent next year, I am certainly attending it. It’s not an expensive event. You can see the price points down below.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Show Entry Fee: $150.00</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $24.00</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $0.00</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$174.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>36 - Comics: $90.00</li><li>1 - Commission: $500.00</li><li>16 - 13"x19" Art Reproductions: $400.00</li><li>7 - 8"x8" Art Reproductions: $70.00</li><li>1 - Mug: 15.00</li><li>3 - Button Packs: $15.00 <br /><br /><b>Total Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$1,090.00</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a lot to see and do for attendees.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show floor layout was large and spread out.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance seemed to be really great.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The crowd in attendance was there to buy and spend.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing I can think of. </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This paragraph is probably just gonna be a heap of praise, but I mean every bit of it. I was hesitant to try the show because of what happened prior at the others. But I’m glad I did. It’s a well-run and well organized show. The people that came to the show were interested in what I had to offer for sale. even without the people that came there to visit that I either knew first, or from TikTok, the crowd in general was in a great mood, and very personable.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If given the opportunity to be in the show again in 2023, I will absolutely take part</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Greater Kansas City Japan Festival 2022</u></b></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u> Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show was insanely busy, and thankfully I had friends that stopped by to give me a break, but I didn't get any real chance to buy anything.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/" target="_blank">Greater Kansas City Japan Festival 2022</a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://otakugardens.com/" target="_blank">Otaku Gardens</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://naka-kon.com/" target="_blank">NakaKon</a></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>
<div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-78930423150815949072022-10-02T22:09:00.116-07:002022-12-28T18:52:49.252-08:00Meeple-A-Thon 2022<p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re keeping track of these posts, you’ll see that in some cases I had maybe a few days to about two weeks between shows happening. And I didn't realize it, but it was affecting me.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t know a lot about the show except that according to their website, it was an annual family friendly game-based charity event that benefited the Hillcrest Platte county’s young adult housing program. The fact that it had community based help as a focus made doing the show an easy yes for me. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One surprise was the show's location was in a closed Kmart.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeple-a-thon is a long form gaming convention that lasts almost 3 days solid. I was sort of familiar with the format from another show that I had attended some years back, and I know that these gaming shows often have all night long game sessions.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyyJOw20Otv2uWR5M1bp0po_EV8kkL9y2kY5Zf8fna06CbRYcCxEwP-HwV3VNT5cAzQKJ_cTKzHw7u6QH96kg5Y033NMxe2dggzjxOv02EMOVJPV2IGWNxv0G6MdvLGtX9k4hBtztim-x8IKQhZMYwHv7J4ypTF45nwbdHG23-3aRKabFu-p_CDOE/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_00_tableshot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyyJOw20Otv2uWR5M1bp0po_EV8kkL9y2kY5Zf8fna06CbRYcCxEwP-HwV3VNT5cAzQKJ_cTKzHw7u6QH96kg5Y033NMxe2dggzjxOv02EMOVJPV2IGWNxv0G6MdvLGtX9k4hBtztim-x8IKQhZMYwHv7J4ypTF45nwbdHG23-3aRKabFu-p_CDOE/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_00_tableshot.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table was enormous, so I brought everything but my luggage to sell.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If I recall correctly, this was only the second year that they included vendors, more specifically creators and artists at the show. Set up was painless, and had I figured out a way to utilize them, there was still a lot of original shelving from when the location had been an active retail store, that I could’ve used.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Because the hours of the show were so long, that also meant that any vendors participating in the show, had to decide exactly how long they would be manning their booths. For example, the longest day was Saturday, October 1, which had a run time of 9 AM to 1 AM. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging out at shows, and I’ve done it before in years past at Naka-Kon. But that’s also with a specific set of hours for the vendor room, and then afterward, I’d go hit the arcade, or some after hours panels.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I figured since the hours were so long at this show, I would bring some things to keep me busy. I brought some art in progress to work on, started getting caught up on previous show reviews, and worked on a bunch of social media content. There were also a lot of vendors at this show I’ve never met before, so it was a really great to connect with them..</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50fA-yjPaaDQ-ejKr_DR9Jyyj-kdZeNLRM5xj6iCueEfYtudfDAvTRqOR4dTRQPDJqvF9ZDUSXuoZUofTxE2tCNhJhaWmXjsuB-k7aKLfg1TfHxkGYok-FKihbhE9Kj5LSnxCZXmG0A-hxiZ9d4YAWTUXWphv74VAbvVKLUO8pOAvIQ3JSLT5rFK6/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_01_entrrance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50fA-yjPaaDQ-ejKr_DR9Jyyj-kdZeNLRM5xj6iCueEfYtudfDAvTRqOR4dTRQPDJqvF9ZDUSXuoZUofTxE2tCNhJhaWmXjsuB-k7aKLfg1TfHxkGYok-FKihbhE9Kj5LSnxCZXmG0A-hxiZ9d4YAWTUXWphv74VAbvVKLUO8pOAvIQ3JSLT5rFK6/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_01_entrrance.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance of the show.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So real talk, for the first time, real show fatigue was beginning to rear its head. Even now, as I write this review, and look at the ones already done, and the shows that I still have not yet done, and it seems overwhelming. In a good way mind you, but still overwhelming. Something that’s really important for me is that if I do a show, I want to be at the top of my game, (no pun intended), and be attentive, productive, and clear minded.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Which leads me to the attendance of the show. Because I didn’t really leave my booth while I was at the show, and I was pretty tired, so I didn’t get a good gauge as to how many people attended the show. But from what I could tell Friday and Saturday had the most people show up. The artists were all lined up towards the back of the building/show floor. The layout wasn’t terrible, but I had a few people that spoke to me that didn’t realize there were artists in the back until late Saturday early Sunday.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I made some sales, and did a few trades, but I’m guessing at the amount because the few sales I did make were cash. Nevermind that by Sunday I was so slap happy tired, that if I wasn't in a conversation with someone, I was singing One Direction songs out loud to myself. As all cool dudes do, don't ya know... </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwdbjLp2gJRzfvJ3u8bKR3PGGEZ29soXSjwdHW1mHsQYsQFmootB4DuzYUls9AP5jvyexYkZuRo2m3vGXzC0tay8YjJ6yJDUtpfollWdTLBzJjAaJ-daBWwbBWr5aojLwKwN_ffJlGxlCBz76zC9BFHCkQNUjW9XMDKgxenIw3ckJfujK0j6MmRVR/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_02_setup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwdbjLp2gJRzfvJ3u8bKR3PGGEZ29soXSjwdHW1mHsQYsQFmootB4DuzYUls9AP5jvyexYkZuRo2m3vGXzC0tay8YjJ6yJDUtpfollWdTLBzJjAaJ-daBWwbBWr5aojLwKwN_ffJlGxlCBz76zC9BFHCkQNUjW9XMDKgxenIw3ckJfujK0j6MmRVR/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_02_setup.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighting situation was beyond great at the show.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A bonus to setting up at the show was that they would take a donation of whatever I created to put in the raffle they had organized. So there was less stress getting essentially what was a free table, for some of my artwork.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All of the attendees that I spoke to seemed to enjoy the show, and even when other shows that I have done came up in conversation, many of them alluded to the fact that they were primarily tabletop gamers, and didn’t really crossover into the Comic, Anime, or pop-culture shows. That was kind of a first for me, as I am a tabletop gamer, and very much enjoy any show that has anything remotely close to my hobby.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLzP6Un1IWlDZ_G4Pj_oJ5Aw2zbtOFhCagd4mKQh2-Rv1ZlqjtgI0A2IhLCDHi13pkOVGKA3X0UdDxrzKq0malkyTcXlmXUOe75G-uFAq6Lq-5UfxTzp6QObmq1RfDxeLHpB4ZOK1E1AM6RKMbCXoa1yferDmYwifzgf7Pq8ziz7xRig3hZqG9KTe/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_03_attendees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLzP6Un1IWlDZ_G4Pj_oJ5Aw2zbtOFhCagd4mKQh2-Rv1ZlqjtgI0A2IhLCDHi13pkOVGKA3X0UdDxrzKq0malkyTcXlmXUOe75G-uFAq6Lq-5UfxTzp6QObmq1RfDxeLHpB4ZOK1E1AM6RKMbCXoa1yferDmYwifzgf7Pq8ziz7xRig3hZqG9KTe/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_03_attendees.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Artist Alley area from my booth.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again, networking came in handy, and I was able to make some inroads for a possible future work, which is always great</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. I had also by this time started humming Dwight Yoakam songs to myself.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDoCu_45I1yiQ2JqL1by2xC0YCHddDSiz5D_hC6EgrlFctpgM7_59CvjOYbAzddwToLFvZdKD12InGwDVDCeV0RRC0BOcpayK1-SeNBeP0B-FaD2LyKjsjsjN053doYnLc1XIwqlFvjGEB8_3PEerGWZWEGwqZT2ndadzroEBvRN-O6pkfoCVbjUr/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_04_gamingtable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDoCu_45I1yiQ2JqL1by2xC0YCHddDSiz5D_hC6EgrlFctpgM7_59CvjOYbAzddwToLFvZdKD12InGwDVDCeV0RRC0BOcpayK1-SeNBeP0B-FaD2LyKjsjsjN053doYnLc1XIwqlFvjGEB8_3PEerGWZWEGwqZT2ndadzroEBvRN-O6pkfoCVbjUr/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_04_gamingtable.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the gaming tables down from Artist Alley.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a lot of downtime to talk to other vendors, which was cool, but long, slow paced days made vending a little challenging for me.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally as the last day came, I took time to repack everything solidly, and headed home to get some sleep. I think I slept most all of Monday and part of Tuesday away.</span></p><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeple-A-Thon was held Sept 30th - October 2nd 2022.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Former KMart - 7100 NW Prairie View Road Kansas City, MO 64151</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As a creator?</b> I would say yes. The mission, the staff, and the organization of the show, were all on point. The booth size is insanely generous, and the lighting is not even an issue. Loading was painless as well as load out. And most importantly, the people running the show, really seemed open to new input and ideas.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As an attendee?</b> If you’re really into tabletop gaming, this is a great show. I didn’t see a lot of young children at the show, but on Sunday, there were more than a few family units making their way around the artist area. Just remember, this is not a Pop culture center show, nor is it somewhere you would expect to pick up comic books or assorted media. It is first and foremost, a gaming convention.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Show Entry Fee/Table Cost: $0.00 if donation was made to the raffle prize table</span></li><li><span>Fuel: $20.00</span></li><li><span>Food: $35.00 (offsite before and after show)</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $55</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$110.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>2 large art reproductions - $50</li><li>4 comic books - $10</li><li>2 packs of button pins - $10<br /><br /><b>Total Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$179.89</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It benefits the Hillcrest Platte County’s Young Adult Housing program </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The staff was fantastic</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">there was a good mix of artists and vendors</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The location was spacious and well lit</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No parking problems</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not one thing came to mind</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve been reading this blog, for very long, you’re coming to the same consensus that I am, there’s no shortage of family friendly events happening in the Kansas City area. This show has a lot going for it, and it has a low-key vibe to it. It will be interesting to see where they take the show next year, in regards to hours, vendors, and overall set up of the show. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If they’ll have me back, I’d be happy to do the show again, no problem. I do think the show could benefit from more visible advertising, as even many of my gamer friends, who specifically are into shows like Gen Con and Midwest game Fest, didn’t know anything about this show</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Meeple-A-Thon 2022</u></b></span><u style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Show Haul</u></span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I picked up a few things at the show, but because I knew I still had a few more shows rounding out this year, I once again kept my budget, fairly tight.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJCsGkoI_0eOlzSTVmHTDuRGiTSPkm84RmIEM8DiqQOrwNAkFkECUoRPOKNdOyWmTCxxeBOm4YIeGvAlBtRWsedOm25gSAnwFn5m6b70ZSaEkQ1xqru0sb_VTeF5BmB5tJzxM5xJzDtLTqQu7N4tikxLdK-6ZiKpH4NKanSu6ZvvycpXPCFz7muDf/s740/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_05_showhaul.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJCsGkoI_0eOlzSTVmHTDuRGiTSPkm84RmIEM8DiqQOrwNAkFkECUoRPOKNdOyWmTCxxeBOm4YIeGvAlBtRWsedOm25gSAnwFn5m6b70ZSaEkQ1xqru0sb_VTeF5BmB5tJzxM5xJzDtLTqQu7N4tikxLdK-6ZiKpH4NKanSu6ZvvycpXPCFz7muDf/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_10_03_meepleathon_05_showhaul.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just missing the cat hat I picked up from Legacy Loop Crochet. </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I did pick up a custom dice from rolling river dice, and did a great trade for a bunch of game books for the steam punk game tephra. I also purchased a cat hat (a hat for my cat), but my cat has misplaced it, it’s somewhere here in the studio, so unfortunately, I didn’t have a photo on hand</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">!</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span><p></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://meepleathon.com/" target="_blank">Meeple-A-Thon</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://rollingriv.com/" target="_blank">Rolling River Dice</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/legacyloopcrochet/" target="_blank">Legacy Loop Crochet</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://tephrarpg.com/" target="_blank">Tephra Steampunk RPG</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://hillcrestplatte.org/" target="_blank">Hillcrest Platte County Young Adult Housing Program</a></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><script external-type="blogger" src="//www.powr.io/powr.js"></script><br /></div></div></div><div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-49460492140186923842022-09-25T22:09:00.213-07:002022-12-27T01:15:28.415-08:00Elite Comics 29th Anniversary Comic Book Extravaganza 2022<p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a firm believer in networking. It worked for me beyond belief this year. I’ve never been to the elite comics store before, and went because my brother told me that Jason David Frank (a.k.a. the Green Power Ranger), was doing a signing event in store. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I only in the last few years had became a Power Ranger fan, but I always liked the green Ranger. So when the opportunity came up to go with my brother, who is a massive Power Rangers fan, to meet JDF, I thought I'd tag along.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When we got to the shop, I recognized a few old colleagues and friends of mine, and I was introduced to the owner of the store who asked me if I wanted to be part of their next event. That’s how I ended up doing the event. About that moment, we were instructed to step outside to wait to come in for signings and pic opportunities. JDF walked in, and he looked like the badass he was on screen. All my dorkiness and insecurity came forward and I weenied out. I went and sat outside and just waited.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ANYWAY...</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The event benefits the Elite Comics Children’s Mercy Toy Drive. It's held at the Overland Park convention center. A lot of positives so far to do the show. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U0fBdDU9RD62I29oLESpPJ9duvESMxL5abeKJvfpwlJCEKJujtCqc8EXtmkHrreLTb2Tf3XP2WMmJegj7V-H8VqfuGmmU-79RXrrUVgOJqkJufv2fzj0rLf_A4Ri1s3IjsSDjBU12yvbi7VvxkvRLG6EVnE47rIMr8K-_1sGNBx7llbbROe1dUvG/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_00_morningfog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U0fBdDU9RD62I29oLESpPJ9duvESMxL5abeKJvfpwlJCEKJujtCqc8EXtmkHrreLTb2Tf3XP2WMmJegj7V-H8VqfuGmmU-79RXrrUVgOJqkJufv2fzj0rLf_A4Ri1s3IjsSDjBU12yvbi7VvxkvRLG6EVnE47rIMr8K-_1sGNBx7llbbROe1dUvG/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_00_morningfog.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is some N64 Turok era level sort of fog...</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The day of the show was the craziest fog I’ve ever run into.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank goodness, it only lasted for about half of my drive up there, but because of it, I was running a little bit behind. That photo doesn't do it justice for how insanely bad it got at one point. It was like driving while wrapped in a cloud. Not in a fun Super Mario Bros way either.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I still managed to make it to the convention center with about an hour to spare. I didn’t bring my wall set up just my banner, tablecloth, and all of my books and art reproductions. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a good group of creators there at the show, I probably about 10 of us total. Since I was invited to the show, there wasn’t any cost for my table, so that was pretty great. I high fived myself when no one was looking.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLiSn588z0wrCBdGLXvfS_YbPzyQcng6V3PcagnBotAkj6ZrWQoexBAJDOuNDA9KyOPr6Qz6hrqHDRyna7OtA8p6g2T8KUHS7V2buHCMXuCGG4Kz0u4fhuqeMQL_PLvauSx4zsVpRmD2LofVL0chdfTX-fah1SPdBgQIFrxsfG0ZArhZVEPlUCtUM/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_01_setup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLiSn588z0wrCBdGLXvfS_YbPzyQcng6V3PcagnBotAkj6ZrWQoexBAJDOuNDA9KyOPr6Qz6hrqHDRyna7OtA8p6g2T8KUHS7V2buHCMXuCGG4Kz0u4fhuqeMQL_PLvauSx4zsVpRmD2LofVL0chdfTX-fah1SPdBgQIFrxsfG0ZArhZVEPlUCtUM/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_01_setup.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all these other talented creators!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance, for the show was about what I expected. Not an overwhelming amount of people, but still a pretty strong showing for the size of the event. I made sure to let everybody I knew about the show.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t wanna leave my table but thankfully a buddy of mine stopped by the show, and I was able to get away for just a moment to check out the main room.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKutz4MBSP-lbl2nWnkqwDr4bKjgFfrDlOq8aOphK45BmiJIce0vulstoWMYuMYXUsVlN5QB6eYgtZDNcn6IYbxLF5_Acm7gcHdVsFtnAP1tOJcbwBAIQp97Ec6YA6qDluEEnl-1wdsaRwaZOIn9dh069HtKnMGO1zxU0xO_HOQDx3FYPDQEuGCgBS/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_02_mainroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKutz4MBSP-lbl2nWnkqwDr4bKjgFfrDlOq8aOphK45BmiJIce0vulstoWMYuMYXUsVlN5QB6eYgtZDNcn6IYbxLF5_Acm7gcHdVsFtnAP1tOJcbwBAIQp97Ec6YA6qDluEEnl-1wdsaRwaZOIn9dh069HtKnMGO1zxU0xO_HOQDx3FYPDQEuGCgBS/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_02_mainroom.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't get much of a chance to swing into the main room as much as I wanted.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">They had a table full of graphic novels, I believe for all $10 or lower. There were comic boxes all around the walls of the room filled with $1 comics. </span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP6ojfI0bRWCyUlkmcMNIFABlACbNuI05VCjLaNhMDJUbW--YUNPD7QzcB6tNkLEC0H-tpl7IlbNkTck7To2QfPJ90Pwso9esU0pkvCb7Z1HfXL1Rso1dwg33O7P-LyoJ1Z1W7Swb0dZQdL4AEiY6Zi4ExVM4V2pDqgqo3aStczM45Zwm1irU_Wca/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_03_graphicnoveltable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP6ojfI0bRWCyUlkmcMNIFABlACbNuI05VCjLaNhMDJUbW--YUNPD7QzcB6tNkLEC0H-tpl7IlbNkTck7To2QfPJ90Pwso9esU0pkvCb7Z1HfXL1Rso1dwg33O7P-LyoJ1Z1W7Swb0dZQdL4AEiY6Zi4ExVM4V2pDqgqo3aStczM45Zwm1irU_Wca/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_03_graphicnoveltable.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO. MANY. GRAPHIC. NOVELS. I think most were $10 or less.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of the tables in the center had various collectibles, action, figures, model kits, and other assorted pop-culture items for sale for insanely low prices.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84xKXbihNiA6LyAiJnMkhkt7_QmFKTuElYC8kTMiJaASQDiWq0dk1yj3-S-hbgPN7F_x3szHaNmLCToKNsGwU3AtyebwuKhR9OBFyJKapC7mTQioV2ZQUdtLkkP95rw4UAmuvNr3azllpjosWOX1VWOhSWpxcqNcBDmNt32D1lAGEaOwiED5pImZP/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_04_twodollartoys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84xKXbihNiA6LyAiJnMkhkt7_QmFKTuElYC8kTMiJaASQDiWq0dk1yj3-S-hbgPN7F_x3szHaNmLCToKNsGwU3AtyebwuKhR9OBFyJKapC7mTQioV2ZQUdtLkkP95rw4UAmuvNr3azllpjosWOX1VWOhSWpxcqNcBDmNt32D1lAGEaOwiED5pImZP/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_04_twodollartoys.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just two dollars!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There were a few cosplayers that showed up as well. And closer to the ending of the event they held a cosplay contest.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHlRgc432hKGulcgl20epDAPz2BppSja5zk_Pt8PRW68hbgQJ-gWFwtgvNguOg4IFcvKVeyAh2xHl4CTkWK53Nb6DEL628JBPofvothkUxOaMwcilU_wSYp1Rl3fjZfzqipnd8vJ4HcMxzQ3lshGt_klJLO9EX8tDEmkg0ZX4JZMP8zGOwa6ZPVB4/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_05_cosplayers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHlRgc432hKGulcgl20epDAPz2BppSja5zk_Pt8PRW68hbgQJ-gWFwtgvNguOg4IFcvKVeyAh2xHl4CTkWK53Nb6DEL628JBPofvothkUxOaMwcilU_wSYp1Rl3fjZfzqipnd8vJ4HcMxzQ3lshGt_klJLO9EX8tDEmkg0ZX4JZMP8zGOwa6ZPVB4/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_05_cosplayers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] An awesome mushroom character cosplay [Center] My buddy Isaac with a Spider Man fan. [Right] A great Furiosa!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the show wound down, I felt more relaxed, and had made some sales as well, so it was a good time all around for me. Now it was time to get more art reproductions made, and order in more books.</span></p><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elite Comics 29th Anniversary Comic Book Extravaganza was held Sept 24st, 2022, from 10am to 4pm.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Overland Park Convention Center - Overland Park, Kansas</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As a creator?</b> Yes, absolutely. Not only because once again, the show had a nice laid-back feel to it, but also because it benefited a good cause. Never mind that pizza, barbecue, and energy drinks were available for everyone at the event. Yeah, even the attendees which blew my mind. I really hope I get a chance to do the show again.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As an attendee?</b> Yes, I’d say so. The people I spoke to at my booth really seem to be enjoying themselves. The prices across-the-board were great, there was a hell of a lot of variety in what to buy, and the event was run really well.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Show Entry Fee/Table Cost: $0.00</span></li><li><span>Fuel: $10.00</span></li><li><span>Food: Show provided $0.00</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $35</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$45.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>3 large art reproductions - $75</li><li>6 comic books - $15</li><li>2 packs of button pins - $10<br /><br /><b>Total Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$100</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has happened for 29 years </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It benefits, children’s Mercy’s toy drive </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The selection included comics, board, games, records, toys, graphic novels</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And there was also local artists and a cosplay contest </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">They provided food and drink </span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The location was spacious and awesome</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No parking problems</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not one thing came to mind</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again, it’s another show that is very family friendly. It’s very collector, friendly, from the prices to the amount of items in variety. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never really gone out to elite comics before, nor really knew much about what they were all about. But it warms my heart when a local shop will do an event like this, and it makes the struggling artist in me grateful for it.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So yeah, I highly recommend the show. It’s six hours of just laid-back interaction, comic hunting, and great conversations to be had with everyone in attendance</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Elite Comics 29th Anniversary Comic Book Extravaganza</u></b></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u> Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d really been trying to keep my spending budget down, considering the massive amounts of debt I had incurred doing some previous shows. *cue the PTSD*</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But because I'm an introverted bitch chicken, in not actually meeting Jason David Frank at the earlier Elite event, I was more than elated that there were some autographed photos of him available for purchase, so I picked one up. Hopefully he'll be back and I'll meet him then.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The other item I picked up was a Warmachine tabletop gaming figurine, for just $10 so my total I believe came to around 35 maybe $40. Well worth it.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaXJxSkL3fav6G9GkEkaqt1hSWJAZS_ddJ-ZCxuchmAtPbdQd8FJwq-AQEceDDOuXinyjcj4AB1yCsmlhsU-gNaL3RlhqC2tEhubuSJ4OdchuG94NiaKegkUzUJRYHEcOazrI5PHf0_WxOTcenXys7Cvb302a3rAzchqZsiczwG9ku9Gmr4SSYJ6P/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_06_showhaul.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaXJxSkL3fav6G9GkEkaqt1hSWJAZS_ddJ-ZCxuchmAtPbdQd8FJwq-AQEceDDOuXinyjcj4AB1yCsmlhsU-gNaL3RlhqC2tEhubuSJ4OdchuG94NiaKegkUzUJRYHEcOazrI5PHf0_WxOTcenXys7Cvb302a3rAzchqZsiczwG9ku9Gmr4SSYJ6P/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_elitecomics_06_showhaul.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could not pass on a $10 Warmachine miniatures set, and I was so glad that Jason David Frank had signed some pics for the event!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />There's a link to Elite Comics below. It's a cool shop, and they put on a fantastic event!</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. And if you liked what you've read, and want to support the blog, there's a donation button just below.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">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!</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><p></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elitecomicskc" target="_blank">Elite Comics</a></span></div></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><script external-type="blogger" src="//www.powr.io/powr.js"></script><br /></div></div></div><div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0Overland Park, KS, USA38.9822282 -94.670791710.671994363821156 -129.8270417 67.292462036178847 -59.514541699999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-56965334232919526092022-09-11T10:00:00.089-07:002022-12-26T00:04:29.365-08:00Freestate Comicon 2022<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I think of a favorite show, I have two that always come to mind. One of them is Freestate Comic Book Convention. After the last few shows I had done, I was really looking forward to doing this.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4smnMEN-K3GV1yIs7WWN2S73OteK86qQ3SMwVRX_S6vr6rFHdp69mfiMOyVdCPeBJxkygaIL79irVZqPEPPsYM0g4_m-NQr0mNZXePJqZ5d5Er75iiAuiH63NYnZpDQT9DSYcdtFxFY9zOma4v_BjZ0cg8kfr2EMohmYCXYLEBWdKGSqmB5dRyd_/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4smnMEN-K3GV1yIs7WWN2S73OteK86qQ3SMwVRX_S6vr6rFHdp69mfiMOyVdCPeBJxkygaIL79irVZqPEPPsYM0g4_m-NQr0mNZXePJqZ5d5Er75iiAuiH63NYnZpDQT9DSYcdtFxFY9zOma4v_BjZ0cg8kfr2EMohmYCXYLEBWdKGSqmB5dRyd_/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't get as much photography as I thought I would.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you've not been to Freestate, Craig Klotz (the owner) puts on a great low key show, the kind that's not stressful, and allows for a measured pace that allow people to show, browse, and talk.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was also the first show I ever made money at. That's always kept it as a special event for me.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianp5COBw8TxdIuzNt91w0htm1YPlohZgeH-RIhbP4-ddUXnU5muY8KqUTz0_BlOggeMMU3WbKmpOUheSoH_TyU8XpQVNgmyWrLN5Ry7pv76kQjecdIa_dQzKrhgzGOMRjQwc7Qv9boXZgtgmx4RwCG2kZ2SW2rMCob1YjRNFqT2osEw145J2diVKb/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianp5COBw8TxdIuzNt91w0htm1YPlohZgeH-RIhbP4-ddUXnU5muY8KqUTz0_BlOggeMMU3WbKmpOUheSoH_TyU8XpQVNgmyWrLN5Ry7pv76kQjecdIa_dQzKrhgzGOMRjQwc7Qv9boXZgtgmx4RwCG2kZ2SW2rMCob1YjRNFqT2osEw145J2diVKb/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show focuses on comic creators, but also has vendors with comics and toys.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I love that I have a chance to talk to people that want to invest in what I create. That's a luxury I don't get at other shows. The wild part is this show, and NakaKon are the two shows that people come out at see me at. That's never happened at any other show I've ever done.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkZhj_3eT3B0rWKAxNbRqqBHKDrTbDWD0p81mKzcH_4yOc-UuLVJQpEp75PjHoUkBSKx9HRuVtrOiL5x_-mn5kmC1FzvJOAtkEZM5oGayG2513eL9VFFq6kxRTzjkBLE-AW10gU8DUI1LR1u54TJB-LL0q1Y2I6WIpmLJ8VLhVSlzLmSKflvcdmBX/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkZhj_3eT3B0rWKAxNbRqqBHKDrTbDWD0p81mKzcH_4yOc-UuLVJQpEp75PjHoUkBSKx9HRuVtrOiL5x_-mn5kmC1FzvJOAtkEZM5oGayG2513eL9VFFq6kxRTzjkBLE-AW10gU8DUI1LR1u54TJB-LL0q1Y2I6WIpmLJ8VLhVSlzLmSKflvcdmBX/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] This Ring Wraith cosplay is stunning. [Right] I love when I see generations of families out at the show.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the show wound down, and I started repacking my table set up, I could feel a wave of relief and good feelings wash over me. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The sales had been good, and during the show, I got an email from someone at NakaKon asking if I wanted to take part in the KC Japan Festival. I promptly said yes, and just like that I had one more show on the schedule, which was great, but I was starting to feel the crunch on time. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The drive home was in and out of yet another rainstorm, and I felt like I managed to get my mind back in the game. </span></p><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">KC Retro Gaming & Collectibles Show was held September 10th, 2022, from 10am to 5pm.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds - 2110 Harper St. - Lawrence, Kansas
Costs for participating in Freestate</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6′ Creator Table = $45</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8′ Wall Table = $90</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11′ x 11′ Booth, single 8′ table = $120</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11′ x 11′ Booth, two 8′ tables = $200</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Additional 8′ tables for use within any booth = $40</span></li></ul><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes. This is from the perspective of a buyer specifically. The next time the show happens, I'll do the artist table option.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vibe was laid back, but also very energetic in conversation in the main vendor room. If you want a show that had a pretty good selection of vendors, creators, and a wide spectrum of items to purchase, this show is exactly that.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Attendee Entry: $5.00 / Kids 13 years and younger are free / Bring Postcard, Entry is Free</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $35.00</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $0.00</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$35.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>2 13"x19" art reproductions: $50</li><li>8 comic books: $20</li><li>2 sets of button/sticker packs: $10</li><li>2 8"x8" art reproductions: $20</li><li>1 custom t-shirt order (after show, from business card pickup): $35<br /><br /><b>Total Gross Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$135</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has a long legacy, Craig Klotz really cares about the creators and vendors at his show.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's got a relaxed overall presentation, but is really well organized, and advertised.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A good number of great comic artists, writers, creators, and assorted vendors.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Great family friendly event</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lots of parking</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">None</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Freestate is a show I'll always recommend. It's a great all around show, and it's been the start for so many people in attending shows, and it also functions as a social circle setting for a lot of people, including myself.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>FreeState Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No additional picked up items this time, but I did trade comic issues with the amazing artist, Baldemar Rivas!
</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2EKDzKlgrPiZXk1LRj1mm1yGCm3rGE0rftgqmlo0c4pKknOdoSPcxNDonfxi-tKDwUEVINiyBLcYQftwNoBIUP21EYbnXR4nDO3zfPBrfi3Vu3IW7OnDchELhxsJkygNh6aSP8V4MmQF_vodwlCOpnFyPhRf6Xndwkg6O9Y8itMogLZDbfhuw8pX/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2EKDzKlgrPiZXk1LRj1mm1yGCm3rGE0rftgqmlo0c4pKknOdoSPcxNDonfxi-tKDwUEVINiyBLcYQftwNoBIUP21EYbnXR4nDO3zfPBrfi3Vu3IW7OnDchELhxsJkygNh6aSP8V4MmQF_vodwlCOpnFyPhRf6Xndwkg6O9Y8itMogLZDbfhuw8pX/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_10_freestate_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldemar was nice enough to sign this issue for me.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a couple of links to find out more below! </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil 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!</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><p></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://kcfancon.com/exhibit/" target="_blank">Freestate/Fancon/Collectorama</a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="http://baldemarrivas.com/" target="_blank">Baldemar Rivas</a> </span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><script external-type="blogger" src="//www.powr.io/powr.js"></script><br /></div></div></div><div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0Lawrence, KS, USA38.9716689 -95.235250110.661435063821152 -130.3915001 67.281902736178836 -60.0790001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-82117625998296930062022-08-22T06:00:00.351-07:002022-12-25T21:34:43.923-08:00KC Retro Gaming & Collectibles Show 2022<div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2022 turned out to be the year that I was going to be attending as many shows as I worked, a few for the first time.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Kansas City Retro Gaming & Collectibles show was a great surprise. I found out about the show through a Facebook post, so my brother and I purchased early bird tickets to get in and see what sort of hidden treasures would be available at the show.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One major draw for me was that YouTuber Adam Koralik, (who is the current holder of one of two very rare Prototypes of the Sega Pluto system) would be in attendance. I'm a fan of his channel and his approach to collecting games.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMGR2AHNF789gI5bSPaAR9HlGBGCsWZ535VsIhPO_CWBMBSZmQUULUyvJsXB5n1X5La-rgV2FgumKgLRNgMdKoO92zfajNflAn58dXF_iOsQ2YDs0_txeazJfehVaNPBpGVPm1LZlTqRrU4qsLiZaKXtLoe8bUslKa6i0EFx8RqYfUp0MTEiOFf55/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_00_waitinginline.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMGR2AHNF789gI5bSPaAR9HlGBGCsWZ535VsIhPO_CWBMBSZmQUULUyvJsXB5n1X5La-rgV2FgumKgLRNgMdKoO92zfajNflAn58dXF_iOsQ2YDs0_txeazJfehVaNPBpGVPm1LZlTqRrU4qsLiZaKXtLoe8bUslKa6i0EFx8RqYfUp0MTEiOFf55/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_00_waitinginline.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and I got there for the early bird access hour and some free games were available.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I know that there has been a lot of shows in the Midwest happening. Every other show seems to be some sort of pop-culture themed event to attend. And I don’t mind that, it’s nice to have somewhere to go where people have similar interests and hobbies, and that I can break into conversation with people about many different subjects and pursuits.</span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We got there before 9am, and there was already a small but growing line of people. Those of us that did get in early were offered a box to reach into to grab one game for free out of. I ended up with the Burger King game for the Xbox, "Sneak King". As I recall, there were three games released for Burger King.</span></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYbBqC4DiSPqwqU2g5i349OKRyQIPg_jA1j8nTSxHbRQ7prZLPJV0bQVo2eb46C0Wbu8oPUEvhI3ltVltZHXTnLWvbJsT-g9x2danrszFHuevqiYYaNGGCnZFE0S3_dX6fT7ngASKnsWRNWkDbQx-UvHpl4BZKySugnkr2cJ7kvq3IdnPIDFhVTo/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_01_artistalley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYbBqC4DiSPqwqU2g5i349OKRyQIPg_jA1j8nTSxHbRQ7prZLPJV0bQVo2eb46C0Wbu8oPUEvhI3ltVltZHXTnLWvbJsT-g9x2danrszFHuevqiYYaNGGCnZFE0S3_dX6fT7ngASKnsWRNWkDbQx-UvHpl4BZKySugnkr2cJ7kvq3IdnPIDFhVTo/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_01_artistalley.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I heard right, this was the first time that the show had an artist alley area, outside of the vendor room.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once 9 o’clock hit, they scanned our tickets and we headed in. It was really nice to see an artist alley line up in the hallway, leading down to the main vendor room.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll be totally honest, even as an artist I still made a beeline for the vendor room. The whole feeling of fear of missing out was pretty strong.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINs4z7-EQSh9Y4lYg2jZ8l5DZjqI1gcyyfpzijd7sYEboGlbo02QKleQz6ZRTEKxNTiDbAMFcCltPE34mljagWtZywF3M3UmO69e3ey55R6eGRZ-487Psj8wpV1Oa8QfgMLbyHSKTyWlucrR5NwPz5xn8BzDC01ZdXLkqmdGyqoEg3-7z9TD_LeRy/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_02_vendorroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINs4z7-EQSh9Y4lYg2jZ8l5DZjqI1gcyyfpzijd7sYEboGlbo02QKleQz6ZRTEKxNTiDbAMFcCltPE34mljagWtZywF3M3UmO69e3ey55R6eGRZ-487Psj8wpV1Oa8QfgMLbyHSKTyWlucrR5NwPz5xn8BzDC01ZdXLkqmdGyqoEg3-7z9TD_LeRy/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_02_vendorroom.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had specific things I was looking for. I found SO MUCH MORE.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once we entered the main vendor hall, it was almost overwhelming to see how densely packed everything was in there in a good way. I’ve been to the Stoney Creek Hotel location prior for other shows, and this one was surprising in the sheer amount of variety of vendors. I didn’t realize that at the time, but toward the end of the day, it hit me how much this moment was very much lightning in a bottle. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me explain.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To attend a show that is pop-culture themed, and meet vendors, who specifically have traveled to Japan, to bring back collectibles, who have traveled in from other states with large vintage collections, to find vendors, selling comics, graphic novels, and art books, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Add in the YouTube personalities in attendance, and it was great chemistry.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most larger shows never hit that once they get too big. A lot of smaller shows don't always get that mix right. This one did.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFWGw_dSxXVCVzz_HQo3sEIGAy7HmKFndDlyqySDFaoKYRDammz2Wu0g1xS02b-W3QgIQf77g93p6SfcLPUYtysGwbHC64ucKs5rT2yTPXmyQx7Gvm_Ww3yTzTqdU1wl5cS2I81Mk_ZGCzm4PazJxl0S_zA8ET5LTD2T8VZaYNpiAZz9WNjv5UXi5/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_03_importgames.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFWGw_dSxXVCVzz_HQo3sEIGAy7HmKFndDlyqySDFaoKYRDammz2Wu0g1xS02b-W3QgIQf77g93p6SfcLPUYtysGwbHC64ucKs5rT2yTPXmyQx7Gvm_Ww3yTzTqdU1wl5cS2I81Mk_ZGCzm4PazJxl0S_zA8ET5LTD2T8VZaYNpiAZz9WNjv5UXi5/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_03_importgames.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was super happy seeing vintage game laid out on table like this for sale.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I scoured each table. Looking for Sega items, Action Fleet ships, so many things. I keep a list of items that I’m looking for on my phone specifically for shows like this.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of the time I can’t remember if I actually purchased something before or not. Thankfully, the first table I found was stacked with a myriad amount of import Japanese games for the Famicon systems.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prices were fantastic, anywhere from one dollar a cartridge to five dollars a cartridge.</span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another vendor had a sizable amount of Sega Master System games, including two that I had never seen in person. One being Ghouls N' Ghosts, and the other being Galaxy Force. Both in wonderful condition, but unfortunately, would have devastated the budget I had allotted for myself for the day.</span></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTOHN3SC7-aN4dTMIeBALtiWW82807oJR3GOvo6OD0uMXn3dwiI9j40RoSE1T21KQLG8k0h5A4KG4VOUcgwg_0I3vKofklALSgUtcelNpIk4knaRLMcktqXT_huD1zdo0DltyteYLZXdFED6-OyquGphiqhPDlLacxBN7CWScSFQrLJlmjEzUQCHJ/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_04_smsgames.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTOHN3SC7-aN4dTMIeBALtiWW82807oJR3GOvo6OD0uMXn3dwiI9j40RoSE1T21KQLG8k0h5A4KG4VOUcgwg_0I3vKofklALSgUtcelNpIk4knaRLMcktqXT_huD1zdo0DltyteYLZXdFED6-OyquGphiqhPDlLacxBN7CWScSFQrLJlmjEzUQCHJ/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_04_smsgames.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were two grail items for my collection, and I really hadn't planned on finding them at the show.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I did appreciate that leading up to the show, many vendors posted to the KC Retro FB page, and were showing off the items they were bringing to the show. I try to remember to expect the unexpected when I go to shows because I have found some amazing deals and finds this year that I never thought I was going to.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After watching my wallet take a beating, and filling up my Mandalorian themed shopping bag, now it was time to go check out the Sega Pluto Prototype.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know why, but usually meeting somebody who has a large following on social media will make me a bit nervous. I always feel like I’m gonna waste their time by talking to them. I think that’s more an insecurity issue with myself than it is with anything else. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nonetheless, I made my way back to the far corner of the vendor room and stood in awe of the Sega Pluto system. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For context, those of you that don’t know, I am a fanatical Sega collector.</span></div><div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The second arcade game I ever played was Zaxxon, the first video game system, I received as a gift for Christmas was the Sega master system, and my first table top miniature arcade game I got was Zaxxon. I still own the Sega master system and that table top arcade cabinet in my collection to this day, the original ones I had as a child. So yeah, I was having a moment. A good one.</span></p></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphBHXaOLTUVVSpdA8IiIu3UhYS-TsIEbK6aX59EVecC83mJTIWsCBUe4EZohUWoWk9dTCfB2K1sq8kYU-tdD5l7jgeJA5Cx-iH4XobnnYYjdhsqphWAO118NkN43oQCyUppxqwGrKM0G9PEPxdU6UxmvNaV4HQpwIaA4ylQUQngmriNL5RQNHMThl/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_05_segapluto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphBHXaOLTUVVSpdA8IiIu3UhYS-TsIEbK6aX59EVecC83mJTIWsCBUe4EZohUWoWk9dTCfB2K1sq8kYU-tdD5l7jgeJA5Cx-iH4XobnnYYjdhsqphWAO118NkN43oQCyUppxqwGrKM0G9PEPxdU6UxmvNaV4HQpwIaA4ylQUQngmriNL5RQNHMThl/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_05_segapluto.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucket List Goal achieved! This is one of two prototypes of the Sega Pluto system.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I meant to ask Adam, if this was the prototype that had been discovered at a flea market in California. It was kind of trippy standing 5 feett from the system. I took photos, video, and then I got to play on the system.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Adam talked about the system as I played Virtua Fighter 2 on it, how the outer case is spray-painted black, how the internals worked, was great.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It certainly was a bucket list goal for me, now completed.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilICJ9sMYNR-HD5BXVCERSnxYrrFTY3ai3iO79s7WomGuHW2b8rCU5VA8QSQo3qnQzVe85PDzhepcvBgiGkY5B5IA6QcTusf795tHiXcEwrItLCRcAAXrNxSghk9LAwqpSAU52ksDPmd8FCPfEKqKYpYcLnaFZykFVIiLHAPVRTeLSzE0CM6bRH8jV/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_06_me_segapluto_showhaul.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilICJ9sMYNR-HD5BXVCERSnxYrrFTY3ai3iO79s7WomGuHW2b8rCU5VA8QSQo3qnQzVe85PDzhepcvBgiGkY5B5IA6QcTusf795tHiXcEwrItLCRcAAXrNxSghk9LAwqpSAU52ksDPmd8FCPfEKqKYpYcLnaFZykFVIiLHAPVRTeLSzE0CM6bRH8jV/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_06_me_segapluto_showhaul.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Me and the Sega Pluto [Right] The show Haul</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When he offered that I could hold the system, it certainly gave me pause.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m smiling in that photo you see above. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Internally there were two voices.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One and a monotone droning voice repeating "don’tdropitDon’tdropitdon’tdrop.". And then another voice that echoed all the way back to my teenage years thinking, "oh my God this thing is real and you’re holding it dude. You’re HOLDING it."</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I made a few more rounds through the show, talking to the fellow I bought the Exo Squad figs from about Game Gear repair, and picked up an issue of Old School Gamer magazine.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The items pictured on the right seem almost super random, but they all hit the wide spectrum of my interests.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I picked up the following: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">a Lego R2-D2 Star Wars pen</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">was given a boxed Japanese game that had some water damage on it</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">some Famicon disc games</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">cartridge games for the Famicon</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the Japanese version of Virtual On for the Sega Saturn</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">a few instruction manuals for the Sega game gear</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">an awesome boxed import version of Mazinger</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">a Power of the Force storm trooper</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">a lot of great comics for really good prices, I think they were all a dollar</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Exo Squad action figures from the original owner in fantastic condition</span></li></ul></div><div><div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">KC Retro Gaming & Collectibles Show was held August 21st, 2022, from 8am to 4pm.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Stoney Creek Hotel - 18011 Bass Pro Drive - Independence, Missouri</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes. This is from the perspective of a buyer specifically. The next time the show happens, I'll do the artist table option.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vibe was laid back, but also very energetic in conversation in the main vendor room. If you want a show that had a pretty good selection of vendors, creators, and a wide spectrum of items to purchase, this show is exactly that.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Show Entry Fee: $10.00 (kids under 12 were free I believe)</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $40.00</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $165.00</span></li><li><span>Parking: Free</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$215.00</b></span></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>The option was open to have brought items to swap and shop. I didn't partake in that aspect.<br /><br /><b>Total Gross Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">N/A</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show seemed well run and organized</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Space in both the vendor room and out in the artist area was pretty open</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Only thing I could think of was more emphasis given to the artists in attendance online </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Evidently this show has been around for a few months maybe a year or two. I’m not sure. I think this was the first time at this specific location for Kansas City retro.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I often talk about the vibe or energy of a show, and this one had it in spades, the weather was good, it’s a bit on the hot side. But inside the hotel, I had a blast. There were so many things I didn’t get photos of, so many other items that I just didn’t even think would be there. Again, if you follow me on TikTok at the Artisan Rogue, there’s some videos in my timeline from the show. All of the vendors seem to be in a great mood, and a few of the artist that I spoke to and picked up business cards from seem to be doing OK.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would recommend the show, if you’re looking for a good introductory show for your kids or for yourself it’s a great show here in the Independence area. It's not expensive to get in, and kids under 13 are free admission I believe.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know how many times they plan on doing this during the year, but I hope it’s not more than once or twice. The truth is, this was a show that showcased exactly how much overlap does occur in the pop-culture hobby crowd. There were a few cosplayers, a few people there specifically looking for anime based items, some diehard comic guys, vintage toy collectors, vintage gamers, gunpla enthusiasts, and more than a few people that I spoke to, that had never been to any of the other shows in the area and this was their first one</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>C2E2 Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a lot of hobbies and points of collecting, and I can't remember the last time I went to a show with such a wide berth of variety in vendors. I believe many came from out of state, and there was a lot of import items! </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_04pXsgVS2lVxEkA74ahLSpnwON8rLDCOjOaOJpCtWNOJlRjigZcHNFSyyCb96_Qc3NFHNqyfuWei6XaWQs0ssZ2ScI-NbMP98X6wZLuNftndjxEYQvlbqIaf58CgWJpBchOa1718NkCF6J-1Jifo1Hg1_UNKPZqYNRSjnPLMhmYl90fgo-1grQc3/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_07_showhaul_closeups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_04pXsgVS2lVxEkA74ahLSpnwON8rLDCOjOaOJpCtWNOJlRjigZcHNFSyyCb96_Qc3NFHNqyfuWei6XaWQs0ssZ2ScI-NbMP98X6wZLuNftndjxEYQvlbqIaf58CgWJpBchOa1718NkCF6J-1Jifo1Hg1_UNKPZqYNRSjnPLMhmYl90fgo-1grQc3/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_07_showhaul_closeups.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego, Exo Squad, a Stormtrooper, Famicon Cartidges.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwQvC3AdKqkY7iz_027V_sRpLg66A5ZiDxevWpusshDIjIglL-guoERkqtonW8TE76vKqVSThzp6z0N9t3tMVefqJwW-UEnVMk0FrUR117RkwsM9wk8jJADQ5gxGifP8s2tnZKpPItm-5Ejo9YzfGqoGBEGjfl69hDKc56cs1lXqarF-soe8fV44-/s740/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_08_showhaul_closeups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwQvC3AdKqkY7iz_027V_sRpLg66A5ZiDxevWpusshDIjIglL-guoERkqtonW8TE76vKqVSThzp6z0N9t3tMVefqJwW-UEnVMk0FrUR117RkwsM9wk8jJADQ5gxGifP8s2tnZKpPItm-5Ejo9YzfGqoGBEGjfl69hDKc56cs1lXqarF-soe8fV44-/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_08_21_kcretro_08_showhaul_closeups.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instruction booklets for Sega, Comic books, a boxed import Mazinger.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re from the Kansas City area, do you know that we have multiple large ones on the horizon for 2023, and a slew of smaller shows that exist within a 1 1/2 hour drive of Kansas City proper. I do worry about the oversaturation of the market, but again, if the energy that showed up at this show is something that becomes the norm and future shows for others that’s not a bad thing.</span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">T</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">hank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ntil 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!</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.kansascityretro.com/" target="_blank">KC Retro Gaming & Collectibles Show</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/adamkoralik" target="_blank">Adam Koralik</a></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><script external-type="blogger" src="//www.powr.io/powr.js"></script><br /><div class="powr-social-media-icons" id="8729817e_1469735105"></div></div></div>
</div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0Independence, MO, USA39.0911161 -94.41550679999998910.780882263821155 -129.5717568 67.401349936178846 -59.259256799999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-73801585087148462162022-08-08T12:36:02.253-07:002022-12-24T00:25:18.299-08:00C2E2 - the most unreal goal achieved, in some surreal ways.<div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes you can give yourself an idea that sticks in your head that overrides common sense or m</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ore appropriately, reality. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This post, has seen just shy of nine revisions, a hell of a lot of images edited down to the 90 pics in this one update. I was filled with apprehension to post about most of what I wrote about. Honestly now, some months later, for all of the things that went so wrong, it ended with a lot of things turning around for me.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What follows is one of the most open and truthful blogs I've ever written. I do this because I believe communication, honesty, and transparency needs to be predominant in the art world. Not just for those aspiring to be artists, or others who like myself have been doing it for years. Not just for the public in general who care to know more about what it's really like to be an artist.
I've been really grateful for all of you that had reached out to me about the previous entries, reviewing not just the shows, but my personal thoughts, failures, struggles, and success.
Buckle in. I don't hold much back in this one...</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, I've started adding a small donation button at the end of each blog entry, in case you enjoy my content and want to help keep this blog going. Any amount is appreciated. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So, here we go.</span></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnBhZ2IXJPL-dehK2Ybh3Np8CkEF5s1Z1vPZFO1rGA-TD448-ds9UfnDcJw8GFMXlzZVE7kZOn4FW4ld6XK2jBnpdGxT6tc99Y27bLM5BVQVl4-EnMCZj62QQhpaiPMnvb2hh_Spxk5ZX3DbWWkZdxTdEn-3b_MeY6b8fDNdieuWkHUsVKh-6aUOL/s740/AR_C2E2_00_thenandnow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnBhZ2IXJPL-dehK2Ybh3Np8CkEF5s1Z1vPZFO1rGA-TD448-ds9UfnDcJw8GFMXlzZVE7kZOn4FW4ld6XK2jBnpdGxT6tc99Y27bLM5BVQVl4-EnMCZj62QQhpaiPMnvb2hh_Spxk5ZX3DbWWkZdxTdEn-3b_MeY6b8fDNdieuWkHUsVKh-6aUOL/s16000/AR_C2E2_00_thenandnow.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started applying in 2013 and could have gotten in that first year, but lack of money, transportation, and a lack of belief in myself stopped me. After that it took until 2022 for it to happen again.. Things may seem impossible, but the key is to keep going. Just try one more time. But more importantly, when an opportunity presents itself the first time, GET ON IT!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chicago’s C2 E2 show, is a show that I had attempted to become a part of for the last few years, ever since I foolishly was unprepared to take part back in 2013. After that, it was nine years of waitlisted status.
I can’t tell you how many times I regretted not taking that first foray into artist alley. Cost, travel, imposter syndrome, no belief in my own work, you name it,... I just felt that I couldn't do it. That I would fail. Make no money, and just be embarrassed.
<br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So it was a genuine surprise after the nine years that passed, to unexpectedly be invited to apply to be part of the show this year after having been told I'd been waitlisted once again.
I think I stared at the e-mail for about 2 minutes. And then a wash of emotion that ranged from initial tears to some deep seated fears hit me. I got that second chance, but I immediately thought...
<i><b>"I'm nobody. I'm just a guy that draws stuff, and I don't even do that as successfully as I would like." </b></i></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It took a bit to get my head out of that space, to shake off that insecurity, to be happy that this chance had finally made itself happen. It was actually scary to think how much my thoughts about my own art efforts hadn't really changed about me since 2013.
I learned a few things in the process, one being that it’s too easy to mythologize and imagine what a goal could mean. Two, what unexpected and often pleasant surprises can lay and wait for you. And three, in the end, people really matter in ways I would never have expected.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9sTX2TQ1qY07HBXLHxzuGbRM1sOPpiZ3t9SzO8ZmMKxEhpSqJpvGihl4kH1O2telKrhcsYvvxbRUbmxuX7CINWieGBc5XhFQaO_JxUW2YPoXju1YMG2VpsiR3Nfp8UC8O1KMcFMw-QaXgsZrrbO0m0WIuobWQrIDa81Jyi19IrDD2c1CAeo6kVvv/s740/AR_C2E2_00_andthenigotin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9sTX2TQ1qY07HBXLHxzuGbRM1sOPpiZ3t9SzO8ZmMKxEhpSqJpvGihl4kH1O2telKrhcsYvvxbRUbmxuX7CINWieGBc5XhFQaO_JxUW2YPoXju1YMG2VpsiR3Nfp8UC8O1KMcFMw-QaXgsZrrbO0m0WIuobWQrIDa81Jyi19IrDD2c1CAeo6kVvv/s16000/AR_C2E2_00_andthenigotin.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had never been more nervous in my life to click a button. Once I did this, there was no turning back.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's where the mythological aspect of this show started to play out. In my head, this show was the sort of show, that once you made it in, you were almost guaranteed good sales, great networking, and maybe even a brush with greatness somehow. It sounds cheesy, but that's really what I thought.
The truth is it’s a show in many ways like so many others I’ve done, and in other ways and experience like no other I’ve encountered. This was the first show I’ve done where I had absolutely no idea what the outcome would be, and wasn't ready for a lot of it.</span></div><div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The waitlist email.</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With getting into C2E2, I had a lot of questions. Did I make it into the show because others had dropped out? Did I make it into the show based on jury merit of my work? Or was this just business as usual, and some tables had become available because artists had other things come up, which left the tables up for grabs for people like me on the waitlist.
<br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I noted earlier I really was freaking out, and unsure if I had the finances, and quite honestly the mental fortitude to do the show. Considering the fact fuel prices were high, attempting to find an even halfway decent hotel, and then all of the other possible hidden expenses that could begin to build up, had me me wanting to throw in the towel as I regretted having sent in the money for the table. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6oK9CLDu4IrmUa8oP7WJSKWX5z3Rn7t71q07Dhkm5aO1ZSN89pnO1vomcB5VvzgURmIoV8bwQ22gR3ivEEtj4cf7P9kSPPf6NlRwyflbSiUF32FBGjeCBWP0Xxcmadw3QLT1OAPvpqrQ_4x06pb1dN4tRQb3_P6Bqteg7xfX1dwNVfLVAhvV9oQ0/s740/AR_C2E2_00_paidfortable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6oK9CLDu4IrmUa8oP7WJSKWX5z3Rn7t71q07Dhkm5aO1ZSN89pnO1vomcB5VvzgURmIoV8bwQ22gR3ivEEtj4cf7P9kSPPf6NlRwyflbSiUF32FBGjeCBWP0Xxcmadw3QLT1OAPvpqrQ_4x06pb1dN4tRQb3_P6Bqteg7xfX1dwNVfLVAhvV9oQ0/s16000/AR_C2E2_00_paidfortable.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This had been a combination of savings and bill money, and now it was a planned gamble with unknown odds.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The reality that a lot of people do not understand about being an artist is that almost every single decision you make has financial investment, has that feeling of "was this a good idea?", and that most all of us walk into shows already in debt.
Let that sink in.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every single artist you'll see at comic shows, anime shows, the Plaza Art Fair, possibly even an art gallery showing, is already in newly accrued debt, or will have a debt in sales percentages to pay at the end of a show. The few exceptions are the artists who get free spaces, tables, etc. But even then, when you factor fuel to get to the show, new items made for inventory for the show, the show fees, and other additional costs involved with travel and stay, you can safely assume that artist has spent three times the show fee amount to just get there.
And then after setting up a display, overcoming social anxieties, fatigue, worries, and any other issues, you, as an artist, have to be at your best, your most compelling, charismatic, and clear headed because your problems and worries do not matter, nor should they, to the public attending and possibly buying your artwork.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And that's in the face of dismissive remarks. Rude questions. No one coming to your booth, tent, gallery. And that feeling that even in trying to remain strong and hopeful, you'll no doubt feel inadequate a lot of the times at a show. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Had I not made it into C2E2, I’d made up my mind that I'd only be doing one or two other smaller shows to round out my year (I really didn't end up doing that at all!). Which would give me October November and December to start working and planning on future endeavors and events that I wanted to be a part of.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You know the feeling that you get when you send something in your suddenly and this horrible zone of <b><i>"oh my God I just sent something and I’m not sure I really meant to?"</i></b>
That is exactly how I felt.
Immediately I thought how my going to afford this, what if the show isn’t good for me, and doing some quick math I realized that by pursuing this endeavor I was walking into roughly $1500-$2000 worth of expenses by having sent off this payment. The table was $400, plus fuel prices would add around $400, parking would be $25 a day, and then a hotel a decent one would be no less than $140 a night, if I was lucky.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That was such a fucking sobering moment that the energy of it made all AA meetings within a 30 mile radius of me automatic successes.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is something that many patrons and attendees of shows never take into consideration when they talk about getting involved and doing shows, joining the ranks of artist alley, or getting a vendor booth. Making any sort of income doesn’t guarantee that you’re making money, it could just mean you’re leveling out and making your table cost.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Almost no preparation.</b></span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The weeks leading up to the show were, if I am to be completely honest with you all, a shit show.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to let you all in on something, the timing for the show could not have been at a worst point for me. I was at that point, at a crossroads in my professional life. I had only recently come to terms with the fact that my burn out creatively was getting to be too much, so painfully real.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mix that in with suddenly jumping into a major investment on a show I’ve never done, was a mental and emotional disaster. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See, I knew that I wanted to do the show, this was the direction I wanted to go with my career.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I also knew it was time to leave the world of graphic design behind. I had never intended to be a graphic designer, I am have been, and will always be primarily an illustrator. Now this has very little to do with my decision on whether or not to attend the show, but it did make the weight that I placed upon my shoulders in doing this show even heavier to carry forward. Now if you read the other blog posts prior to this covering ICON and Fountain City, you might understand that I didn’t want a third negative mark against me by having the possibility of another bad show rear its head.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But there are times in life, when an opportunity presents itself, one has to take that chance and see how it’s going to play out. Even if the odds are against you. Thirds time's a charm, right?</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Because the show came about so abruptly, I had to figure out what I was taking with me. What would my display be like? What artwork was I taking? What else did I need for the show? </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It turns out, it didn’t matter, I barely had time to collect my thoughts to keep my emotions in check and get anything extra done for the show.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Whatever I had was going to have to be good enough. I opted to not bring any unlicensed stuff/fan art sort of things. The show specifically did not want items at your booth that were not directly related to your comic book, and this was spelled out in the email.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The next few days were a blur. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I knew it, the time to leave was upon me.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday 8/4 - I'm on the highway to sell.</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had to leave early on Thursday. And I mean, I didn’t wanna be leaving at 9 AM. I wanted to leave by 6 AM. I didn’t want to be on the road and rolling in too late for set up. The trip up into Illinois was the best monotonous, if not boring. I listened to a lot of Netflix and YouTube, Because the radio stations were terrible. I also sang a lot. To everything from the Traveling Wilburys to One Direction. Because that's how I stay awake. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZDAWEMde4smcGyW3dQ5YxqRmxQ2z9F3EC8DOqQ63xRt9BYPUy3tHGV2WNx5-763DeXTBdlX5oTZ_Ny7JQz20_9ac4qi66qKWimchaT5KgdBFfH_jGX8_7PP9rnPxBNWIyqe-iS-0P5_7Cl17A3Hxi5fKGKSl3nyHK3lL-A-ygQNhLTqG-RlHUx6p/s740/AR_C2E2_01_thursday_ontheroad.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZDAWEMde4smcGyW3dQ5YxqRmxQ2z9F3EC8DOqQ63xRt9BYPUy3tHGV2WNx5-763DeXTBdlX5oTZ_Ny7JQz20_9ac4qi66qKWimchaT5KgdBFfH_jGX8_7PP9rnPxBNWIyqe-iS-0P5_7Cl17A3Hxi5fKGKSl3nyHK3lL-A-ygQNhLTqG-RlHUx6p/s16000/AR_C2E2_01_thursday_ontheroad.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least it was cloudy, because I had to drive in the direction of the sunrise.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But it did give me time to think, that's why I do enjoy driving. It clears my head. In this case it was filled with questions.
<br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How would I approach this show? What goals did I have in mind? Most of this seemed fruitless because I’d never done this show before, and I think it was a thinly veiled attempt to charge up some positivity, enthusiasm, and hope. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA3HEc4zwWO3t48_2H9yZPl7QoA95dCZ0k0d_BbegzItzoV3UvkT_XVTjWZI1m5emDqlKf9-46dF9Z3tFIh8CLOaAXh-dr4D6o7nC6svOcs0ap6v0eW20dAvcVBqxbylQR5ZbXlt2IPDOYwlBIFllcuG83-eYn-7z4LJ3H-M_6K0Xb6aw44KV2RG2/s740/AR_C2E2_02_thursday_dogpark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA3HEc4zwWO3t48_2H9yZPl7QoA95dCZ0k0d_BbegzItzoV3UvkT_XVTjWZI1m5emDqlKf9-46dF9Z3tFIh8CLOaAXh-dr4D6o7nC6svOcs0ap6v0eW20dAvcVBqxbylQR5ZbXlt2IPDOYwlBIFllcuG83-eYn-7z4LJ3H-M_6K0Xb6aw44KV2RG2/s16000/AR_C2E2_02_thursday_dogpark.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe it's because I think of all the trips I've taken with dogs past and present, seeing a dog park makes me feel instantly better and safer on a road trip.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The drive is about 8 to 9 hours long depending on how many stops you make, or as it turned out how much highway construction you come across. It’s 70 miles an hour for the most part all the way up there. The only time limit I had was to make it there by 5 PM, which was supposedly the cut off time according to the set up email sent out to people in Artist alley.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmt_7zVUYbbGb2h4N6dQ-dIXUYyXoWEqQNYQeoSIGKQOvSAt_wiN6OONXv79VKiRXO7RVTyd8aROrejmto99TqtCIU-wdvk7aY6ew1XtuUjjL_NF4yltRX0sF9MEjqfzjM5umffLsBfRzct2sFGjKXwAoqgFrHxGFQCMDc2ojFftk6WKpiqOuhfh6/s740/AR_C2E2_03_thursday_chicagoonthehorizon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmt_7zVUYbbGb2h4N6dQ-dIXUYyXoWEqQNYQeoSIGKQOvSAt_wiN6OONXv79VKiRXO7RVTyd8aROrejmto99TqtCIU-wdvk7aY6ew1XtuUjjL_NF4yltRX0sF9MEjqfzjM5umffLsBfRzct2sFGjKXwAoqgFrHxGFQCMDc2ojFftk6WKpiqOuhfh6/s16000/AR_C2E2_03_thursday_chicagoonthehorizon.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, I made it.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One thing I had planned on which did ultimately succeed, was making sure that I filmed enough videos and took enough pictures for my social media accounts and for this blog post.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That as it turned out, was fairly success. I was in a good mood over that as my TikTok and Instagram accounts started to showcase my trip to build up some awareness that I would be at the show. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd only been to Chicago three or four times before but somehow I managed to forget how incredibly terrible, horrible, and insane traffic is there. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No one knows what turn signals mean, you take your life in your hands if you dare drive under 70 miles an hour, and on ramps are essentially Nascar pit exit ramps. There were moments I seriously felt like I was on Fury Road.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After attempting to follow some very bizarre GPS instructions, I went with my gut reaction and finally managed to make it to McCormick Place, of which there are multiple buildings for trade shows and conventions. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHKc9GMe-9MAsDGZ5wJ2B5EhOp8zPsnCLeqW-UqmyZge3Foh0vKTJWb25FxgwPRo4AVHeLATvsDBPgOUfmG4O0ED02Am6FCL7IjEIwHN2Tp3hNKTrz-GIyJm_cvS9yRuf33Ziu-WC968b2RvPtAg3m4M_GdrAZE0F9NeVTrI64hMrzprGdZ80mt4/s740/AR_C2E2_04_thursday_finallyhereandparking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHKc9GMe-9MAsDGZ5wJ2B5EhOp8zPsnCLeqW-UqmyZge3Foh0vKTJWb25FxgwPRo4AVHeLATvsDBPgOUfmG4O0ED02Am6FCL7IjEIwHN2Tp3hNKTrz-GIyJm_cvS9yRuf33Ziu-WC968b2RvPtAg3m4M_GdrAZE0F9NeVTrI64hMrzprGdZ80mt4/s16000/AR_C2E2_04_thursday_finallyhereandparking.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] It's more than a bit weird to see something in person that I only ever saw in web posts. [Right] I was able to figure out that if I parked on Level 3, it led directly to the walkway to the hall..</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I only managed to find the right building because I noticed the enormous C2E2 banner behind a set of windows. I quickly did a U-turn, pulled into the hotel driveway, and parked with my flashers on. Much to my relief I could see other people wearing badges for the show, some of them simply milling about, others dropping off what looked like set ups for the show. The photo of the banner you see above on the left, was the first photo I took when I got into the building.
Seeing the banner, gave me pause, and bolstered my mood.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A feeling of elation and disbelief that I was actually there, washed over me.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I looked around and noticed the sign pointing over to a set of stairs that went down to a set of doors, and signs directing to where badge pick up was. I entered the room and saw an enormous will call, which at this point was still very empty. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Taking a few photos and some video, I walked toward the front and a staff member offered me assistance. I was given my badge, and then I asked where was I to go to unload my stuff? The staff member asked one of the other people working there, and I was told I could simply ask the security guards at the front, that if I turned on my hazards on my vehicle, would it be alright for me to bring in my stuff for set up.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I know others were doing that out front, but having worked security, I want to do right by asking those on location what I'm supposed to do. I know I always appreciated it when I still did security.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEBlnrHDPvza3pwkE8GE81zpG92IIvF-242tonuG1UbnkNv4Itn-Urw6HBeqSdvGH3OIqh4K2OnKL7I0xJf9-2irxI1P5__pOclntL7X8IkNAvPqASMp8S54gO5W3APD0rE4Fhfm9cIWtPMDXCj3YviP7QwlUngwD5YYr6EDlruT_MiAB088xZHSy/s740/AR_C2E2_05_thursday_pickingupbadge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEBlnrHDPvza3pwkE8GE81zpG92IIvF-242tonuG1UbnkNv4Itn-Urw6HBeqSdvGH3OIqh4K2OnKL7I0xJf9-2irxI1P5__pOclntL7X8IkNAvPqASMp8S54gO5W3APD0rE4Fhfm9cIWtPMDXCj3YviP7QwlUngwD5YYr6EDlruT_MiAB088xZHSy/s16000/AR_C2E2_05_thursday_pickingupbadge.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ticket room is huge. The carpet reminded me of a childhood arcade.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the back of my mind, I already somehow knew what I was going to get for an answer. I felt like an idiot going up to the two security officers, and asking them this. Both looked annoyed at the number of people parked out front unloading, and based on the look of irritation on the older guard's face, he was certainly more angry out of the two.
I asked him if it was all right for me to stage my vehicle outside and bringing my equipment. He replied, <i><b>"no. no it’s not OK, you’ll have to park elsewhere."</b></i>.
I totally understood that and replied, <i><b>"that’s perfectly all right sir I totally understand is there a lot nearby that I could park in so that I could access the show floor?"</b></i> He then in a more relaxed manner, stated, <b><i>“You can park in lot A. Go back outside, turn to the left when you exit the drive, and you’ll see the ramp that will take you to parking garage A. Find a spot there and you'll get back in here the right way.”</i></b> I thanked him for the information and quickly made my way outside, got in my vehicle and found the parking garage. This was day one of the $25 parking fee. I opted to not load my things onto my equipment dolly because I was running very late. I just wanted to find out if I could still set up.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The convention Hall - a pedometer's paradise.</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting over into the convention hall from the garage level 3, required going across the skywalk, and then utilizing either elevators, escalators, stairs, or one ridiculous combination of all three to actually get to the hall depending on what you may or may not be carrying.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So with no real idea how to get to where I needed to be (and mind you it was well after 5 PM by this point), I was more than panicked.
Remember, according to the email, 5 PM was the cut off time for access to the show floor. A quick glance at my phone revealed it to now be 5:20 PM. I was upset that even as much as I had tried to get there early, just getting to the place, and finding parking, had cost me 30 additional minutes. I now just expected that I would be setting up Friday morning instead.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got off an elevator and passed a set of internal windows, I looked to see if there was anything that would show me where I was...</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsfMGZ0_-LmCsrBs0IwEMJqnPjayxWC0J27pjBlVYZCkOg8SyyPAWC-HE6Lve1-Mf18qRnE7qZjCLOqzRGc8ijVvP7OQTVwKi5rVKf4woUFPMZWkw02QZU5hWaXNFbFlePR8Od6Bc2wBSo3pd143TYTxtnJ_oTB4Ub9FwN-VQIMc4u67JBE8aB18x/s740/AR_C2E2_06_thursday_gotlostsawhall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsfMGZ0_-LmCsrBs0IwEMJqnPjayxWC0J27pjBlVYZCkOg8SyyPAWC-HE6Lve1-Mf18qRnE7qZjCLOqzRGc8ijVvP7OQTVwKi5rVKf4woUFPMZWkw02QZU5hWaXNFbFlePR8Od6Bc2wBSo3pd143TYTxtnJ_oTB4Ub9FwN-VQIMc4u67JBE8aB18x/s16000/AR_C2E2_06_thursday_gotlostsawhall.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time seeing C2E2's floor.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I stood for a moment taking in the floor from above, and realized the entrance should be nearby. Thankfully as I walked further down the hall I was in, there was a small opening and two security guards were there.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I asked if it was too late to access the room for set up. One of them replied, <b><i>"No it’s not too late I’m here until 7 PM. As long as you get back here by 7 PM with your stuff you’ll be fine and you have until eight or 9 PM tonight to finish your set up."</i></b></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the first of a few things that didn’t make sense and didn’t correlate with the email information I have been provided, but I didn’t wanna look a gift horse in the mouth. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was sweaty, tired, and irritated, but also happy that I could still get my stuff set up. So I run back to my vehicle, load everything up, and go back to the hall. All this time I’m recording video snippets for social media posts later after setup, and photos for this blog.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t think I was prepared for what I saw when I got in there.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv8eGs39hd0nU8_2_-wkoXuev9ZT5eQGPI5LQbiRx0EmSWNuvxtDWaB01iDbhb5wC7vRu6RjU5GOPbVyxZkrI7naXIZl6gWPdzcp_GkwbrKQItrcYJYe2iP7xi0SCTSmOKhwtn56DwkCSoHdgXwyoLKqA1kusuNiZgQNklD_C40VKoU8y2xpo0Dms/s740/AR_C2E2_10_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv8eGs39hd0nU8_2_-wkoXuev9ZT5eQGPI5LQbiRx0EmSWNuvxtDWaB01iDbhb5wC7vRu6RjU5GOPbVyxZkrI7naXIZl6gWPdzcp_GkwbrKQItrcYJYe2iP7xi0SCTSmOKhwtn56DwkCSoHdgXwyoLKqA1kusuNiZgQNklD_C40VKoU8y2xpo0Dms/s16000/AR_C2E2_10_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh man...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I recorded and took photos like I was on assignment for National Geographic.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a lot that goes through somebody’s mind when they finally make it to a goal that they’ve long wanted to achieve.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My head was pretty empty at this point.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think I said holy shit multiple times as I first entered the hall. The show floor was huge, it seemed to dwarf the rather large imagination I had about just what size this show would be. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUruk2tpqEF0uRDzhjmqcRAdjjmCuuTDO5Gxwr806k_D3XPMlT7014aRxkrlbktHj2kcdKe9XjWVWzAhig2pRq3jx7x_rV5KgxnaLi3K923ze2374ubs_WmpGurotwIybxigcMEdpj1kQ9Lba6SWgZB0nCRLvdt5qCMrvkYAmyur2Yh-nMO8wnEvo/s740/AR_C2E2_08_thursday_myaisle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUruk2tpqEF0uRDzhjmqcRAdjjmCuuTDO5Gxwr806k_D3XPMlT7014aRxkrlbktHj2kcdKe9XjWVWzAhig2pRq3jx7x_rV5KgxnaLi3K923ze2374ubs_WmpGurotwIybxigcMEdpj1kQ9Lba6SWgZB0nCRLvdt5qCMrvkYAmyur2Yh-nMO8wnEvo/s16000/AR_C2E2_08_thursday_myaisle.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's my little booth setup in Aisle E.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll be the first one to say that this also could’ve just been my unfamiliarity with the show. Set up was happening for everyone, people were bustling about, you could hear the clanging and shuffling materials and set ups, and the low hum of chatter amongst vendors and event staff. The hope I felt in my heart quickly turned into panic, which is far from ideal. But truth be told it quickly melted away into a big stupid grin on my face. I was finally here I was going to make the best of the weekend. That panic would come back soon enough anyway.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ok77-LqxGcka9vpbBdUzJnn6ow_GcD5wFQezj2uB0fvspIOBtMRcjHCWWTZHaIg8j0ft0h-Dae9wD9NHhqu-Ld2qNAqA4GT_2dl1Ax88FsMr6sfneG3gdPhDPEKb7Xym4oDZDjlF0D8rztqjew9Kj1vwrJ6npwkqn71Vm7CdPs4gevbkE9F7lpFi/s740/AR_C2E2_11_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ok77-LqxGcka9vpbBdUzJnn6ow_GcD5wFQezj2uB0fvspIOBtMRcjHCWWTZHaIg8j0ft0h-Dae9wD9NHhqu-Ld2qNAqA4GT_2dl1Ax88FsMr6sfneG3gdPhDPEKb7Xym4oDZDjlF0D8rztqjew9Kj1vwrJ6npwkqn71Vm7CdPs4gevbkE9F7lpFi/s16000/AR_C2E2_11_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've done many shows, but even with most booths still being set up, this was overwhelming for me.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It took me more than a few minutes to get back to artist Ally. I was caught up in everything I saw, and it took multiple times walking around the hall over the next couple of days to see most everything. C2E2 has an almost overwhelming amount of things to encounter and do while you’re there. Which is a good thing considering the ticket prices for your average attendee. I also knew that artist alley was large. I had seen the image that was sent out with the email updates from the show, and the rows went from a through Z and are about 20 booths long.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkb7VbrLPtfPdx5dbr_0Kw0bTSQlU9n7k2Pd5nam8n3cOJ4gqg1rPtO2zuxGZpJPVDVp2UkOMjWTVqDmplMOpTcRShvoK5wayraCyZWJtWF2sZXBVnN5LQFpvaMVuHaL785XRebal5XAz1GBDFCwxg6b8Zamp3rrAF3dPXAgdnd68vjFz70b1lAea/s740/AR_C2E2_09_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkb7VbrLPtfPdx5dbr_0Kw0bTSQlU9n7k2Pd5nam8n3cOJ4gqg1rPtO2zuxGZpJPVDVp2UkOMjWTVqDmplMOpTcRShvoK5wayraCyZWJtWF2sZXBVnN5LQFpvaMVuHaL785XRebal5XAz1GBDFCwxg6b8Zamp3rrAF3dPXAgdnd68vjFz70b1lAea/s16000/AR_C2E2_09_thursday_wanderthefloor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the fact that two large "buildings" are in the center of the hall surrounded by the actual show, put in perspective how big this show was.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again that feeling of feeling overwhelmed and humbled rolled over me and I could feel panic beginning to sit in. I can’t remember the last time I had this many emotions battling for the top spot in my brain. I finally made it over to my table E8 and there was my name Mario on the little placard hanging off the front of the table.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't know exactly why, but some moments, I stood there quietly, just being in the moment.
Thankful that I had made the trip up here safely, hopeful that the weekend will be good, and trying ever so unsuccessfully to rip the imposter syndrome feeling out from inside of me.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-GqidG2kN3pknOVQBAXx0Pymlg7zvBolMxfYDYrNZpUFwIZ-Nhw4OZPDV9tWB-aE3ZS4A6lqwU-d5m7ipKslKK0qi5O-BGUY63nT6bE8d4ljv9zLNBoLc9woWmqID4432naCYzdwvjYOeyP4IqTg34yCnkxivSvclEg9Z3SL7LyTn_bDhtym6BdS/s740/AR_C2E2_07_thursday_mytable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-GqidG2kN3pknOVQBAXx0Pymlg7zvBolMxfYDYrNZpUFwIZ-Nhw4OZPDV9tWB-aE3ZS4A6lqwU-d5m7ipKslKK0qi5O-BGUY63nT6bE8d4ljv9zLNBoLc9woWmqID4432naCYzdwvjYOeyP4IqTg34yCnkxivSvclEg9Z3SL7LyTn_bDhtym6BdS/s16000/AR_C2E2_07_thursday_mytable.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to the table was a bit of a walk.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So set up went fairly painlessly, because unfortunately, I didn’t have my whole set up.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the email set out for booth standards, there was nothing that stated that a full wall could be set up behind your booth.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had brought my display walls, but I had forgotten the hardware that I used to hang my artwork with. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That was a detrimental mistake. I did have my tablecloth. I had a print bin and a display rack. I did the best with what I had.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was feeling a little disheartened but I figured some of that had to be from driving fatigue and I still had to make it to the hotel to check in. Maybe at some point I could make it to a Target or Walmart for some pushpins or something to get art on my display walls. I almost went back to just grab the walls so I'd be that much more ready, but pride and embarrassment held me in check. Good thing they did.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the setup didn't take me that long, and there was enough time, I walked around for a while in the hall taking photos, taking in the details so that I can remember not only how I got to this room, but also how to get around in this hall. Where the water fountain was, where the bathrooms were, and where any vendors were that I wanted to purchase things from.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So Thursday of course ended up with the majority of pictures. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANVvsyZ5JxVp8v43cTSAAH2rpQUVv6kLEvUmHt59-gJoQCPtKyJ-8Omp3BVaSVZgqBe3uf1qaanhBxYzB3ikg7nrRoF7cl7MraPTF98ICoAh9Fx2rBN3q73l_3fvQvvpbGCCe4U0lyZNgbRvQOnQmOir4Gnex7JCVQ2j3l-O-jJXQi5vtiFiXw8FX/s740/AR_C2E2_12_thursday_wanderthefloorryobi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANVvsyZ5JxVp8v43cTSAAH2rpQUVv6kLEvUmHt59-gJoQCPtKyJ-8Omp3BVaSVZgqBe3uf1qaanhBxYzB3ikg7nrRoF7cl7MraPTF98ICoAh9Fx2rBN3q73l_3fvQvvpbGCCe4U0lyZNgbRvQOnQmOir4Gnex7JCVQ2j3l-O-jJXQi5vtiFiXw8FX/s16000/AR_C2E2_12_thursday_wanderthefloorryobi.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryobi had a great setup geared towards cosplayers and makers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6BlICmWjCY0LZQXT3k7cx9NRidqycDU6DjG99b8yDxWm-pXglUOdhoHLxFUN10vpAaY6AVFqkA9b95crKepgSTfXRiY8_SDCOiQ0DPj-vS4DxU6eoIWJJeOMxAPIPVkOoFOBBlBUi_nRYrPVNrICoDtyvnoyO1aKFAwsxktmyPfmo-TpMzymBOB_/s740/AR_C2E2_13_thursday_wanderthefloorexclusiveshirts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6BlICmWjCY0LZQXT3k7cx9NRidqycDU6DjG99b8yDxWm-pXglUOdhoHLxFUN10vpAaY6AVFqkA9b95crKepgSTfXRiY8_SDCOiQ0DPj-vS4DxU6eoIWJJeOMxAPIPVkOoFOBBlBUi_nRYrPVNrICoDtyvnoyO1aKFAwsxktmyPfmo-TpMzymBOB_/s16000/AR_C2E2_13_thursday_wanderthefloorexclusiveshirts.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some exclusive shirt designs that would be on sale.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9B01ZzA22gwdoyJLouVdUz0EGGEhSHjqCLCNZb648Nz3KPVBJqNe85BvHUR31VxTYQ-HMK3NxXQ7rymRG9rwIwPSI0wLOQ0vYS5sSSuGNQ0AkyuHBxXFrv_b9rfktj9M7i9mFzAp42V20Q2QQHqvhDhfRxeROjwWw0vpVWTjVsARW2LgO_JnF9m6/s740/AR_C2E2_14_thursday_wanderthefloorbooks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9B01ZzA22gwdoyJLouVdUz0EGGEhSHjqCLCNZb648Nz3KPVBJqNe85BvHUR31VxTYQ-HMK3NxXQ7rymRG9rwIwPSI0wLOQ0vYS5sSSuGNQ0AkyuHBxXFrv_b9rfktj9M7i9mFzAp42V20Q2QQHqvhDhfRxeROjwWw0vpVWTjVsARW2LgO_JnF9m6/s16000/AR_C2E2_14_thursday_wanderthefloorbooks.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of books and games of all kinds.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8m2Ha1U_-cYKog41IB2sfnExs8EZCaG1MyP57e0rhbsXVgirVYyv7vrDLVK2PSsLZi_Rbw_3JCtZBuxmJanT-xE5vTo7HFrWvAQe1E-sd79x020LzacxuGcW9wGHAbEA40bxokaLUC_YP_OjC3Y3SMjeGZmso70MTKstvUMRpIyvgP9gYoF1uIUI/s740/AR_C2E2_15_thursday_wanderthefloortokidoki.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8m2Ha1U_-cYKog41IB2sfnExs8EZCaG1MyP57e0rhbsXVgirVYyv7vrDLVK2PSsLZi_Rbw_3JCtZBuxmJanT-xE5vTo7HFrWvAQe1E-sd79x020LzacxuGcW9wGHAbEA40bxokaLUC_YP_OjC3Y3SMjeGZmso70MTKstvUMRpIyvgP9gYoF1uIUI/s16000/AR_C2E2_15_thursday_wanderthefloortokidoki.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The booth design for tokidoki was so freaking awesome. It reminded me a bit of the aesthetics of Jet Set Radio.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AKfnhudsLVcW_vJerXLUdDPbFX6MFxG_ySzz3x44szFqRh45-oXFrZsx9NwERzHRHXHd4dGerLB_jlUY4oTHfsVHbskEjI6PGK9TMOFJls0r2E7Hvw-SK5Lmi7kVFqlogTlEXapPBs5A-SyFMm6KQtIqe0PLVXSYA308bdx_tj9R6THvQKmugMAC/s740/AR_C2E2_16_thursday_wanderthefloornanoblocks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AKfnhudsLVcW_vJerXLUdDPbFX6MFxG_ySzz3x44szFqRh45-oXFrZsx9NwERzHRHXHd4dGerLB_jlUY4oTHfsVHbskEjI6PGK9TMOFJls0r2E7Hvw-SK5Lmi7kVFqlogTlEXapPBs5A-SyFMm6KQtIqe0PLVXSYA308bdx_tj9R6THvQKmugMAC/s16000/AR_C2E2_16_thursday_wanderthefloornanoblocks.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A giant Pikachu out of Nanoblock.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5b6AQCt_zcqVsL8DbXyUgAa8b_cbsYfTrhlS_RKYh3g0ObQ0IpxXQx0IWLUA_9ATXOPzvH3998csr6f3XO3dDhwWIi1Q4vZWdR3YX81JzyI4AgaD0l3qB58ca0m0m6O7jx9qj6bsS4Z5zdROxTJ32nf4LdV6jQpKECc-B2UeXAH1W86P9dYf7qU4/s740/AR_C2E2_17_thursday_wanderthefloorkirby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5b6AQCt_zcqVsL8DbXyUgAa8b_cbsYfTrhlS_RKYh3g0ObQ0IpxXQx0IWLUA_9ATXOPzvH3998csr6f3XO3dDhwWIi1Q4vZWdR3YX81JzyI4AgaD0l3qB58ca0m0m6O7jx9qj6bsS4Z5zdROxTJ32nf4LdV6jQpKECc-B2UeXAH1W86P9dYf7qU4/s16000/AR_C2E2_17_thursday_wanderthefloorkirby.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the advantages to doing shows, is the time one has to walk around during set up, to see things unhurriedly.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBJHbD_qB_-FAnkLpxDyZdUK5BoXno7m9rFPgK3Slyu4zR48lvyggeZexK3v_JPIdqxRV3Mkd7qekMSJR00JkdJpLEaGmk-IEyRq4mzmpy1b8Msvd9M8G6VQ0h56mOX2hN_LB6buUJlD75PHa3oT5t9omcscwobrRzWGHxWCep_wlaR8aBDfOO3YD/s740/AR_C2E2_18_thursday_wanderthefloorassortedfigures.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBJHbD_qB_-FAnkLpxDyZdUK5BoXno7m9rFPgK3Slyu4zR48lvyggeZexK3v_JPIdqxRV3Mkd7qekMSJR00JkdJpLEaGmk-IEyRq4mzmpy1b8Msvd9M8G6VQ0h56mOX2hN_LB6buUJlD75PHa3oT5t9omcscwobrRzWGHxWCep_wlaR8aBDfOO3YD/s16000/AR_C2E2_18_thursday_wanderthefloorassortedfigures.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Stranger Things, and a Star Wars display I wasn't able to get a clear shot of yet.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54pt4XT9-GKHwxdAJMbszxf1SxQKwEYxfkqcNwpRxFX8vzj-YEgtw94Pky2qAxPbmP0GudkdXrXUaUVr7uyatGQtjwJRG9gw8dOyD1IY4K19FkTZv58CYoNaitG4IZALoRizJWNrFhXyVR17SyNYALZ4uDSoqI8GYm5BB17fKEyW_9Q-bfrQWiFov/s740/AR_C2E2_19_thursday_wanderthefloorgundam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54pt4XT9-GKHwxdAJMbszxf1SxQKwEYxfkqcNwpRxFX8vzj-YEgtw94Pky2qAxPbmP0GudkdXrXUaUVr7uyatGQtjwJRG9gw8dOyD1IY4K19FkTZv58CYoNaitG4IZALoRizJWNrFhXyVR17SyNYALZ4uDSoqI8GYm5BB17fKEyW_9Q-bfrQWiFov/s16000/AR_C2E2_19_thursday_wanderthefloorgundam.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bandai had so much Gundam stuff on display. I knew before the end of the show, I'd end up buying something.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_SCJQ5jMRRTBSyWmY367t5TC-eLjtJLr-e5NVzC7CKFIm61_uvt5KjYIVkhSFRkJ_OW1tgLd__NZsIubD13EDnewb8RVAP00fpJyoYCXCSqbSbQ4eAJKKSO4Rc_qMIDKnE5mHAh7IeqePpbmd5xvVxYlbMTT7ijcDDDu36sTj2vL_AaYStft2OhN/s740/AR_C2E2_20_thursday_onepieceship.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_SCJQ5jMRRTBSyWmY367t5TC-eLjtJLr-e5NVzC7CKFIm61_uvt5KjYIVkhSFRkJ_OW1tgLd__NZsIubD13EDnewb8RVAP00fpJyoYCXCSqbSbQ4eAJKKSO4Rc_qMIDKnE5mHAh7IeqePpbmd5xvVxYlbMTT7ijcDDDu36sTj2vL_AaYStft2OhN/s16000/AR_C2E2_20_thursday_onepieceship.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The One Piece booth was freaking awesome.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirWK1ZiY6e6YdHdJJzLxWd4DhSn35SjhS8BqaTbUm0qQZglG-zuolDPUaG0jsJoMvU4jAolttzCUQVUnGFp6ZVw4OJQofTnM43URBZXNf6LdD3PfC0olJqeObEVYQszc_7DFv8qYi91Cy131HaiI-XJMyC9ojLqrCz4YXYWOp7XH_LS1Ksev0b7dW/s740/AR_C2E2_21_thursday_segaarcademachines.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirWK1ZiY6e6YdHdJJzLxWd4DhSn35SjhS8BqaTbUm0qQZglG-zuolDPUaG0jsJoMvU4jAolttzCUQVUnGFp6ZVw4OJQofTnM43URBZXNf6LdD3PfC0olJqeObEVYQszc_7DFv8qYi91Cy131HaiI-XJMyC9ojLqrCz4YXYWOp7XH_LS1Ksev0b7dW/s16000/AR_C2E2_21_thursday_segaarcademachines.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anytime I see an arcade setup, I get happy. But none were yet ready to play. I think the ones in front are Sega Astro City Cabinets.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ZFfX8L6eDV6vD3tSwrlMwbcELpCknfvVnNSc1xEssS2jRknJKX1SAWSMUY_dy1qStwBYbSGTm1HczKkRqwjyEI9x_MjO8lzNt8p40XQonwbFtb2MZns90k2F8KSJMVkcPHnj79-LnhiecgCo3wrBWz50NcMO76qtkWEX5F-w_7fbFCIzJJrH7EB/s740/AR_C2E2_22_thursday_animecats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ZFfX8L6eDV6vD3tSwrlMwbcELpCknfvVnNSc1xEssS2jRknJKX1SAWSMUY_dy1qStwBYbSGTm1HczKkRqwjyEI9x_MjO8lzNt8p40XQonwbFtb2MZns90k2F8KSJMVkcPHnj79-LnhiecgCo3wrBWz50NcMO76qtkWEX5F-w_7fbFCIzJJrH7EB/s16000/AR_C2E2_22_thursday_animecats.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I often think about how these large display pieces are made, and where they end up after the company no longer needs them.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4GA9_GSkdkR47JE0wa7xCTulKxGQFJZ_mbkOOS6UaTD8p9LekaLWNaHd_0pxukHf1IS0iEO5en55wbVS9biNpcUQSIY8daNqEfQuzWozgkV8ZZsl0V1PMxwHl6t3EVzmg-oag9PpwDXLaefxzr-hW6MTW0mCXFe6edpumOetx9S3sKB6xkvyIEk_/s740/AR_C2E2_23_thursday_animecatsnoodles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4GA9_GSkdkR47JE0wa7xCTulKxGQFJZ_mbkOOS6UaTD8p9LekaLWNaHd_0pxukHf1IS0iEO5en55wbVS9biNpcUQSIY8daNqEfQuzWozgkV8ZZsl0V1PMxwHl6t3EVzmg-oag9PpwDXLaefxzr-hW6MTW0mCXFe6edpumOetx9S3sKB6xkvyIEk_/s16000/AR_C2E2_23_thursday_animecatsnoodles.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Naruto Cats in Noodles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15etcsDjp8YpUFR7CRy32fuqaDQuJjwTPwxt_C_iCBHnetGXJNDvZJfItpCYMZjy3P1dfCqtudbYWIhXKyZCdMIaO43t-7C3FpMHCF5QJV8Ai9hTUNqETsnzimWGCiOZNrcPISETtdYy4V6YvoZftTXDeWCTsq-XDLd3eQTLRzraN7qniVh--csfP/s740/AR_C2E2_24_thursday_lanparty.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15etcsDjp8YpUFR7CRy32fuqaDQuJjwTPwxt_C_iCBHnetGXJNDvZJfItpCYMZjy3P1dfCqtudbYWIhXKyZCdMIaO43t-7C3FpMHCF5QJV8Ai9hTUNqETsnzimWGCiOZNrcPISETtdYy4V6YvoZftTXDeWCTsq-XDLd3eQTLRzraN7qniVh--csfP/s16000/AR_C2E2_24_thursday_lanparty.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One hell of a LAN party</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2laqQsjLedpSVaMyrdgpnTLkC9JutXeUnq_tIy9C4C4S2reITOqiZSjw6RBj_Iu-nFEE753jX_XCbE3Zu4LDKV4qQZ2iwiYft5ZyPlECf_oYZA7fS90uvj1UFFudykYIJM8ErDxNtzqjyF4JFvlOi6D6897ZNP_l0znDSPfQN6ZbnxrC0SjnkZ2F1/s740/AR_C2E2_25_thursday_familiarbooths.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2laqQsjLedpSVaMyrdgpnTLkC9JutXeUnq_tIy9C4C4S2reITOqiZSjw6RBj_Iu-nFEE753jX_XCbE3Zu4LDKV4qQZ2iwiYft5ZyPlECf_oYZA7fS90uvj1UFFudykYIJM8ErDxNtzqjyF4JFvlOi6D6897ZNP_l0znDSPfQN6ZbnxrC0SjnkZ2F1/s16000/AR_C2E2_25_thursday_familiarbooths.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some familiar KC booths and banners.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn't make it over to say hello to Kyle Strahm (I had intended to pick up his new Twig book), but I did catch up with Matthew. Both of these dudes are real deal, some of the hardest working artists I know. I've included links down at the end of this post for any of you who don't follow them, to follow them. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqpo0J80_8AiT8kzvCzGKG2cqEEa9CLs8jAXRUaJBrvnfWMhYt_V6ZkQ1T9E4IXhQIgGLodxGf-DZDlWXZ-cEROClvGw34j73RwNgv1rTf8npQdD1BrS4wn_3zXNUBW_nWNAoaGJe-4MiHivEZMvtdDXfyU5JlEjPLeDOnI_OcIxYxkZk6u_8Fx6D/s740/AR_C2E2_26_thursday_wideangleviews.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqpo0J80_8AiT8kzvCzGKG2cqEEa9CLs8jAXRUaJBrvnfWMhYt_V6ZkQ1T9E4IXhQIgGLodxGf-DZDlWXZ-cEROClvGw34j73RwNgv1rTf8npQdD1BrS4wn_3zXNUBW_nWNAoaGJe-4MiHivEZMvtdDXfyU5JlEjPLeDOnI_OcIxYxkZk6u_8Fx6D/s16000/AR_C2E2_26_thursday_wideangleviews.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The panoramic shots don't really do the cardio level sized floor of this justice in these pics.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1gTtiLudgTcRgvSVoCXn6aDlLJwjNTi8A-_bTe6aDp4IJrHXdpMNd13z-jetjQRJ453DOkfRSt8vtSPdKdaELIsXucZqDy6T40YmskyPfKSbQcGbm6uHfP27kN89AypaLGSJuPIw8L50woho092mqBDvGWnNZdwAVQsrka-5CBlM0ppETl_eTxHl/s740/AR_C2E2_27_thursday_toyvendor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1gTtiLudgTcRgvSVoCXn6aDlLJwjNTi8A-_bTe6aDp4IJrHXdpMNd13z-jetjQRJ453DOkfRSt8vtSPdKdaELIsXucZqDy6T40YmskyPfKSbQcGbm6uHfP27kN89AypaLGSJuPIw8L50woho092mqBDvGWnNZdwAVQsrka-5CBlM0ppETl_eTxHl/s16000/AR_C2E2_27_thursday_toyvendor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many people used to have Megatron when I was a kid. I didn't. But I remember him only being around $20 at KayBee. $750 in box today is surreal.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After about an hour and a half, I figured I had enough content recorded, my booth mostly set up, and a decent idea as to how to get back here to the hall, so off I left for the hotel.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt6TVsLRPAjCg3ACW3g2-h3XKFcx8-diLzLo3UtyoYpC2YPM89r5aDDRYBkKCIU_LGLgL2D6kdpx7I60dhjC-FjMFLU3HAwgGr5d15tKuQPKkQS2BUositIEaIskyd0Vt9AE00AiDGIwpUSOeoMZdCbKIBoCz4CvtyvXfAa_za0YWppQZwP3BZ0M7/s740/AR_C2E2_28_thursday_timetoleave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt6TVsLRPAjCg3ACW3g2-h3XKFcx8-diLzLo3UtyoYpC2YPM89r5aDDRYBkKCIU_LGLgL2D6kdpx7I60dhjC-FjMFLU3HAwgGr5d15tKuQPKkQS2BUositIEaIskyd0Vt9AE00AiDGIwpUSOeoMZdCbKIBoCz4CvtyvXfAa_za0YWppQZwP3BZ0M7/s16000/AR_C2E2_28_thursday_timetoleave.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so tired, I decided to not try to find anywhere to pick up pins. I figured I'd see how Friday went and then make a decision from there.</td></tr></tbody></table>As I was leaving, I paid my first $25 parking fee. So parking for all four days came to $100. Add that to the gas, and table fee, hotel, and I was sitting around $1,100 in debt already.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifydyOQjFZDemLJucJI64a4WZam2PQL_x2_OGEjl3M5lY6wQGqAceYH6fz8jlXwzKMHw3Y3FN_sISUrlN7VLY7RYpqxRo97Ssnss_6FTmV5g9A5trjdNSWWXZ8t7gkaPhj3VI_38j0hTxhDIG4DGEEIItXflUyW_3R5X2iZafCAi-AU2GT258Dxy4U/s740/AR_C2E2_29_thursday_parkingandcpr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifydyOQjFZDemLJucJI64a4WZam2PQL_x2_OGEjl3M5lY6wQGqAceYH6fz8jlXwzKMHw3Y3FN_sISUrlN7VLY7RYpqxRo97Ssnss_6FTmV5g9A5trjdNSWWXZ8t7gkaPhj3VI_38j0hTxhDIG4DGEEIItXflUyW_3R5X2iZafCAi-AU2GT258Dxy4U/w640-h390/AR_C2E2_29_thursday_parkingandcpr.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm both alarmed and also relieved to see a CPR machine instructional "lesson vending" machine.</td></tr></tbody></table>Sitting for a moment in the garage, I went over what I had already, and just once again, for what seemed like the millionth time, brought up a positive attitude and just convinced myself to roll with the punches.</div><div><br /></div><div>So. Many. Punches.</div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The hotel - why is there tape on this elevator button?</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After a lot of deliberation, I decided to hit the important points of my hotel stay. What I will do is provide you with a picture of the door for the initial room I was supposed to get.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-PsR-SKDwHuZg_XwGQx4zGy6xCzCVwWrdaIDdYU0To9pA_Wa-tfBUZxkRLL707ZrzufM2h4CPWqNZ3H78tIU6cWeDBFRgxUdY3Qd7yTJC6KX-gXhs33AL5_CTJH943DaYodbE93aw5xNpwgbNay-BY0rst_xNgXVGkJthFSwtrTsAYQlVbx9N7Uv/s740/AR_C2E2_30_thursday_newroomandtvspot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-PsR-SKDwHuZg_XwGQx4zGy6xCzCVwWrdaIDdYU0To9pA_Wa-tfBUZxkRLL707ZrzufM2h4CPWqNZ3H78tIU6cWeDBFRgxUdY3Qd7yTJC6KX-gXhs33AL5_CTJH943DaYodbE93aw5xNpwgbNay-BY0rst_xNgXVGkJthFSwtrTsAYQlVbx9N7Uv/s16000/AR_C2E2_30_thursday_newroomandtvspot.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] I'm not sure I want to know what was behind that door. [Right] Thanks to the picture, I can tell you I made it there at 9:24 pm. and it was 73 degrees outside. Also that C2E2 was happening.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What happened in a nutshell. I got checked in. Started towards the elevator to go to floor 2, was called back, and informed to not push "too hard" on the buttons so that the tape doesn't come off, and that I had been given the wrong room number's card keys. The lady simply said it was "unavailable".</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
I don't know what happened prior. I don't care to know. But. Some. Shit. Went. Down. In that room. Passing two or three no smoking signs, I was greeted with the faint aroma of weed being smoked through a toilet paper tube filled with dryer sheets. Once you've smelled that, you never forget it.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm just glad they gave me another room, and that C2E2 was on the local news, hopefully getting people jazzed for Friday. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5fyHRUr-utw51OuBprDoPDUEBFQnkm478IMxbOEKLWSRMcw2AVMkTbNPDN6KoUzD_2tqvjRWH_NAZi-NGt5aztoEzuF_GX6BhxJOdMbTL4pwUVPR9VsHKXdDyQafz4Y8kky6BW-OmojIdq3VuJpvlhRrN9TFL7ws8sOcaQhGClSni_pAc5uxFmLn/s740/AR_C2E2_31_thursday_shittyshowerpressure.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5fyHRUr-utw51OuBprDoPDUEBFQnkm478IMxbOEKLWSRMcw2AVMkTbNPDN6KoUzD_2tqvjRWH_NAZi-NGt5aztoEzuF_GX6BhxJOdMbTL4pwUVPR9VsHKXdDyQafz4Y8kky6BW-OmojIdq3VuJpvlhRrN9TFL7ws8sOcaQhGClSni_pAc5uxFmLn/s16000/AR_C2E2_31_thursday_shittyshowerpressure.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If there is a visual for my mood. This is exactly it.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The room was clean. There were three locks on the door, only one worked. I chose to take a shower. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The shower head and water control handle were not secured down. They were free floating behind the drywall. There was also a large opening where water was pouring down the wall, down underneath the tub floor. I only hoped this was not the day I'd careen butt ass naked down into the room below me and meet an untimely death by shitty shower.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
The high spot was that the staff was incredibly nice, and seriously the room was very clean and all the amenities were there. Quite frankly, I was only sleeping there and spending the vast majority of my time at the show.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday 8/5: Day One - You hit me with your bike!?</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first day of the show I decided to get back to the garage early, I woke up at 4 AM, double checked everything packed my backpack, got ready and was out the door by 6:15 AM. I had a feeling traffic was going to be bad. I had no fucking idea just how bad it would be.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTrUPqTW05zNJcLEsxpD1e8L5-aMOoH2ypnsJMZh1Gh2GA-AjaCa0CImdK3wmcAROrxMu7CBwUh8NOSXfHk05r1w3nVlu_obY8HbMMKe0Ci3qLhDcQAC3Th5S4ixo1onqSetVOoK39V-_ecJq6GfAHvPsO4AnEVvVM1AjuCF6RHzBKYZlAKoV1T0u/s740/AR_C2E2_32_Friday_driveintosunriseinrushhour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTrUPqTW05zNJcLEsxpD1e8L5-aMOoH2ypnsJMZh1Gh2GA-AjaCa0CImdK3wmcAROrxMu7CBwUh8NOSXfHk05r1w3nVlu_obY8HbMMKe0Ci3qLhDcQAC3Th5S4ixo1onqSetVOoK39V-_ecJq6GfAHvPsO4AnEVvVM1AjuCF6RHzBKYZlAKoV1T0u/s16000/AR_C2E2_32_Friday_driveintosunriseinrushhour.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seemed no matter where I turned, I was driving into the sun. It felt like the sun in Super Mario Bros 2 that just followed you around when you played the desert levels.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m certain there are NASCAR events that have had wrecks with better sportsmanship involved than what I encountered while just attempting to take an exit in Chicago. Driving downtown changes a person. And not for the better. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Truly, I felt any effort towards legal driving habits were looked down upon. Traffic laws were better followed in the recent Mad Max Fury Road film. The usage of blinkers is an unknown if not obscure art form in the city roadways.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I managed to get to the garage without having a nervous breakdown or a violent accident, by 7:30 AM. The distance from the hotel to the convention center is only 14 miles. I have no clue why it took so long.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2tJazW7mMnEHrodPCtC7BxahDVVok93BRdM8orxw9g-tPO7yRXXAeCV4-K5H6Gh8VRHBUfZtjNjqrFQS7jtgiTwgd394qShMSL3ySYqutDDt4G0t0I2XHC6vT6NY_GR59f5o-aGb0WyXZpY9DM0zJIhHsAeK9v1okQuvBE7-dJa0jD7mCIUoyZsA/s740/AR_C2E2_33_Friday_earlymorningbeforeshow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2tJazW7mMnEHrodPCtC7BxahDVVok93BRdM8orxw9g-tPO7yRXXAeCV4-K5H6Gh8VRHBUfZtjNjqrFQS7jtgiTwgd394qShMSL3ySYqutDDt4G0t0I2XHC6vT6NY_GR59f5o-aGb0WyXZpY9DM0zJIhHsAeK9v1okQuvBE7-dJa0jD7mCIUoyZsA/s16000/AR_C2E2_33_Friday_earlymorningbeforeshow.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in with anxiety and hope for a good day.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After getting to the garage, I drove up to the fourth level, parked close to the doors that access the skywalk, and I sat for a moment, with the air conditioning running listening, to some Enya. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You may think I’m kidding, I am not. It felt like I had escaped a bad accident at least once and I’m only halfway joking. Hell of a way to start a day.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn0AePyH_PRmyY_a-Buuiv_eCVz5ari_u2z-ankzblXpo-IB8Gc_3pxmS6xISS9ZkUkr2xvDpH4VhcQ-Ri2SfWCLqm0Fqx_hi8ZkBul94kjdCrq6gI_TxfLtH9bQdK6kFrd9yzMWMw22RgdSyabbqEEwPnzvmXww_n9rS_4IHG5wOgLImzN8xA2tv/s740/AR_C2E2_34_Friday_securitybagsearch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn0AePyH_PRmyY_a-Buuiv_eCVz5ari_u2z-ankzblXpo-IB8Gc_3pxmS6xISS9ZkUkr2xvDpH4VhcQ-Ri2SfWCLqm0Fqx_hi8ZkBul94kjdCrq6gI_TxfLtH9bQdK6kFrd9yzMWMw22RgdSyabbqEEwPnzvmXww_n9rS_4IHG5wOgLImzN8xA2tv/s16000/AR_C2E2_34_Friday_securitybagsearch.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The security line to get in.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After calming myself down, I grabbed my bag, checked once more that I had everything I needed, and made my way over to the doors that led to the convention center.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Passing a growing line of people waiting to pick up show passes, I was glad I'd gotten to set up the evening prior. I don't think I read anything about there being a security checkpoint for creators and vendors before we could get into the show hall. There was still plenty of time before the show for me to walk around and psyche myself up for the day.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOwVHlTkE3LmHCkIxM4bRfxzznFEV6f4soxxTmbSFCnFbwBuFFbVdT9QIz2bliKuQrLZWYww_bM5aqqk_gZ29rJtYZuwvIyvq45enAqRg99d8QV1ydtaWYYmJZLC71yX28uUvWEn4WoGVvAE3vw8ZA0hRlMZ59FLsaC6uQ-Vmc5RCRkyvpBGPKe0z/s740/AR_C2E2_35_Friday_hellopirateship.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOwVHlTkE3LmHCkIxM4bRfxzznFEV6f4soxxTmbSFCnFbwBuFFbVdT9QIz2bliKuQrLZWYww_bM5aqqk_gZ29rJtYZuwvIyvq45enAqRg99d8QV1ydtaWYYmJZLC71yX28uUvWEn4WoGVvAE3vw8ZA0hRlMZ59FLsaC6uQ-Vmc5RCRkyvpBGPKe0z/s16000/AR_C2E2_35_Friday_hellopirateship.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The One Piece booth was very cool. I don't know if enough appreciation happens for the designers that create these sort of things.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The more years that pass, the older I get, the more random emotion will hit me out of nowhere.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by that at this point. I knew that this weekend would be impactful in some sort of way, hopefully positive, but I couldn’t help but feel that dread of what if this goes horribly wrong, and how will I handle it? It took so long to get here, to actually convince myself to take a chance at doing this show. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Walking around did help clear my head. I headed back to where I was set up. There were people busy setting up all along my row. I always try to break the ice at shows first thing, so I introduced myself to my table neighbor, a really cool fellow illustrator named Paul Bautista. He was from California and had an amazing swath of work on the table..</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYyFztINEf5Kk_QewkyIlJc5FqPAl9go6AwXgZcQyUK-O0bBDv4k19P2F4NS9zY-ZOVgwgYqHSXKRn0Cjkc7SvojlgvPovst19VFu9bV6qRnXr7BQIx3dQiS7zOGvwW1qs2a2iDIp-JWqaJcLv7p0_BxpONaHiMaJDLhgedVHK7BGfu-wys9Tlcfk/s740/AR_C2E2_36_Friday_finalpreshowsetups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYyFztINEf5Kk_QewkyIlJc5FqPAl9go6AwXgZcQyUK-O0bBDv4k19P2F4NS9zY-ZOVgwgYqHSXKRn0Cjkc7SvojlgvPovst19VFu9bV6qRnXr7BQIx3dQiS7zOGvwW1qs2a2iDIp-JWqaJcLv7p0_BxpONaHiMaJDLhgedVHK7BGfu-wys9Tlcfk/s16000/AR_C2E2_36_Friday_finalpreshowsetups.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much cool stuff was on display at the Bandai booth...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Artist alley was located in the furthest back area just in front of the autographs area. I don’t know if this is true for all of the Reed Pop shows or not, but when the show opened, it took some time for people to make it back to where we were.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So the 9 o’clock Rush really meant nothing for the vast majority of anyone in the far back of the show floor.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yy3eOY2QP3NW50oUDSPkF0AAIMtiGccKj1hT0bRjkyJVkGqNn5VfsXLgNXKE22F7oiNs-pr2tdT9hTxh73KAoPW1OVojPhT9KBB-4VAtQ_cZQRxn0DlTr_G9tL6o0k7ikanU84FO9kpdWqz8QQhrnqiBSXqN5EooJy3MiuampcxZnEyoZc2RbXjW/s740/AR_C2E2_37_Friday_japanesearcademachine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yy3eOY2QP3NW50oUDSPkF0AAIMtiGccKj1hT0bRjkyJVkGqNn5VfsXLgNXKE22F7oiNs-pr2tdT9hTxh73KAoPW1OVojPhT9KBB-4VAtQ_cZQRxn0DlTr_G9tL6o0k7ikanU84FO9kpdWqz8QQhrnqiBSXqN5EooJy3MiuampcxZnEyoZc2RbXjW/s16000/AR_C2E2_37_Friday_japanesearcademachine.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As awesome as this game looked, it also looked like I might injure myself trying to play it.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the day wore on, well I’ll break it down simply... I really had no expectations except to hopefully sell something the first day, anything really. That I did do, but nowhere near what I thought I was going to.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sales were slow for me. When you’re not selling you can’t help but notice when other people sell that are in your area, but the row we were in seemed rather sparse with people.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I interacted with the few people that did come by, but by 2 o’clock in the afternoon I was fairly underwhelmed, and certainly questioning a lot of things. Was this the same show I'd heard so much about with people buying and sales being so good? Was it my booth set up? Was it my artwork? </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cue all the usual suspects of doubt.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9llEQtcuA8Byivmjx20qrb35dF93ouiQmO3Am1D4hJ2tM1elT6oDtkbEPzhGnicAy9e6qaJJj9LztzepL4DmHHWDXQyekUaxJW9Ys0moElPzJkF2mhx3wjKPXUk4ogOuNmNk-lxZPJflxUxjG4E04tzBL_VShdKXkq-bZLZgTXr4oIzLgEwpNw_2y/s740/AR_C2E2_38_Friday_myboothhidden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9llEQtcuA8Byivmjx20qrb35dF93ouiQmO3Am1D4hJ2tM1elT6oDtkbEPzhGnicAy9e6qaJJj9LztzepL4DmHHWDXQyekUaxJW9Ys0moElPzJkF2mhx3wjKPXUk4ogOuNmNk-lxZPJflxUxjG4E04tzBL_VShdKXkq-bZLZgTXr4oIzLgEwpNw_2y/s16000/AR_C2E2_38_Friday_myboothhidden.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're new to doing shows, a large swath of cloth can function as a table cover, a display cover, or a Drax/John Cena cosplay.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the show came to a close, I overheard more than a few people in my area saying that they were looking forward to Saturday. That better sales are would happen tomorrow because it was Saturday.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But there was distinctly something off that was happening, and it echoed what I had felt at the last two shows that I had done.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was that there was a general sense of been there done that, or oh wow yet another comic show/event to attend. I later found out the Chicago Fan Expo Chicago (in it's 50th anniversary year no less) happened on </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">July 7, over at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm not saying you can't have a lot of shows. I am saying you can't say there's that many open wallets or that these events are even special in the mind of attendees. That affects attendance, sales for artists and vendors, and gives no sense of uniqueness in the experience in attending a show.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35UpihdoE2M8dT0yWY-LKBuJx_hP7E9pc0RddKyw7RZtOzCGF6nzFKoakRxHlXUJeq3a_9XCRfH0VQFAQGz6-iPpmS28bJDfglRZcs85_KqeA0dMlbrpr0K8wzmJCjx2zsQzmG1g5UEitqINiYF26KQum9g1TN9cXAoKdwTjanY7_ko95_OJSngj4/s740/AR_C2E2_39_Friday_morecloseups.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35UpihdoE2M8dT0yWY-LKBuJx_hP7E9pc0RddKyw7RZtOzCGF6nzFKoakRxHlXUJeq3a_9XCRfH0VQFAQGz6-iPpmS28bJDfglRZcs85_KqeA0dMlbrpr0K8wzmJCjx2zsQzmG1g5UEitqINiYF26KQum9g1TN9cXAoKdwTjanY7_ko95_OJSngj4/s16000/AR_C2E2_39_Friday_morecloseups.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Price points on collectables, cool as they may be are rising more and more. No lie, the replica cosplay belt is amazing, and the Falcon model was stunning, but $476?</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It also didn’t help me over the course of the day, because I had misread the email and thought that the show ended at 6 PM, when it actually ended at 7 PM both on Friday and Saturday, and then 5 PM on Sunday.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JqNzkTK3Opf6LEy-AaQ0FMeWhCmjHwGgVPzxtthN5hrKrXrSuLhX-OPl1Tzo-_vdFYwVWmq0sFbEW-b_Gh78-XcyuRZt-G2c7leEJ6J57lQX3RQ63zPkf-W2Rf2hruXWpE6YBAgKo9o01PNk-GDY7rw2aM-N7i0zwmk-WK9AC1WacGrdRuXXIYLE/s740/AR_C2E2_40_Friday_morecloseupsmachinerobo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JqNzkTK3Opf6LEy-AaQ0FMeWhCmjHwGgVPzxtthN5hrKrXrSuLhX-OPl1Tzo-_vdFYwVWmq0sFbEW-b_Gh78-XcyuRZt-G2c7leEJ6J57lQX3RQ63zPkf-W2Rf2hruXWpE6YBAgKo9o01PNk-GDY7rw2aM-N7i0zwmk-WK9AC1WacGrdRuXXIYLE/s16000/AR_C2E2_40_Friday_morecloseupsmachinerobo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was nice to see Machine Robo characters coming out again (this was the line known as Go-Bots here in the U.S.)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So by the end of Friday I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to get some sleep.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I still had to edit and upload some social media posts, get something to eat, and if I was able to find somewhere that sold velcro dots (to hang my art on my booth walls), to pick some of those up. But that also meant I had to get in even earlier on Saturday so I could get the rest of my booth set up.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe by the time I'd made the 15 minute walk to my vehicle, I'd have a better idea of how to proceed.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yB2c-uN5CmC7J_qapShueEEyQY6sA1Ylq0w2fV5u0XAaQrjLt9Ga8a-aN1PeJ00fNtf2kjMFn5eYuOoSRcUGQGn7wsoxQdqk4El0CaeRxC8nQp9wO-0xGJr3dvKrRr2hExZ2Jrx674O9ls917tZYv7qOpZaO7-XdR-QdcsBI1ck3NNkD3aTMnU8p/s740/AR_C2E2_41_Friday_theshowbegins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yB2c-uN5CmC7J_qapShueEEyQY6sA1Ylq0w2fV5u0XAaQrjLt9Ga8a-aN1PeJ00fNtf2kjMFn5eYuOoSRcUGQGn7wsoxQdqk4El0CaeRxC8nQp9wO-0xGJr3dvKrRr2hExZ2Jrx674O9ls917tZYv7qOpZaO7-XdR-QdcsBI1ck3NNkD3aTMnU8p/s16000/AR_C2E2_41_Friday_theshowbegins.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor shot from earlier Friday Morning</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1fc5aZXFTIbIs3hEfM7_c4kDNpPsVBqZ8h2ajEXtlqm6eV0InQI6X8JFzdwx360RAEB6-T9NWNInY-K23RQFpu3wpPw5_AXeONgpvlbXZHlcxdwoCv92AeTnIGkci6YpLPGz-yJFIshXUVfdjOFUG6vU1PiUy6pqThd37CdS_4FnxITh5M9emOHG/s740/AR_C2E2_42_Friday_peopleinartistalley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1fc5aZXFTIbIs3hEfM7_c4kDNpPsVBqZ8h2ajEXtlqm6eV0InQI6X8JFzdwx360RAEB6-T9NWNInY-K23RQFpu3wpPw5_AXeONgpvlbXZHlcxdwoCv92AeTnIGkci6YpLPGz-yJFIshXUVfdjOFUG6vU1PiUy6pqThd37CdS_4FnxITh5M9emOHG/s16000/AR_C2E2_42_Friday_peopleinartistalley.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the crowd density throughout Friday along the area of Artist Alley I was in.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfq8o3ih50mA89XB5Yq3VUJX-cTE_nUXREkMN6boXBhIDjQZo54esNU3gy5Id__NKzhCrYf9w-XA8MTIUSYX0FvoR8U2IWTtlyTf-7k8D_Oh8SXt_kabCm9M2Ewa7FdeW-WHEhJhEqfIVuJxCwYP9kp0vF4L-IPYR1HZQmxqYMBpOn18FayyDyaq5/s740/AR_C2E2_43_Friday_mytable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfq8o3ih50mA89XB5Yq3VUJX-cTE_nUXREkMN6boXBhIDjQZo54esNU3gy5Id__NKzhCrYf9w-XA8MTIUSYX0FvoR8U2IWTtlyTf-7k8D_Oh8SXt_kabCm9M2Ewa7FdeW-WHEhJhEqfIVuJxCwYP9kp0vF4L-IPYR1HZQmxqYMBpOn18FayyDyaq5/s16000/AR_C2E2_43_Friday_mytable.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It really sucked not having my walls set up, and that I'd forgotten the hanging hardware for my art.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A bright spot for me at every show I attend, is seeing the cosplays that come out. I have always wanted to join in this hobby pursuit, but I already have challenges managing my time.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBIzD8pZGNnHV8tjWUkRd4qsOZmtNVuY7GY3384kHwNPUb0zKmQ4yMPPrCqmYZUky6fGdHO4vVLoXtGYxFXnBo56oc_9YpTdjMgHAKG0uu6ia4jFPO7qyHawQt2ZlvSZTgCG5KReWsdSp1Gcy3cXLJ2nTS4ZH0FRjhItI5HHs2ELH-4XY5vIEAkT/s740/AR_C2E2_44_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBIzD8pZGNnHV8tjWUkRd4qsOZmtNVuY7GY3384kHwNPUb0zKmQ4yMPPrCqmYZUky6fGdHO4vVLoXtGYxFXnBo56oc_9YpTdjMgHAKG0uu6ia4jFPO7qyHawQt2ZlvSZTgCG5KReWsdSp1Gcy3cXLJ2nTS4ZH0FRjhItI5HHs2ELH-4XY5vIEAkT/s16000/AR_C2E2_44_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] A version of Link from Breath of the Wild (I believe) [Right] If anyone knows these two characters, please let me know.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4SgSpxY50IqumsB8m3PsPpCOD7O_6ChKtgnSits6PIImLpQIledzZvkNAxu-TlP6YPjk8po_RWQ-8pu3zR8EfCCjlm60tspO9BxhzrLEXDuyZsbSjoudTFJw12YGyQvewj7xNLThtIBDtUW4tRHiE8Wwu2XjLOugELLFO7fqdgx8zourqSaAJS7Y/s740/AR_C2E2_46_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4SgSpxY50IqumsB8m3PsPpCOD7O_6ChKtgnSits6PIImLpQIledzZvkNAxu-TlP6YPjk8po_RWQ-8pu3zR8EfCCjlm60tspO9BxhzrLEXDuyZsbSjoudTFJw12YGyQvewj7xNLThtIBDtUW4tRHiE8Wwu2XjLOugELLFO7fqdgx8zourqSaAJS7Y/s16000/AR_C2E2_46_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April O'neil, Casey Jones, the Mad Hatter, and Street Fighters Ryu and Chun Li</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ_PJIivg8_9t7GUEsimpna5c2abhN5M6eqVXLuwlCTKiVFF3BuksKn1odx3LqeJgp2AjjJb9UBy0PNMbwWIBklYFFmOtkke_CgViUe138X1xV0uACbf9LCnHgMrFBnuqgYA0DVqCNNBQ4WJogrkLgP413o_qcm0NVs-wuJ9dYy_bn_Bw9IK3JkDV/s740/AR_C2E2_47_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ_PJIivg8_9t7GUEsimpna5c2abhN5M6eqVXLuwlCTKiVFF3BuksKn1odx3LqeJgp2AjjJb9UBy0PNMbwWIBklYFFmOtkke_CgViUe138X1xV0uACbf9LCnHgMrFBnuqgYA0DVqCNNBQ4WJogrkLgP413o_qcm0NVs-wuJ9dYy_bn_Bw9IK3JkDV/s16000/AR_C2E2_47_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phenomenal LotR cosplays of Galadriel, Gimli, Gandalf, Sam, and Frodo.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDCMUYbW93xEMSxVF_D0bgplUSXZy5VDRrOnqHZ2wBUFvUHHwPre4u9RuBx_sESPFvyl2QLtHLMrjOUTQdzIj6pgfO4DCdsrtKy8frzRPje8ZJpJzk27FGC10eb4IYBfH_FaxU3-UtuajpKpINcWfSKbpN5arLLX0tl8ib7Hj4odnncwgIIUFBW_L/s740/AR_C2E2_48_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDCMUYbW93xEMSxVF_D0bgplUSXZy5VDRrOnqHZ2wBUFvUHHwPre4u9RuBx_sESPFvyl2QLtHLMrjOUTQdzIj6pgfO4DCdsrtKy8frzRPje8ZJpJzk27FGC10eb4IYBfH_FaxU3-UtuajpKpINcWfSKbpN5arLLX0tl8ib7Hj4odnncwgIIUFBW_L/s16000/AR_C2E2_48_Friday_cosplayers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] This kid nailed the look of Spawn [Right] I don't know this cosplay, but I felt it might have been from Warhammer. But then again, I always think everything I don't know might be from Warhammer.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Taking time to make some notes, and cover up my table display, I gathered my things and headed towards the main entrance.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFV_1b0Mj2MWXu7DF1zjczw5gpKdM1ZmSOTPHfWkNM6SlKP4UT6y66pGiCx1qrmpdHRrxiZjdPA_qQvKpAmZIiolH3a57Wy0UqWQXdHEeWRYD0X1AGYM0TyaOjbmeyw8JHlxyTqsfSGBBMoaAGEhTBWXHU2EEV7Y51_uCMpRqF81n-hVsGYASY2pM/s740/AR_C2E2_49_Friday_endofdayone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFV_1b0Mj2MWXu7DF1zjczw5gpKdM1ZmSOTPHfWkNM6SlKP4UT6y66pGiCx1qrmpdHRrxiZjdPA_qQvKpAmZIiolH3a57Wy0UqWQXdHEeWRYD0X1AGYM0TyaOjbmeyw8JHlxyTqsfSGBBMoaAGEhTBWXHU2EEV7Y51_uCMpRqF81n-hVsGYASY2pM/s16000/AR_C2E2_49_Friday_endofdayone.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd leaving.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think sitting in the hall as long as I did, made me forget that one, it was the weekend, and weekends usually have a lot of traffic.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a lot of traffic. A lot.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFstqePJ60_V0IajoOVFXKL_NYJK_ymNXxf_JNIEtUTAjgwgg1Wc1ivTL2Hs-xzVj0dUNU4uCqP3U_aqQCNxTdBcqHqmtqI4AvV8Ck-GH4BbsAuTELhGUxJ-Ryy8EuZvpy7afsXufCC91wHl6y1rg-R8PHJooVs2VRwCTheHWW7DD0WWJk-82OMgiO/s740/AR_C2E2_50_Friday_aftershowtrafficjam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFstqePJ60_V0IajoOVFXKL_NYJK_ymNXxf_JNIEtUTAjgwgg1Wc1ivTL2Hs-xzVj0dUNU4uCqP3U_aqQCNxTdBcqHqmtqI4AvV8Ck-GH4BbsAuTELhGUxJ-Ryy8EuZvpy7afsXufCC91wHl6y1rg-R8PHJooVs2VRwCTheHWW7DD0WWJk-82OMgiO/s16000/AR_C2E2_50_Friday_aftershowtrafficjam.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know how slow I had to be going to get this clear of shots of the traffic in front and behind me?</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The decision to drive downtown to get some food and find a Target seemed like a good one at the time. I made this move not realizing what downtown Chicago is like.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOapCa15aOgMGl5HHfdOxDZr4Sse6d0JxuPmRjAlvMIzqstJEPvAZVPBVP2z3HNk35V_e-H9gU3PqCXTrUzKxGNS6Nad2SfovTRAfUYyAR_PH43ntWWCyOxg9nzUVqv9UJr7Dh3eYcJ9DtohL4I7apzhCjwViQwkK-fzA22uwXVzzJHq7f_PP4EDL/s740/AR_C2E2_51_Friday_downtownnightmare.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOapCa15aOgMGl5HHfdOxDZr4Sse6d0JxuPmRjAlvMIzqstJEPvAZVPBVP2z3HNk35V_e-H9gU3PqCXTrUzKxGNS6Nad2SfovTRAfUYyAR_PH43ntWWCyOxg9nzUVqv9UJr7Dh3eYcJ9DtohL4I7apzhCjwViQwkK-fzA22uwXVzzJHq7f_PP4EDL/s16000/AR_C2E2_51_Friday_downtownnightmare.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Traffic went from a standstill to very fast. [Right] I ended up turned around in a neighborhood. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Heading downtown in Chicago was hell. Never mind the fact the pedestrians downtown did not care that you were in a vehicle. I’ve seen this happen before in Kansas City and other metropolitan areas that I’ve driven through. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it was still very annoying.</span></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But with the additional stressed state that I was in, it’s a wonder I didn’t accidentally end up hitting someone with my vehicle.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I drove downtown trying to both find a target store and somewhere to eat, I came to the realization that there’s very little parking downtown, even for the businesses that are crammed into the small one way streets.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By this time I had a headache developing. Now whether that was from my anxiety or because I was hungry I don’t know. My GPS directions took me to a Burger King that was in the direction of the Target I was trying to get to. Upon finding it, I discovered that same Burger King, had at some point, caught fire, and thus was no longer open.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I sat in the back of the parking lot just staring at the empty building with visible smoke damage on it.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pulling out of the parking lot of that Burger King, to merge back into downtown traffic was a pinnacle of stress for me at that point.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I drove further along, hoping to at least get to the Target and maybe I could pick up some food from there. I figured I had a microwave back at the hotel.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I never did make it. I never did find that store. Even with the GPS.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got so turned around, I was stopped at a red light waiting to turn left when I heard a loud and horrendous "thunk" on the back of my vehicle. Startled, I quickly looked in my rear view mirror and out my driver side window just in time to see and hear someone fall to the ground screaming "ah, fuck!" and what looked like a delivery bag split open with food now spread out on the ground.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Because I was so tired, for a moment I really thought I had accidentally backed in to somebody. Is something happening behind me that I’m not aware of? Was I getting car jacked?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know why, but I got out of my vehicle to see if the person was all right. I noticed two people heading over in my direction, that at first glance, assumed were security guards, (who may very well possibly been policeman), rushed over from across the street to see what was happening.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not being from Chicago, and not knowing what was actually going on, I’m not gonna lie... I was a bit freaked out. I was tired, my head hurt, I was hungry, and I was extremely lost. I remember asking the guy who was on the ground, for some reason, "dude, are you high?"</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After checking we both were alright, and there was no damage to my vehicle, the fellow who'd taken the spill off of his bike, by his own admission, had just not been careful and ran into me. Unfortunately, his bike was scratched up some, and his food was now street pizza.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankful that things weren't serious, the officers started to walk off, but I must have been looking extremely disheveled, scared, or annoyed I’m not sure. One of the officers asked me if I was all right and I said yes, I was just trying to find somewhere to eat and I apologized profusely to the bicyclist and to both of them, and said I just had a very long day. That I had been at a convention earlier, that "I wasn't from around here", and I was just trying to find some food, get to Target to pick up some art supplies, and get back to my hotel.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I over explained the hell out of everything, but the officer was nice enough to let me know more restaurants were down the street.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again on my way, I found a McDonald’s. I pulled in and ordered a comfort meal that would rival a convicted man’s last meal on death row.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsvIBMQKFzuN3Z8izBw4_FNO-GXVKvJmCNI60vkmHd7hZF1CcfybZbGufIHBXah01QIJTSvklLzGjNTJ7WoisDVVC69Hoa4BWbnyUoMmOc69whHDuM35AZZpqn6PdmrWI-FZfB8Gv0xCkc8x6rRnZB8lvQNYty6dht5_ojQMNWOF3-WDbYpAaed0O/s740/AR_C2E2_52_Friday_parkedhavingamoment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsvIBMQKFzuN3Z8izBw4_FNO-GXVKvJmCNI60vkmHd7hZF1CcfybZbGufIHBXah01QIJTSvklLzGjNTJ7WoisDVVC69Hoa4BWbnyUoMmOc69whHDuM35AZZpqn6PdmrWI-FZfB8Gv0xCkc8x6rRnZB8lvQNYty6dht5_ojQMNWOF3-WDbYpAaed0O/s16000/AR_C2E2_52_Friday_parkedhavingamoment.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This almost looks like the outside establishing shot of a sitcom location for TGIF.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not ashamed to admit that I ordered two number one meals, two McChicken’s, two cheeseburgers, two apple pies, and two fish sandwiches. I drove in a head thumping haze after that, looking for anywhere that I could stop, eat, and get away from traffic.</span><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Eventually I ended up in a quiet neighborhood as you can see from the photo above. This was the apartment complex right across from where I was parked.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By this point, it was about 10 o’clock at night. I hadn’t purchased all of the food to eat in that moment, but I did eat the majority of it. I’m not ashamed to admit that the stress got the better part of me and I just sat there and let my emotions flow free. I needed to get the frustration, the angry tears, everything negative flushed out of me. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of the food I bought because I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage food for the next few days, since I don’t remember there being any restaurants near the hotel, I was staying at.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Put a pin in that for a moment.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s one of those times also when I’m glad I had my phone, and I pulled up Netflix and for about 30 to 40 minutes, I just watched some shows, ate my food, and calmed down by myself in the middle of a neighborhood in Chicago at almost 11 o’clock at night.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3PWwfXVjSX6VxPpkeUaMKLSHFjnFxCFpci-3GUvpmd-Ho4FY_TL9M7_BbIWBrKpE1Qme_JngaBgFbMS22RJo07ADOO9T33NMBJKcVg3eYMRwNIakeHFnZFnQUi7N9X-GCmLbvTpFEe2gbKS4rw1_gpxkTc_jZq09m8w5SlkdN2Lgg-A-8H-nv_eC/s740/AR_C2E2_53_Friday_drivebackdefeated.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3PWwfXVjSX6VxPpkeUaMKLSHFjnFxCFpci-3GUvpmd-Ho4FY_TL9M7_BbIWBrKpE1Qme_JngaBgFbMS22RJo07ADOO9T33NMBJKcVg3eYMRwNIakeHFnZFnQUi7N9X-GCmLbvTpFEe2gbKS4rw1_gpxkTc_jZq09m8w5SlkdN2Lgg-A-8H-nv_eC/s16000/AR_C2E2_53_Friday_drivebackdefeated.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're going to drive in Chicago, do it after 11pm. Much safer.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I gathered my thoughts and decided there’s no way, even if I had managed to make it to a Target, that I was going to be able to purchase anything at that point, and get up in time to make it to the show early enough to set up the rest of my display. So I decided to just roll with it and do the best I could on Saturday without the additional display elements.</span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Driving from out of downtown back onto the highway in route to the hotel, was thankfully much calmer with a lot less traffic. It was about 11:35 pm. by the time I pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. It was then that I realized, there was a McDonald’s. DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET from my hotel. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anxiety can make one blind</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1VfrCdlR78-WtvpwAHA7aIFvj3o2ZayDAJ4L7MMV8hmo_EsqNDI-3XMP9HCYQePWP4MhrPG4hcWHP6dzL_NTUyjD9CHtwRuT8wMx2I5xrPBlUOkSeXlV1pkXF55osIAs2hTCpMhF8yC0aa-IT4AfG6WAFdojXrAELei6TsMcYqgnLwPb0b4uY3-M/s740/AR_C2E2_54_Friday_supersus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1VfrCdlR78-WtvpwAHA7aIFvj3o2ZayDAJ4L7MMV8hmo_EsqNDI-3XMP9HCYQePWP4MhrPG4hcWHP6dzL_NTUyjD9CHtwRuT8wMx2I5xrPBlUOkSeXlV1pkXF55osIAs2hTCpMhF8yC0aa-IT4AfG6WAFdojXrAELei6TsMcYqgnLwPb0b4uY3-M/s16000/AR_C2E2_54_Friday_supersus.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you saw my video on TikTok, you know this lock, in the most hilariously pointless way, did not remotely work. It was just for aesthetics.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I got up to my room, I got in, locked the door, showered, meditated, and watched a little TV. I needed to attempt to get some rest before getting up in a few hours. </span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Side note, t</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">he hotel's, cable tv, or whatever service I was watching, didn’t have the largest selection of television stations. Thankfully, there was Food Network, nickelodeon, and a Sikh television net work, which, like the Spanish Inquisition, I really did not expect. </span></p><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I fell asleep, watching the Food Network, something about street tacos if I remember right..</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Saturday 8/6: Day Two - The car is on fire.</b></span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I managed to wake at 4:30 AM, and was puzzled that I didn’t feel tired. I was also oddly craving tacos.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was probably worry of getting to the show late or not finding a parking spot. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While getting ready, I thought, "It's going to be what it is. I may not make money at the show, but I'm going to do the best I can."</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X_lU2SmO3ynNYYNAkQ5XVTkGhWwDDge9oJ3xzpFSRGiDjgHbj2vf3IOLD5Osh1Q4Cx2CPwq7Ack2pXl4l59UmBQnZM4jRT5DjEsgELo6qBqFmy4yGt8SbV5XFeh-ceG7gYiOxiKcQbTUmz-zvkGhF6SdA0CZJh3ZO-jXjw6zVOslv7HcDDvsYJu3/s740/AR_C2E2_55_Saturday_thenextmorning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X_lU2SmO3ynNYYNAkQ5XVTkGhWwDDge9oJ3xzpFSRGiDjgHbj2vf3IOLD5Osh1Q4Cx2CPwq7Ack2pXl4l59UmBQnZM4jRT5DjEsgELo6qBqFmy4yGt8SbV5XFeh-ceG7gYiOxiKcQbTUmz-zvkGhF6SdA0CZJh3ZO-jXjw6zVOslv7HcDDvsYJu3/s16000/AR_C2E2_55_Saturday_thenextmorning.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though I was happy to see a pup on the show floor, I just missed my dogs and cats.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I pulled into the parking garage right around 7 AM. I figured I’d redo my table layout, switching out art that could be seen every hour so people passing by could see the art better.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting there that early allowed me to get as much media for posting throughout the day, as I possibly could.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wXvzUmM1s_4MzImfi2jUiz6c3yzojr2FaZMluIGw-2Pv-P9vQNKv1EjlJ1s0kKE4OJ3lE1yTjgTPdcQOfbTHw9YdJWOEoH1m1IJ-I6UXO2xxWfJxvrtwjm0M8f8iNkJXP2v45pgkRJnd1M03MUuE82JzM6YiSgr3ojoq2ZH0IdTKFcUk8gzXqoI_/s740/AR_C2E2_56_Saturday_zeldajayandbob.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wXvzUmM1s_4MzImfi2jUiz6c3yzojr2FaZMluIGw-2Pv-P9vQNKv1EjlJ1s0kKE4OJ3lE1yTjgTPdcQOfbTHw9YdJWOEoH1m1IJ-I6UXO2xxWfJxvrtwjm0M8f8iNkJXP2v45pgkRJnd1M03MUuE82JzM6YiSgr3ojoq2ZH0IdTKFcUk8gzXqoI_/s16000/AR_C2E2_56_Saturday_zeldajayandbob.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] A nice Zelda cosplay [Right] I'm hoping this Jay and Silent Bob arcade brawler is coming to Switch.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I do shows, my favorite thing is to have the stress free shopping moments before opening time. It also gives me time to talk to vendors and other artists.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUrHAobHQ-qdWXsZAsREc3z6dAlz1URbpS5piuXfqQAV9DUL36zG0pDGBduoAHEL0_S6_FDDDlYYxtm5RWFh9gS0HG_7_HgHCruhkGs2EzAZ2I3m0zRujmet5zU276C9EPSo7oTHLRW0GqSK3AcC3lrAh20L0NYpIIgRmB_2YslyE3rCZsmyWtFxJ/s740/AR_C2E2_57_Saturday_bandai_showbadge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUrHAobHQ-qdWXsZAsREc3z6dAlz1URbpS5piuXfqQAV9DUL36zG0pDGBduoAHEL0_S6_FDDDlYYxtm5RWFh9gS0HG_7_HgHCruhkGs2EzAZ2I3m0zRujmet5zU276C9EPSo7oTHLRW0GqSK3AcC3lrAh20L0NYpIIgRmB_2YslyE3rCZsmyWtFxJ/s16000/AR_C2E2_57_Saturday_bandai_showbadge.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] I picked up three kits from the Bandai booth. [Right] I forgot to take a picture of my show badge until Saturday.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I went to the Tamashi nations/Bandai booth, and got into a conversation with one of the staff manning the booth about Japanese toys and where I could purchase some of the things they had at the booth. And of course they were selling just about everything on display, and let me purchase some sets.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehZqx6pSZOyUqy4Zt1K0g6yhrMeOmuPYSFyPob1D9tS_s-n9lrCBvngxTcwkk_hrep_4r4OcA6mAdQvhb95LrHz-GB8lA6NOA9cO90h5p0JR-qd83LdMfUR8UrRtpKLUACzUN4hRop40b0aibqkua8IjhITFX5H7HIl2jn0nJTK0Ht9AFPSxEgEWv/s740/AR_C2E2_58_Saturday_vamplady_mst3k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehZqx6pSZOyUqy4Zt1K0g6yhrMeOmuPYSFyPob1D9tS_s-n9lrCBvngxTcwkk_hrep_4r4OcA6mAdQvhb95LrHz-GB8lA6NOA9cO90h5p0JR-qd83LdMfUR8UrRtpKLUACzUN4hRop40b0aibqkua8IjhITFX5H7HIl2jn0nJTK0Ht9AFPSxEgEWv/s16000/AR_C2E2_58_Saturday_vamplady_mst3k.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Imposing cosplay of Lady Dimitrescu. [Right] An unexpected MST3K cosplay!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUUnF_L5-5iQZzhjn5HyjBVu3S9E4nOliN-d_jkd3lpWJs1E_504A21N2lfx_q3F7fcto52YMLQxJD4b4WpZmJdk25WL18CGgyQ1fD6N_sXCREeUvXw6uR0ns2jIddP2wSesFxoXzugkwzbiRvs1yuPUJ5mVrc8fS62k7V3gYZbRF1mtVmk7O6uz5/s740/AR_C2E2_59_Saturday_thecrowds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUUnF_L5-5iQZzhjn5HyjBVu3S9E4nOliN-d_jkd3lpWJs1E_504A21N2lfx_q3F7fcto52YMLQxJD4b4WpZmJdk25WL18CGgyQ1fD6N_sXCREeUvXw6uR0ns2jIddP2wSesFxoXzugkwzbiRvs1yuPUJ5mVrc8fS62k7V3gYZbRF1mtVmk7O6uz5/s16000/AR_C2E2_59_Saturday_thecrowds.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd density was crazy.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There were moments when I spoke to a lot of people, and then times when there was no interactions at all. Craziest up and down sort of day I've had at a show in a long time.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGNmvOy7_J759I4S6Ek4rsUrbQ-thylWyNz1m83oLQBH206e98_vgVV_6U70F40Fj1nff3jGESnYVV0x9wAHipPL8JjfdQ_p6MYLEBPHfa3E70FL2g0A738S1pQrQRF2o8-y0ISCWSUQmufO1T55pa8MO5khumjcdnt7uji2YFAC79KjEJ87QhTkq/s740/AR_C2E2_60_Saturday_daisypeach_aisledensity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGNmvOy7_J759I4S6Ek4rsUrbQ-thylWyNz1m83oLQBH206e98_vgVV_6U70F40Fj1nff3jGESnYVV0x9wAHipPL8JjfdQ_p6MYLEBPHfa3E70FL2g0A738S1pQrQRF2o8-y0ISCWSUQmufO1T55pa8MO5khumjcdnt7uji2YFAC79KjEJ87QhTkq/s16000/AR_C2E2_60_Saturday_daisypeach_aisledensity.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Daisy and Peach from Super Mario Bros [Right] The last push of the crowd through Artist Alley happened right around 2:30pm.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF_CZNACZMZIpo8VxIIT74ZMlCxQJ_GphuO-of6lk9EOqfvSRIeqQzt3-My73Z2T5rHOdK42ugi5ug_MzLSALZevgR-yKHyBo3Y2ZZOz6MNHS4T8Y_Vjrpnr3guH-o1tGuRdNBjVgZzif4xjLECF5vWAl44jJo8KvY09yjmAhA3BdXLDwwRbAHI7O/s740/AR_C2E2_61_Saturday_crowdfromabove.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF_CZNACZMZIpo8VxIIT74ZMlCxQJ_GphuO-of6lk9EOqfvSRIeqQzt3-My73Z2T5rHOdK42ugi5ug_MzLSALZevgR-yKHyBo3Y2ZZOz6MNHS4T8Y_Vjrpnr3guH-o1tGuRdNBjVgZzif4xjLECF5vWAl44jJo8KvY09yjmAhA3BdXLDwwRbAHI7O/s16000/AR_C2E2_61_Saturday_crowdfromabove.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My biggest regret was not being able to get to the arcade area during the show.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As Saturday wore on, it was becoming evident that financial success was NOT in the cards.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Even with the large crowd, and a decent flow through the row in artist alley I was in. Purchases just weren't happening. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfC8ARYqYoh8ruf1Q8EpBmiFO7AfhaE8M3fb_UgoPtV74wPo5xmBNEXO2YyBhIb0s4QrfmW22GBJdY2o9OJQ3b7HAG6bSv51Y06WQJT-Za9_aupvqwpEXgLuZyPjngPko2nw8K9pK-fF1M2oyDiK4PBmtwSVZmrTnzEYwvRcfkSFbEFcudO8FEy3u/s740/AR_C2E2_62_Saturday_showwindingdown.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfC8ARYqYoh8ruf1Q8EpBmiFO7AfhaE8M3fb_UgoPtV74wPo5xmBNEXO2YyBhIb0s4QrfmW22GBJdY2o9OJQ3b7HAG6bSv51Y06WQJT-Za9_aupvqwpEXgLuZyPjngPko2nw8K9pK-fF1M2oyDiK4PBmtwSVZmrTnzEYwvRcfkSFbEFcudO8FEy3u/s16000/AR_C2E2_62_Saturday_showwindingdown.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out after the show was done.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Knowing that 2/3 of the show days were now done with, I just made the best of what I could after the vendor hall closed. I spent time getting photos and recording more vid clips in the lobby as attendees passed by.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fX44uHymUUy-Jk6Flycynffj351KbqrisW8VfNQRh-D7SYwJS96YHFCvVzasgs4C4TEtbQlu8Z4xWuwf6We1GzLCqMw2-SZ1b-NuS9AXGZ5-LlRBiYz55k2YVRu08mdr4yFXdQvehspfyNBkoN6-aiVG3ko6fGuof1nwNe5q0Nt3LIxU2aJwx6Nz/s740/AR_C2E2_63_Saturday_crowdoutsideentrance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fX44uHymUUy-Jk6Flycynffj351KbqrisW8VfNQRh-D7SYwJS96YHFCvVzasgs4C4TEtbQlu8Z4xWuwf6We1GzLCqMw2-SZ1b-NuS9AXGZ5-LlRBiYz55k2YVRu08mdr4yFXdQvehspfyNBkoN6-aiVG3ko6fGuof1nwNe5q0Nt3LIxU2aJwx6Nz/s16000/AR_C2E2_63_Saturday_crowdoutsideentrance.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's weird when so many of the people I saw in cosplay never made it down the alley area I was in.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years I've done shows, I'm always surprised by how many people don't cover all of the show floor on certain days. I've talked to people who told me they never went into artist alley if they could help it. When I just attend shows, I literally map out every single row, especially at larger shows, so I make sure I never miss anything. I mean hell, it's expensive as hell to get in, why NOT cover every inch of the convention show floor?</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One informal sort of measurement I use, that is I believe pretty accurate, on how traffic flows in a show is how many times I see cosplays pass by. A few years ago when I was doing Planet Comicon I used to do time lapses of the traffic in front of my booth and without exception, there were always some cosplays and groups of people that never passed by, that I inevitably saw after the show. I know, very OCD of me.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcX9qGdaphVhEVWNVNsMfvS4bWvnDjReEQCgjkb8Y0n0NyEfoYMhZ0PEnam5uU0Ov6vhqNDYC-esQpYBbCiB216aKPClGtQfQEDssh741etV1BmwCKXi4vF7e8VBx-WsYOeZNR-Uk9xdU0I6ugQ3nUo7Q84aw5whelJmSDTKyx2CF1yyvoXDEH95v/s740/AR_C2E2_64_Saturday_cosplay_sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcX9qGdaphVhEVWNVNsMfvS4bWvnDjReEQCgjkb8Y0n0NyEfoYMhZ0PEnam5uU0Ov6vhqNDYC-esQpYBbCiB216aKPClGtQfQEDssh741etV1BmwCKXi4vF7e8VBx-WsYOeZNR-Uk9xdU0I6ugQ3nUo7Q84aw5whelJmSDTKyx2CF1yyvoXDEH95v/s16000/AR_C2E2_64_Saturday_cosplay_sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For instance, I would have remembered these amazing cosplays had they come anywhere near my booth.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There wasn't a lot that I thought could make my mood more off.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I drove back to the hotel, that changed.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I drive, I may have the radio on, I may have my mind thinking about any one of 100 things. That’s exactly how it was as I drove down the highway to get back to the hotel.</span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember that I wasn’t too far from the exit. I had to take that would lead me to an underpass onto the highway that I needed to be on.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to preface this by saying I’ve been in many high stress and unexpected situation before, in the years that I had done private security. But in those circumstances, when you’re at a bar or an entertainment venue, you start your shift wondering exactly what sort of lunacy you’re going to see before the night is over.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JX4DubGkiEDCNQZYkqmbaZehOs6AYCUjRQ82jTpKWq8SDtuQWb6XVaB5PWUADTH_1jx8zmw2E9y0cCALFM9-LGkTUz9xzBW6NkMuv9t0HyDG1KkBnPHfCVk7sMtPTY8IELxg6IfYCtpHR-iIEhH5yMIyg6WFN2PVbFM5BeT-jFRaIlWm6uVR61sG/s740/AR_C2E2_65_Saturday_whatthehell.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JX4DubGkiEDCNQZYkqmbaZehOs6AYCUjRQ82jTpKWq8SDtuQWb6XVaB5PWUADTH_1jx8zmw2E9y0cCALFM9-LGkTUz9xzBW6NkMuv9t0HyDG1KkBnPHfCVk7sMtPTY8IELxg6IfYCtpHR-iIEhH5yMIyg6WFN2PVbFM5BeT-jFRaIlWm6uVR61sG/s16000/AR_C2E2_65_Saturday_whatthehell.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Last view as I drove off, of the convention center. [Right] Literally a car on fire.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve seen enough things happen that in the moment they occur, I can stay very calm, and in control of my facilities to make sure I’m not in any danger. And that’s especially true whenever I take a road trip and go anywhere. In this case, since the drive was only about 35 minutes on the highway until I got to my hotel, my mind wasn’t thinking about anything odd possibly happening.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I’m almost to my exit, what seemed like a simultaneous number of actions happened. I was in the right lane just passing an on-ramp, and a white pick up truck was passing me on the left. I certainly hear a revving engine, growing louder and the sound of sirens. A quick glance in my rearview mirror didn’t show anyone behind me, but as I looked into my Sideview mirror on my left, I could see a car quickly coming up on us from the offramp we were passing.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly the car flew by both me and the white truck missing my bumper by what seemed like inches, flying across the two lanes of traffic at a high speed. I looked again at my sideview mirror and saw police cars coming up the on-ramp in hot pursuit. Then I heard a crash, as the speeding car slammed into the cement retaining wall on the left side of the road, then it rebounded back across the two lanes in front of me and the truck, and proceeded to slam its front end into the steel barricade on the right hand side about 40 in front of me.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It hit with such force that it plowed through, hit the grassy area beyond the barrier, and flipped in the air and landed upside down.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No shit it seemed like time slowed down. I could describe exactly what the bottom of the car looked like as it was, as it careened over that metal barricade. I remember it slamming down, seeing dirt and foliage fly up, and suddenly the underside of the car exploded in flame. Seriously like something out of a fucking Michael Bay movie. Here’s the crazy part. I barely had time to register what happened as my exit was coming up. I took the exit and in the moment managed to grab my phone from the charger and sort of went into auto pilot as I came around to the underpass area beneath the bridge. I had just been on and filmed the moments when the cop cars caught up to the flaming wreck.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think I was so out of it, it was so unexpected. When I later watched the footage when I got to the hotel, I didn’t even remember saying out loud on the video, “well, fuck me!”</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After I recorded that clip, I drove onward, and I got to the hotel. I got my stuff, locked the doors on my vehicle, and headed into the hotel.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a weird static in my mind, as I walked into the lobby, said hello to the lady at the front desk, pushed on the packing tape, covered button on the elevator to access the second floor, and made my way down the hallway past the half broken door to my hotel room door. For some reason, everything seemed extra, colorful, noise seemed muted, and I felt like I was running at half speed. It was a very odd sensation, I believe I was in shock.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m 99% sure I witnessed a fatal car accident. I’m very certain that was a close call for both me and whoever was driving the white truck that was passing by me in the left lane. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I sat down in the chair in the corner of the room. And I just stared out into the room. I rarely have moments where my mind will go completely and utterly blank, and when it does, it freaks me out.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not a superstitious guy, not really. But I do believe in chance, and the random very chaotic nature of the world we live in. I say this sincerely, there was a part of me that didn’t want to go back to the show at all. I just wanted to stay in the hotel, and the hell With any of my equipment, artwork, or whatever else I had left in the convention center. Yes, the two shows prior to this were devastatingly humbling and absolutely not what I had expected for the majority of them. But even with that being the case, if you read the reviews I did, there were good moments, and a few redeeming factors that helped me cope with the low sales and other issues that I faced.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But I just saw a car explode.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If I had left, maybe two or three minutes earlier, that car might have slammed into me. The very sobering idea of that scares the shit out of me.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t tell you how long I sat in the chair, but at some point, I got up, grabbed my show bank, got out some change, and went downstairs to get some things out of the vending machine.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I got down there, there wasn’t anyone else awake, and I noticed that a clock on the wall showed it being around 1130 at night. Hotels at night always have sort of a creepy, liminal space sort of feeling to them. I actually sort a dig that feeling. I had noticed the vending machines the first day I got in there and they were located in a room next to the workout area. Much to my surprise there were a few video games in there. I had about five dollars in quarters on me which was just enough to get a Coke Zero, and played about 40 minutes of Pac-Man. It’s a shame there aren’t more arcades in America that are affordable and accessible. That little mini arcade being in there helped me calm down immensely.
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After using my last quarter, I walked back up to the second floor, using the stairs. Got back in my room and decided "screw it, I’m just going to have fun tomorrow, there’s no way in hell I’m going to make enough money, so I’m just going to enjoy myself".</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again, I fell asleep watching television, this time watching one of Anthony Bourdain‘s shows. Again, I don’t believe in fate, but I did find it pleasantly surprising that the last thing I was watching before I went to bed was his show. He’s the sort of traveler and writer that I’ve always aspire to be, and there’s not a day that goes by, when I am traveling, that his stories and experiences don’t play into how I look at the ups and downs I endure.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday 8/7: Day 3 - A dog, a donut, and determination.</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I finally woke up Sunday morning, I felt oddly relaxed. It was early once again about 5 AM. I got ready, packed my day bag, and then drove across the street to get breakfast at McDonald’s.<br /></span><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Traffic was mercifully much less that Sunday morning, maybe everyone was at church I don’t know.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCp1Pf0Z_rqDd36UG9q-PAZDFdoKitKZ43lQuEZapwPY_7A14fCCtXmn7Z5nitntJWhBRXazJb7TULJz8Lzc-wPnad3ztttZWbM4Te2K7uqiX2ebi1teZ7pn34TuLt2pjq5lkbg6-FT6hDPMQUYRmKjtD5oWvS-4PCOD1HL804F3icDV6mwyddJ2f/s740/AR_C2E2_66_sunday_walkingthealley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCp1Pf0Z_rqDd36UG9q-PAZDFdoKitKZ43lQuEZapwPY_7A14fCCtXmn7Z5nitntJWhBRXazJb7TULJz8Lzc-wPnad3ztttZWbM4Te2K7uqiX2ebi1teZ7pn34TuLt2pjq5lkbg6-FT6hDPMQUYRmKjtD5oWvS-4PCOD1HL804F3icDV6mwyddJ2f/s16000/AR_C2E2_66_sunday_walkingthealley.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] About an hour before the show. [Right] Another little pooch who wandered by.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I got into the convention hall, I wandered around and picked up quite a few things, you can see in below in the show hall pictures I took. Maybe because of therapy, maybe because I’m older, maybe it’s because I watched Anthony Bourdain before I fell asleep, I, very much was open, honest, and forward that morning. I got a chance to talk to a small group of various artists and told them how my weekend had gone when I asked. I was happy that many of them had had pretty good business that weekend.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />I’m a firm believer that food can heal a lot and I don’t know this gentleman’s name, but when I was speaking to the artist Landis Blair, a fellow with a box of donuts, offered me one. I was also gifted an amazingly beautiful enamel pin by the very kick ass artist Katie fox. When I made it back to my table, my neighbor, Paul Bautista was there, and I filled him in on what it happened last night on the highway. I know this sounds macabre to say this, but I’m glad I had the footage to round out as proof what I’d seen happen.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy28A2Amad6P_HeTG9n506Odptr6Lx9ptBTTqCZ65ciCSGlyiB6vbHou4fnEuWbMzzlZDBgMN3NHTaefeASv4Dl0NgSulhL-Ef4TfPvoXAM8im4MkZbxDVp_sYqn79B5ZL-gB3MzaG3i9RIVtimQmZS2aAjn7tc-5rEuI2AAWedP216vsjqb071znh/s740/AR_C2E2_67_sunday_themagicdonut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy28A2Amad6P_HeTG9n506Odptr6Lx9ptBTTqCZ65ciCSGlyiB6vbHou4fnEuWbMzzlZDBgMN3NHTaefeASv4Dl0NgSulhL-Ef4TfPvoXAM8im4MkZbxDVp_sYqn79B5ZL-gB3MzaG3i9RIVtimQmZS2aAjn7tc-5rEuI2AAWedP216vsjqb071znh/s16000/AR_C2E2_67_sunday_themagicdonut.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This donut got me literally emotional.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday wore on, and sales, of course didn’t get any better. But my mood did. To any of you that do shows, I think you’ll agree, that, even when the show goes really bad, it is our attitude, and how we handle things that allow us to learn, and grow from the experience. Don’t get me wrong it’s still fucking sucks. But the people I spoke to and met, especially on Sunday, made everything a whole lot better.<p>Finally, at the end of the show, there wasn’t much more to do than to say goodbyes and begin packing up. Honestly, some people had started packing up around 330 to 4 and their tables were already empty by the time the announcement that the show was closing for 2022 was broadcast.</p></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB78eFegqno63UznekssKdmcbb2N37IwLMwI11xEHoEPDM8vyXLO9BEvEJM8aelMGSVt20pITzuHAxV765YQiCvYf4QF-23_6_OM5XSFbJBE2pteKMb_aUDqLr3bJzO3az5E63xERK9VkXOLDfcSgEdj1UAuIfQBvvKdg2rA8WIRwtRlqDcj5YzuR/s740/AR_C2E2_68_sunday_clairebluejawa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB78eFegqno63UznekssKdmcbb2N37IwLMwI11xEHoEPDM8vyXLO9BEvEJM8aelMGSVt20pITzuHAxV765YQiCvYf4QF-23_6_OM5XSFbJBE2pteKMb_aUDqLr3bJzO3az5E63xERK9VkXOLDfcSgEdj1UAuIfQBvvKdg2rA8WIRwtRlqDcj5YzuR/s16000/AR_C2E2_68_sunday_clairebluejawa.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Great Jurassic World cosplay of Clair and Blue [Right] The Jawa that played with the mini Mandalorian.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m grateful for one social interaction I witnessed, and if you look above, there is a photo of the specific cosplayer that was portraying a Jawa. I made a video on TikTok about watching the instance unfold, and what happened was there was a young boy there with his father , and he was dressed up as the Mandalorian, the little boy was. He got super excited when he saw the Jawa and ran up behind the Jawa with his disintegrator rifle, pointing it at the Jawa. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think the father said something to the Jawa like "look behind you", and the Jawa turned around, jumped up, and pretended to hide behind other people in an excited motion, acting fearful.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That, right there was wonderful to witness. I didn’t video record the moment. I mean it involves children, and it was clearly a very personal moment for the father, his son, and the Jawa cosplayer. But I wanted to get a photo of the Jawa, which is why that’s up there, and I thanked them for being so cool to the tiny Mandalorian. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to note the Jawa never broke character, which I loved.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4dq5vzNZpjXJ5BIk4zquSdquhDghlDfLgVqexDZxAgLREhs6gPs7S6W5EcTeXjAj_3DsJBsJ2tXrNeoBgGUGWvXqBv5_wzfP5J5gf3VpUYR_8ORkGWzzwrHbl0tUsaxBJPSYk_XJBM99o0_oBC5-IB7oaAjy8adqiZ90dBIXbfxdz2-S34YK_so2/s740/AR_C2E2_69_sunday_lightercrowds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4dq5vzNZpjXJ5BIk4zquSdquhDghlDfLgVqexDZxAgLREhs6gPs7S6W5EcTeXjAj_3DsJBsJ2tXrNeoBgGUGWvXqBv5_wzfP5J5gf3VpUYR_8ORkGWzzwrHbl0tUsaxBJPSYk_XJBM99o0_oBC5-IB7oaAjy8adqiZ90dBIXbfxdz2-S34YK_so2/s16000/AR_C2E2_69_sunday_lightercrowds.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd seemed really light on Sunday, this was at 12:46 pm.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With that, I got all of my booths, broken down, packed away, said my goodbyes, and headed out of the hall. For some strange reason, I didn’t really want to believe the day was over. Even as terrible as the weekend had been sales wise, I was still very happy for a lot of the experiences, and for just saying now that I officially had done the show, C2E2.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ266SWs5fBVvOk8_re2ZAQ2swgb00EwZYqfrYlPhJe60moZTQJOaVI3t4Qf0HSpyjhEWLBjomv8-nkw0CcRKCUt9ExmyJVGWHn4epJ44CWESpCkDf0LZoFG3V0IEkTKKpS0gPjLwCa4YDikQz_Kpb3vgPu3rxO7MfJtaxQB45cXzV4WNMRmsRed0/s740/AR_C2E2_70_sunday_cobra_loadoutinstructions.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ266SWs5fBVvOk8_re2ZAQ2swgb00EwZYqfrYlPhJe60moZTQJOaVI3t4Qf0HSpyjhEWLBjomv8-nkw0CcRKCUt9ExmyJVGWHn4epJ44CWESpCkDf0LZoFG3V0IEkTKKpS0gPjLwCa4YDikQz_Kpb3vgPu3rxO7MfJtaxQB45cXzV4WNMRmsRed0/s16000/AR_C2E2_70_sunday_cobra_loadoutinstructions.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Cobra Baroness and Cobra Commander [Right] The load out instructions for after the show's end.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The rush to get out of the hall with something else there’s only a few elevators and stairwells you can take to get to the garage to get all of the stuff out of the hall. So I took my time as it was I was staying that evening because I didn’t feel like driving back at night and I check out on Monday morning.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWwcXsV0_8jyiMsu1XfzG8KUwde821ADs7HV0p4Bhrwxc9yAtdxNFLWotU8SPVgX0XU5yALlvdA0SUtZqd_-yOx7C36TnedHI4_YpMBgFSfgLTcSPvelEPN-l-PgwePWOU-zXVHZil92_GaerLYhNi3JPIjneIv-1gTACanEJuEjlO7_voiEbb5wY/s740/AR_C2E2_71_sunday_theshowending.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWwcXsV0_8jyiMsu1XfzG8KUwde821ADs7HV0p4Bhrwxc9yAtdxNFLWotU8SPVgX0XU5yALlvdA0SUtZqd_-yOx7C36TnedHI4_YpMBgFSfgLTcSPvelEPN-l-PgwePWOU-zXVHZil92_GaerLYhNi3JPIjneIv-1gTACanEJuEjlO7_voiEbb5wY/s16000/AR_C2E2_71_sunday_theshowending.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the moment the PA sounded the end of the show. A good number of booths had started breaking down about an hour before.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After filming some of my last clips, and taking some final videos for my blog, I was waiting in line for an elevator, with my dolly, filled with all my stuff, and then a group of people dressed as zombies walked by me. Evidently there was also, a horror convention that had been happening that weekend as well. I’m not saying there’s a lot of crossover and the phantoms, but there’s a lot of crossover and the phantoms, and sometimes I wonder if having this many shows is diluting the effort. Maybe I’m just thinking about it too much.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgLQBOtRsBRuw4jMn0jxGmkpSzLZhX2gUDWFNBWw20wyY54dLuQPkVi9seFLNyq2yR7ZNYPcvDqbLwvmWxCaPNi2MFukdJmEwd5TN4pAJXAGtC96IJTwuOodPW6HTBWt7LgtqvRk0sDLD30vrRQ-1cvAqMNSmsZS2i4IQFIfgJMqzviHh3DEVNaFo/s740/AR_C2E2_72_sunday_onwayout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgLQBOtRsBRuw4jMn0jxGmkpSzLZhX2gUDWFNBWw20wyY54dLuQPkVi9seFLNyq2yR7ZNYPcvDqbLwvmWxCaPNi2MFukdJmEwd5TN4pAJXAGtC96IJTwuOodPW6HTBWt7LgtqvRk0sDLD30vrRQ-1cvAqMNSmsZS2i4IQFIfgJMqzviHh3DEVNaFo/s16000/AR_C2E2_72_sunday_onwayout.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since I was just heading back to the hotel, I took my time with farewells and filming some last minute segments.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7WTg_OkxVxCMtak8FWsYxQNKpflcZjoUUjS2cmKyUZbxc6Lrsmy1MpelqbxXk4ZYo8GPi--KzsjvKD_xxVHBde4pjAV7PutS9VyZYDyt6MXtaEgt4APSCJ03UlW5sueOrQu5IUbnvrUN-JhyJ0Nwyht9S7Yp38iRAgmX3mHx3PoJMkauu3wODoOW/s740/AR_C2E2_73_sunday_cosplaysandonelastlook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7WTg_OkxVxCMtak8FWsYxQNKpflcZjoUUjS2cmKyUZbxc6Lrsmy1MpelqbxXk4ZYo8GPi--KzsjvKD_xxVHBde4pjAV7PutS9VyZYDyt6MXtaEgt4APSCJ03UlW5sueOrQu5IUbnvrUN-JhyJ0Nwyht9S7Yp38iRAgmX3mHx3PoJMkauu3wODoOW/s16000/AR_C2E2_73_sunday_cosplaysandonelastlook.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] The last few people exiting under the main entrance banner. [Right] So many cosplays I never saw in the hall.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This time the drive back to the hotel was just as easy as the drive was in. Nothing crazy happened in fact they were very very few people on the road. I did realize that Monday was going to have rush-hour so I didn’t wanna stay up too late, because I wanted to not be caught in rush-hour while leaving Chicago. I picked up some food through a drive-through and went back to the hotel, and after getting back in my room, took a long shower and began packing up everything I could in anticipation of leaving in the morning. I crawled into bed and that night’s viewing was SpongeBob SquarePants</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday 8/8: Day 4 - Writing, thinking and time to reflect.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The anticipation of getting on the road woke me up right around six or seven in the morning. I took my time and looked over everything to make sure I had left nothing behind. Gathering my bags and give me the room one more quick glance over I may want my way down to the front desk to check out and then headed out the lobby.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WybuyLglQJ1FqMsgNqC2Op6LT0kVIlJR7YKkBmXS_PLeaz5QirevHWOA925J86g4Vhehiz2i2h-nOcia_rozyxDvg_1sH_cvlvr-Frmjl3y72qMFNpEZYWW8O_RoexoJv5I8Qp0wbbDnGAIq_9dGTDonKSkyLTwII1vv7T-pUD23bNNUyD-bTIlM/s740/AR_C2E2_74_monday_earlymorningpacking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WybuyLglQJ1FqMsgNqC2Op6LT0kVIlJR7YKkBmXS_PLeaz5QirevHWOA925J86g4Vhehiz2i2h-nOcia_rozyxDvg_1sH_cvlvr-Frmjl3y72qMFNpEZYWW8O_RoexoJv5I8Qp0wbbDnGAIq_9dGTDonKSkyLTwII1vv7T-pUD23bNNUyD-bTIlM/s16000/AR_C2E2_74_monday_earlymorningpacking.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually had a decent sleep Sunday night.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an overcast and partially rainy day, which for me, is the perfect weather for any sort of road trip. I tried to find a drive-through that I could pick up some breakfast at as I didn’t want McDonald’s again, and stumbled across a Huck’s kitchen, gas station.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFslo-AG72hbtI0II5IukC-0hP1BGGUPRzmt_oIueHr4AQTEM9Y13dqtT3J11OhGmDtfECWez7cQaaoI7V5cvQ7ZI9buJORLsMqBdJFX1jimrHXZ6y73vhXyPKnS2NkDbjttzGoGnnAjn3PSv3TfFbSYVqOdvnRg6ENudDfQn-7NY3ElLMbvCHLGG/s740/AR_C2E2_75_monday_rainescortsmehome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFslo-AG72hbtI0II5IukC-0hP1BGGUPRzmt_oIueHr4AQTEM9Y13dqtT3J11OhGmDtfECWez7cQaaoI7V5cvQ7ZI9buJORLsMqBdJFX1jimrHXZ6y73vhXyPKnS2NkDbjttzGoGnnAjn3PSv3TfFbSYVqOdvnRg6ENudDfQn-7NY3ElLMbvCHLGG/s16000/AR_C2E2_75_monday_rainescortsmehome.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain on the way home. Just outside the first gas station I found that morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}">Evidently we have these in Missouri as well. They’re a Midwestern sort of thing, but if you get the chance to stop at one of these, I highly recommend their breakfast sandwiches, they were amazing.</span></p><p>The drive home was thankfully, very uneventful, and because of the overcast skies, enjoyable.</p></span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hWs0Vc-jUjRu-zQ-kMALbjTQS19xQOXZfzgeAt5EiKO8OgakyjFsHoewy9uJ1dJAfS7exi0Bs0G1o-olu5UyHXFMLpnEVblAmk-Ks18sSQEf_-gEnVfsriB97yb1X0HQRGlzuaF5S6nUBE6voOpTrBkyty-eUMNN26Z8OWcWbJhZIkhE7yWOEjub/s740/AR_C2E2_76_monday_longdrivehome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hWs0Vc-jUjRu-zQ-kMALbjTQS19xQOXZfzgeAt5EiKO8OgakyjFsHoewy9uJ1dJAfS7exi0Bs0G1o-olu5UyHXFMLpnEVblAmk-Ks18sSQEf_-gEnVfsriB97yb1X0HQRGlzuaF5S6nUBE6voOpTrBkyty-eUMNN26Z8OWcWbJhZIkhE7yWOEjub/s16000/AR_C2E2_76_monday_longdrivehome.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long road home.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}">I use voice to text in my notes app to write a lot of these entries in there very rough early formats. And because the drive home was going to be about eight hours long at the shortest. I had plenty of time to dictate it out.</span></p>There were some things I found out later after I got home that I wish I had known prior to the show. One the fan expo had happened so soon prior to see to eat you, and that there are a multitude of shows in the Chicago area. I still hold that in oversaturated market makes it hard for people to have enough money to spend across the spectrum of shows that can happen. And I’m not saying that as an excuse for why I didn’t sell. I sure as hell don’t know what really went wrong. It may very well have been that I simply blend it in, or maybe I just didn’t have fanart.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBaLvB2DJcdnkQBemc5KO4e7MWeKGmiHuv1tEWsw9OgOOCwGRKR9ZSh7ToVQtOSkG5pQLJiDv_I1cWU3FRBu2goRXdRwsMhmyMXN22eeSvikHdKuBxcHg3gM0IBqZV4KbHvsrJnveqljZaO1mb7gw9HcuROT8MqYr9wZkjX98oOz2kX0x3Xoo1kSt/s740/AR_C2E2_77_monday_comfortfood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBaLvB2DJcdnkQBemc5KO4e7MWeKGmiHuv1tEWsw9OgOOCwGRKR9ZSh7ToVQtOSkG5pQLJiDv_I1cWU3FRBu2goRXdRwsMhmyMXN22eeSvikHdKuBxcHg3gM0IBqZV4KbHvsrJnveqljZaO1mb7gw9HcuROT8MqYr9wZkjX98oOz2kX0x3Xoo1kSt/s16000/AR_C2E2_77_monday_comfortfood.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got lost trying to locate a Wendy's and stumbled across these sandwiches at a Huck's Market.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There were some things I did do right, like, bringing a fan, remembering larger, charging batteries, and also bringing containers with snacks like beef, jerky, assorted nuts, and granola to the show to keep me going, and give me something to do when no one came to my table.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr0Va_RXCYaK-3l57kR6qqDpUcx09yERV2KqRySg5lDro4LGGHAxGlkWyhtnZbohg_QSi5WbCHPeZiMncpvmTj50EZE4cJkG3lCJjSqnoxhXff8yvGJbbH4SbhTIB7iMHBzmIlpqbKKgcEw5HnBpl_AHywJIo9IHJVBKxQfh7wHi14qNWct1zKiti/s740/AR_C2E2_78_thinkingbacktoomanyshows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr0Va_RXCYaK-3l57kR6qqDpUcx09yERV2KqRySg5lDro4LGGHAxGlkWyhtnZbohg_QSi5WbCHPeZiMncpvmTj50EZE4cJkG3lCJjSqnoxhXff8yvGJbbH4SbhTIB7iMHBzmIlpqbKKgcEw5HnBpl_AHywJIo9IHJVBKxQfh7wHi14qNWct1zKiti/s16000/AR_C2E2_78_thinkingbacktoomanyshows.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't remember a time that so many niche and general sort of conventions have been so prolific.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WASL3Uy9ZXDtMu1T7fk0NSzP3Kqy4zkEPQuJQrUz-9yZ4h3zx4F5BRK1betL2lkPBMDfQmJFlzqr0-r7XykBk97oi9zeJG6C6Jy2BLiv6eN0AHMlbzdayJmAmhdseXCXcoOqDYmXLwdY8fckuZgZlmG52FuTtbKb84sopaRd3I30XP8IRlZrcsJK/s740/AR_C2E2_45_Friday_itslikecamping.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WASL3Uy9ZXDtMu1T7fk0NSzP3Kqy4zkEPQuJQrUz-9yZ4h3zx4F5BRK1betL2lkPBMDfQmJFlzqr0-r7XykBk97oi9zeJG6C6Jy2BLiv6eN0AHMlbzdayJmAmhdseXCXcoOqDYmXLwdY8fckuZgZlmG52FuTtbKb84sopaRd3I30XP8IRlZrcsJK/s16000/AR_C2E2_45_Friday_itslikecamping.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may not have brought all my booth, but packing in snacks, back up batteries, and a portable fan, all help the comfort factor even at bad shows.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The photo below was the view from my kitchen window, early Tuesday morning. I do love travel, but there is some thing really nice about being able to come home, and think about everything I went through. I knew that this blog post was going to take me a while to write, especially considering how many photos you’ve all just seen in here that needed editing.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So the purpose of these blog posts, especially the show reviews, is to provide a point of resource for other artists out there that have been doing, or are just starting out doing, shows that cover all aspects from Anime to Comic to toy to vintage video game. I often would get a lot of questions over the years from previous blog entries. I did that questioned how much I made. How lucrative is it to do these shows, and how does one even get started doing any of the shows.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So, just like the other previous entries for icon, and for fountain city con, I’ve also included a fairly thorough show overview below.</span></p><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this, and maybe there were some new hits of information to glean for your knowledge base.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTjjDvoGAKs5GCgBP8O6eOaplqaTF9V5f4SPZQ3c1zA0_O5nVn6P5VamdrQ2gUBeoxGbHtfh_uJSAZ-6P0MnOFZjWuro-kxdTRwe2zdW1H451B7iCOzFKlC9bWohb3d74KWgJhtpEjzpgJGRINFKvJCPcce81W9yqVEUO_JRhiz-pYfaSr_neY6q/s740/AR_C2E2_85_whattomorrowholds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTjjDvoGAKs5GCgBP8O6eOaplqaTF9V5f4SPZQ3c1zA0_O5nVn6P5VamdrQ2gUBeoxGbHtfh_uJSAZ-6P0MnOFZjWuro-kxdTRwe2zdW1H451B7iCOzFKlC9bWohb3d74KWgJhtpEjzpgJGRINFKvJCPcce81W9yqVEUO_JRhiz-pYfaSr_neY6q/s16000/AR_C2E2_85_whattomorrowholds.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not the fanciest backyard, but it's my thinking place.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You’ll also notice down at the very bottom above my signature. There is a button for PayPal to support the Artisan Rogue blog. I have run this version of my website for quite a few years, and I will keep posting show reviews, and experiences for as long as I go to them. But if you feel like supporting my efforts, because believe me, writing, editing, photo, taking and editing, and all of the video content I create across multiple platforms, takes quite a bit of time. I do all of that, while also working on my personal soft publication projects, freelance, and occasionally doing creative consultant efforts. This is literally a one-man show. So if you feel like donating anything, any amount, I am beyond, happy if you do.</span><p></p></div><div><p></p><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And now, the breakdown points of C2E2.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes and no. The "Yes" part only came after some time reflecting on all that happened. The "No" for the following... </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The crowd size was insane. If you've got social anxiety, the show could be really overwhelming.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has so much going on, is very family friendly, man will your need to bring good walking shoes.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn't make money. Not even close. But there's a part of me that wants a second go at it. Maybe in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Artist Alley Table price: $463.00</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $589.89</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $122.13</span></li><li><span>Hotel: $448.92</span></li><li><span>Parking Garage: $100 (over 4 days)</span></li><li><span>EMOTIONAL DAMAGE: not yet totaled</span></li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><b>Total Expenses:</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>$1,719.94</b></span></div></span></blockquote><p></p><ol><li>Friday Sales: $27.91</li><li>Saturday Sales: $3.58</li><li>Sunday Sales: $25.94<br /><br /><b>Total Gross Earnings:</b> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">$57.43</span></b></li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has a long legacy, and had a lot to see and do.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show floor layout was enormous. A LOT of vendors and artists</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A good number of great indie artists, writers, and creators.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Never saw staff members during the show on the floor or making rounds. Only at check-in.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tickets were on higher end: 3 day/$107.75 - Per day: $47 to $57 - Various other options</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parking is once again, not the greatest, but at least there are nearby garages to use</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With so many booths, it wasn't easy to stand out. Alley fatigue was very real.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prices on most vendor booths for toys/videos/collectibles were on average higher than ebay </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't help but focus on the fact that financially, this was hands down one of the worst shows I've done. Not even kidding, it made me reconsider even going on doing other shows, really to the point of if I should even be doing shows I'd already signed up for, especially when you take into account my returns from the two shows previous to this. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not having my booth setup fully on display most certainly hurt sales. I walked the show floor every day I was there beforehand, and it was too easy to get overwhelmed by the visual spectacle of it all. Having one or two works of fan art that I found in my bin, helped pull some people in. Marketing and self promotion is no doubt key to build up any chance at these larger shows, or having a presentation that is direct, on point, and easy for people passing by to have their eyes caught. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">C2E2 is one of those shows that is up there with SDCC that most people know about, if only from hearsay. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attending is not exactly affordable, ticket prices are fairly high, and if you combine that with a parking pass, it's painful. Break it down this way:</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For one person on average spending to get in for just one day:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ticket on low end: $47</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parking: $25</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Food: $25</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That's just about $100 to attend one day at the show. That's not spending money. That's not more than one meal, that's not kids, that's not any sort of special perks which the show has plenty of upper options to accommodate for, at higher prices.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">From an artist alley point of view, the crowd was interesting. Even around me, other artists I spoke to had hard times with sales. Others I know personally made damn good money. Easily in 4 figure income a couple of times over. Lot of people browsing, and a lot of people looking specifically for fan art, or indie things they already were invested in.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All that said, I think I should have gone to the show first. Walked the floors. Maybe held off one more year to make sure the financial hit wasn't as hard. I don't know, at the same time, if I hadn't tried, I'd not have met the great people that I spoke to and bought things from, nor would I have the experience to plan better for, if I decide to do the show when next I can get accepted in.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>C2E2 Show Haul</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, let's end on a positive note. Sunday made all the difference for me. Maybe because the two prior days had been so bad, from so many angles, I was able to put it aside. I also have to thank my homie Paul Bautista, who I'd only just met that weekend. His positivity and realness was appreciated, and I'm so damn glad he was my booth neighbor. And there were others that Sunday morning that lifted my spirit and healed my pride. I was gifted some cool things, and also bought a few things.
I highly recommend following the creators through the links at the end of this post below! Bur first, here's some pictures of what I picked up!</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuMWMbW0SV88X1el9qiFGk9_Fidt3GbRxMrV0X7YRwLldNCnDjzMWiyLBpuoWXuq0oZQTt2IGkX93-w3_-h_GkImJsqh6dBETZ8huv0VdIWhjydsC08QNrs3tuR56DRbUjLnAAiCh_8buiGxgOkvG7L6WSCSJNRJZ_HuXZNIn0K_mVzsUnP7qcjUU/s740/AR_C2E2_79_theshowhaul.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuMWMbW0SV88X1el9qiFGk9_Fidt3GbRxMrV0X7YRwLldNCnDjzMWiyLBpuoWXuq0oZQTt2IGkX93-w3_-h_GkImJsqh6dBETZ8huv0VdIWhjydsC08QNrs3tuR56DRbUjLnAAiCh_8buiGxgOkvG7L6WSCSJNRJZ_HuXZNIn0K_mVzsUnP7qcjUU/s16000/AR_C2E2_79_theshowhaul.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the things.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSUllaMZeGiMYPtVUe9Ie2FYDPtoAhvBdyOPfB5iq3-SaKLW162GTReye1KobzGJkvULMyV72ZkiDkobW9YwpV8_ZoqQK8AVW-FYtFyIi0GFYBgX7iFQ5nGdsidDMeFYaldfqK4XlVPAbS-B5kQTmv-CuIqIg7qLV-0ljl47Us93B7IxW5DLL7m1H/s740/AR_C2E2_81_theshowhaul_landis_blair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSUllaMZeGiMYPtVUe9Ie2FYDPtoAhvBdyOPfB5iq3-SaKLW162GTReye1KobzGJkvULMyV72ZkiDkobW9YwpV8_ZoqQK8AVW-FYtFyIi0GFYBgX7iFQ5nGdsidDMeFYaldfqK4XlVPAbS-B5kQTmv-CuIqIg7qLV-0ljl47Us93B7IxW5DLL7m1H/s16000/AR_C2E2_81_theshowhaul_landis_blair.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful publications from Landis Blair. Hope to cross paths at a future show again man!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpHbli9y1uN-_a48TX3dRM4nWG49aUvD5XJnPM7C_GVBZ39cTe333TIyHqghgtzhhDmnvxYTg7grvAxuNI1UkojmC7BZNJEIPtvEilOOSsv64wRuIfPw-ZMtpxsaJ_kfLhMeW3R1ksy9CwJ1Di0vWcFcLWlAmo_dRSSd81du8yDZrRJH7Ib9iXwxB/s740/AR_C2E2_82_theshowhaul_pualbautista_stickers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpHbli9y1uN-_a48TX3dRM4nWG49aUvD5XJnPM7C_GVBZ39cTe333TIyHqghgtzhhDmnvxYTg7grvAxuNI1UkojmC7BZNJEIPtvEilOOSsv64wRuIfPw-ZMtpxsaJ_kfLhMeW3R1ksy9CwJ1Di0vWcFcLWlAmo_dRSSd81du8yDZrRJH7Ib9iXwxB/s16000/AR_C2E2_82_theshowhaul_pualbautista_stickers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stickers from Paul Baustista. One of the best show neighbors I've ever had. If you're reading this Paul, thanks man.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VXsV8hzqyE4tpVtVZFF1sLFKv3aDYGdS_Ojzjq-PulyE-s21xSy_G5eDmkrjmhgTymt28pvhVrdAQaDNBJ1FFvp_Pq3WYxr7tmx1IREiYMNizLBslS6ICRkyPyuGaOG9nz43lnwnbah4p13LIDfrKVE9WzWkNUE6KAZEUTyGWJ9Of-p-5xNLATqU/s740/AR_C2E2_83_theshowhaul_westerndeep.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VXsV8hzqyE4tpVtVZFF1sLFKv3aDYGdS_Ojzjq-PulyE-s21xSy_G5eDmkrjmhgTymt28pvhVrdAQaDNBJ1FFvp_Pq3WYxr7tmx1IREiYMNizLBslS6ICRkyPyuGaOG9nz43lnwnbah4p13LIDfrKVE9WzWkNUE6KAZEUTyGWJ9Of-p-5xNLATqU/s16000/AR_C2E2_83_theshowhaul_westerndeep.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond the Western Deep. The marketing and display is so on point for everything!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMJnVzB8i1JBx9e-bpWO7FVYShhPpvIRnuuT7Eb4LStMuCrCxChJSlXyfD4QdFIlNCsrCuTgtkBjqxJkMnBslZkjcDnA5iRXM7tVwixfnTmMcLV5JaspmwOZSeKgaGu3L2xNOlTM8P9V4AT8y3qxDWHCNBzAU4hTYhgfKcmGgscYREeptTIn6LPg2/s740/AR_C2E2_84_theshowhaul_kaydeefox_pin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMJnVzB8i1JBx9e-bpWO7FVYShhPpvIRnuuT7Eb4LStMuCrCxChJSlXyfD4QdFIlNCsrCuTgtkBjqxJkMnBslZkjcDnA5iRXM7tVwixfnTmMcLV5JaspmwOZSeKgaGu3L2xNOlTM8P9V4AT8y3qxDWHCNBzAU4hTYhgfKcmGgscYREeptTIn6LPg2/s16000/AR_C2E2_84_theshowhaul_kaydeefox_pin.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenya Danino (KDFoxx) gifted me this absolutely stunning pin. She is one of the most formidable artists I've ever met. Thank you for the supportive words, and talking!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEv1Qbn-0KKU2huOPSkwus2bSKEfqgoJDcyIUqSfRzcYt4ay3ZcRxyuZtq7ERaU1qQPZ8cM3q4xD5n2V8hWRvLYZ6QbgU2orSY-AU6PGpohEqvKjBNmkjnXd4N5kDPaqQr6M4bZzOtbAoDz-vQ0MC9nh9VHe8euBozgzKBxb1BY1YRIuXYf0e_wrf/s740/AR_C2E2_80_theshowhaul_bandai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEv1Qbn-0KKU2huOPSkwus2bSKEfqgoJDcyIUqSfRzcYt4ay3ZcRxyuZtq7ERaU1qQPZ8cM3q4xD5n2V8hWRvLYZ6QbgU2orSY-AU6PGpohEqvKjBNmkjnXd4N5kDPaqQr6M4bZzOtbAoDz-vQ0MC9nh9VHe8euBozgzKBxb1BY1YRIuXYf0e_wrf/s16000/AR_C2E2_80_theshowhaul_bandai.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an odd model kit. But one I could not pass up!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">ntil 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!</span>.</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.c2e2.com/" target="_blank">C2E2</a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.landisblair.com/" target="_blank">Landis Blair</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.paulbautista.com/" target="_blank">Paul Bautista</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.westerndeep.net/" target="_blank">Beyond the Western Deep</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.animalarithmetic.com/" target="_blank">KDFox</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.bandai.com/" target="_blank">Bandai</a></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://hucks.com/" target="_blank">Huck's Market</a> </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div class="powr-paypal-button" id="10b5f7e3_1671779084"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script><div><br /></div><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>-</i>All photos, editorial content, created by me. One dude. Thank you for reading.<i>-</i></b></span></div>
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www.theartisanrogue.com
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</div></div></div><br /></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-56978006713279662242022-08-01T12:14:00.001-07:002022-11-23T22:02:52.097-08:00Fountain City Con 2022<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT7QHVYBv_P6lybzNLHcF1qIG_0vGwFle2EUSTKQN0KkrOoPNIHkyLfzs93v-6z5DrmaSlid0Fb37eqkq0HQrsPlSMUh0A6TV8gp3JitkYhwI_v4RjDPy93rvDTmexEy222aUVq1Eo7iK_g8LL5ALS4f1hSVwvvq1lXpCXa-bz5yjnQ3GXXJTOf6I/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT7QHVYBv_P6lybzNLHcF1qIG_0vGwFle2EUSTKQN0KkrOoPNIHkyLfzs93v-6z5DrmaSlid0Fb37eqkq0HQrsPlSMUh0A6TV8gp3JitkYhwI_v4RjDPy93rvDTmexEy222aUVq1Eo7iK_g8LL5ALS4f1hSVwvvq1lXpCXa-bz5yjnQ3GXXJTOf6I/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_00.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New badge holder in full effect and ready to sell some art!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are some blog entries that take me a long while to write, then edit and revise. This one for Fountain City Con, and the upcoming one for C2E2 have taken me literal months to get through (the entry date is backdated for chronological sake of the blog).</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I did my best to be open minded about how I was approaching this overview of the show.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But I feel I have to be fairly honest and forward as I have been in all my previous writeups about shows. That means from what I earned, to what foot traffic was like, to how the show environment felt.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fountain City was a show I'd heard good things about, and this year was to mark the first time it was going to be a two day event. I sat on the fence about doing it, because I had already made a massive investment that I was nervous about, in just having paid for C2E2 (from waitlist status). But it wasn't a lot for a table, so I gave it a chance.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":0}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday - Show Setup Anxieties </span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday night had set up time from 5 PM until 8 PM. I was unable to make it out there until well past eight o'clock, but thankfully the staff onsite were extremely nice when I called explaining that I was late getting off of a contract job and was now gridlocked in traffic on 70 highway. The route turned into what would’ve been a 35 minute drive into an hour and a half.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2rMtj8Fddx4dwtJdWfkN7956Zk-NWYbuVVfda7YLoALjQHiSj_ardhuLurk4ng-c0OszR4TWjuxRqh6QYUCGHYr_2kK0s8YRcHOqpyXP_AVD9PwyrmN70DxRDfbPqKTt3QVoNWH7fYCRWjMjKn0BNn6-TYA7GYjXjpIFAfVJv3ioFXmdQ6Gcqc0B/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2rMtj8Fddx4dwtJdWfkN7956Zk-NWYbuVVfda7YLoALjQHiSj_ardhuLurk4ng-c0OszR4TWjuxRqh6QYUCGHYr_2kK0s8YRcHOqpyXP_AVD9PwyrmN70DxRDfbPqKTt3QVoNWH7fYCRWjMjKn0BNn6-TYA7GYjXjpIFAfVJv3ioFXmdQ6Gcqc0B/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really hoped it was going to stay overcast through the weekend, just to stave off the heat.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankfully, when I arrived, there were still plenty of others, mainly vendors still setting up. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I pulled up the map that had been sent out prior via email with loading and load out instructions, just to make sure I didn't need to check in with anyone.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I got in through the corner entrance, I was surprised by how large the show floor space looked at first glance.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv4Aqxdcba31o94ZEVNj73NtgyynmPbC95r1hIDsR5JZzgr_ghxv_J46nGi5l25RK-XdKziES4SR4mwfXiMX4E8jueJnm--4InzOjJtcjzLQqq5bW7Gw-mAsoGEqbQ6uEueeSBxWyt5Uf2dwVYix857VGgkL66MOjaeGOink0eStTSa7VNGpi0lPO/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv4Aqxdcba31o94ZEVNj73NtgyynmPbC95r1hIDsR5JZzgr_ghxv_J46nGi5l25RK-XdKziES4SR4mwfXiMX4E8jueJnm--4InzOjJtcjzLQqq5bW7Gw-mAsoGEqbQ6uEueeSBxWyt5Uf2dwVYix857VGgkL66MOjaeGOink0eStTSa7VNGpi0lPO/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_02.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show layout looked really sharp.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My table set up was roughly an 8 x 8‘ area, with plenty of room behind my table and the other line of tables behind me. Thankfully that meant I could set up my full display, but I only had a window of about 30 minutes to get things set up before the hall would close up for the evening.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I managed to get the walls the table and display rack set up, and decided to wait until Saturday morning to get everything else set up.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyizjStdCGd3dUYQ3FZHqJu9NlLUvZ22DGhXPqS1Xd0vTQiKEDSNL1ufUAv-TmcN8Dn9zu57zx3fFG3N76GUCaq4KlYGmQrML7gCZm7NX9M1LYFN3IYDLJBES0rI7c54i8xoO-VS_BpYGX-lpeOYUmYfO65n4GghoauNOEXmoMvy4SSVHtHsVjGr4-/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyizjStdCGd3dUYQ3FZHqJu9NlLUvZ22DGhXPqS1Xd0vTQiKEDSNL1ufUAv-TmcN8Dn9zu57zx3fFG3N76GUCaq4KlYGmQrML7gCZm7NX9M1LYFN3IYDLJBES0rI7c54i8xoO-VS_BpYGX-lpeOYUmYfO65n4GghoauNOEXmoMvy4SSVHtHsVjGr4-/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_03.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About halfway setup, just had the artwork left to hang on the walls.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I drove home that evening, thinking about the possibilities and what else I still had left to set up. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit worried, that naturally happens when it’s a show that’s brand new to me. I was happy to see that plenty of artists were at the show.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For some reason, after getting home, about 10 o’clock that night, I was still really nervous. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I got ready for bed, I laid there awake, just thinking. Insomnia bouts aren't fun, especially before a show. Somewhere in between random thoughts, I fell asleep.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday - Day One, One Sale</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As you all may know, I love getting into shows early so I can walk around a bit, maybe do some shopping and a lot of visiting before the public gets in. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The marketing had quite an eventful show day planned out, with a cosplay contest, and enough vendors, artists, and other things that led me to believe it could be a very well attended show.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the email they requested the people get there by 9 AM although the show is to start at 10 AM on Saturday. This was to accommodate the VIP ticket holders that would get in for early shopping. I am not new to this, as NakaKon does this very thing as do many other shows.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe my brother (who was my booth assistant for part of the day) and I, got there about 8 AM.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After catching up with a few people, I quickly finished setting up my artwork, the table, and got my square reader fired up, business cards laid out, and checked to make sure that I had all the things I needed to get through the day.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQF1uM4J__uNku0YCU5A5VQSl6pIyD-AcZMf1zI4uBS4C4Q4FIAAUBxU0lDkkEU0C5u5tdQ8K8_oHxaTZHxee256RR1YfGNaLHST34Sm2X1Oc8NduVv8bGF39DjjX7I3_3iGYBXlR2sswIiW2eqWIGsm9rfGLvk2AcjMbCj2XqwBzhOSbBjiPOPZ6/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQF1uM4J__uNku0YCU5A5VQSl6pIyD-AcZMf1zI4uBS4C4Q4FIAAUBxU0lDkkEU0C5u5tdQ8K8_oHxaTZHxee256RR1YfGNaLHST34Sm2X1Oc8NduVv8bGF39DjjX7I3_3iGYBXlR2sswIiW2eqWIGsm9rfGLvk2AcjMbCj2XqwBzhOSbBjiPOPZ6/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_04.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set up and ready to sell!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We wandered around for about 40 minutes after that, looking at future possible purchases and checked out the Lego builds from a local group.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eYnUR_4_80N01pG3GAl8jB2ZvT2ex_lv_EaYSg3hQwDItSpGhbNhFzNlRGwFlHg8A-k_Xp5caoKfFwiWh4zyA-Jag4HnAv68EqI96H2aZLdBAIhh1GrJk4ZM1KU7nsb9cUu6OCBzyoRcbCDD9RF-Z7RDrSXNDa0hOsCHE5awLbplsqbAv51DUmwA/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eYnUR_4_80N01pG3GAl8jB2ZvT2ex_lv_EaYSg3hQwDItSpGhbNhFzNlRGwFlHg8A-k_Xp5caoKfFwiWh4zyA-Jag4HnAv68EqI96H2aZLdBAIhh1GrJk4ZM1KU7nsb9cUu6OCBzyoRcbCDD9RF-Z7RDrSXNDa0hOsCHE5awLbplsqbAv51DUmwA/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_05.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may join up with this Lego group at some point in the future.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I also picked up a few vintage video games. By then, it was time for me to go back to my table, as it was time for the VIPs to start coming into to the show.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO1ZLKObyASqVbAHtmdJ-9lm1pz4ZRmXvH82jV5AXFvX7zeAalowsGz42tR4aDf3yL3sGrItczMRlQt5JMq1LUvr4LK-3RyTwPfPWpBAjVLGATlRrBXM6WjHGKMfdyWFqKj7j6ZPFAKWY9PNtYAO3t8xALcgHqvPvb5quOoPDuv3y9sS2yXRS7_A4/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO1ZLKObyASqVbAHtmdJ-9lm1pz4ZRmXvH82jV5AXFvX7zeAalowsGz42tR4aDf3yL3sGrItczMRlQt5JMq1LUvr4LK-3RyTwPfPWpBAjVLGATlRrBXM6WjHGKMfdyWFqKj7j6ZPFAKWY9PNtYAO3t8xALcgHqvPvb5quOoPDuv3y9sS2yXRS7_A4/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_07.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese Atari was a true sight to behold.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I love that there are more video game vendors at shows these days, especially with import game versions for sale.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpVM49QDOHTwCOYKf5ylH6Dmj-4Ga32X8tY0mh64-9NnVLKS2hL-e-mOGNAQNagpHAgnF8AfYK12mAX1VNfDHsJThtGw0fPu-j-QrvOccGla_jdz2otsSWCGRYqYgeDgYUbvz1TDiHpAloTlcrzAJDvvSp268VQ_XBwE4hLH1zUaDxRXhjO4pMgzY/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpVM49QDOHTwCOYKf5ylH6Dmj-4Ga32X8tY0mh64-9NnVLKS2hL-e-mOGNAQNagpHAgnF8AfYK12mAX1VNfDHsJThtGw0fPu-j-QrvOccGla_jdz2otsSWCGRYqYgeDgYUbvz1TDiHpAloTlcrzAJDvvSp268VQ_XBwE4hLH1zUaDxRXhjO4pMgzY/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHY does Japan always have the best graphic design for packaging?!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So back I was at my table. The energy around me was filled with people talking between one another at the tables, waiting for customers to come by.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are times when you do enough artist alleys, enough shows, that you can start to feel that something is off. It didn’t really seem like there were many early attendees coming in. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I tried to reassure myself that the anxiety and fear I was feeling was unfounded, "it’s a new show for you", I reminded myself. "it’s a brand new location just chill out man".</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ever since I started writing these review blogs, I write down metrics, count how many business cards I hand out, record crowd density throughout the days, note the types of sales made around me, and build up reference notes for accurate review of how I can work a show if I come back for future selling efforts.
For instance, I handed out 38 business cards, spoke in depth to 26 of those people, and of those 26 people I made 11 sales, consisting of 10 comic books, and one art reproduction I sold with a $5 discount applied. I also spoke to 14 vendors, and purchased items from 5 of them. I spoke to 10 creators/authors/artists, and bought from 4 of them. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A good number of people showed up between the hours of 11am till around 2:30 PM. This was also around the time the cosplay contest was happening. Which was a great highlight of the day for many people. The rest of the show time was quiet enough that I was able to visit a multitude of creators I knew at the show, I’m talking at least 5 to 20 minute conversations each. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQKc4An4Sp7sPX__KPKNGoK2ipQtndsYkQHywtRuX4IUj34CaAXEdbZdqtU96QY62CiQD_sgMSf5jlE2pr8SYcuwCMFyUkW9XWrQcMN-uajVDa3kDeQFhdQML3To7vq4sID1K3TMf2W2sAa2rpeaZ5KaSimZyxFypa2uzVPNenVgRm5ugxdLZHmP2/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQKc4An4Sp7sPX__KPKNGoK2ipQtndsYkQHywtRuX4IUj34CaAXEdbZdqtU96QY62CiQD_sgMSf5jlE2pr8SYcuwCMFyUkW9XWrQcMN-uajVDa3kDeQFhdQML3To7vq4sID1K3TMf2W2sAa2rpeaZ5KaSimZyxFypa2uzVPNenVgRm5ugxdLZHmP2/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the two judges for the cosplay event, Folxy Cosplay, with one of her amazing creations.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you that have done shows, you know what I’m getting at. A good portion of the show's hours, it did not seem that there were more attendees then there were vendors or artists at the show. This is based on the count of people that walked down through the particular artist alley row I was in. Yes, I kept track of that. 112 on Saturday, and 72 on Sunday.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I say this having taken video and photos for TikTok and Twitter over the course of that day and hesitating because there was no foot traffic in our particular road in artist alley. It was slow enough for me to also go all the way across the show floor to make transactions with various vendors take the time to dig through containers filled with toys and look up some comic books, exchange money and come back and nothing had changed. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At some point from what I understood, there was a soccer game occurring in the other half of the arena. The Outside situation was that the parking lot was already pretty filled by the time this show was beginning to pick up steam by 11 o’clock. I had a few acquaintances that had attempted to get out to the show that informed me there was no where to park which was really unfortunate. I had looked up the game schedule for the venue, and did find a game that was scheduled for that day, but I'm not sure how much parking had to do with attendance either way. as I was pretty sure the parking lot was large enough to accommodate busy events. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tXXdrPWOUys5iveiV_hzXadqdDWE7FS2-D0fppyJ2wvOqBVsrqIa8rpTPkZPwSzLtqNWChXnujB6_d0de-GKYd1hxxjfLOPlT3gSIoV3oEfj4GpzCGm7hIFE_bMvKxL40t8vtVAouypCP25qz6yWXI7Qs3QaUkxIrsXwroWOlfVmrnwxjMnaJH_H/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tXXdrPWOUys5iveiV_hzXadqdDWE7FS2-D0fppyJ2wvOqBVsrqIa8rpTPkZPwSzLtqNWChXnujB6_d0de-GKYd1hxxjfLOPlT3gSIoV3oEfj4GpzCGm7hIFE_bMvKxL40t8vtVAouypCP25qz6yWXI7Qs3QaUkxIrsXwroWOlfVmrnwxjMnaJH_H/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_09.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anytime I see someone cosplaying a Jawa, it brightens my mood.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t believe it was a lack of advertisement, I don’t know if it was a new location, I don’t know if it was the weather, but something didn't quite work out in favor for me at this show.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I tried my best, I engaged with people, caught up with friends, did trades, sold a few things and was grateful for everyone that came by and picked up stuff.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But with such low sales, I had to turn this into essentially a marketing and self promotion event, and just accept the loss. Which is never easy.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtTU4Gp--oOFHu1g8CrYkOg3PJlQ3fST6yG9S2ddtEoDaXz9csBr73cFW5fTfoh-xExFKJlcaLFXR1zga5O5luzVePRD68Q66N91dhA3Pc_ibHuNoxDd5-bf-cZx5rpqT_75iUZP0zmblvndSplQZhJ1n7e8_UaZt3vKmwyR-Gidj5mMEHXUz0P20/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtTU4Gp--oOFHu1g8CrYkOg3PJlQ3fST6yG9S2ddtEoDaXz9csBr73cFW5fTfoh-xExFKJlcaLFXR1zga5O5luzVePRD68Q66N91dhA3Pc_ibHuNoxDd5-bf-cZx5rpqT_75iUZP0zmblvndSplQZhJ1n7e8_UaZt3vKmwyR-Gidj5mMEHXUz0P20/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did have time to do some small sketch ideas throughout the day.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the day wore on, there was a lot of hope that Sunday would be a better day. I ended that evening by 6 o’clock, worn out, my voice practically gone and looking forward to dinner.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So I went to sleep with the thought I had a possible chance at making a comeback the second day of the show, since I thought I had from 10am till 5pm to sell.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But as it turns out, I had overlooked a small detail in the email that truncated that hope for me.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday - Day Two, Ten Comics sold</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I always try to support any show, even if it doesn’t go well for me. I figure if I’m having a bad day, I’m gonna try like hell to make sure other people don’t.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I got in there the mood was weary, people were quiet. I'd picked up some coffee energy drinks to fire up my energy. After readying my booth setup once again, I quickly drank my canned energy, and went to start buying things.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC9oDPg7lo8GxyDHD-lQf3htMeQcVw-7kKft7qPd_HuEsT-SsYmvws9QqzD_WdyLjUIHjSNusAVyvsC2Ilt9bN37VlXy2FxBtaJxw6nc0trIt8LkKTxlfYP_yJG59sjWpG6LAtWHu7Sq2-86z0FcdXBaCmvWf3VkcQzlnWx9I0NhqHgUpUzmKCudw/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC9oDPg7lo8GxyDHD-lQf3htMeQcVw-7kKft7qPd_HuEsT-SsYmvws9QqzD_WdyLjUIHjSNusAVyvsC2Ilt9bN37VlXy2FxBtaJxw6nc0trIt8LkKTxlfYP_yJG59sjWpG6LAtWHu7Sq2-86z0FcdXBaCmvWf3VkcQzlnWx9I0NhqHgUpUzmKCudw/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was not prepared for the spectrum of rarities on this table...</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The day was filled with a lot more conversation interactions and business card trades. I even had enough time to go shopping yet again right after 12 o’clock. There was nothing particularly outstanding about the day that made me think I want to come back and do the show again.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NoQXYx0kpg37LupTHubbY8gxqdnbgQTjrDM7qnr2W90qPzI6ytX2A-62nTst9ASGi6wMpLwjEI4Yb1uI9f_k1NxoXFnTbLSccO3QbOWs0Cuawf7CL4IfPS7Em-JvBbcQ-9sVWSiIwNmkD98KFq2b0A3tJcjunfo9HcrC4jxMC8OzjX8YYoX-iQe/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NoQXYx0kpg37LupTHubbY8gxqdnbgQTjrDM7qnr2W90qPzI6ytX2A-62nTst9ASGi6wMpLwjEI4Yb1uI9f_k1NxoXFnTbLSccO3QbOWs0Cuawf7CL4IfPS7Em-JvBbcQ-9sVWSiIwNmkD98KFq2b0A3tJcjunfo9HcrC4jxMC8OzjX8YYoX-iQe/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This also marked the first time since the 80s that I had seen the USS Flagg in person. This one fully assembled!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I did try to stay upbeat, I worked on my standup routine (no seriously, I may not do stand up comedy anymore, but I still work on material for telling stories at my table during shows).</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the day I had enough time to tell long winded stories previous experiences at shows, even at one point explaining how I made a recipe about chili. But I did manage to sell 10 copies of my comic book to people.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Right around 1:45pm, something odd happened. There was a little bit of flurry of action over on the other side of the arena floor. I didn’t really paid any heed, thinking, "ok somebody decided to start breaking down early".</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As it turns out, in the email there was two facts that I had overlooked one was the show would end at 3 o’clock but if people wanted to start tearing down at 2 o’clock they were fine with that I believe is it how was it was worded. We had to be out by 4 o’clock and no later because of an event that was happening immediately after the show.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm being frank in saying that I'm not the only one in my area that had to have missed that breakdown time on the email. The arena event workers took any spare tables that were in the vendors area and started stacking them and putting them away along with accompanying chairs.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know the exact order of events that happened, but one of the people in artist alley in my row was friends with a vendor who was told that if he had the opportunity to start tearing down, to do so. So that they could take the tables and chairs. Information went back-and-forth and I’m certain some misinformation may have happened, or at the very least misunderstandings. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I get that there was a note in the email, but I was also a bit surprised that there was also no direct communication from anybody running or working at the show, who might have come around maybe at 1:30pm to remind everyone what was happening.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time the tear down dust has started to settle, I was sweaty, sitting outside in my truck, with the A/C on full blast.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe there was a miscommunication between Fountain City and whatever volleyball tournament event that was happening at three or 4 o’clock, I really don’t know. But it was an awkward and very clumsy end to a show that certainly seem to have had a lot of promise going for it.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8D_qxg8jtQO9__gnOlDwSFylAM73dDYlAuazxAhq6m09-hsjPWp8NTmznIo3Bc7vk3LaDwpuLfv8FMuIfyUUQO018P8Uc2Jujxr-_FwEYFUzm8Q4n-EgTTj4YpDG0K8hPQTMT-6u6E4IwhILAC4rgglfE1cKr7mNLFtw61oC_87cwmkz9gn6dNr3/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8D_qxg8jtQO9__gnOlDwSFylAM73dDYlAuazxAhq6m09-hsjPWp8NTmznIo3Bc7vk3LaDwpuLfv8FMuIfyUUQO018P8Uc2Jujxr-_FwEYFUzm8Q4n-EgTTj4YpDG0K8hPQTMT-6u6E4IwhILAC4rgglfE1cKr7mNLFtw61oC_87cwmkz9gn6dNr3/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stuff on my little hand truck, over to the side of volleyball nets going up.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I do feel bad for the people that had come in to attend the event around the 1:30pm to 1:45pm mark.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I distinctly remember speaking to one such a woman who had brought her four children. I remember this because I and another creator in artist alley had spoken to her about what anime would be appropriate for her now teenage daughter. My neighborhood recommended Fullmetal Alchemist, and I had recommended the Netflix anime Komi Can’t Communicate. The woman was grateful for the input and was looking forward to wandering around <i><b>till 5pm</b></i> at the show because they had just gotten there. Not one of us corrected her, I also was of the mindset that the show ended at 5pm. I'm not sure why.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mind you that was moments before everything started being taken down and the show and it’s entirety was for the most part packed up and shut down by 3 o’clock.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So...I really wanted to be positive in this review. I gave an honest and open look at what it was like for me to have done this show. The negatives I posted and talked about are not without example. You can look at the photos, and I'm brutally honest about my earnings.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHN8pqb2HdiG9RsqwjAaSGfKFTuO_PkoazWiozN8hXIOeQVhyfmSbLRaldplZ571nb_5zvDW4RoCvvCq8ZxV0MFGSEmL7IIwSEl0JTNWUX4Sr0-w2ud_OGk73HjJiEsvZgcc3IIXq3YFiIbuxFZbQTZOXNHoiYZ994_eTq-gvoNxorGxs2VIsjudt/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHN8pqb2HdiG9RsqwjAaSGfKFTuO_PkoazWiozN8hXIOeQVhyfmSbLRaldplZ571nb_5zvDW4RoCvvCq8ZxV0MFGSEmL7IIwSEl0JTNWUX4Sr0-w2ud_OGk73HjJiEsvZgcc3IIXq3YFiIbuxFZbQTZOXNHoiYZ994_eTq-gvoNxorGxs2VIsjudt/s16000/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_FountainCity_15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain City Con Haul</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope the show continues to grow and finds incredibly greater growth and success next year if they hold it again. But I can’t take the gamble of expense to attend a show that I didn’t even cover the cost of the table I purchased. And that’s an unfortunate thing, because there was quite a bit that I did enjoy about the show. But enjoyment does not equal making a living. And this is a discussion that anyone that does the show should have with themselves if they decide to proceed with making a professional career effort out of what they do and showcase at conventions.</span><p></p><div><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Onto the breakdown points of Fountain City Con.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For me, it was not. I'm basing that on my earnings and expenses. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The cosplay contest appeared to have been run really well, and people in attendance seemed really happy with the show as a whole.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has a lot going for it, and is very family friendly, and any families I saw looked like they had a great time.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the first time Fountain City had a two day show. I had really hoped it was going to be a new show I would look forward to doing</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. But even before the money I spent of my own accord at the show on fellow vendors and artists, I had only barely made back my table cost. I can't justify doing the show again unfortunately.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense/Earnings</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>Artist Alley Table price: $56.12</span></li><li><span>Fuel/food: $44.89</span></li><li><span>Purchases from vendors and other artists: $137.00</span></li></ol></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Total Expenses: $238.01</div></span></blockquote><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Friday Sales: 30.00</li><li>Saturday Sales: $26.75 <br /><br />Total Earnings: $56.75</li></ol><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show has a positive energy, and from years past, clearly people have enjoyed attending</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show layout and variety was very good, from vendors to artists, gaming to collectibles</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cosplay contest was held, and many of the people seemed to enjoy it</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Email communication for setup was clear and timely</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show attendance rates were $20 Adult Wknd Pass, $15/$10 single day, and more options</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Didn't see staff members during the show on the floor or making rounds, that I could see.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Abrupt/hurried end to show for event space to set up volleyball nets</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Told by friends attempting to attend on Sat, that there was no parking early in the day </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't know what form the show will return in for 2023, but for those that enjoyed it, I hope it returns and is a great experience.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's reputation when it was a one day show was stellar from all I'd heard previously.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attending is affordable and very family friendly. It's another good, lower cost experience before one tries going to shows like NakaKon or Planet Comicon.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't speak for other creators or vendors, but the low sales and sporadic seeming attendance over the majority of the weekend didn't work out for me financially.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">ntil 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!</span></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.fountaincitycon.com/" target="_blank">Fountain City Con</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Folxycosplay/" target="_blank">Folxy Cosplay</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.ldavidhesler.com/" target="_blank">L. David Hesler</a> - I traded for a great Zombie book from him!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.1313mockingbirdtoys.com/" target="_blank">1313 Mockingbird Lane</a> - Amazing toy store in Lawrence, KS!<br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: right;">www.theartisanrogue.com</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><script external-type="blogger" src="//www.powr.io/powr.js"></script></div></div><div>
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</div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-75941156955969505002022-07-05T19:40:00.000-07:002022-11-08T14:36:58.668-08:00TF Expo 2022<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Hmj83z70ZN_2pCTI7F5_h85m-ozc2TWhXCGKibbSUPR2FzOu0pkr_WN61An50pdpP7XWOPU8833M-ZwAUFf6A3f0d6PvYygLR9LhhbTFJoB6NjFd0DyNuf4rG0u8lj1ZnqcyCxUkOOH3tyVsPPPSfTiEGKeMQ95gQ5_0V-sJXJ7r8YbXST9iHHc/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Hmj83z70ZN_2pCTI7F5_h85m-ozc2TWhXCGKibbSUPR2FzOu0pkr_WN61An50pdpP7XWOPU8833M-ZwAUFf6A3f0d6PvYygLR9LhhbTFJoB6NjFd0DyNuf4rG0u8lj1ZnqcyCxUkOOH3tyVsPPPSfTiEGKeMQ95gQ5_0V-sJXJ7r8YbXST9iHHc/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Been around for 10 years and it's the first time I attended this show.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>After three days at ICON, I needed a bit of a guilty infusion to participate in. The TF Expo was on Sunday, and tickets were $10 at the door. The show was held at the Stoney Creek Hotel, which is a short drive for me to get to, and it's an enjoyable venue to attend shows in.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't get an artist's table at this show, I just wanted to go, relax, talk and do some shopping for vintage and import items to add to my collection. I was still shell shocked from my Roadshow table sales fail at ICON.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxA0k8GEL2dnSoYio8AwyAv5TtD-MxPsh0RxtwLIBUZAygG_wImcdJ3xEHlke9xjp4KbeXw27KpRB6p5JE82KwMrE6DX8Q2NNV_BYFJinRGZewKHlGc3X7G5kHlek7ZgX-5GThCegQf9f0WApdioaIej2z_PQC6XMc-u-ztvq4uHCdw6ihzZj3Hb/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxA0k8GEL2dnSoYio8AwyAv5TtD-MxPsh0RxtwLIBUZAygG_wImcdJ3xEHlke9xjp4KbeXw27KpRB6p5JE82KwMrE6DX8Q2NNV_BYFJinRGZewKHlGc3X7G5kHlek7ZgX-5GThCegQf9f0WApdioaIej2z_PQC6XMc-u-ztvq4uHCdw6ihzZj3Hb/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graphic design/package art on Japanese items always looks amazing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The show attendance was light, but I also paid for the early bird ticket, so there were more people that eventually showed up to shop.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga79Br1V4kq3Rz62JmNT2C-GNlsUAOYlUdtT4rJX6yGazkWBn2I69sqKfAPiYHtHo_kUKSpykuMh0fXRDM1Mv3VMOn6SaXHdFgYFxQvHFM-PCugKLhTD2Fba2mA_1EG09aobQuvrPC4BfMTGYLOWjcJVnp01WQGGuZeJtsuiapgqBRCuR_7NXmeCSd/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga79Br1V4kq3Rz62JmNT2C-GNlsUAOYlUdtT4rJX6yGazkWBn2I69sqKfAPiYHtHo_kUKSpykuMh0fXRDM1Mv3VMOn6SaXHdFgYFxQvHFM-PCugKLhTD2Fba2mA_1EG09aobQuvrPC4BfMTGYLOWjcJVnp01WQGGuZeJtsuiapgqBRCuR_7NXmeCSd/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't just robots, there were action figure lines like GI Joe...</td></tr></tbody></table><div>One of the things I love is digging through stuff for sale. You just never know what deals and finds await. Many of them unexpected!.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtrRY2Qei7QYc7PHIBF1RGFIdQoGtinccd6xiKxhbwNxCPZwIWXRo9ifbxxdQiPzKGJXNv5epcLq1rdQBbHE84G8aUsmjA_G1z4RGOa2PFCEUR8l6pzjbnJRFyZ5mqqZK7VvbBYMvqwleAlBDtk5c4CPpbCtZ-L3RB8l2iacCpGV-3hXNAprPsV-D/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtrRY2Qei7QYc7PHIBF1RGFIdQoGtinccd6xiKxhbwNxCPZwIWXRo9ifbxxdQiPzKGJXNv5epcLq1rdQBbHE84G8aUsmjA_G1z4RGOa2PFCEUR8l6pzjbnJRFyZ5mqqZK7VvbBYMvqwleAlBDtk5c4CPpbCtZ-L3RB8l2iacCpGV-3hXNAprPsV-D/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and import video games!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The smaller shows can be a lot of fun, because unlike much bigger shows, I feel like I can breathe, exchange stories, and take my time looking at things.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ9QJAOFEx6BD9q0sbihgyG_y60nwzucOv02xZEbjuZyDZnJBHdVUmUj6y8p-Wkehx0-6brSDl0iIvKZsBNxRL7YvxHseLv4JqWUCJSTfucg7oOOCRmIYyI-lrw_a0P26v-AwpH5V89OerS9UJH6p0iZ7SHClJwAnKeE9bJ7KSLUAXn16y4zJTHOJ/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ9QJAOFEx6BD9q0sbihgyG_y60nwzucOv02xZEbjuZyDZnJBHdVUmUj6y8p-Wkehx0-6brSDl0iIvKZsBNxRL7YvxHseLv4JqWUCJSTfucg7oOOCRmIYyI-lrw_a0P26v-AwpH5V89OerS9UJH6p0iZ7SHClJwAnKeE9bJ7KSLUAXn16y4zJTHOJ/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two panels I attended were great!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>There were two panels I attended. The first one was about unauthorized and bootleg versions of Takara/Hasbro items, as well as 3rd Party releases of licensed characters. Nerdy though this is, I didn't find myself falling asleep during these presentations. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xCVvsqQpK9uUlor7liZ1qeSWpFw1so0EmJmYuf27S91K2gB-l7nl-yWLRcKRBxM2-XxGLzqZ9EyGZRwhVneEsz728Y03hmIpbdgkIcbX4aJIDL-sgKA_yqWiJpzqJeYYRDA3Wdw1VLrdiCsAi1TbzftTxBMa8QoQWCs78bMBx2SveYoel37hT5S/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xCVvsqQpK9uUlor7liZ1qeSWpFw1so0EmJmYuf27S91K2gB-l7nl-yWLRcKRBxM2-XxGLzqZ9EyGZRwhVneEsz728Y03hmIpbdgkIcbX4aJIDL-sgKA_yqWiJpzqJeYYRDA3Wdw1VLrdiCsAi1TbzftTxBMa8QoQWCs78bMBx2SveYoel37hT5S/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] This was the initial colorway release of the robot that would eventually become Omega Supreme in the Transformers toy line. [Right] I had a budget of $120 I wanted to stick to, but this Machine Robo base was AMAZING!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I loved that the second panel had some great examples of wild rarities brought in from a personal collection to show off.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Anime robot design, having seen early Diaclone stuff in stores. So the toy designs, from the sculpts, to the package design, to the toy colors, are all aspects I sincerely enjoy so much.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEObGijbIAwhxxmeUyGtcKwXj8-4QDfi4_DRcPbuNDKl4I57j2iPjI0hJRHNz62wM6SZ7l8eIZLuxAZlChP2z9TkzaX7-GQ4LT1-hP60CwH_JDsmRhKntLuJTw7pHYbu_b38y8sz2RAdjlxnANK1VegCXRg1KSKLQSQ1dGV5gArzNtnYxNAbkgU_N6/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEObGijbIAwhxxmeUyGtcKwXj8-4QDfi4_DRcPbuNDKl4I57j2iPjI0hJRHNz62wM6SZ7l8eIZLuxAZlChP2z9TkzaX7-GQ4LT1-hP60CwH_JDsmRhKntLuJTw7pHYbu_b38y8sz2RAdjlxnANK1VegCXRg1KSKLQSQ1dGV5gArzNtnYxNAbkgU_N6/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is the Brazilian colorway of one of the Jumpstarters from Transformers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>If you've seen Nacelle Company's fantastic series, The Toys that Made Us, the episode I consider to be my absolute favorite is the one dealing with the history of the Transformers. It has some segments with screenwriter, game designer and novelist, Flint Dille.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEx5f8-oRp0KkUvqW2CMI-0u5Jra27ifX0CtS0VmeqW46bSYtWfqjh1SyPuvRpccMADhOXjhpssBc011WeT7JoNAEyBKiMYGMx4kay0z-vYCcJ2tQ9oUZ0Qh0nxAJpPKu7IgysgIse1c_Ln4QFjStrzkN5QdOCEmQplIoT29SGthyO7r1jZVeqpKY/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEx5f8-oRp0KkUvqW2CMI-0u5Jra27ifX0CtS0VmeqW46bSYtWfqjh1SyPuvRpccMADhOXjhpssBc011WeT7JoNAEyBKiMYGMx4kay0z-vYCcJ2tQ9oUZ0Qh0nxAJpPKu7IgysgIse1c_Ln4QFjStrzkN5QdOCEmQplIoT29SGthyO7r1jZVeqpKY/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flint Dille had some great stories.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Pros like him who've been in the entertainment business for so many years, have a veritable treasure trove of stories that from my personal experiences, are unmatched. </div><div><br /></div><div>He covered television and movies he worked on, people in the industry he'd met and had often hilarious or unusual interactions with, but also was talking about his new book, that covered those very same subjects. I meant to pick up his book but didn't make it back over to his table. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtypNN7eLniY5MQfoG7oFXqhcG3kdrUgDmlOU4WjuKhlk3Hg4s-KsV02a750ZF-9T3yqg4FnEmmgc-da9-zOX4pJDwEQz9tFUKes8qWTkrBEaWEuPWuegvAkkKKVyQgyoCFjrwC24aEPtJCSRzITctfyihsqOSg4d0-hfQr-lPVZvgSoVnJ7tN3h5/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtypNN7eLniY5MQfoG7oFXqhcG3kdrUgDmlOU4WjuKhlk3Hg4s-KsV02a750ZF-9T3yqg4FnEmmgc-da9-zOX4pJDwEQz9tFUKes8qWTkrBEaWEuPWuegvAkkKKVyQgyoCFjrwC24aEPtJCSRzITctfyihsqOSg4d0-hfQr-lPVZvgSoVnJ7tN3h5/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show Haul: A 3rd Party Soundtrack and some Decepticon Seekers that I got a great deal on.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The vendors had a wide range of prices going on at booths. Sure there were some high price rarities and imports, but there were some amazing finds with good prices. I also picked up some other items I didn't photograph for this post, but I ended up keeping it to about $70 total spent.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXcBkdGPRWjPCs6a6lijlPuSL1fwR_Kg0iF3uaX7B8g1ZcaMRQwcP9vzlwbZHb7UYs96yz2eyj3ETtZPbvb-GLfeq8OPWqjT_oabWuq80ElCNFqLfOH0y82li8WPRxOCAi3-bs5f_99akbovrx_nHUm6LL9UVOf_mhlU2tMhU_zA7XXyr_BACCLOg/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXcBkdGPRWjPCs6a6lijlPuSL1fwR_Kg0iF3uaX7B8g1ZcaMRQwcP9vzlwbZHb7UYs96yz2eyj3ETtZPbvb-GLfeq8OPWqjT_oabWuq80ElCNFqLfOH0y82li8WPRxOCAi3-bs5f_99akbovrx_nHUm6LL9UVOf_mhlU2tMhU_zA7XXyr_BACCLOg/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_26_TFExpo_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This figure is about 4 inches tall, and is a killer 3rd Party option for Soundwave.</td></tr></tbody></table>After about four or five hours at the show, I had already covered the room and shopped as much as I could. It was cathartic and I was in a great mood. I felt like myself again. <div><br /></div><div>Thanks for that TF Expo!<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Overview.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So let's break down TF Expo.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, from an attendee point.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're a pop culture fan, specifically into Transformers/Gobots/Japanese Bots, this show is right up your alley.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vendors were all really friendly, and the artists had some amazing stuff there. I wish I'd brought more money to have picked up something from one of them.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the second time this show had been in this location. Attendance might have suffered from that combined with coming back since Covid's shutdowns. Its origins were in Witchita, Kansas, and then it moved to the Adams Mark in 2018, and </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stoney Creek in 2019.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol><li><span>One Ticket for TF Expo: $10</span></li><li>There were variable upgrade tickets for extras</li></ol></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The panels were a lot of fun, very educational, and well done.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Stoney Creek location is nice and open</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vendors had price points from items for a few dollars to very cool high price rarities</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parking was no problem</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The staff was helpful and had some cool and unusual custom exclusives for purchase</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn't know that there were any artists in attendance, maybe that info was announced, not sure.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The lower attendance did affect the room ambiance some, but the show did have a new location</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope the show makes a return in 2023. It's a fun show, and if you are a family, it's affordable and very family friendly to attend. Like many smaller shows around this area, it's a good, lower cost experience before one tries going to shows like NakaKon or Planet Comicon.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And if you love robots, collecting, and other 1980/90s toys, this show is a pretty good one to attend for collectors in this niche.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't speak to the vending/artist table aspect, but a slower show is always harder to make sales at. Thankfully I did see some sales happen when I was talking to a few of them.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">ntil 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! Keep it real, you glorious bastards.<br /></span></p></div></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>LINKS</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="http://www.tfexpo.net/" target="_blank">TF Expo</a><br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-67651840240776406832022-07-04T15:23:00.000-07:002022-11-08T14:36:36.213-08:00ICON11 - a reality check<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh184s-w0yQzefQay_JrIQcDPXht1jctJo002oiN-taDx-hBuJ5PKBMVGWhZp_Ze2vaD6SYTL9LYkg9UVcilSvV-lC_BeHGEfp29Ikt_mJPoarWbsE2qaDY950N13Zw6zvxCs-IKk0tdqD4RXuYPPZjl-P9TAz8JKJKHHbN9AzSCjz_v3OMXCTl2nGN/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_01_ticketorder.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh184s-w0yQzefQay_JrIQcDPXht1jctJo002oiN-taDx-hBuJ5PKBMVGWhZp_Ze2vaD6SYTL9LYkg9UVcilSvV-lC_BeHGEfp29Ikt_mJPoarWbsE2qaDY950N13Zw6zvxCs-IKk0tdqD4RXuYPPZjl-P9TAz8JKJKHHbN9AzSCjz_v3OMXCTl2nGN/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_01_ticketorder.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of art supplies and bill money.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ICON, the Illustrator's Conference, is as their website states, "an inclusive gathering of illustrators, designers, educators, representatives, and art buyers exploring illustration today. Since 1999, we have produced conferences in Santa Fe, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Providence, Portland, Austin, and Detroit." </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an event I'd heard about, but since it always happened in areas that weren't in the midwest, I figured it was a show I'd never attend much less participate in. Then I found out it was coming to Kansas City...</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Now, a quick disclaimer before I jump into this, I only attended three of the four days of the show this ran, because I had another small convention to attend. But in retrospect, I believe I had gotten as much out of it as I could’ve in the three days that I did attend. </i></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Insecurity and an App</span></h3><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't know if it's getting older, or just because of a load of anxiety I always carry with me, the day I had to get my badge for the show, I was a wreck. I was tired, and extremely foggy headed (this point will come in very important over future blog entries). But I was determined to get in the groove, and get the most out of this conference. "It's an ILLUSTRATOR's conference! I'm an illustrator right?", I told myself.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafdk3SpkCYxbr26SYSO4_vjrAH42r6tK00wxTS2p3QDYeo1oj3DdQBpXiPiJK4LSXGZeuA2tBjozXrAPo7NxIiw4CtPJrK6NQlB3widEzBkOT_kztKHWXlb5jbgCHr-stoxfT1LB6GEWHsXbphO_LLEZ0qJdMbyV6UfEeOdg8k7yJGBrYXa91pSP6/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_23_marriot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafdk3SpkCYxbr26SYSO4_vjrAH42r6tK00wxTS2p3QDYeo1oj3DdQBpXiPiJK4LSXGZeuA2tBjozXrAPo7NxIiw4CtPJrK6NQlB3widEzBkOT_kztKHWXlb5jbgCHr-stoxfT1LB6GEWHsXbphO_LLEZ0qJdMbyV6UfEeOdg8k7yJGBrYXa91pSP6/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_23_marriot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously one of the nicest hotels I've ever been in. Contrast this a few weeks later with the worst hotel I'd been in (but that's another, upcoming story).</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration was in the Marriott downtown, and eventually after asking a few people and checking the emails that I had received, I was able to successfully get lost. After a few more confused minutes, I found the desk for check-in. This conference was spread out between four places, the Marriot, the Folly Theatre, the Nelson Atkins museum, and the KC Art Institute. Ted talk like presentations and programming, took place at the Nelson, while paid courses took place at the Art Institute.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first thing that struck me was how little actual general gathering time there was at this conference. I can only speak from my own experience, the conference as a whole, felt like a lot of either downtime or hurried and focused points of attending speakers presentations or the classes. Since things were so spread out, I didn't find a lot of time to connect or network with very many people, but the handful that I was able to talk with, I appreciated greatly! </span></div><div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the stand out aspects of the show was a well designed app for mobile phones. The app was color-coded and had a significant amount of information for each entry. There were areas divided up into the general no cost presentations that anyone could attend so long as you were registered with ICON. There were workshops available for a fee, ranging around $45. What I really liked about the app was the ability to see all of the scheduled programming and workshops, and with a simple slide of a tab at the top, you were able to check out your own schedule specifically.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was also a way to look up people who were attending the show, as well as a chat function that I didn't end up utilizing. One thing that I didn't understand was the lack of notifications from it for selected items on the schedule. It’s way too easy to get caught up looking around being somewhere else and not realizing that you have something coming up that you’d like to attend or see. Another aspect about the app that's been helpful even these weeks later, is that all of the course info and other details are still intact. So I am now left with a record of what courses and places I experienced and learned in, as well as who my instructors were. In the absence of much time to network, this was a happy discovery so I could follow up with instructors/presenters at a later date.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY ONE: Mantras, Paper, and Motion Commotion- Wed, June 29th</h3><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got up early about 6 o’clock to make it to the registration table by 7 o’clock, not knowing, but anticipating, that I would end up having to search for it. That proved to be very accurate and if you follow me on TikTok, you saw the video where I ended up completely lost in the Marriott. I’m fairly comfortable asking other people for directions, so with some help I found my way there. A bit of stress was already in my mind though, because as anyone who has ever lived in Kansas City will tell you, the parking is absolute hell downtown at the best of times. Over the years I've found find certain areas that have free parking and no I'm not telling you where those are, but if you're diligent, you can find them. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After a while, I figured out I needed to traverse the skywalk that connected to the Marriott that led to another building I'd coincidentally parked near. I had not noticed in the email that a skywalk was mentioned, and I was slightly confused as to where the registration table was. In urban settings, I have the directional ability of a plastic bag caught in the wind. In my defense, the instructions might’ve been a little bit more clear. People from out of town, whom I spoke to, also had issues knowing where exactly the registration table was. I'm certain my suggestion of giant lit up arrows every 15 feet will be resoundingly ignored by the show runners. Please light the beacons, this Gondorian calls for aid.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldF1Bz6YNXs8lVdvSdfpbuJJW3RUEI4gOdJTWZed7S65toV82zHH4Xc-CXzcp23l-UWMSSmRKgYRLGpz7IALXU9GzBCCRvbcO3lZGB8WQ0gVT7XOewZcRj4yu9RR679jDFgHKA3vXDB2Tdk5rHBDyg-59Zp8lhI4pRCuuo4CTlHRBEZW7aJSiyPYY/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_02_skywalk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldF1Bz6YNXs8lVdvSdfpbuJJW3RUEI4gOdJTWZed7S65toV82zHH4Xc-CXzcp23l-UWMSSmRKgYRLGpz7IALXU9GzBCCRvbcO3lZGB8WQ0gVT7XOewZcRj4yu9RR679jDFgHKA3vXDB2Tdk5rHBDyg-59Zp8lhI4pRCuuo4CTlHRBEZW7aJSiyPYY/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_02_skywalk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was a skywalker for a few minutes each day I was here. Star Wars nerd moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Crossing the skywalk, I found an elevator, then an escalator, and eventually a stairwell, and a sign with an arrow on it, pointing downstairs to the first floor and then further down another set of stairs leading, I presumed underground, and then back up again to the registration area.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtliiHUcxd0zaqDUBtKp7rZuksTnm-Pn5jVXBKb4Kh-nV-nij-j_-z76d5sNn_q2LUh1x0X3fSli1ZCBrUn24H3L58rV7ECDnNY5ffSGdYcL8OxgeOD-357b8EqtIEeJL1yIAB9QR0EUErv_m61k_h1l7yaLQF5V8szAmu367BIKuCtv6Ux5tbghW-/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_19_sign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtliiHUcxd0zaqDUBtKp7rZuksTnm-Pn5jVXBKb4Kh-nV-nij-j_-z76d5sNn_q2LUh1x0X3fSli1ZCBrUn24H3L58rV7ECDnNY5ffSGdYcL8OxgeOD-357b8EqtIEeJL1yIAB9QR0EUErv_m61k_h1l7yaLQF5V8szAmu367BIKuCtv6Ux5tbghW-/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_19_sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Finally found the sign. [Right] This was a cool little sitting area at the bottom of the stairway.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The registration area was located near what appeared to be an old mail room in a no longer used lobby for the Marriott. It was actually quite beautiful, and had an aesthetic that reminded me a bit of something from out of the 1920s, probably because it may have been built in the 1920s.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OL2Ci60pSVB1l1xOlxFITHhDJj0-7OR654LZ7Uoh2B2vmGZHHiS8ZRUIu2lO20MsJzm2MbJybqzNy34Ta3gXZrFRxxkpewtjBxho9kT3k8DcrJ4Jl3-8b9-W0yxc3Vr1MZFvqk3gO9Lz7vGH4cFzgIOB5v-eQcKqZQznWi-RmsKnFzpF4wlciUWN/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_20_lobby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OL2Ci60pSVB1l1xOlxFITHhDJj0-7OR654LZ7Uoh2B2vmGZHHiS8ZRUIu2lO20MsJzm2MbJybqzNy34Ta3gXZrFRxxkpewtjBxho9kT3k8DcrJ4Jl3-8b9-W0yxc3Vr1MZFvqk3gO9Lz7vGH4cFzgIOB5v-eQcKqZQznWi-RmsKnFzpF4wlciUWN/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_20_lobby.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo doesn't do it justice. The whole lobby is rather stunning.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Masks were still very much in preference at the show, which I was happy to see. Surprisingly there was no large line to pick up what I assumed would be physical tickets, a wristband, or some thing to get into the show. I asked the staff present about the KC roadshow aspect that I'd paid to be a part of. They then asked me if I was an attendee of the conference. I replied, yes. They looked for my name, and after a few minutes, my name was located, info about the RoadShow given, and I was handed my badge and a small colorfully designed bag filled with show swag. I then made my way back up to some tables I saw near the escalator, sat down and filmed some segments of the bag contents, and my experiences thus far, and then edited the video and uploaded it to TikTok and Instagram.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzk_dnrXyXbVyyESoNXVG-c1a1JCvN4uXMazr65icz7_8cfEtkqsh-gTaYoEHxgwCQCHKbK0krllzEsm52KA0iFnuyRldqmlrc7q0Lgr3ovb2aWam5rY0bfdF3-fh-2tNeBWATtjLnmIaEhsaz1VWdGi5k61loy40H_xL_NWt0Ddekg6sFmzDfjCn/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_03_swagbag.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzk_dnrXyXbVyyESoNXVG-c1a1JCvN4uXMazr65icz7_8cfEtkqsh-gTaYoEHxgwCQCHKbK0krllzEsm52KA0iFnuyRldqmlrc7q0Lgr3ovb2aWam5rY0bfdF3-fh-2tNeBWATtjLnmIaEhsaz1VWdGi5k61loy40H_xL_NWt0Ddekg6sFmzDfjCn/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_03_swagbag.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swag bag, and my badge. The design on the bag is pretty legit.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me take a moment to say that one of the most fun aspects of being a creative is how my phone has very literally become a recording, editing, and promoting tool on the fly. When I started out of college some twenty years ago, all of this would have been a fantasy. It's something that has taken a lot of the effort out of recording and archiving experiences for me. </span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The information I received on where and how the roadshow would be happening, was a little general, but not vague. I knew that it was starting on Thursday night at 7pm, thanks to both email and the app, and that setup was from noon to 5pm. Now, I've been doing shows for many years, mainly comic and anime shows. There’s a fairly standard way to set up these tables at the shows that I do, but this was functionally a pop-up event that would last from 7 PM until 11 PM. I had a bit of an awkward feeling that I was out of my wheelhouse, that maybe I'd made a mistake in paying to be part of the roadshow. I really had no idea what ICON would be like, but I did want to participate, no matter what, and maybe make some money while I was at it.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Doing my best to ignore the new itch of anxiety that was beginning to take hold, I refocused on other things. My first class wasn’t for another hour, at 9am. I walked out the front doors of the hotel onto the street level, past a few other attendees, about 15 or 20 of them, waiting for transportation to go back to the Nelson Atkins museum and Kansas City Art Institute area. I got to my truck, sat down for a moment, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes to just listen to the sounds of downtown, while quietly telling myself "don't let the anxiety get to you man, you can do this. it's no big deal.".</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUgRuO6ylUt5qYq93Opc7swyfb8zIkzdS8r40pBsC37YKxF5RKEzb_GRyHtwAz4Qfwydtt8pD48vkRxKjd87kIYQ6KrUffh9CQBY4KcqgH0J3HuHsKtV7mhMruuSeQbWyd_S16k-UljKomAyOe_JVVIGrUEpmtwcmx_ZWALutw_f4WAaBcJuNbWka/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_04_signmantraclass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUgRuO6ylUt5qYq93Opc7swyfb8zIkzdS8r40pBsC37YKxF5RKEzb_GRyHtwAz4Qfwydtt8pD48vkRxKjd87kIYQ6KrUffh9CQBY4KcqgH0J3HuHsKtV7mhMruuSeQbWyd_S16k-UljKomAyOe_JVVIGrUEpmtwcmx_ZWALutw_f4WAaBcJuNbWka/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_04_signmantraclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Thankful for the signs that helped me not look like a clueless lost tourist. [Right] Early to the classroom seat I like best. Middle of the back row.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know why I had to give myself a pep talk. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but this would be the feeling that I carried with me throughout the entire three days that I attended the show. Putting that to the side, I started my truck and off I went. I arrived at the Kansas City Art Institute campus with a good 35 minutes to spare before my first class, "Mantra making and Paperworking". The app had a screenshot of the map of the campus, which along from some guidance from a random lady who passed by and saw me looking as lost as a zebra in Pittsburg, I was able to get to the animation building where this course was to take place.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEdSCRbCKFGTfN2htSe5qSjzwzcAQP8L5diDf20HdkRZ2jsRPwViejUXuan40xWExjohlXhV7GS81m0-bD5G-WS1WkW_DwG76_P0rBj24VwG8AsQ1JHeb8Tm8roeXnF2Nui8TDsuULcmapU_SxgXdqWBX6M-2auMteovGC4i-9A2odIjTwFbXhlra/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_12_goingtomantraclass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEdSCRbCKFGTfN2htSe5qSjzwzcAQP8L5diDf20HdkRZ2jsRPwViejUXuan40xWExjohlXhV7GS81m0-bD5G-WS1WkW_DwG76_P0rBj24VwG8AsQ1JHeb8Tm8roeXnF2Nui8TDsuULcmapU_SxgXdqWBX6M-2auMteovGC4i-9A2odIjTwFbXhlra/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_12_goingtomantraclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO grateful for the maps in the ICON app!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t really know what to expect, but I knew one of the instructors, my friend Cat Hollyer (an amazingly skilled writer and singer) who was surprised to see me. It was a great feeling to see a familiar face, and then find out that the other two instructors were also from Hallmark. Lynn Giunta is one of the creatives whose work I knew of, but had never met before, and Eric Brace, I'd not yet met.</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Now for my own issues and points of contention that involved Hallmark, I cannot say this enough, the issues I’ve had with Hallmark, do not extend to many of the wonderful people that I became friends with and have known from my years working there. Most of the people I met there were wonderful, and some of them are dear friends to this day.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The class projects were outside of my knowledge base of creating. The first exercise entailed developing a mantra which I was unfamiliar with (no seriously, I googled it while sitting there waiting for class to start). I took notes and attempted to absorb as much as I could of the information presented. I struggled coming up with a mantra. But with help, I was able to figure it out. After that, the class took a break for about 10 minutes, before we'd move into the second part of the class project.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2AEZxbiDWKu-l3fJIKfdWnTqWMEk6c6vFVXVC4xvmXF4oMZGCrGX4U9ijGGqa7-S5RWqjfMCNEHs8FzP57a4s5-6qPux17S5bHCth0Ov22USKDCAIUj6dtbYHLeY7lj9P59VRJ0112uDouJ0exsGKm9W6chKgR8YU5wbwMWuhZA92AokyKRacyzK/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_14_mantraclassbreak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2AEZxbiDWKu-l3fJIKfdWnTqWMEk6c6vFVXVC4xvmXF4oMZGCrGX4U9ijGGqa7-S5RWqjfMCNEHs8FzP57a4s5-6qPux17S5bHCth0Ov22USKDCAIUj6dtbYHLeY7lj9P59VRJ0112uDouJ0exsGKm9W6chKgR8YU5wbwMWuhZA92AokyKRacyzK/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_14_mantraclassbreak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Brace and Lynn Giunta talking about some aspects of the project.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I guess this is a good time to state how surreal things were feeling for me at this moment. I believe I had a fairly unique experience compared to anyone else that attended ICON11. For any of you that have followed me on social media, you know that I had worked, off and on, at Hallmark for the better part of 10 to 11 years. I also had worked as internal security for a few months during the Covid shut down for the Nelson Atkins Museum. This also marked the very first time I had ever set foot on the Kansas City Art Institute campus, never mind actually going into any of the buildings. So my mind was certainly in an odd space. I was in a collegiate level classroom setting, engaging in skill sets and knowledge from Hallmark, which were as new and unfamiliar to me as my physical surroundings. Sometimes life plays out on some strange stages.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4QMNboS2F-R1DWgM5rHAvAUplOje_RkNIW_IRl5qqytIwQKIJW3-ncFXkbwInomvk40xVsbwzajFwU6KG69kAddhPB9s1AW_SZFuhHMfs6nEfXf9PezjMoOyDkMXmFu0TmoStId7RPbfLL3xJlzPyxxDiJkq5X8IwTa4Tx4unrwbM37Tz-zMLzn0/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_13_workingmantraclass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4QMNboS2F-R1DWgM5rHAvAUplOje_RkNIW_IRl5qqytIwQKIJW3-ncFXkbwInomvk40xVsbwzajFwU6KG69kAddhPB9s1AW_SZFuhHMfs6nEfXf9PezjMoOyDkMXmFu0TmoStId7RPbfLL3xJlzPyxxDiJkq5X8IwTa4Tx4unrwbM37Tz-zMLzn0/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_13_workingmantraclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This moment really made me miss some of my college days at UCM.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After getting through the mantra aspect, with Cat's help, the second part of the course involved making lettering out of drawn patterns, cut paper, glue, and a substrate. I think everyone thought I was kidding when I told the story of "the Great Construction Paper Debacle of 1983, third grade".</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was the last time that I actively tried to cut paper letters out. I am not a crafter. If I want lettering I either buy it, get it manufactured for me, or design it and place it in a layout for either digital or print media output later.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt1TqKo-wpzzK3Sk0wXkuoCPyk49Z7N55NSFdbNmKZGCo5XSFLFRBas7iSxUgxE6hRd9tUiGXT90cJRDCjWTOdtlJYA4YHF9zkuRpx60TBUenDmn2J7igWOw-4pXtNgP50dcWFO722h8kg_bIB4IxfgsvSLWkkRqRMOGDns13GcIyzNQj-rNLTKAK/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_27_artsuppliesmantra.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt1TqKo-wpzzK3Sk0wXkuoCPyk49Z7N55NSFdbNmKZGCo5XSFLFRBas7iSxUgxE6hRd9tUiGXT90cJRDCjWTOdtlJYA4YHF9zkuRpx60TBUenDmn2J7igWOw-4pXtNgP50dcWFO722h8kg_bIB4IxfgsvSLWkkRqRMOGDns13GcIyzNQj-rNLTKAK/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_27_artsuppliesmantra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only had my calligraphy pens on me, and I loved the distressed ink look I was able to get on the paper I was cutting the letters out of.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t cut paper for direct usage in artwork. But on THIS DAY I did! I started out a little slow, unsure, but I had my mantra, and a direction. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lynn made the cutting out of letters look so EFFORTLESS! Crazy jealous of her skills! </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So my mantra started out as "I am a part of my community I am not apart from my community". A take on a current situation I felt in dealing with hometown aspects and the communities I try to be part of. It was refined down to "a part, not apart".</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I swear when I’m around a real writer, a real editor, <u><b>it is humbling</b></u>, and exactly what I needed. I have a mentality that over explanation is a necessity. I celebrate being verbose and using grand eloquent words. Perhaps these are elements of my ADHD. But I understand that had I gone with my initial original message I would still be there five or six days later cutting paper, gluing things down, and would probably have endured 2 to 3 emotional breakdowns.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGqF244cvV4DACNU4yfo0UDg2tyel_dfUQ8qSqhsj8nJfP1fz86aLmwuscMD9OwrKP-dN0V4TnQndVMDP_TgJWpyu5KrutVf7YFfO9ENDwISFDch2exMG4W59Xf5-8iGJbfHgdwRcjCdyOkCWib79FrVnYXPnFu0oqQGAyvphoYzddGoM_ENNOUs2/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_28_finalmantra.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGqF244cvV4DACNU4yfo0UDg2tyel_dfUQ8qSqhsj8nJfP1fz86aLmwuscMD9OwrKP-dN0V4TnQndVMDP_TgJWpyu5KrutVf7YFfO9ENDwISFDch2exMG4W59Xf5-8iGJbfHgdwRcjCdyOkCWib79FrVnYXPnFu0oqQGAyvphoYzddGoM_ENNOUs2/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_28_finalmantra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final work. I still have to get it framed up.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Creating patterns on the construction paper they had provided, unlocked something in me. There was a timeline that I had to adhere to to get the final product done, and I knew myself well enough to know that if I took home whatever I was working on, the chances of me actually completing that outside of this classroom were next to zero. I really wanted to make a point that I could accomplish something in a specific set amount of time. This is a challenge that I face every single day of my life. It’s a personality quirk I could live without. </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After some instruction, the classroom soon settled into a quiet yet busy mode of creation. Thankfully somebody decided to play some chill beats, and I sunk comfortably into this new creative effort. I was outside of my comfort zone, and I took this moment for all it was.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaOSq3_F1D9YC2Ql9XNQvHPvgt2wKDyACPKxQdTbRYs5qKYYvfTXRd9LZ0nrUWRrSdqTgDCgn7k2Thiu5yJnFDuXxT9xfdAXgObbbrb9Eb-8JnD_75-6Ee4K5lvRWDDmtW7za9YlxBYd0fMusEODlx7_qGe4UvbkAZKoEH2S2fPsvWA3YyKSMXRq_/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_15_mantraclassreview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaOSq3_F1D9YC2Ql9XNQvHPvgt2wKDyACPKxQdTbRYs5qKYYvfTXRd9LZ0nrUWRrSdqTgDCgn7k2Thiu5yJnFDuXxT9xfdAXgObbbrb9Eb-8JnD_75-6Ee4K5lvRWDDmtW7za9YlxBYd0fMusEODlx7_qGe4UvbkAZKoEH2S2fPsvWA3YyKSMXRq_/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_15_mantraclassreview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Hollyer presenting her completed mantra artwork.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With about thirty minutes left of class, I managed to get mine completed. The creative flex of this exercise certainly shaved off a lot of the apprehension, worry and anxiety that I was carrying that morning.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJELTyLalw41YtOdFKSCL19GIQt2qoWtyRx1nDtyU3Mqm8zZMWoOhppc4OBKCN9gPdH2W8tLrvFSR4Zfbzc7Dpdl9fzyCfjW_VWCLGDFEp1plZe-7GuULPwgmxT0Aizq9C9uDQYBn1FmqGIGSdgk_Y2btjSqbn1ygDNXHQfDH8biL2zhflfgSp1arp/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_16_mantraclassreview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJELTyLalw41YtOdFKSCL19GIQt2qoWtyRx1nDtyU3Mqm8zZMWoOhppc4OBKCN9gPdH2W8tLrvFSR4Zfbzc7Dpdl9fzyCfjW_VWCLGDFEp1plZe-7GuULPwgmxT0Aizq9C9uDQYBn1FmqGIGSdgk_Y2btjSqbn1ygDNXHQfDH8biL2zhflfgSp1arp/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_16_mantraclassreview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The various mantras and distinct styles of the lettering everyone did, were fascinating to hear about.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We all took turns explaining what we did in some brisk reviews, and how we felt about what we'd all created. By the end, as we all gathered our things and cleaned up our workspaces, I thought about the experience, and it was a definite highlight for me.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ga0cAUJqGpeuqe7HGb1uaVgXD83jSkNPULkg0sOdWa-G-lgCDNDqYgXQSvZooLO4sGl7Oocus9vXpmOwbtgheOsVIAeV0m6RDbB3CgsluoLzajpzlG8JxvhtURP2L20vNvyC46qwHqB2DBT9hXGhupidVu9_lGxaFZ2FuKHtBBRQWFra-WPvgCu3/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_11_aftermantraclass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ga0cAUJqGpeuqe7HGb1uaVgXD83jSkNPULkg0sOdWa-G-lgCDNDqYgXQSvZooLO4sGl7Oocus9vXpmOwbtgheOsVIAeV0m6RDbB3CgsluoLzajpzlG8JxvhtURP2L20vNvyC46qwHqB2DBT9hXGhupidVu9_lGxaFZ2FuKHtBBRQWFra-WPvgCu3/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_11_aftermantraclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone packing up at the end of class.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Noon was upon us, and it would be about another hour before the presentations at Nelson Atkins Museum Auditorium would begin. I hadn’t parked that far away, but man, was it an uncomfortable walk to my truck. The dead heat of summer, led to a sweltering midday, with not a cloud in the sky. Hot as it was, I was hungry. There's not a lot of choices nearby for getting food. I opted for an old standard that is down just past the museum, Winstead's Steakburgers. I hoped the line would not be too long being a Wednesday, and sure enough there were only three vehicles in front of me.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you who've never been to the museum, there's a long street on one side of the main grounds, that cars will park along. It's shady sometimes, and a convenient place to park for free. So after getting my lunch, I found a parking spot, and sat for about 10 minutes with the truck running, my air conditioner on high, and ate. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I took the time to film a few more videos, post some photos, and assess what I had media wise. Then I headed back towards the Nelson, keeping to the shaded paths and areas as best as I could. Surprisingly, the museum was closed. Signs were posted stating they were not open today. I really thought that perhaps the museum would be open, just in case there was nothing in the programming that particularly interested someone, the museum galleries could gain new patrons who had never seen the museum before, and at the least, provided an amazing place to network and talk, in an air conditioned environment. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But having worked security there, I understand how it was probably just easier to keep the museum closed and the attendees focused on the presentations.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeJ33G6B9E6c181ovdyRZl5huSz8K1Up-PUoIAfS3-ly9CSBtzc5fe9OomP_-H_WbwLvwq7K_QVJG67c_jkEdjzpYRonmFx8hWW6zjg6WPDGCXqH7wHQJHWy2KPmDmNp-u3hJFjo637Rj8n8umNvStan6eaT8mOSuG_2bPxSnWVZ1o3QDRfNSPxqq/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_17_nelsonauditorium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeJ33G6B9E6c181ovdyRZl5huSz8K1Up-PUoIAfS3-ly9CSBtzc5fe9OomP_-H_WbwLvwq7K_QVJG67c_jkEdjzpYRonmFx8hWW6zjg6WPDGCXqH7wHQJHWy2KPmDmNp-u3hJFjo637Rj8n8umNvStan6eaT8mOSuG_2bPxSnWVZ1o3QDRfNSPxqq/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_17_nelsonauditorium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The presentations were pretty good, but the quiet warm room and padded chairs... man, sleep almost got to me a few times.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The presentations had fairly traditional lecture formats, punctuated with slideshow images. Subjects covered focused on education and history across several facets. This was held in the main auditorium, where, when I was still working at the museum, I would sit up in the far upper corner and rest midway through my rounds for a minute or two. I remember wondering what the room would be like with people in it, and here it was. I'll be honest, though many of the presentations were well done, the quiet warmth of the room, and the soft drone of the speakers' voices, allowed my mind to wander more than it should have.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was beginning to think that ICON had a particular specificity within the Illustration world. One leaning into more corporate or very general editorial work, with educational underpinnings. As a rule I am not really a fan of lectures. As a visual and very hands on person, if somebody is just telling me what to do and not showing me what or HOW to do it, I'm not going to learn or retain much of anything. I know this, because I retained a good 90% of what the morning project entailed, and could not for the life of me tell you one thing I learned from the presentations I watched. I wondered if I was the only one that felt this way.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The lectures ended at 4:15, with transportation offered for people to get back to the Marriot, as well as a Happy Hour I didn't attend over at KCAI, so that was one networking aspect I did miss.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the museum was closed, I didn’t really know where to go until the Motion Commotion event at 6pm. Motion Commotion was a collection of assorted short films, gifs, and visual animated aspects, primarily student work from what I could tell. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The reel was filled with so many types of examples of animated motion elements. Some were stories. Many were animation runs. Some were gifs. A</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">fter an hour and a half or so, my head was buzzing with new ideas and possibilities. It was a pretty good way end to the day.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3W-SzM9yhq7yMpb5X-xCSAweC-PnXrHlPwpGEb8XIUrdZM_29Cqna-uc4EcA4Juc9N7_n1imW_d1S6fDVx_nPmtoyoEVHd7kYC45HRI7HsAmuOPRVRNx3i7Yq9ytPnWKr4E4oDO6CjuGrJFdh0diPeczJaxIVwvV3f02dfyu6BhiO0MVp5BotwYb/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_10_aftermotioncommotion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3W-SzM9yhq7yMpb5X-xCSAweC-PnXrHlPwpGEb8XIUrdZM_29Cqna-uc4EcA4Juc9N7_n1imW_d1S6fDVx_nPmtoyoEVHd7kYC45HRI7HsAmuOPRVRNx3i7Yq9ytPnWKr4E4oDO6CjuGrJFdh0diPeczJaxIVwvV3f02dfyu6BhiO0MVp5BotwYb/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_10_aftermotioncommotion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attendees milling about after Motion Commotion, in front of the Nelson Atkins Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Afterwards I went home to get some much needed rest and get out of the heat. My mind was already working on how to apply the things that I learned. How to make myself more emotionally invested in the artwork I create. What was preventing me from growing as an artist? Odd thoughts probably, but thankfully they would help keep things in perspective for me.</span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">DAY TWO</span>: Zines, Connections, and RoadShow Blues- Thurs, June 30th</h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most shows I participate in, I find my feet by the second day and have an understanding what to expect. It was another scorcher of a day, and by 8 AM I was headed downtown to the Kansas City art Institute once again, for my next class, "This Zine Violates Terms and Conditions". </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For anyone not familiar with "zines", I'll define them as best as I can. Zines are essentially a counterculture, and in some circles, a more traditional way to create literature that often has a revolutionary or alternative take on subjects ranging from self-sufficiency, to government reform, sexuality, censorship issues, comics, biographies and more, with a focus on open discussion and non censorship.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s about publishing anything across the spectrum they would normally never find an open channel or platform through traditional publishers or press houses. Many zines are supported by independent publishers and press houses that specifically started up to create outlets for them.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I managed to get into this course at the last minute late Friday night. I’d been checking the app and looked to see if there were any openings for some of the courses I was interested in. Much to my surprise there was a seat available in the zine course! So I got my credit card, paid the fee, and boom, I was in.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have done a show here in Kansas City before called Zine Con which was an eye-opening experience and I loved it, so I wasn't going into this completely clueless.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got to the classroom, and I was the second person there. As usual, I chose a seat toward the back in the center of the room. As more people came in, small conversations branched out among us. I mainly listened. Where were were from, who was the oldest, general chit chat. It's still a weird place for me to speak out, when I feel like I have nothing to add in a conversation. I’m grateful that I decided to start bringing a small sketchbook, I found a few on sale that were a combination of writing and drawing pages. It gave me something to doodle in, while I waited for the course to begin.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURydBtPCyxGmw_GeLUJxQgVs9p0GWnsKKA1i2P9xSOY_Q5E2kSzpVxSM74OlpSCJuwF6psbSNxB-BI7C2G-AixohS4mvpsZ5nqwTKeTLCDDa1eSO9aeHLUVZNV6lB14hGxtQKcdWMP-xY8buSy5-mNFrSOe7Mh2JE4Be_PP7Er8SlqnRioN432eyl/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_08_zineclass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURydBtPCyxGmw_GeLUJxQgVs9p0GWnsKKA1i2P9xSOY_Q5E2kSzpVxSM74OlpSCJuwF6psbSNxB-BI7C2G-AixohS4mvpsZ5nqwTKeTLCDDa1eSO9aeHLUVZNV6lB14hGxtQKcdWMP-xY8buSy5-mNFrSOe7Mh2JE4Be_PP7Er8SlqnRioN432eyl/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_08_zineclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again, center of the back of the class seating choice.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Shortly after the last few students filed in, what I assumed was the instructor, set down some books, and without introducing themselves, simply started into a history of trans rights issues and other societal circumstances that were hot button issues in these days. I didn't know if I needed to take notes or if this was even really the instructor. </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got a feeling we weren’t going to be making an actual zine of any kind, as there didn’t appear to be any art supplies or tools. About this time, our instructor finally realized they'd not introduced themselves, and gave us their name, Carta Monir. A cartoonist, publisher, and pornographer living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who owns and operates Diskette Press, who is one of the most fearless and forward speakers I've encountered in some time. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first 20 to 25 minutes of the class were given to learning about some extreme subjects, and when I say extreme, I simply mean subject matter that in most circumstances or educational arenas might be considered inflammatory, deviant, or perhaps at the very least, highly uncomfortable. Carta had brought in a series of books and zines of exemplary range and subject, that were laid out at the front of the classroom on one of the tables for our perusal. Designs and books ranged in age from publication times in the mid-60s up to this current year. The subject matter delved into mainly either trans or homo erotic nature. I looked at a few of them, but there was one stand out that peaked my interest.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A work book of sorts, that dealt with the finality of life and death. How to deal with it, how to get your affairs together, and at least from the quick glimpse I got, almost seemed to parallel the ideologies of meditation. I’ve come to understand that meditation is not only a source of centering mental effort and physical relaxation, but a deeper aspect preparation of oneself for death.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The class also dealt with aspects of radicalization and delving into facing things that made you uncomfortable. The exercises we were challenged to do, involved creating two small four panel comics. I immediately felt the sweat break out in my hands. Not because of the subject aspect, but because I had not drawn anything of any real merit for the last few weeks. An issue that I knew was going to haunt me in public at some point. I found myself struggling a little bit,... actually that’s a lie. It was full blown panic for the first two minutes of opening my sketchbook and pulling out pens, pencils and an eraser.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First challenge was to first write something, that would make it a member of my family angry. For a lot of reasons, it's a frustrating and yet undeniable truth that family can be both an incredible system of support, but also an incorrigible source of stress, anger, nervousness, anxiety, you name it. I started to draw myself and my father, in his truck, driving. The art is shoddy, rough, lined in frustration and more than a little off in it’s execution. It revolved around generational differences, lack of understanding on his and my own views on living life, and real moments I experience with him as we drive places from time to time.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrivp_dEgV6P4-J65-7DqRDaOuH74eUAvGR63QC-dCjXazgWJO21B_hVimXATAkNc8Y-eI-6L6Z98AuZEuc0mMClcK-JFKfmxUaDiyTwPtgpp3OiIRJTqhpwO3EoRszuw0rgR3d2CpPKUX4nETDf61AFVj0dzNRKMHNN8Qu0TokneXF-vCRItpk_T/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_09_zineclasscomic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrivp_dEgV6P4-J65-7DqRDaOuH74eUAvGR63QC-dCjXazgWJO21B_hVimXATAkNc8Y-eI-6L6Z98AuZEuc0mMClcK-JFKfmxUaDiyTwPtgpp3OiIRJTqhpwO3EoRszuw0rgR3d2CpPKUX4nETDf61AFVj0dzNRKMHNN8Qu0TokneXF-vCRItpk_T/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_09_zineclasscomic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd forgotten my normal pens, and had to draw out everything with calligraphic nib pens.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt relief and release as soon as I finished inking it. Maybe this is what art therapy is like.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I broke no new walls artistically. It was a circumstance where I had created something raw, a bit primal, maybe even remedial, because it was the first thing that fell out. Sharing our works made a sense of unease rise around the room for a number of us. There were a few people that had no problem at all, since the work they did professionally was far more blunt and shocking.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After discussion and review the second exercise, also a four panel comic strip, was another push into trying to be something audacious, experimental, or completely and totally offensive. It's an interesting feeling to sit in a room with varying degrees of emotions about what we were all creating, pulsating out. I wrote a small poem that was very personal, and I'll not posting that one up, but the gist of it was about the</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> ideology that elected officials needed to be much more aware of what their constituents had elected them to do. The government has a massive responsibility for the welfare and well-being of its people. And I was surprised how quickly I pushed the second one out.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My mindset was reeling in some interesting ways. I broke some personal barriers and created in a safe zone without any worry of revenge, recourse, disgust or discomfort at the words that I had illustrated out in these small panel comics.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The class ended at noon. I always end up finding at least one person that I find common ground with to engage in conversation with, and thankfully each of the days I did the show, this was the case. I love hearing stories, experiences, just good mind enriching interactions. It's something that fueled a project some years back for me, and I found myself, rather enjoyably, back in that feeling. Life is so short, why would anyone not want to know more about everyone else's experiences and stories?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More presentations were held at the Folly theater near the Marriott. It got me to thinking, I’m not sure why the auditorium at the Nelson wasn’t used for the duration of the event. My guess? It was a contractual thing. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I had nothing to do from noon until 7 o’clock when the Roadshow would open. I take that back, I had to go set up, but I waited until later in the day.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of that, was a hesitance growing in me. I've been very frank in how for many months, I've been dealing with depression, and questioning my direction as a creative. Truthfully, ICON was having a weird affect on me, in that I started to feel a bit outdated, but also found wellsprings of new growth happening. I actually had a bad feeling about setting up for the show, but I'd already paid for it. and I needed to see it through. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Understand, all I am about to state is not a reflection on the Roadshow, it is my own take and what I went through. In a nutshell, it was a very eye opening, embarrassing, and isolating experience. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How, you may be asking?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What you see below is how I set up my table at the roadshow. I didn’t know what to bring, so I brought the least amount of things I could for what I had already convinced myself, was going to be something of a disaster of a show for me. Depression is a horrible companion. It robs you of self worth, esteem, and clear thinking, and it does not allow one to carry ego well.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOjdw6p4Q4AG9JHOGCiZc2GX-mJ8oVtElHl0v4mRzqSbZBRK3iqKdxM050xlq4yYlNZM5XqtHiD50h5_YPisb6G21Mp1oNHTt1p6lJ464So12-MVnz8BjaVZ-olpL4vwhZb0eNjkxJmH8umFxYrPEY2jNy55HAO_3lh37B8Yb63qzgRhCaH4_tY4M/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_07_mytable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOjdw6p4Q4AG9JHOGCiZc2GX-mJ8oVtElHl0v4mRzqSbZBRK3iqKdxM050xlq4yYlNZM5XqtHiD50h5_YPisb6G21Mp1oNHTt1p6lJ464So12-MVnz8BjaVZ-olpL4vwhZb0eNjkxJmH8umFxYrPEY2jNy55HAO_3lh37B8Yb63qzgRhCaH4_tY4M/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_07_mytable.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I built it tall enough for me to get some attention. It did not work.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You might say, "why would you go ahead and put that negative energy in the air, why would you think that you’re not at the right place and time?". </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn't help it. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Couldn't stop it.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The feeling I had was as if I'd dressed up for a casual rugby match, but instead attended a black tie affair at Buckingham Palace. </span></p><p>Upon walking into the showroom area, it was immediately a different feeling from any other show I'd ever done. Yes this was a pop up event and I knew that, but th<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">e majority of the art I saw looked as though it leaned towards modern non-science fiction, non-fantasy, editorial friendly, and technical spot illustration elements.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I walked over to my table, and began setting up, that pit of despair in my gut opened up. It echoed out "you are not going to make any money at this. If you were lucky a few people may pick your stuff out of the sea of happy energetic fonts, light colors, white lettering, and wooden panels that you’re surrounded by." </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It seemed like all the other table layouts were filled with bright, cheery, inspirational word signs, children's books, and ultra cute characters.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFiIL26MdnEqyyuo6aZ5jKx8LpVCbz7PHk55DSn9avFk03fXbZwg5NpZBlWosHXwiKCd3vfOYs-LmFkYQ_TxATkmiQK3Teh35BhpHD768EO_vESn4OeRUstZ9sayMPNdU89RxinW_8PnPH56oskKEdRCFSd5PACQ0K4hEyJ-dgYndJf0b6SA_ysxn/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_06_roadshowtables.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFiIL26MdnEqyyuo6aZ5jKx8LpVCbz7PHk55DSn9avFk03fXbZwg5NpZBlWosHXwiKCd3vfOYs-LmFkYQ_TxATkmiQK3Teh35BhpHD768EO_vESn4OeRUstZ9sayMPNdU89RxinW_8PnPH56oskKEdRCFSd5PACQ0K4hEyJ-dgYndJf0b6SA_ysxn/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_06_roadshowtables.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other tables during setup.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My setup was muted, and truthfully easy to overlook. I don't say that in an effort to gain sympathy, it was the truth of the matter for the duration of that evening.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt like Pugsley Addams attending a Disney Princess Pavilion Party.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The table I sat at was a shared one, and I secretly hoped that I would be left alone at the table. I thought "well the table cloths are black, my set up is primarily black, I am wearing dark clothing, maybe between sitting at the edge of this row, and also partially absconded behind a massive cement pillar, the embarrassment won’t be on display as bad."</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I walked out into the hallway to gather my thoughts, and just calm myself. I was told only artists would be in the room up until 7 o’clock. This was at about 6:15pm. In that time the artist I shared my table with showed up and set up a resplendent display. "Okay," I thought, "my shame will have more company."</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Minutes before 7pm, I could hear, and then see a crowd of people arriving early to get into the Roadshow.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cue my internal panic.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I quickly made it to my table sat down counting out my bank, I don’t know why. I knew exactly how much was in there. I didn’t feel I was going to end up using any of it. I got my Square reader set up, and realized that the signal in that room was about as good as it would’ve been at the bottom of a missile silo in the Midwest.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Surely," I thought, "I am over reacting! I’m a goddamn professional!" </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The small voice in the back of my head once again cried out "bitch, you can’t struggle ALL the time!"</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It turns out. I can.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The initial 35 minutes of the show,... I sat, quietly at my table with my art prints, my comics and business cards on display in front of me. I played with my phone nervously, doom scrolling, as wave after wave of people came in, and walked by my setup. Only to stop at the artist next to me, or really any other table. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I occasionally bear witness to moments of watching an artist sitting near me or sharing a table with me outsell me over the course of an event. This was a new landspeed record as the last time I saw that much money and card swipes happen, I was at Hy-Vee in the checkout lane and snow had been forecast for that week.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When witnessing that flurry of selling action and nothing is happening in your area, suddenly your phone demands you doom scroll, a far off piece of architecture needs your scrutiny, or the carpet you are already looking down at beneath your feet suddenly has the most compelling pattern to study. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no where you can go. In that moment the failure is personal, the moment burns, and it weakens you from within. Then self doubt and reasoning efforts begin. Maybe their Instagram game is amazing! Or they are a local favorite creator. Possibly they are an art director or someone who spoke on stage earlier so attendee want to buy some art and support them.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And the debilitating thoughts like "my god, what am I doing here?! Why am I here? This was a horrible mistake, these people are professionals!" get stuck on the mental replay.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the night went on, it didn't get any better. It was a LONG night.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holding my promise that I will be very frank with what I make at shows, after it was all said and done, I sold $64 of art. I'm happy I made that money. I clearly did not understand all the ins and outs of this particular show, or who I'd be selling to.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When 11 o’clock rolled around, I quietly gathered my things, packed up, and left. The drive home was quiet, sobering, and filled with thinking twice about professional life choices. Thankfully this is not my first big burn out at a show, so I was able to weather it okay. But man, real talk, I came close to not going back for the third day of the show. But at some point while staring up at the ceiling around 3 AM, I rallied myself, and had an attack of common sense.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomorrow would be a new day and I focused on what it would bring. I also got to wondering what exactly the difference was between this roadshow and the upcoming gallery show.</span></p><h3><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">DAY THREE</span>: Folly Theatre Camping and a Gallery Show- Fri, July 1st</h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, the programming was held at the Folly Theatre. The weather was still humid and hot, but a pall of a rainstorm hung over the day for a while.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQkANaNE0r9zJQJyUFahKwiQfg_Q_zoqDhO7ZnUF1R2OWBfKel9iiW3_oKGfDxNEcExIrLEB9CwrN5abWwVmzNfeACQBP1_qwatvTXzFFDCulA92ZEEI7FoB2PZur9ngS7NpvuaGFCXhzmhQMPMM4UgFwX5XQxzYJ6sFX5WiQydTlcSxedWKVeBDH/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_22_folly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQkANaNE0r9zJQJyUFahKwiQfg_Q_zoqDhO7ZnUF1R2OWBfKel9iiW3_oKGfDxNEcExIrLEB9CwrN5abWwVmzNfeACQBP1_qwatvTXzFFDCulA92ZEEI7FoB2PZur9ngS7NpvuaGFCXhzmhQMPMM4UgFwX5XQxzYJ6sFX5WiQydTlcSxedWKVeBDH/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_22_folly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] The official poster art. [Right] A food truck just out front of the Folly entrance.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I walked past the food truck parked out front into the lobby of the Folly. There were books for sale but I just bypassed that and went into the theatre. I went up as high as I could go and found at seat up at the very top. If you've never been to it, it’s a beautiful old theater. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As I settled in, the presentations were really informative. Looking down from where I was sitting, I </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">could see the blue glow from screens as people worked on projects or sketched on their iPads. </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After sitting in one of the seats for about five uncomfortable minutes, I decided to sit in the dead center, on the carpeted stair path. My shins were grateful.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7ovsfqaY3GVf2rzOwHSRBQy4UTBe_-2G1tBS5zR9oV4iJUY2PRcEQCbC-y4kPxmfCU1qMQI99mC9QdXewSUrx8vtGF8XfjtQj-6KrrrKg8sTx7aRf0lZBgxHylXqcHYtMsC-P3swvJQtuOz6vZXANS9vZS4crJven7yL4KnXNisdRMnPnUXv4GE-/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_18_follyseats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7ovsfqaY3GVf2rzOwHSRBQy4UTBe_-2G1tBS5zR9oV4iJUY2PRcEQCbC-y4kPxmfCU1qMQI99mC9QdXewSUrx8vtGF8XfjtQj-6KrrrKg8sTx7aRf0lZBgxHylXqcHYtMsC-P3swvJQtuOz6vZXANS9vZS4crJven7yL4KnXNisdRMnPnUXv4GE-/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_18_follyseats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to have the build of a Tim Burton' Jack Skellington character to get your shins to fit.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All during this show, I'd been recording videos and taking photos with my phone, so inevitably, I was going to be running low on charge. Even my backup battery was out of charge. Since it was hot outside, I wanted to lighten the load in my bag so I left my depleted battery, and foolishly, my water bottle in my truck. But then, I found a hidden plug near where I was sitting. </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So during the lunch break, I quickly filmed and posted a TikTok video, and went back to my truck to get my water bottle and back up battery. I came back and plugged my battery in (I recommend getting one with a built in fold out plug aspect). I actually started writing this blog entry at that point, as well as figuring out what I needed for social media posts after the event was over. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the last presentation began, I got my stuff together and left to find food. I tried to find a restaurant within walking distance. I managed to locate a nearby Jimmy John’s. So I set out and walked in the direction of the restaurant coming across an old favorite public sculpture of Mark Twain. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWV9N9DW4u2QwKHuzZVlfnXRxUKraIO-UYIQVtD-fUARFaFgB2ygeAe6ddXji6XTAroVw-2a2YV-_gnKB5ZoFbRDzb-vrMgBzI3IJEXYWWHgDHgcC8yFXj1LrHN62jWgyZhvKIsLFUWWPqruaVh6Kluv6tFBpH5XndEu_SEl3BDOntJ9YLE8VZ95FS/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_24_marktwain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWV9N9DW4u2QwKHuzZVlfnXRxUKraIO-UYIQVtD-fUARFaFgB2ygeAe6ddXji6XTAroVw-2a2YV-_gnKB5ZoFbRDzb-vrMgBzI3IJEXYWWHgDHgcC8yFXj1LrHN62jWgyZhvKIsLFUWWPqruaVh6Kluv6tFBpH5XndEu_SEl3BDOntJ9YLE8VZ95FS/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_24_marktwain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you ever change Mark Twain.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I got down to where the Jimmy John’s was waiting in line behind people that didn’t know what they wanted to eat, only to make it to the front of the line and find out that the credit card reader wasn’t working, something was wrong with the system. Little bit of disappointment, little bit of a headache, and still a lot of time before the art show at the art gallery, Studio Inc.</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With a few hours to spare, I imagine that the break in programming also allowed for people to get back to their hotel rooms get refreshed for socializing later that evening. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Back home I went once again. I hoped that the time in the gallery would bring some time for me to network and connect with people. Studio Inc was in a part of KC I'd not been to before, and if I didn't know exactly where it was, I'd never have found it on my own. It really seemed like an industrial area where it was located. I got there, but I was a little confused as to where the actual gallery was. It took me a few minutes to get my bearings, and I followed a few well dressed people that I assumed were going to this art gallery opening.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I walked in, up a few stairs, and down a hallway past what looked like a social bar (I didn't go in, it was way too crowded for me). I found the gallery as expected.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think I was also expecting airflow.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The gallery was a box shape. I understand some galleries have no central air. I understand some galleries have the better amenities. The room was essentially a garage. I say that, because there was a massive metal garage door 1/3 of the way open with a single stand fan attempting with all of its might, to push air into an overstuffed room. Mad props, to the valiant fan. I’m sure it did its best. But it wasn't enough.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepbMsx0kj5jaWu9S0E0PFRPVjFvfYCHOHN69-zjcCm81_ERW69nrfmtkHrgFRj5s8fgyK4NOCZOhLSquVUP7g9Muij7hK5Ccj7rLOSo_rGBXYPSdJn0ba0IEj6_Vo2Gk9HlKwXZeJx5JUztstoGlLngQL_h9_TCF15sR-qHSjHmh45TvZL-E-I4bj/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_05_galleryshow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepbMsx0kj5jaWu9S0E0PFRPVjFvfYCHOHN69-zjcCm81_ERW69nrfmtkHrgFRj5s8fgyK4NOCZOhLSquVUP7g9Muij7hK5Ccj7rLOSo_rGBXYPSdJn0ba0IEj6_Vo2Gk9HlKwXZeJx5JUztstoGlLngQL_h9_TCF15sR-qHSjHmh45TvZL-E-I4bj/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_05_galleryshow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the lightest density the amount of people got to be in the gallery.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I stayed long enough to get some photos and video, and I did talk to a few people briefly. The artwork was not spaced out very far, in fact people were sort of one on top of another when looking at it. I started feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of body heat and lack of airflow and I wasn't doing well under the circumstances. </span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich3jgXaxkPwHWnpI1dpXC9Vsg0GshGk-DxTGS0ndGcdy3UxkZ2ue6HR9e1D6D2tWyEtB57CkXUP3IGq-TH6uBLqSaFwQ3KyA8p1YnUOluC0IKKvxxmoIFDuoA_abaR66MtiXesLGRIwpdtL4AhuVPEl_W-jJ0S1YTtJdbN27MorDCn7SxU5OZN8BE/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_25_galleryart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich3jgXaxkPwHWnpI1dpXC9Vsg0GshGk-DxTGS0ndGcdy3UxkZ2ue6HR9e1D6D2tWyEtB57CkXUP3IGq-TH6uBLqSaFwQ3KyA8p1YnUOluC0IKKvxxmoIFDuoA_abaR66MtiXesLGRIwpdtL4AhuVPEl_W-jJ0S1YTtJdbN27MorDCn7SxU5OZN8BE/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_25_galleryart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really enjoyed the work I saw, I just wish I'd had a chance to talk to the specific creators of some of these.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If I go to look at artwork, I want to be able to enjoy that in the most comfortable circumstances possible, anyone would. I stayed about 30 minutes. Long enough to understand the artwork here was different than what had been in the Roadshow. More inline with science fiction and fantasy illustration, the sort of thing that would have been at home at shows I'm more accustomed to.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjau1U67pUXP8ilbG5uKf-lfJBAO5k8c3GVxF03PsKr90nq3S-NVfSXOcqi5Y_CL3QihutN6YyjA3khglaTo2RJzZI-v4VZWbPme3t3_2lD66pX1ney_dPnkO-3oxVIAb7UT5BfosLtJiJ_nEsalpqiyPedvFKEtOyIGbpw6yDgvXRHqSIhwyQOyL/s740/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_26_galleryart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjau1U67pUXP8ilbG5uKf-lfJBAO5k8c3GVxF03PsKr90nq3S-NVfSXOcqi5Y_CL3QihutN6YyjA3khglaTo2RJzZI-v4VZWbPme3t3_2lD66pX1ney_dPnkO-3oxVIAb7UT5BfosLtJiJ_nEsalpqiyPedvFKEtOyIGbpw6yDgvXRHqSIhwyQOyL/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_09_18_Icon11_26_galleryart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorites from the gallery show. I regrettably didn't get the names of the creators for these. If any of you know, drop me a line or leave a comment so I can get the proper credit to these artists.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> made a couple rounds, typed out some notes for this blog post, and left. It wasn't that the art on display wasn't great. A lot of it was. I think show fatigue was wearing at me, so though I left the event after only half an hour, I felt like I had gotten all I could have out of the show experience by that point.</span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back on forward things.</span></h3><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Breaking into a new way that I'll be ending these show overviews, I will lay out what I spent as either an attendee or as part of the show so that people can have a good idea as to what the costs were, along with an overall experience review.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Is it worth it?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes?</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me explain. If you have a need to learn aspects about art education and history from fairly knowledgeable people, and you want to travel and possibly experience the city the show is hosted in, then it's a Yes.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But it is a conference that leans towards editorial and more corporate design aspects, in general.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The workshops that cost extra in some cases, ranged, from what I was able to experience and later find out from talking to others, from "well worth it", to "underwhelming". Thankfully both of mine were really great.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All of that said, this show was put together very well, and one that though I endured some humbling moments, I still very much liked the conference.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Expense</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One Ticket for ICON11: $648.19</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut Paper Mantra - Workshop: Free</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Motion Commotion: $10</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This Zine Violates Terms and Conditions - Workshop: $45</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Roadshow Table Cost: $160.59</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Food/Fuel/Misc: $52.19</span></li></ol></span><p></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Total expenses: 915.97 ($229 per day)</span></div><p></p></div></blockquote><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Pros</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An incredible amount of knowledge was on display in the presentations and workshops</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The conference is four days, which base ticket cost averages out to $162 per day</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cost was high, but so is the worth of it as a tax write off/business expense!</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A remarkably diverse amount of art backgrounds are apparent in attendees.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some chances to network and speak about personal experiences in careers.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have the right style, the Roadshow can be phenomenal.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Swag bag with some actually cool items in it.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Almost perfect App with so many bits of organizing and info. A great asset!</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Cons</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The expense of the show seemed steep, in this current economy.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you've traveled to stay at the show, hotel, and other expenses can pile up quickly.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The classrooms in the Nelson, if utilized, could have allowed for more workshops to be held.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Nelson galleries weren't available, such a missed networking and museum PR chance.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your focus in Illustration was not educational/editorial it might not be for you.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have the wrong style, the Roadshow will be a therapy session subject later.</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Why no audible reminders from the App as an option, to ease scheduling your day? </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The Final Evaluation</u></b></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm on the fence about a solid recommendation to the show. SO much of it is done exceptionally well. But as it turned out, I was not the demographic for this show. Did I learn and expand my knowledge? Yes. In ways I had not expected. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Did I feel connected to the community? With a few individual exceptions of intriguing and great networking and moments of thought provoking conversation, as a whole, no, I did not. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I think ICON is something between the legendary Spectrum Fantastic Art Live shows from some years ago, and an Adobe conference. It fills a specific niche, but also expands out to more general illustration aspects and career areas if you know who to connect with.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Did I enjoy it? Yes, for the most part. Would I do it again? </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No. Not even if it was held locally for me. I just cannot justify the cost involved.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's a good conference, just not quite in my wheelhouse of where I want to be as a comic and fantasy illustrator. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you so much for reading, I am Mario, the Artisan Rogue. If you want to find information about ICON and more, please check out the links below.</span></p></div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">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!</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><u>Links and Resources:</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://cartamonir.com/" target="_blank">Carta Monir's Website</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://theillustrationconference.org/" target="_blank">ICON</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.hallmark.com/" target="_blank">Hallmark</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://kcai.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas City Art Institute</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.nelson-atkins.org/" target="_blank">Nelson-Atkins Museum</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://follytheater.org/" target="_blank">the Folly Theatre</a><br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
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</div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-87966412875143112582022-05-30T19:00:00.000-07:002022-11-08T14:26:59.608-08:00NakaKon 2022 - Almost back to "normal"<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQMM6OzkzaUXTk8cbzbSOYFEGFghpLrfoAp6cR9eyCPeClN-hisFNYWAkilX0-7Uf00uBOdQYtTMcO3u40It2LWewU1mSDGGCIswLPvwUd4U6_xKIFjeo7EG1BtV17AP6MbM2HpQy_Am0f8DjuBeYPT8uM2r3FwOnCs4Y52gtOqVoW_9lUakc0slB/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQMM6OzkzaUXTk8cbzbSOYFEGFghpLrfoAp6cR9eyCPeClN-hisFNYWAkilX0-7Uf00uBOdQYtTMcO3u40It2LWewU1mSDGGCIswLPvwUd4U6_xKIFjeo7EG1BtV17AP6MbM2HpQy_Am0f8DjuBeYPT8uM2r3FwOnCs4Y52gtOqVoW_9lUakc0slB/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Thursday evening, I've got my badge, and found my table, so now it's time to get set up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><h2 style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Thursday Set-Up</span></span></h2></span></div>I am a sucker for that feeling before a show, especially if it's for a longer three day show, that I'll get during set up. That feeling of mixed anticipation, hope, and excitement. Some of it, because of course, there's the whole, "I'm here to show off my artwork and make some money", but also because, at least for me, it's always been the whole, I'm working for myself aspect.</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Before you get too far into reading, here's the roughly ten minute podcast episode I did if you're interested in a quick listen. It's a condensed overview of my thoughts about the show.</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=vuyae-1241539-pb&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=7&font-color=&rtl=0&logo_link=&btn-skin=7&size=150" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Radio74: Season 6 Episode 5 - NakaKon 2022" width="100%"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Last year I had just started really utilizing TikTok [<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theartisanrogue" target="_blank">@theartisanrogue</a>] for promotion, and this year, I was recording media content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, this blog post, and Twitter, which, was by far the most challenging thing I had to do. I know that sounds a bit silly, but to try and create content that isn't just replayed across the various platforms is very time consuming, and requires me to be able to also edit video and photos when I have time at the show, so the content is put out in a timely fashion. <br /><br />It isn't easy, but it has proven to be challenging fun to pull off. I also feel a bit like a news reporter. But without the microphone.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7x533y84GYd03hQuFdr--QiwO-iUlfjJIANEPP51uU_YtdN3BfuWin04x3t8Be8Ve6KZG7KJ9WbifisWiuKn05FD5kqmoNrT9Irsqr42-Y5pUch3y5TCae9jIEhGrwminzj0G3zzpBMtZuvwxSSxsH7uKipphiNxhQA8yYySl0ribeUviJKQUBN5/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7x533y84GYd03hQuFdr--QiwO-iUlfjJIANEPP51uU_YtdN3BfuWin04x3t8Be8Ve6KZG7KJ9WbifisWiuKn05FD5kqmoNrT9Irsqr42-Y5pUch3y5TCae9jIEhGrwminzj0G3zzpBMtZuvwxSSxsH7uKipphiNxhQA8yYySl0ribeUviJKQUBN5/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setup almost always ends up the same in the end, but I added some new things to the display this year.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">It took about two hours, of my slowly assembling my setup together, which was fine. It gives me time to think, to go over things and make sure I'd not forgotten anything. And quite to the contrary, I'd brought TOO much to set up. I think things looked pretty visible and orderly, but like any show, and every crowd, you just never know until the crowd comes in, how well it will work.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR3pXL1ndXwL4K4Li2aZV4PEVxdcvuyD2O-tJWHZu-pBqUTRDYOEbzgIeenrxnNZowy9U6_A5lKWnE7o2baAfGONdEDwMAQ5ZtirvWrbUJ-weLuQjBQxA854jGUmYV1SOsQy7PfkzjL7ZFBuGSMCoPmVffVTzTquddmxlLKCKKkwbg3rkVYquFeJF/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR3pXL1ndXwL4K4Li2aZV4PEVxdcvuyD2O-tJWHZu-pBqUTRDYOEbzgIeenrxnNZowy9U6_A5lKWnE7o2baAfGONdEDwMAQ5ZtirvWrbUJ-weLuQjBQxA854jGUmYV1SOsQy7PfkzjL7ZFBuGSMCoPmVffVTzTquddmxlLKCKKkwbg3rkVYquFeJF/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were only a handful of people left about 10:25pm or so. I just sat for a while and took in the moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><h2 style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Friday - Day One</span></span></h2></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Friday morning, I got there about an hour early. The showroom floor opens to VIP access thirty minutes before the main crowd gets in, which is around 3:30pm, and then the show is open until 8pm. </span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">I spent a lot of time before the attendees got in, just walking around, and thinking, looking at displays for ideas, and visiting with a few people I knew. I wanted to approach this year with a more relaxed mentality, and as I mentioned earlier, to allot time for me to be able to get photos and footage as I wanted them.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDUTPjTCMeR9uN76vD62dmJ3gNSc05XPEmG3KMdLbNlifj2ZPKunNXtCUbJMF23ITljFzYg1d3WVbLNzSgltfeujp_7vk9oxNOkE1pC-qMJqKdABGUplqWYh3iXJsEY8iDpu-ssZruSLLgebQyEjffBpnkqpUX15_p_tX__-JSAM16LoDsl6vYdze/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDUTPjTCMeR9uN76vD62dmJ3gNSc05XPEmG3KMdLbNlifj2ZPKunNXtCUbJMF23ITljFzYg1d3WVbLNzSgltfeujp_7vk9oxNOkE1pC-qMJqKdABGUplqWYh3iXJsEY8iDpu-ssZruSLLgebQyEjffBpnkqpUX15_p_tX__-JSAM16LoDsl6vYdze/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was on a tight budget this year, but there is ALWAYS something I end up buying when I do shows...</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">I play a kind of game every single year I've ever done NakaKon, or for that matter any larger show with vendors in it. I always wonder what the new trend, collectible, or "hot new thing" will be, that grabs everyone's attention and desires. In years past, I've seen it be cute squids, which is the one that really sticks out in my mind, but this year I ended up not really noticing that happening.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILPfwhRgu1nVi5qkcyhUGH-piXxbPVcjrGKRIFVquTLJSNyejYGYlkRZOi4euoU4m4u3t3JNFS_3ti8ZJoPcVDQvWiRQKVLFfxfpuAOSNQSaW2bsaj8ZAr-Gua3DkLO3Q9-ohcBKZpPuW92VwunC_LBBMSpUQl5bDnGPrXSFOo8447laPX6FFCt5b/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILPfwhRgu1nVi5qkcyhUGH-piXxbPVcjrGKRIFVquTLJSNyejYGYlkRZOi4euoU4m4u3t3JNFS_3ti8ZJoPcVDQvWiRQKVLFfxfpuAOSNQSaW2bsaj8ZAr-Gua3DkLO3Q9-ohcBKZpPuW92VwunC_LBBMSpUQl5bDnGPrXSFOo8447laPX6FFCt5b/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some new things I debuted at the show, the Epic Battle Vest Relics Button Pack 2, and Ardor Issue #1</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">I have a lot of admiration for anyone that comes to shows in cosplay, and every single time I've done this show, I can count on seeing some incredibly cool creations walking around.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLd2ml2_XHfwjvAy2ZBgXBrEG4XUQ871bgMo3opi8ZyVnu9fAO56n-FZmo8S73RD0WEmSr3bKDhtD-gtkesr8ihC-2IZA8T6gnLdnyLklRiSUa2IuNLbGy-oC1B7ZtymzvtwvIeh3Zy3GVe8i085-djvhTwPHjt1v_foJ8uAg1-MiBAFUOJMW9qm/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLd2ml2_XHfwjvAy2ZBgXBrEG4XUQ871bgMo3opi8ZyVnu9fAO56n-FZmo8S73RD0WEmSr3bKDhtD-gtkesr8ihC-2IZA8T6gnLdnyLklRiSUa2IuNLbGy-oC1B7ZtymzvtwvIeh3Zy3GVe8i085-djvhTwPHjt1v_foJ8uAg1-MiBAFUOJMW9qm/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea who any of these characters are, but I really want to know!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">It did really seem like there were far more cosplays of complex and intricate natures this year, and I've heard in passing and seen on some online posts, that during the downtime of no shows, many people really refined cosplays they had been working on to finish levels they may not have normally.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaf5tTjRK_wEaMti0LhZ_uB1k2X5_4yH5fSgFzjWwhI0dMzZwyyWx7lfHSzeu23voqrU4_CAuTalmCX60qr9cBJ66f8WtNOls9bn9xTTJ0tfsZlCwNUCWZpJJwCnYaRsCqJfcEiJKYmTtRVrdMmqi-Dc2pid7ozIpnkQ8z1TDeN482qyjJp22wOQJ/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaf5tTjRK_wEaMti0LhZ_uB1k2X5_4yH5fSgFzjWwhI0dMzZwyyWx7lfHSzeu23voqrU4_CAuTalmCX60qr9cBJ66f8WtNOls9bn9xTTJ0tfsZlCwNUCWZpJJwCnYaRsCqJfcEiJKYmTtRVrdMmqi-Dc2pid7ozIpnkQ8z1TDeN482qyjJp22wOQJ/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love all three, but UP's Carl is such a great effort!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Even though I got here early, Friday really seemed to fly by. I made a few sales, but was a bit worried on how the rest of the weekend was going to go. That's a normal thing for me, and I'm sure anyone that tables at a show. It also doesn't help that I got very little sleep the days leading up to the show, as comics, printer ink, and a lot of other things were coming together last minute.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Saturday - Day Two</span></span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Show startup is at 9:30 for VIP, and then 10am till 6pm, although, I really wish the vendor room stayed open till 8pm on Saturday. It's something I think I've brought up in years past, but I think I may be in the minority on wanting this. It does make it difficult to find dinner easily after 8pm by the time the booth is closed down for the evening.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1miK50uGnzgL95hPABpuvTRBzl2vgp4FywfFywNyGu-6_12-smDCGtbCnx2xNrcg_GtITPz0kM8zi3Rh5WhY3YFTu4wFUEMZ0gxbsCn9lhKxXpI6JNX3ctr0sHzj7YE_tGoQP9EYjtvjM3dEO_ZTAF3lOSDXxVa4idhv3U7Q1SCwHvz-idBNnBu0J/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1miK50uGnzgL95hPABpuvTRBzl2vgp4FywfFywNyGu-6_12-smDCGtbCnx2xNrcg_GtITPz0kM8zi3Rh5WhY3YFTu4wFUEMZ0gxbsCn9lhKxXpI6JNX3ctr0sHzj7YE_tGoQP9EYjtvjM3dEO_ZTAF3lOSDXxVa4idhv3U7Q1SCwHvz-idBNnBu0J/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to cover my stuff at my booth, I still do, but I used to as well. That's a Mitch Hedberg reference.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The day went pretty well, attendees seemed to be in good spirits, and sales started picking up. It was nice to have one or two members of the convention staff stop by to see how things were going. It reminded me of when my friend Beth oversaw the vendor room (it's still not the same without you being there Beth!). But from the get go, from setup till the end of the show, the crew working the show did appear to be making every effort to have things run as smoothly as possible.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-7BJBCVzmJXUTHEL_GvsTqCADTBz02xUExx_RSAVlv4N679EILI5ak-WP_O5Zz9zvOLqCpP3M_ZZCBGXKC-Wtywh93nnB7VuPx4oUQ5B6ysnOyV4wWc8n22_QMfP_YrqGYVadGHwPZQkCciAs8zF8hA7YJKDQ_c05RXk_qAbIanpERpjPTTeF4Wq/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-7BJBCVzmJXUTHEL_GvsTqCADTBz02xUExx_RSAVlv4N679EILI5ak-WP_O5Zz9zvOLqCpP3M_ZZCBGXKC-Wtywh93nnB7VuPx4oUQ5B6ysnOyV4wWc8n22_QMfP_YrqGYVadGHwPZQkCciAs8zF8hA7YJKDQ_c05RXk_qAbIanpERpjPTTeF4Wq/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tell me these three cosplays aren't just the most awesome works of art! </td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">I didn't get a chance this year to play in the arcade area, but man was it nice to see it filled up with people playing and some nice Sega Astro City cabinets with various games on them!.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh474rj0NfMiM60hyk7yJsbwGc62JCcq24KJ5OUKH9zPJXwapKzJKmUUzhAJ6fsKdGEfgLdyRJz2-yypsIK1__Ib0m4AiHCvyTrsM9TjS_VYtqN4UBujOoUuAieeW6Tg-PTYgob9jNZsIGoG6N16uyxx5RBq7Tq_xVHoUHnnDtIAfPkgWuJMmGEpjqB/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh474rj0NfMiM60hyk7yJsbwGc62JCcq24KJ5OUKH9zPJXwapKzJKmUUzhAJ6fsKdGEfgLdyRJz2-yypsIK1__Ib0m4AiHCvyTrsM9TjS_VYtqN4UBujOoUuAieeW6Tg-PTYgob9jNZsIGoG6N16uyxx5RBq7Tq_xVHoUHnnDtIAfPkgWuJMmGEpjqB/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room always makes me miss Token Joe's Arcade from my younger days...</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Once again, the day came to a close, and tired and fairly satisfied, I hurried to get some posts online, run over to look to see what cool import games one of my favorite vendors had on hand, closed down my table, rearranged a few things, and headed home.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><h2 style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Sunday - Day Three</span></span></h2></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">The last day of any three day show is the one where I do all I can to center myself and remind myself to self promote, engage with everyone, and enjoy myself. Sunday, kicked, ASS. I did the best on this day, and finally got enough perkiness mixed back in to my outlook that I had some fantastic conversations about art, game development, archery, teaching, history, language, SO MANY things. It drove home why I love conventions so much.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW29xgBAvj2SupKybkOfek6iYCW1YSz2gDr70rA4gyxYV6_ryyWE7n_-BFaUEIt1PdAmQ61EesfxfbyZek6sFVRVI5Z7S5RZ6lTUSUW6z4OJvt2NHcxXPKSQVz7k2PJbH4S758B81KTXJW-1xPPcO9oDrIIqbc2VEYmFL-yVApmXKe-uS5oJSfwso0/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW29xgBAvj2SupKybkOfek6iYCW1YSz2gDr70rA4gyxYV6_ryyWE7n_-BFaUEIt1PdAmQ61EesfxfbyZek6sFVRVI5Z7S5RZ6lTUSUW6z4OJvt2NHcxXPKSQVz7k2PJbH4S758B81KTXJW-1xPPcO9oDrIIqbc2VEYmFL-yVApmXKe-uS5oJSfwso0/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naka had a lot of cool stuff back here to help support the show. I forgot to buy a shirt this year.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I had rearranged my display to showcase some of the original sketches I didn't have on display the first two days, and those began selling quickly. Many thanks to those of you that picked up original art, issues of Ardor and Pagan Zoetrope, and some of the limited large art reproductions I had on hand. I really appreciated it!</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl4rdSgy0Bul3_rmVQZi_kKLt73GkiX1UvDbFY8G_YGWVqBPCGvtMfMYpFXXkQIKfN1WXfNmnDo-qQQKGufZpY-1ZOTRaeXgfT4SHiMkQMGZJX6wd7CYg_giaKxten43hZfjlViipdQYGGvsBkxZU6eZAo7NPD18AoYfjCVacq_HEVhIWCZLMgcAt/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl4rdSgy0Bul3_rmVQZi_kKLt73GkiX1UvDbFY8G_YGWVqBPCGvtMfMYpFXXkQIKfN1WXfNmnDo-qQQKGufZpY-1ZOTRaeXgfT4SHiMkQMGZJX6wd7CYg_giaKxten43hZfjlViipdQYGGvsBkxZU6eZAo7NPD18AoYfjCVacq_HEVhIWCZLMgcAt/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twenty five minutes before the show opened Sunday</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">There were a few lulls where I had a chance to catch cosplayers that didn't pass my booth, but I wanted to get photos of. I also kept window shopping for just the right import game.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uxn1iqOJLZ6MuUunzXYDZO7EHZLo7SvWSfo1LDQgjUHlcHjYjxXJwEgilH35VwlC5vQwArg-d_b5QtAtFU_076r3rP48U8JTr-2nrieYDjh3c_09rfI40TqvlEHtNxEVzxQrv7An3ol1RPy8eeJcRTXbIMRmcj5FIvQWvAOd8_kbdbRz1UEL9AF7/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uxn1iqOJLZ6MuUunzXYDZO7EHZLo7SvWSfo1LDQgjUHlcHjYjxXJwEgilH35VwlC5vQwArg-d_b5QtAtFU_076r3rP48U8JTr-2nrieYDjh3c_09rfI40TqvlEHtNxEVzxQrv7An3ol1RPy8eeJcRTXbIMRmcj5FIvQWvAOd8_kbdbRz1UEL9AF7/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to say that the one on the left is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but I'm not sure.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">For those of you that asked me about my shirt featuring Kablam that I wore Sunday, it's the rad awesome company that prints up my comic books. I was running super close on getting my latest issue of Ardor in on time before NakaKon, and Kablam got it to me in plenty of time to board and back each issue for this show. If you want to self publish, even in these times when paper shortages are happening, I highly recommend them. You can find out more at <a href="http://ka-blam.com/main/" target="_blank">the Kablam website</a>!</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBLUSYGWpJIPO6FtUXyyYxZzkqwRq7pzRj2uiC0Fo0lNn53IfBjWUqURODYvAg9TGR_6Wwcd_1ZSc-yRce1-6DsbjehjYZyh1gVaR3HwSD1pOwV46Y8OgKsqGATp2OIFosCGowlOu5S7GLlMn3jlSSLC9VN8OFSS_cn3g-Ar4MmfDaax2pv31wNwb/s740/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBLUSYGWpJIPO6FtUXyyYxZzkqwRq7pzRj2uiC0Fo0lNn53IfBjWUqURODYvAg9TGR_6Wwcd_1ZSc-yRce1-6DsbjehjYZyh1gVaR3HwSD1pOwV46Y8OgKsqGATp2OIFosCGowlOu5S7GLlMn3jlSSLC9VN8OFSS_cn3g-Ar4MmfDaax2pv31wNwb/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Sitting at the booth attempting to look focused, instead looking tired. [Right] I chose this game.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">To the staff at NakaKon, thank you for putting on another great show. I'm over the moon happy that your next show is a go and will be May 26th - 28th. Looking forward to it! For anyone wondering if you should attend this show, it's seriously a great show, and every single person I spoke to this weekend was having a great time.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">If you want to see some other clips from NakaKon, you can find them on my TikTok account.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqn_4-H5xhl79dHKsgEpWf4RcTIXJrGeAcMSPHk5H1lC7w7gX06AUDM9gBcsnQ42ClRDep_oRi0V93ieOITn1ryJDKH-Y98wC2XAnY95CPu7yhi6PzfVD1xJNN96Mhvd9ul4hg-5rm_NTW3VkxuK4-OCJ299Ca1A1muPMN4WRXiGUE8ZWBEWoA_Ym/s1365/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1365" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqn_4-H5xhl79dHKsgEpWf4RcTIXJrGeAcMSPHk5H1lC7w7gX06AUDM9gBcsnQ42ClRDep_oRi0V93ieOITn1ryJDKH-Y98wC2XAnY95CPu7yhi6PzfVD1xJNN96Mhvd9ul4hg-5rm_NTW3VkxuK4-OCJ299Ca1A1muPMN4WRXiGUE8ZWBEWoA_Ym/w640-h454/artisanrogue_2022_06_07_NakaKon_14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cover a lot of KC art related things as well as showcase my art on here.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">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!</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
</div>
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</div></div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-12919204029905957392022-04-25T19:00:00.000-07:002022-11-08T14:24:30.001-08:00Planet Comicon 2022 - What's new in view.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKX617OlAXzasL5ERvwVMTYdeRQZSVYklJJp9Ax-wsfkR0F0wK2VPNSr-taHug9WuqmWxR6Ll31f53Na22kKfspc91Gbuu1tvZFCIq-5d7--uGevbA4r4FcI_wuv3EHPwMLkjpufgNPY3NePEUxjy8U0R8UJ5GetTb1pVcPN7nVhyHBaI6AajPQRK/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKX617OlAXzasL5ERvwVMTYdeRQZSVYklJJp9Ax-wsfkR0F0wK2VPNSr-taHug9WuqmWxR6Ll31f53Na22kKfspc91Gbuu1tvZFCIq-5d7--uGevbA4r4FcI_wuv3EHPwMLkjpufgNPY3NePEUxjy8U0R8UJ5GetTb1pVcPN7nVhyHBaI6AajPQRK/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Came in just a bit early with many thanks to a buddy of mine (BEN!) for the badges!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I'll lead this off with my latest podcast, which covers some of my thoughts on Planet, but as usual I manage to derail myself throughout it. If you want to bypass that, I've got the more detailed lowdown below.</div><div><div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fqnp5-1219a09-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=7&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Radio74: Season 6 Episode 3 - Planet Comicon 2022" width="100%"></iframe></div><div>I went this year, once again as an attendee, and didn't manage to get nearly as many photos or videos as I had hoped I would have. I've found myself to be in an odd place mentally, especially because life in general seems to still be off in some ways. Not just because of the years of shutdown, or because I'm still a bit off on social setting interactions. Some of it is from an over stimulation of both pop culture, and how I'm looking to approach show attendance/participation for the remainder of this year, and especially into 2023. But before I broach that subject, let's cover what Planet Comicon was like from a Saturday perspective this year.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMttcXqhVmyuBtXas0dy1UHwvo3o7upX9UKfp-RX5y0CdAkjx2uIVjUZvraUZspX_VZjF-s1GUvnwD2nLJzL2l4tQBbemXN5YTUUBPZiaKh0TA84tg2NRB7Fjdg4sHaIdGDTUFrH5vcCKsd0Dar2UJ59O_Vsawl3OhTErZT1qtXlL2dmArAKBWcWHP/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMttcXqhVmyuBtXas0dy1UHwvo3o7upX9UKfp-RX5y0CdAkjx2uIVjUZvraUZspX_VZjF-s1GUvnwD2nLJzL2l4tQBbemXN5YTUUBPZiaKh0TA84tg2NRB7Fjdg4sHaIdGDTUFrH5vcCKsd0Dar2UJ59O_Vsawl3OhTErZT1qtXlL2dmArAKBWcWHP/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop as the crowd started to come in, was to stop by my buddy Terry's booth, 1313 Mockingbird Lane, to get some collections filled out more in the studio.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>First off, just like the last time I came to Planet, the feeling of not having a table at the show that I need to be stuck to, is both a weird feeling, and also incredibly freeing. Most of the times that I am anywhere near a convention, I feel like I should be trying to make money and sell my artwork. It's akin to how I can't go to any nightclubs/bars anymore without automatically having almost 20 years of security experience fire up in me and I get all weird feeling. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJLw2KWRBtyZyBpQZGr4WZ4s7Czo-QM0lSwLw8fa1J8zPEQhXZnhxOJkzBhDBZ4eoYcpthkn6NuleYSNW7K8yjemQCAey-0aVR7NlRvylUAKhvxmr7x4HrAKiEVCmpIZ6SV7ggPWQYV0agZF2tmYHrW-AsshBR0-tA-_TZoijx6B4hY5ciKQ_vtEf/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJLw2KWRBtyZyBpQZGr4WZ4s7Czo-QM0lSwLw8fa1J8zPEQhXZnhxOJkzBhDBZ4eoYcpthkn6NuleYSNW7K8yjemQCAey-0aVR7NlRvylUAKhvxmr7x4HrAKiEVCmpIZ6SV7ggPWQYV0agZF2tmYHrW-AsshBR0-tA-_TZoijx6B4hY5ciKQ_vtEf/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It isn't a show until you see these Iron Man suits walking about. [Right] The Tron Arcade machine is a super weakness of mine. I'm not that good at it, but man do I love this cabinet!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>In the last year, I've grown rather fond of pushing stuff on social media onto my TikTok account, and for anyone following me on there, they got some good stuff, one of my videos that had Adam Savage onstage even got a few thousand views, which was nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>I made it distinct point that not only was I going to visit as many people as possible that I knew, I was also going to pick up as many books, artworks, etc., as possible. All that, while also shopping around, getting footage, and attending at least two panels I and my brother had figured out we wanted to get to.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZST13NH0bNReJhIR5Tj3bwo-5TRSCdEP5Nzni6K_mb70sntnqy7syuuaNvGT29p7pPb3SQUgwsUvS8i6FvOi-sxnqVOD0xyEYXAgEv-tV-bjQUOr7Xe9fGUQ07AbQztuJGD9US7anR129EFXgbYEbmyKh_llEmAJz58EGLhYazAAsRHLbHF3fPbm/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZST13NH0bNReJhIR5Tj3bwo-5TRSCdEP5Nzni6K_mb70sntnqy7syuuaNvGT29p7pPb3SQUgwsUvS8i6FvOi-sxnqVOD0xyEYXAgEv-tV-bjQUOr7Xe9fGUQ07AbQztuJGD9US7anR129EFXgbYEbmyKh_llEmAJz58EGLhYazAAsRHLbHF3fPbm/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd started getting pretty heavy back by the Ghostbusters cosplay group area, so we admired some of the things on display...</td></tr></tbody></table><div>There was also another purpose that I had at the forefront of my mind, one that required a fair amount of research while I was at the show. I took active care to note age groups, group flow, tried my best to work out cosplayers to non coplayers on the floor, what kind of vendors there were, the variance in creators. There is a reason to all of that, but that will have to wait for a future post until I am a bit more sure of what I want to introduce later this year, and moving onwards with for future shows. </div><div><br /></div><div>So back to the show.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ97ya7pbBEDiFgr2iN1vM47LlMo9JUkZP1HKDLKtZ4M0DswJSQ4wOnVzI_3I_8UEpEcFJPf8eR8vChm9G4mecO4KC3lWkNcXHkZq-26LS3PtR13ad5Dk5kFmKA8785dNFNCKHWMFAon1wIY9cwtNAPoyBvHrWf_k0K7w_c9uYlCrW-d6kKOXekRx/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ97ya7pbBEDiFgr2iN1vM47LlMo9JUkZP1HKDLKtZ4M0DswJSQ4wOnVzI_3I_8UEpEcFJPf8eR8vChm9G4mecO4KC3lWkNcXHkZq-26LS3PtR13ad5Dk5kFmKA8785dNFNCKHWMFAon1wIY9cwtNAPoyBvHrWf_k0K7w_c9uYlCrW-d6kKOXekRx/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">including this pretty awesome Terror Dog.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I hit the normal vendors I frequent, including 1313 Mockingbird Lane, which it's always a pleasure to catch up with the awesome Terry Taylor and see what he'd brought to the show for sale. I picked up a few things there and we made our way onwards to the back area of the show floor to attempt to get to all the people I wanted to visit, and to make sure we'd get to panels and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cosplay and prop building fascinates the heck out of me. Like I imagine a great many people would agree, making time to create, hell, just GET INTO doing any sort of aspect to these hobbies would strain my schedule more. Droid building is something I do want to do in the next three years. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T5ocwmGIg0U9mNWLrhXS9qCZOCvRjUb3wWrtxmfooTOPE7boBJJKLzhTiWcrBsGMbJFknE5PlEIVe214R_fdf_t9nvymINQHnwDgVEGY02xEjb9IdxAl8QW8X574i4gdyMtUnwb7QH5l3SM-gBOqJyZckEhf-T7taJ9NhjKhc_3SrQtx0Hs7UbT-/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T5ocwmGIg0U9mNWLrhXS9qCZOCvRjUb3wWrtxmfooTOPE7boBJJKLzhTiWcrBsGMbJFknE5PlEIVe214R_fdf_t9nvymINQHnwDgVEGY02xEjb9IdxAl8QW8X574i4gdyMtUnwb7QH5l3SM-gBOqJyZckEhf-T7taJ9NhjKhc_3SrQtx0Hs7UbT-/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I seriously have no room for something like this, but to BUILD one?! I think it would be worth the experience and later struggle to find a place for it.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I remember the earliest conventions I would attend rarely had large displays or set like works, and seeing things like this Predator one is wild. I don't know if Planet ever thought about sponsoring the builds of these, but I think for photos and for just additional memorable experiences, having some environments set up like this would be amazing for attendees.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O3bsHtiGrMzcgfKEywq9yrZAk3J_o5Ovy-G9y-4IWewR49OFG1cK_qre__02-N6G2o9D67pJ-QmZIUr7OojwQx8_JwaOogF3pjgJrTuLLBwyZJmXod28lsDKdsjxxt08OWlRhhO-HAcqB8LOqh7q9FnQnpTRYcbcfjR80WuHjpGSx5cEsMtA00R6/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O3bsHtiGrMzcgfKEywq9yrZAk3J_o5Ovy-G9y-4IWewR49OFG1cK_qre__02-N6G2o9D67pJ-QmZIUr7OojwQx8_JwaOogF3pjgJrTuLLBwyZJmXod28lsDKdsjxxt08OWlRhhO-HAcqB8LOqh7q9FnQnpTRYcbcfjR80WuHjpGSx5cEsMtA00R6/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not up on my lore for this particular universe, so I have no idea what is going on here, but the craftsmanship is undeniable.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>My brother and I were there also to as I'd mentioned earlier to fill out sections of our vintage and modern collections. Along with 1313 Mockingbird Lane, there were a few other vendors that had some impressive things out for sale.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx9jWdTsEOkgWcJEbxTczHWXuv7olsFIxdEPfuECLsrq5-CAkTdKRmz0sNSeMYSND1PrtQTPFLm_3ITcuQdDm1ngwJ_pAzcz5540MxCZT4_stLg2ASleHRjv6rfO8XgxG2zvjh7H5y_vVE1GdPViXMiVNohG7jOJTdbZ3Qua8lE2XAlR_sZcTPk6m/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx9jWdTsEOkgWcJEbxTczHWXuv7olsFIxdEPfuECLsrq5-CAkTdKRmz0sNSeMYSND1PrtQTPFLm_3ITcuQdDm1ngwJ_pAzcz5540MxCZT4_stLg2ASleHRjv6rfO8XgxG2zvjh7H5y_vVE1GdPViXMiVNohG7jOJTdbZ3Qua8lE2XAlR_sZcTPk6m/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anytime I see product boxes for vintage toys, I am in awe of both the fantastic art direction and illustration works on them, never mind wondering how long things like can last. We are well nearing 40 years and more for some of these items!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>For anyone that knows me, you know robots of any kind are a bit thing for me, so let me lay some photos of some big bots on you...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9dB3J2pCt0dWqxyS3V_XiwjxT2vqJ2ZDQMypFT6B7RpQUkr3SN8x52sE8kMpO6L7BHpxIM0HgfaiViHhQJfYCBMvK4pRkxYydT2R0DvtdcBPm-g8Hnj_qfr1YHkzLkNogZuvC239P5TBkl7f-OkVudoO_KI5oGaLGHr0buxU7jOn_H-qO5twJx_9/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9dB3J2pCt0dWqxyS3V_XiwjxT2vqJ2ZDQMypFT6B7RpQUkr3SN8x52sE8kMpO6L7BHpxIM0HgfaiViHhQJfYCBMvK4pRkxYydT2R0DvtdcBPm-g8Hnj_qfr1YHkzLkNogZuvC239P5TBkl7f-OkVudoO_KI5oGaLGHr0buxU7jOn_H-qO5twJx_9/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is FORTRESS MAXIMUS too CLOSE!?</td></tr></tbody></table><div>As a collector, I'm starting to see something interesting and inevitable happening. I'm seeing an uptick in large collections making it to the convention floor for sale. If any of you follow Toy Galaxy or Pixel Dan, the subject of hobbies and collecting, and growing older has become a unique and more immediate source of conversation in recent years. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IfLEt4wg4GQLV4pMYkXvdBqemBsn8QTJEABiXWjwYilpzsuVW3G-zJPVafw5YLf7Vyd94FdX2XHT6i0J1C2cJ1jR_Mha9YplidsgBN3cfhWFiL7e2NvdRp8w8E0l_7mbXpXbMlOTctycAZuzFAskCUTlBa0iyqsucBd1mdf12kEx4NNAobJFriel/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IfLEt4wg4GQLV4pMYkXvdBqemBsn8QTJEABiXWjwYilpzsuVW3G-zJPVafw5YLf7Vyd94FdX2XHT6i0J1C2cJ1jR_Mha9YplidsgBN3cfhWFiL7e2NvdRp8w8E0l_7mbXpXbMlOTctycAZuzFAskCUTlBa0iyqsucBd1mdf12kEx4NNAobJFriel/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, okay, let me back it up. There, is this better?</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Whether for financial reasons, space, or whatever, I have seen comic, toy, statue, art, and book collections showing up more and more en masse at shows. Vendors having bought massive collections over the winter months from people who've either decided to downgrade, leave the hobby, or sadly, in some cases, passed on.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsc3tAzBx28F6qO9uHSA5drXomCJAXaUZWVodfIFbPa5qs5FLjO9_0kjDU9nZiEbaYwF5vFlR-MEuOO7ydJICRmvH2IQy33hf1_Y9aW3NBU0cMRuCmNGMBVPeqOEuUOY8KCXhfrK3dKfhQldtvTcMtaCF2e2yGL0S8Ewew4CbsOD6-dOWtwHE3FET/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsc3tAzBx28F6qO9uHSA5drXomCJAXaUZWVodfIFbPa5qs5FLjO9_0kjDU9nZiEbaYwF5vFlR-MEuOO7ydJICRmvH2IQy33hf1_Y9aW3NBU0cMRuCmNGMBVPeqOEuUOY8KCXhfrK3dKfhQldtvTcMtaCF2e2yGL0S8Ewew4CbsOD6-dOWtwHE3FET/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVED these LotR and Dark Crystal cosplays. The Chamberlain one was rad as heck.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>In my case, I've certainly decided to donate a few items in the past to a toy museum, and moving forward I've also decided to focus on specific characters or in the case of buying things from people, supporting the creators I have met and known.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X8fiPqMs1qOd-GvuvKAkISbUD0nt_y1yVWO4MroW2-Ee9LIvu8tYO_Dha_IyrEZNekTK-ylrALoP5DJRU1BF1WPhnX6DyDlEI6PGtfYz4fzabzO_yoKNarhz9-m4dcTfcYcjSzIpOFPFKXe8wvP6vf2g-9Jj5a0twct1E72asFrvMmO7C_b098V_/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X8fiPqMs1qOd-GvuvKAkISbUD0nt_y1yVWO4MroW2-Ee9LIvu8tYO_Dha_IyrEZNekTK-ylrALoP5DJRU1BF1WPhnX6DyDlEI6PGtfYz4fzabzO_yoKNarhz9-m4dcTfcYcjSzIpOFPFKXe8wvP6vf2g-9Jj5a0twct1E72asFrvMmO7C_b098V_/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm always surprised and a bit impressed when I see any jars of "80s slime" [at the bottom of this pic] still out there and sealed. Surely, SURELY they have solidified by now? Right? RIGHT?!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Even if I don't end up picking up a lot of the stuff I see at shows, it helps my mental state, to see some old familiar things that maybe I never owned but my friends growing up, did. There's another idea, Planet Comicon, what about a special display put on by toy and pop culture collectors, where they would be encouraged to set up environments, like the play ones we would dream of as kids? Like the ones we saw in commercials. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcF160wn-iT8tZOYkH1XVh72D9SQG560MWl4Dj8gOl7AAME24GTmln4t1_BqZMXMvTUYuWS5eoUsKwJ1Z1LesJXYMY8YxOg4rBSy8Mzf1aOonfcicqggQtG49rq98LSw2y9Vm0dSEk1Cws4d4c6wwjQnjOZZrJHDPPSobqQg8oQwcCS5RZXsS5FDg/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcF160wn-iT8tZOYkH1XVh72D9SQG560MWl4Dj8gOl7AAME24GTmln4t1_BqZMXMvTUYuWS5eoUsKwJ1Z1LesJXYMY8YxOg4rBSy8Mzf1aOonfcicqggQtG49rq98LSw2y9Vm0dSEk1Cws4d4c6wwjQnjOZZrJHDPPSobqQg8oQwcCS5RZXsS5FDg/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AT-AT knows where it's AT! ... I'll show myself out.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>This next image has on one side [Left] a really rare Bullet Man Joe figure which is hilariously odd and super cool at the same time, and then on the [Right], a whole bunch of amazing work from my friend Jake Angell, make sure you look him up on Instagram to see even more awesome stuff!<br /><br />One of the main things I'd missed from the absence of shows, is catching up with people, meeting new people, and talking shop as working creators, no matter the medium or outlet.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKixUfjwvd7BXugmjFwy6lfJmepNmQ5KpqW8jzEt_L0L5NKq3lDeryXiZT1NnmRpqX8RY6F13GYI3iOFcvqA6uXYmdTE5X3DuSyMsfyl6DIfqO0gwkpxX3xyVpfu-rJnp8eWiZ-js2Klu1TEyHVBE0A0J92MQmbh8BMNCOHPjNfSn04KGgOusO-61/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKixUfjwvd7BXugmjFwy6lfJmepNmQ5KpqW8jzEt_L0L5NKq3lDeryXiZT1NnmRpqX8RY6F13GYI3iOFcvqA6uXYmdTE5X3DuSyMsfyl6DIfqO0gwkpxX3xyVpfu-rJnp8eWiZ-js2Klu1TEyHVBE0A0J92MQmbh8BMNCOHPjNfSn04KGgOusO-61/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For anyone that has no idea what that figure is all about, it's a late release addition to the original GI Joe series from around 1976. Seriously rare, and honestly an amazing part of toy history in that case.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>As it got later on in the day I had some good moments and some awkward ones, which included finally meeting Ed Lavalee of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crashcomx" target="_blank">Crash Comics</a> whose book Revere, was one I'd been wanting to pick up. I asked to buy his book and in a moment of stupid, FORGOT TO PAY THE MAN, and started to walk off! <br /><br />You know when you can't find a seat on a bus and it's about to start moving when you were in 2nd grade? Or when you miss a word in a school viewed spelling bee and your fly is down? Or you tell the hotel clerk "You Too!" when you let them know what you're about to do as they have to stay behind the desk waiting for your dim self to return? </div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, that level of shame. LOL!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully I did pay, and all is well, and his book is freaking awesome!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ51ZB7hgMp9XrLqIJi672ksr8PW8kPv-Egr0kS6mXLQPAmsG17fOeQe0c8Y3LjpAR4olqYuYeTQjmojlzrHlu2lWM8RKVfmHX-A5aeMb6GgJcy7Q7HKCQ3CfHsRWMU3Rq-sxbz7L0sM95Upw78qztWaxrkuQm4WmmLBp2WuvsETN7gtwjF1q7J7B/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ51ZB7hgMp9XrLqIJi672ksr8PW8kPv-Egr0kS6mXLQPAmsG17fOeQe0c8Y3LjpAR4olqYuYeTQjmojlzrHlu2lWM8RKVfmHX-A5aeMb6GgJcy7Q7HKCQ3CfHsRWMU3Rq-sxbz7L0sM95Upw78qztWaxrkuQm4WmmLBp2WuvsETN7gtwjF1q7J7B/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About that time, it was time to hit up some panels [Tommy the Green Ranger's and Adam Savage's] and find the Liberty Bell, where this great Thor cosplay was as well. </td></tr></tbody></table><div>Getting to sit down and watch some panels has rarely been a part of my experience over the last 15 years of doing shows, but man do I enjoy it more and more. Adam Savage's panel was an absolute stand out.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1BwpBKakQcB53PFvtrK-_SX8hpWEvUd0qNIgJ9Jimkh843sZ98SKUzRV-xk0Z-r8Mg_Cj5AeN1TJyGv431jm4m0jMQ_ILEslBItPQox2z7ONnNW_LTdE0uoClB2NHyOcnNRsb_Ybv6IUblALNccSrw4IvzfEjibdYPnuW8ZkIRzl8y62y_dNTMNP/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1BwpBKakQcB53PFvtrK-_SX8hpWEvUd0qNIgJ9Jimkh843sZ98SKUzRV-xk0Z-r8Mg_Cj5AeN1TJyGv431jm4m0jMQ_ILEslBItPQox2z7ONnNW_LTdE0uoClB2NHyOcnNRsb_Ybv6IUblALNccSrw4IvzfEjibdYPnuW8ZkIRzl8y62y_dNTMNP/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This thing is amazing, and it's insides looked incredibly claustrophobic.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>When I was younger, my mother was, and well still is, a person that talks about space exploration and NASA a lot. So I was pretty stoked to see the bell here at the convention. What I didn't know was that it had been over in Hutchison Kansas at the Cosmosphere. It warrants another visit for sure!</div><div><br /></div><div>Winding down this update, it's with feelings of wanting to discuss how expensive it can be to go to conventions, and no small part of that is in affording food that is sold at convention prices. I had budgeted $20 for food at the show, and walking/carrying a lot of stuff finally got me with a mighty hunger worked up.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A1dNtLweJp-jBbS50dwvtecesa9La8TsDuD-N_aeCilWVuIYIas0FK4kWsaJb1AlkN0nqBvOAtXHWCpNLA9kcO-dnyW-ZWfzffBp7iwwBex4RSJ1UFhsGtYQKgeISgACp5aq60c5DMm6aP87sUBm6NvBnswnKbUQbKyG4-3yCZFsx3iolT5IhTxM/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A1dNtLweJp-jBbS50dwvtecesa9La8TsDuD-N_aeCilWVuIYIas0FK4kWsaJb1AlkN0nqBvOAtXHWCpNLA9kcO-dnyW-ZWfzffBp7iwwBex4RSJ1UFhsGtYQKgeISgACp5aq60c5DMm6aP87sUBm6NvBnswnKbUQbKyG4-3yCZFsx3iolT5IhTxM/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the shape of the circles I drew when I was 2 years old... and cost me around $10 with a $4 bottle of water.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>As the show started to wind down, the crowd's energy was coming to a slower beat, and my brother and I made the rounds to try and get a few more things for him, but my feet were ready to go.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGYKp6w3Z5h0TjIBaPTLRYg4z7qUYTHumwoQHBZ7vEYSnw6JnEIHkX5hUKT93UWN8YUtmiJWhjjYwtG9-uWmw6p4aGd5-6HVo9rS4sXa73MfTc7gGbOq-a2O-uYfIu0cfD7Xut2iqIR2sM1PzwLAj5cBa4LqQTdMscCNVMvxSyvNOFf8GKEoj29NZ/s740/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGYKp6w3Z5h0TjIBaPTLRYg4z7qUYTHumwoQHBZ7vEYSnw6JnEIHkX5hUKT93UWN8YUtmiJWhjjYwtG9-uWmw6p4aGd5-6HVo9rS4sXa73MfTc7gGbOq-a2O-uYfIu0cfD7Xut2iqIR2sM1PzwLAj5cBa4LqQTdMscCNVMvxSyvNOFf8GKEoj29NZ/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2022_05_22_Planet%20Comicon%202022%20_What's%20new%20in%20view_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show haul: Some items from 1313, new Revere, Fowl Language books, an art pin from Matthew made Art, artwork from Cam Kieffer, and a Tron prequel novel. </td></tr></tbody></table>Moving forward, I need to make better plans on how to capture more footage and photos for social media, and promotional stuff. It's so nuts because when I am at a table trying to sell stuff, I'm stationary, so when cosplays come by, I have a better chance to chase them down and get photos. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's interesting to me how different it is, and how much more it's made being at shows more enjoyable again, because I'm more relaxed and I can take my time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all enjoyed this light look at Planet Comicon for 2022, I'll be back with more updates on some upcoming events over the next few weeks!<br /><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">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!</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
</div>
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</div></div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-56995471470868712702022-02-22T18:13:00.001-08:002022-02-22T18:13:27.204-08:00It's 2/22/22<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpIhShUglmIcCjMfq1GHuBzAJ5bW-mzXHouWdoUDDJ1VFAJZMlvdoSS34OKss-7ikDQpFbyrf6030wWUn9Tw5f_MprhQxX-p-DidSEajq1INM9OoND6z-stVICx5o2-0yxrFkJVfXeifMjnlP6iz2x9galG0_wubBagJe7ua4sFaGFpM7Z-k32DQCB=s740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpIhShUglmIcCjMfq1GHuBzAJ5bW-mzXHouWdoUDDJ1VFAJZMlvdoSS34OKss-7ikDQpFbyrf6030wWUn9Tw5f_MprhQxX-p-DidSEajq1INM9OoND6z-stVICx5o2-0yxrFkJVfXeifMjnlP6iz2x9galG0_wubBagJe7ua4sFaGFpM7Z-k32DQCB=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're ever in Independence Missouri, go to Winner Road, and you'll find La Plaza Restaurant.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I thought I would be updating in the early part of the year, perhaps getting into the flow in January. But that's not the case as you can see. But I DID want to make a quick post now, because of the date. </span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh95L40gf_OmIPQaYv50njt9UW4wdiReuGJD1kydXOJkb9eFfh9luoUXCfJwdlXek9fAGbn6PF66i6gPdLPNE-HO6HEL1MgV-7X1QvpMzCivUfBUFVUJ2OwhOC5bGb_qnYqo3cYXxKH-Rj4yxbsSMbwAuMm0EGgVIF9GawYOqVD7SrMmppH2na0VsNJ=s740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh95L40gf_OmIPQaYv50njt9UW4wdiReuGJD1kydXOJkb9eFfh9luoUXCfJwdlXek9fAGbn6PF66i6gPdLPNE-HO6HEL1MgV-7X1QvpMzCivUfBUFVUJ2OwhOC5bGb_qnYqo3cYXxKH-Rj4yxbsSMbwAuMm0EGgVIF9GawYOqVD7SrMmppH2na0VsNJ=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the main area of the restaurant. It's also connected to a great little market that sells all sorts of items from Mexico and Central America.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">So aside from enjoying some great food today (which was a nice mood booster), I also got an email saying that I was accepted into NakaKon 2022! So that's two shows confirmed so far for this year, the other being Fountain City Con.<br /></span></span><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I've been busy for the last few weeks with freelance and pulling stuff together for possible upcoming shows. I'm about halfway through getting Ardor issue #1 completed. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOwLDZigqzCeXSx4tmTBCtH53YK02vNwUNjDZ1OuuK1c_MwBTNEcqq9-qbo3dZOBR0hODKQbeTQ5vbtQLm7gmyXVXwQn5bumQPjk4hvzDGA69LE1Jz1KuAMSlkwmmOJk2lds7pQZRzGU1pSUH5p98CUqcf0WB9jKrFmQ7BoyHnjHgAQTaol7ehwpw8=s740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOwLDZigqzCeXSx4tmTBCtH53YK02vNwUNjDZ1OuuK1c_MwBTNEcqq9-qbo3dZOBR0hODKQbeTQ5vbtQLm7gmyXVXwQn5bumQPjk4hvzDGA69LE1Jz1KuAMSlkwmmOJk2lds7pQZRzGU1pSUH5p98CUqcf0WB9jKrFmQ7BoyHnjHgAQTaol7ehwpw8=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the warm up sketches I'll do while working on the comic book pages. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Paper shortage and shipping times these days do have me a bit nervous as I want to make sure whatever I am creating will get here in time.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I'll end this entry now, and get into a longer one before the end of the month. It's been challenging to keep up with things like this blog, my social media sites, and keep trying to work on self promotion so I can keep my freelance and personal projects growing. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Until next time, 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!</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
</div>
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</div></div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-15810580525833395782021-12-19T09:42:00.003-08:002021-12-19T12:17:14.904-08:00Naka-Kon 2021<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil5wc1-lPLhiyGTXbR96xX40HxaXFUttWQDl_SQwLd4ShEzMJkot7Zi_jIBRd5XQhVhHChzE0IeNg6qDmxcjKPj8Mop1BROz87jzxuhvNyFKD6NCoWyPLFEfqz7eokDmI2HRpS_v0gbko9rrz2_yzmCa7Zi2VO_IZ_ghhufu_EWOabNp5zRZxOniGO=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil5wc1-lPLhiyGTXbR96xX40HxaXFUttWQDl_SQwLd4ShEzMJkot7Zi_jIBRd5XQhVhHChzE0IeNg6qDmxcjKPj8Mop1BROz87jzxuhvNyFKD6NCoWyPLFEfqz7eokDmI2HRpS_v0gbko9rrz2_yzmCa7Zi2VO_IZ_ghhufu_EWOabNp5zRZxOniGO=w640-h389" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The badge, and the new refined booth setup.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">There are no words that can really put into perspective how odd it feels for a lot of us doing any sort of conventions this year. Speaking from my own limited moments, it's been so odd, so VERY odd. <br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Even this post is ridiculously late in being created, just because it was taking me a while to keep my head in the right space as I wrote this. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Most of the show, I spent trying to record video, and take in the fact that I was back at a show. I know that sounds crazy, but when 2020 made this show disappear, literally the day it was supposed to begin setup, my mind went to a weird place. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">"<i>Oh great,... what now? What happens next? How long will this affect shows for?</i>"</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">I know why it happened, and it was for all the right reasons. The same thing for the other shows that happen around here, and for so many of the larger ones all across the nation. The earmarked factor for 2020 will be how Covid was able to bring communities, events, and all sorts of interactions, to a very definitive halt. <br /><br />So very much has changed, in how I take a better look at things I do. I know I'm not the only one that faced the reality of job loss, life directions changing, and a more attuned look at the future. The cancellation of shows last year was more than a metaphor, it was frankly, a moment of bitter and scary challenges for myself and so many other people in the convention community. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Of course I was a bit distressed and worried. I was wondering when, and if things would come back to some level of normal... whatever that could be. I know more than a few shows that didn't survive the year's absence, as well as a good number of creators that either closed up shop and moved onto other endeavors, or in some cases, found other temporary income and simply played the waiting game.</span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Setting up and early arrival</span></span></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3OImJcKpqYvuQej1p74qqmVMld7Jiga1zGQDgPlb0ysPU-Az6CTlbD8p7D4Hy6YruGBTyHHzmVsFetVODLYFWXa22nN59-WqMerbd_ZOlB-toU-xxbDE0tTtIDBpppaMEKdlEWbmrpJwK4HJQ8zTmeYyH16HOlnKuuEycqN7K3vqc2Wyl5FnZs7jF=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3OImJcKpqYvuQej1p74qqmVMld7Jiga1zGQDgPlb0ysPU-Az6CTlbD8p7D4Hy6YruGBTyHHzmVsFetVODLYFWXa22nN59-WqMerbd_ZOlB-toU-xxbDE0tTtIDBpppaMEKdlEWbmrpJwK4HJQ8zTmeYyH16HOlnKuuEycqN7K3vqc2Wyl5FnZs7jF=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very much appreciated that they were forward with the state of the show and it's future.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Being able to come back to the same hotel convention center after two years away, felt like a dream in some ways. Maybe more like a fuzzy memory. There were less people milling about, as the amount of vendors and staffing were reduced, as was the attendance cap that was going to be allowed for the return of the show.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">If you want to watch the videos that I did during most of Naka-Kon, you can look them up on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theartisanrogue" target="_blank">TikTok under theartisanrogue</a>. I'll also put them together soon in a video for YouTube.<br /><br />Set up went pretty smoothly, and I got it all set up and organized pretty quickly. I had to make a few last minute adjustments and additions, and I took the extra time to figure out what changes I wanted to make for presentation this next year.<br /><br />I added Dungeons and Dragons based player class button pins to my display, and thank goodness there is a place locally here in KC that sells a great display spinner display rack. They didn't have black, but this white one is begging to be customized before my next show.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvR6DX84NKi0B3PWI5JhWX5vL9QW7OIoUVujyABGnX3_CYVhntjnekicyAd9cddMZQZCqGw-SjKikUvG33HejC1E0FvPLO5oXsBV3CuOhObpDX97ng6uzYlhpqg7tu0REYnA5dv3i9xPQU0OUD548411xy_67lA0mWNI6AOGExB_T2q7TPsYQZnCR7=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvR6DX84NKi0B3PWI5JhWX5vL9QW7OIoUVujyABGnX3_CYVhntjnekicyAd9cddMZQZCqGw-SjKikUvG33HejC1E0FvPLO5oXsBV3CuOhObpDX97ng6uzYlhpqg7tu0REYnA5dv3i9xPQU0OUD548411xy_67lA0mWNI6AOGExB_T2q7TPsYQZnCR7=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the new spinner rack in the left hand corner in this photo. It was a last minute expense, but it paid itself off over the weekend thank goodness.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I don't remember exactly how many people the attendance cap was set to, but if memory serves me right, I believe it was right at about 3000. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This resulted in a more laid back experience for me in general over the weekend, but thankfully not in sales or in interactions. Quite the contrary, I had my best show yet! As I look back over my journal entries and show notes, and even these photos as I upload them onto this blog entry, it still kind of feels as if the show didn't happen. I don't mean that in a negative way at all. I mean it felt like a fleeting bit of happiness that seemed like it was over, before I realized it.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">If you go through any of my past posts about shows, any of you familiar with this blog know that I talk about how much I enjoy seeing people interact, play games, socialize, and just have a great time at any convention I do. There's a lot of reasons for that, but probably the top one is that it's being hyper aware of the good vibes, the positivity and fun that is there. Especially considering the ups and downs of both 2020 and 2021.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4DJcVytSt22UNhoAUjNDbPP_c_hdOI3VIBcghVojn0ZewPLS7n5Zztz_V86ntlcuWtP4qydGZRGldMpOO56o_dACZMFkBoc5cpOvmZPNEr6qSPuFCjvaRQutm5rmoNgUsTGba5D94lJ0ieKFIb228VEzg6fyY87ZXJ3QOgzj4krrG-PLD_lJvLhpz=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4DJcVytSt22UNhoAUjNDbPP_c_hdOI3VIBcghVojn0ZewPLS7n5Zztz_V86ntlcuWtP4qydGZRGldMpOO56o_dACZMFkBoc5cpOvmZPNEr6qSPuFCjvaRQutm5rmoNgUsTGba5D94lJ0ieKFIb228VEzg6fyY87ZXJ3QOgzj4krrG-PLD_lJvLhpz=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather was phenomenal, and once again, it was nice to see people out and about on the center greens area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Cosplay on display</span></h2></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Though I am not a cosplayer myself, I am always super happy to see the awesome and creative ones that I will see at conventions. I didn't get to see as many cool ones at Planet this year, seeing as how I didn't have a table to sit at for three days to watch people from. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">This time I did, and here are some of the ones I really loved!</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigNXXuDdc_XGbdYs_afxGYH4bd_S2UFXVHlsMKjJTDJKYixUgABr6bL0wY5FkEtiUp-8wfF7rg-yyxxq8_h5j6Rfpujf-YuEglbqtz4XizO6-5zSmZ1HoIHn0yk2udQ5VXQsg6WbzIIpcP5HBMAFVBofioC3KQd18396MShtCvQw84L4DekTvgTFmN=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigNXXuDdc_XGbdYs_afxGYH4bd_S2UFXVHlsMKjJTDJKYixUgABr6bL0wY5FkEtiUp-8wfF7rg-yyxxq8_h5j6Rfpujf-YuEglbqtz4XizO6-5zSmZ1HoIHn0yk2udQ5VXQsg6WbzIIpcP5HBMAFVBofioC3KQd18396MShtCvQw84L4DekTvgTFmN=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] This fragrant fellow is the unsung hero every convention deserves. [Right] I LOVE the She-Ra Netflix show, so this was so dang cool to see.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Most of the cosplayers came around my table area, but there were a few that I had to run from my booth to chase down because I was worried they would not come back by.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWIgMnfkXupFxJaglvoLm8BCjZK4gzS41Z1yJvXq1jc-ZbuEtIiNJa_0CnIZc3wS_NCko1tw9XkW3CM6rPnwPLCve-CeRCCjvEMpEs9JKU0mmwASH9CK6yV759h07OnN9DbLeJCB1U3VvM-0swHftXTr4i6gWddo2b1Q8eLSeI84cQ4in3JWu1HsCP=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWIgMnfkXupFxJaglvoLm8BCjZK4gzS41Z1yJvXq1jc-ZbuEtIiNJa_0CnIZc3wS_NCko1tw9XkW3CM6rPnwPLCve-CeRCCjvEMpEs9JKU0mmwASH9CK6yV759h07OnN9DbLeJCB1U3VvM-0swHftXTr4i6gWddo2b1Q8eLSeI84cQ4in3JWu1HsCP=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Left] Kamen Rider! [Right] Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">By the way, for anyone that wasn't at the show, the areas do look pretty open, and that's because they were. There was a LOT of space in between the vendors. Aisle widths were epic.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3ae8PkzZmMJ89ThOiOgdoVPpxh1vKw0nJXvr1e4VTyYbBMECyYjs0zf_Qd6ISI3NMnARRSngcS_sZdf2W8n0ZiJf0BHsTIbSLEib7Qb-4tZSQQrdfzPCZwbNakBzvXvR-fVYNhK-Bv1Jz5vtcTyvsucNSvtPXeUNV9RlHEAs3IqDjw_u7ZZC3pog=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3ae8PkzZmMJ89ThOiOgdoVPpxh1vKw0nJXvr1e4VTyYbBMECyYjs0zf_Qd6ISI3NMnARRSngcS_sZdf2W8n0ZiJf0BHsTIbSLEib7Qb-4tZSQQrdfzPCZwbNakBzvXvR-fVYNhK-Bv1Jz5vtcTyvsucNSvtPXeUNV9RlHEAs3IqDjw_u7ZZC3pog=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not even going to lie, I don't know any of these characters. Well except for the Five Nights at Freddy's purple guy. I think that's right.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This was also the first time I was able to walk around and talk to a lot of the other vendors more than I'd ever been able to prior. The vendor room crowd would come in waves that were more apparent because of the smaller number of attendee, so that certainly made for a more relaxed atmosphere.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQUnJrFOARC0Z10huMErGuh23-5fEimoDCIlG1RKUnIP8M2j1yLBBc9ANqitmmqAgqk-4UmFNAmI_Zg02aHU63ErSnEHWudvPjsBSa39K4IfHJlfIfTIS0Q0y5i151ZQ3BV1ki2RB-oBwcYX0uoi1WI7k38ftqRD93ebJ_BOJv-0yMTdAegxy7PCqr=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQUnJrFOARC0Z10huMErGuh23-5fEimoDCIlG1RKUnIP8M2j1yLBBc9ANqitmmqAgqk-4UmFNAmI_Zg02aHU63ErSnEHWudvPjsBSa39K4IfHJlfIfTIS0Q0y5i151ZQ3BV1ki2RB-oBwcYX0uoi1WI7k38ftqRD93ebJ_BOJv-0yMTdAegxy7PCqr=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also don't know these character cosplays either... I feel like a pop culture failure. :D</td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Time to say so long, farewell...</span></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1IYOqL7bjB2ZUWJNPCDKCTXKiz1Xz0w1fqpw4mc5nbfRBQ0rVv_xzRh9p7iCpcvp_VdChCugCiI9lbKnDHn6BobYUP35hkYci3VCR2AUFUkfwxgxhqqy1qH_lbjqoBtmrt3EG-a5CXVCckyGylvQZtupULEeT5CCQamtER0ZSqizmgbrFcJENXl5e=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1IYOqL7bjB2ZUWJNPCDKCTXKiz1Xz0w1fqpw4mc5nbfRBQ0rVv_xzRh9p7iCpcvp_VdChCugCiI9lbKnDHn6BobYUP35hkYci3VCR2AUFUkfwxgxhqqy1qH_lbjqoBtmrt3EG-a5CXVCckyGylvQZtupULEeT5CCQamtER0ZSqizmgbrFcJENXl5e=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaze in wonder at the amazingly packed and organized booth loaded onto my tiny dolly. And yes, I do bring my own chair now to multi day shows.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The show came to a quiet end for this year, with a few groups of people still in the vendor room as the time wound down.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Saturday and Sunday both, I had some great conversations, caught up with some old friends, and met some new people - fellow artists, collectors, and old school anime enthusiasts.<br /><br />I waited until early morning on that Sunday to do my shopping. I picked up a few things I'll show below. </span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-rcczH3_Lrtf8_eO34si5hXIRypH5Zdxb_2t8JGnR-IA_x7EY6JjO7P19X6m1wdFYXGEvtM4mZiZu5bnbnHr5wTXGYijoIaGiHTYSeUt2G1QXfVJ8lZ7nluZhTSYXYQCDm3e2RF-o9Eh8JYOS4Y4P6OAFUDNBjJ-7_-fcwymAeiyeRjBJZbesVjgt=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-rcczH3_Lrtf8_eO34si5hXIRypH5Zdxb_2t8JGnR-IA_x7EY6JjO7P19X6m1wdFYXGEvtM4mZiZu5bnbnHr5wTXGYijoIaGiHTYSeUt2G1QXfVJ8lZ7nluZhTSYXYQCDm3e2RF-o9Eh8JYOS4Y4P6OAFUDNBjJ-7_-fcwymAeiyeRjBJZbesVjgt=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final photo I took, just before I headed to the elevator to take the last of my booth equipment to my vehicle. Could already feel the post con blues beginning to set in.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I picked up a few things, including a Revival Run pack from Naka, two of the Aaru Garden figures, and a paper theatre and frame (that I still have yet to assemble). My wallet thankfully didn't take a huge hit as this year because of my own self control.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEMKshij024QQ0yAsgcirXzM-Wa0-qGyDc72e53HtMDm6KzOqe6SQZ3eqn_NYa_9Uadl0ZKITDBhXs2rqg08z36rJhN1WbKvcINg6ic-MVB5rNKSXEnkBjF5HPSgK-XvQ8CM0vAAk0vFvTsaiYIJbyksY_2biHhXtz8BeCjQkxZ543tTdzgvP4KLcU=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEMKshij024QQ0yAsgcirXzM-Wa0-qGyDc72e53HtMDm6KzOqe6SQZ3eqn_NYa_9Uadl0ZKITDBhXs2rqg08z36rJhN1WbKvcINg6ic-MVB5rNKSXEnkBjF5HPSgK-XvQ8CM0vAAk0vFvTsaiYIJbyksY_2biHhXtz8BeCjQkxZ543tTdzgvP4KLcU=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I'm still trying to make sense of some of the display stuff I have here in my studio, I've not yet assembled or properly displayed any of the items above.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">2022 and beyond...</span></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7QGYHTNjwoHmkmXbWbHijX6CNkIrYkRjMkiAQk5QDkKcQ5EQgdbCN_mMBQQr6RAC65bQbRDb8gVYICYCPBPOiY4OvQkwyV2l0sG41Bee7uETwovddoRIaUDmmU0_S0DytPeC4zDkovKwyl59R_fCnUtTevMfmQR0EvWBw4XqqIVR2iGwUfuupGtju=s740" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7QGYHTNjwoHmkmXbWbHijX6CNkIrYkRjMkiAQk5QDkKcQ5EQgdbCN_mMBQQr6RAC65bQbRDb8gVYICYCPBPOiY4OvQkwyV2l0sG41Bee7uETwovddoRIaUDmmU0_S0DytPeC4zDkovKwyl59R_fCnUtTevMfmQR0EvWBw4XqqIVR2iGwUfuupGtju=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year did see some changes, from an honest message of support to help NakaKon move onwards, and a pretty cool virtual vendor hall.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">It's not the easiest thing to contemplate when one deals with change. Life has a way of carrying us forward through time both hard and trying, or joyful and exciting.<br /><br />There was a bittersweet energy in my mind for a good part of the show, as to whether or not Naka could make it through this year and into the next. As it turns out, yes it was able to. But the real challenge has arisen, will the show triumph onwards into 2023 and beyond?<br /><br />I've never been shy about telling people that this is my favorite multi day show. The incredible high and emotional release I feel just being in the venue, being able to sell artwork to people that really enjoy my work, is all wonderful. But as I've said in years past, it's the incredible community, diversity, social acceptance, artistry, conversations about fandoms,... all of that and so much more, that makes this show something special.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I've met and spoken to many people at this show that feel the same way. I've kept in touch with a few that I've met over the years, and made friends with some vendors whom I am ecstatic to have seen over the years at this show. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Show ticket advance sales are up now. You can find information on Naka-Kon's Facebook and Instagram about it. If you'd like to help keep NakaKon going, here is a direct link to a page on their website: <a href="https://naka-kon.com/donate" target="_blank"><b>Donate!</b></a></span></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=iwrpg-10d1f66-pb&share=1&download=1&skin=8bbb4e&btn-skin=1b1b1b&size=150" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Radio74: Season 5 Episode 7 - Convention Contention" width="100%"></iframe><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">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!</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
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</div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-17729905552475769262021-11-01T23:48:00.000-07:002021-11-01T23:48:02.707-07:00Yellowstone Part 4: Realizations<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLwHJC4HywgMJot8KxIQ2r9lsxTt9anu6pBSbPzAyw9DeW1q5d4tBB_K3Fz5acU5_VnVT7kIGTwwqkrrUDJxfCrjCJynCeJ1xh0CLU-SQ7MiK0r7hXTkGH2PbG9IqlfBqZ5q_Cu_uklc/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLwHJC4HywgMJot8KxIQ2r9lsxTt9anu6pBSbPzAyw9DeW1q5d4tBB_K3Fz5acU5_VnVT7kIGTwwqkrrUDJxfCrjCJynCeJ1xh0CLU-SQ7MiK0r7hXTkGH2PbG9IqlfBqZ5q_Cu_uklc/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've not stayed in a log of log cabins, but this is absolutely my favorite one.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">The last day and a half was honestly the longest and quickest time I have experienced. But I think that sort of thing happens to time passing when it's during a vacation or leisure filled excursion.<br /><br />I could already feel a bit of melancholy about that creeping into my head, but I held it off, because there was still a lot I wanted to do and see before getting back on a plane to head back home.<br /></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ7ASsgMK5Cf6pJlTdw5D729NbhrtCwRgL1rBL7zdDzvGUzlEVDdKvas4gwxSZH62qArvKUnTNCurempl3JKwZX2UCS1ZBPRc2k5z1f5x1ubb60VPw4s2nlO2rXHWVKEEbPzx55fb21k/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ7ASsgMK5Cf6pJlTdw5D729NbhrtCwRgL1rBL7zdDzvGUzlEVDdKvas4gwxSZH62qArvKUnTNCurempl3JKwZX2UCS1ZBPRc2k5z1f5x1ubb60VPw4s2nlO2rXHWVKEEbPzx55fb21k/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The higher altitude lent a crisp fall feel to the air that morning.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">There was a moment after waking and leaving the cabin that the presence of my surroundings really overcame my senses all at once. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Having grown up with a military family, and been a Boy Scout, travel is nothing new to me, but there are moments when I feel like I see or experience things that will stay with me. Not the over the top moments necessarily, but more like this.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Just waking up on a mountainside, and for a few moments, feeling the weight of all my problems disappear as I live in that moment as fully as I can. That's something that I've become more aware of trying to do with my life. When I travel, when I have any sort of experiences, just so that later, as I am doing now in writing this, I have a good grasp of what I felt like. I soaked it in, and then snapped this photo of the clouds overhead.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqesOcaB6ta3Msc5EUEx0tbCX5JmzlOjawb00KsMgP3pCPWkpSLQETLiUKuLPAM00Qh1dsvxpcLx4M7HYUBgsYe4Oc-TlBgApOL3Losa01RNt8CwOg_QkW-fLeonHA7uugysz6k6h4xiI/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqesOcaB6ta3Msc5EUEx0tbCX5JmzlOjawb00KsMgP3pCPWkpSLQETLiUKuLPAM00Qh1dsvxpcLx4M7HYUBgsYe4Oc-TlBgApOL3Losa01RNt8CwOg_QkW-fLeonHA7uugysz6k6h4xiI/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pahaska Tepee was down the road from where the cabins were located.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Pahaska Tepee is William "Buffalo Bill" Cody's old hunting lodge and hotel in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It's located about 50 miles west of the town of Cody, and two miles from the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which is great if you want to fuel up before entering the park.<br /><br />It had no internet access (which was weird, because the cabins had internet and satellite tv), a pretty robust gift shop, and evidently a great restaurant in it (didn't eat there, I can't hike and drive on a full stomach).</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj9TEcn-NAkZFv7lUgHQmMzCXewTtnVQbMQ2Eu8FiCiARdKw2Ve-GvqS4e1uVw9qSLyV-9wdg21OraGRLOt_0k9t0wkmOj2LPqm3_vE0dOoycKaMBPStDZxCqkpQ2wjBDQXBG4OXNtRY/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj9TEcn-NAkZFv7lUgHQmMzCXewTtnVQbMQ2Eu8FiCiARdKw2Ve-GvqS4e1uVw9qSLyV-9wdg21OraGRLOt_0k9t0wkmOj2LPqm3_vE0dOoycKaMBPStDZxCqkpQ2wjBDQXBG4OXNtRY/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I often wonder if the animals don't just troll us humans from a distance... it takes just one car stopping and the first person swearing they saw SOMETHING like a bear/bison/wolf/duck/jackalope and you have this happen.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">There's a lot I want to say about the rest of the time spent there, but I feel that some of the photos may do just as well of a job. Not because I don't know what to say, but because I honestly find it hard to put into words just how compelling, impactive, and regenerating the whole experience had been up to this point, and how there were moments to come that would drive it home even harder for me.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I'm not a religious man, but if nature is a form of faith, something in me rekindled itself, in a way I'd not felt since I was hiking the trails of Philmont Scout reservations when I was sixteen years old. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQTXF6kd87aKdhC-qnvMvzw0L3-MZ5rHsDTelN9Ohoe2Xu1wbtsSpP5F9kEdaRz7q5dTmmRc7THsRidBHPleHwhqeREGzbXkYGJYSxphPVTzpnUgXHbXUxivFJc2JYG0zlRL9nlO4Z6M/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQTXF6kd87aKdhC-qnvMvzw0L3-MZ5rHsDTelN9Ohoe2Xu1wbtsSpP5F9kEdaRz7q5dTmmRc7THsRidBHPleHwhqeREGzbXkYGJYSxphPVTzpnUgXHbXUxivFJc2JYG0zlRL9nlO4Z6M/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more you take your time to look and explore, the more alive the park becomes.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">No photo, no video, no memory will ever take the place of witnessing and being there in these moments. I felt more alive than I had for a very long time.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This was my antithesis to the urban lifestyle so centralized in many of our lives, through corporate jobs, blocked by cubicle views, and pined over when we are beckoned back to "the real world" of repeated actions and mundane tasks.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWRmEAFAn2FMgSg1uJBJuzVmxnT8JCYMciAzcq22YpPBF7vC8xQVuNwZewZuI0jAWcpgFLdoUNwFg0UsQZJc8gTq2njqV25Uk0wagRlbpB95Xg0Z-Z-hry8eNSyEJIGSg7cucbWa4RfI/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWRmEAFAn2FMgSg1uJBJuzVmxnT8JCYMciAzcq22YpPBF7vC8xQVuNwZewZuI0jAWcpgFLdoUNwFg0UsQZJc8gTq2njqV25Uk0wagRlbpB95Xg0Z-Z-hry8eNSyEJIGSg7cucbWa4RfI/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This small crossing was off the roadway, down in a small valley. Easily overlooked by 90% of drivers by my guess.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">The National Park system allows for so many areas to remain protected for appreciation by us now, and hopefully for future generations to come. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I know that not everyone who came through enjoyed their visit as much as some others might, and that's alright. The outdoors is not for everyone. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2Iusjonqk4cv8eN-u9ZlEVekEbGg-MxCMllCFayhsys_6D-qU6Gqd6lXHj0jIDOapo6b6tYKcN4H6l-A9OkaFxwAaDKLhpte4JdgqrG5NL6xx2V1qOCpzFeFVASUmAY4D3LK_mquI_s/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2Iusjonqk4cv8eN-u9ZlEVekEbGg-MxCMllCFayhsys_6D-qU6Gqd6lXHj0jIDOapo6b6tYKcN4H6l-A9OkaFxwAaDKLhpte4JdgqrG5NL6xx2V1qOCpzFeFVASUmAY4D3LK_mquI_s/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lost track of how many waterfalls I saw...</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I had been suffering from an intense amount of artist's creative block. For those of you who are not in the creative endeavors, to go through a block so severe that you end up questioning if you want to keep moving forward creating,... can be devastating. Emotionally. Spiritually. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I had the chance to sit and think, to note, to be in the moment, and twice, meditate for a short while at a few places, to ask myself some honest and scary questions about my life lived, and where I wanted to go next.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDbmal0scVHJplnus42XkNyFi60HrJpsv9TVIS3_IkkLv2zT0_PZWsK4oEx4e29VNbAr6QmFMxky1Qb-wT89G91KKqJgc54x_7rrTuupAn1-Ph12zPCrZ2B9ePo3R2R-J1uX6BMhG_V0/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDbmal0scVHJplnus42XkNyFi60HrJpsv9TVIS3_IkkLv2zT0_PZWsK4oEx4e29VNbAr6QmFMxky1Qb-wT89G91KKqJgc54x_7rrTuupAn1-Ph12zPCrZ2B9ePo3R2R-J1uX6BMhG_V0/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and where exactly I saw them.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">New and unfamiliar surroundings can be the perfect catalyst to get your thinking going in the right direction. It may not be the EASIEST direction, but for me, it was the pathway of thought I had to traverse.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrndnm7cDVfuoLPlc-Dct70PILNGPYE53GIDY7AsAOEyXdAaw9ZCt31c6UHi6y0H1obaHn3k-jx8QCO-ECL-hhy3Q3LrpSWTepu5yDgwkBi7hktpmgu4yvfX-xwk2eI06odiigupHA5W4/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrndnm7cDVfuoLPlc-Dct70PILNGPYE53GIDY7AsAOEyXdAaw9ZCt31c6UHi6y0H1obaHn3k-jx8QCO-ECL-hhy3Q3LrpSWTepu5yDgwkBi7hktpmgu4yvfX-xwk2eI06odiigupHA5W4/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little tool has become a daily carry now, for hiking or art shows. I'll review it later in-depth.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Sometimes you witness life through the eyes of your fellow travelers. The good or the bad, and in some instances, both.<br /><br />Near the rest area where I took the photo of the eating tool kit above, there was a gift shop. I noticed an older woman in distress who was standing by her dog, that was laying on the ground. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Long story short, it was having issues breathing. It wasn't tired, it was labored breathing, the kind when someone is possibly at the end of life.<br /><br />I asked if there was anything I could do, the woman who was by the time I'd walked over, now accompanied by another lady, said through teary eyes, "No, he's... I think it's his time, he's quite old. 17. I could not bear to not come here without him, he's always traveled with me. But now..."</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">At that moment, I felt that I should not have walked over, as I could not hold back my own tears. Another fellow was walking over quickly at that moment. I didn't know what to say in response, what DOES someone say in that moment? "I'm sorry" doesn't seem to carry the truth of heart sentiment I wanted to say.<br /><br />All around us, others not aware of this sad moment unwinding in a small area of the parking lot, were heading into the shop, and talking and milling about. I chose to head inside to the gift shop. I don't know if it was because of the weight of what I just was part of, but then I realized I also needed my wallet, which in my haste, I had left in the car. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">As it turns out, I saw the woman from just moments ago, carrying her dog, and the man I'd seen quickly running up to them was talking to her about something and she had a look of what I took to be relief on her face. The dog's tail was wagging, and he looked far more alert. They were standing near where I had parked and the man as it turns out was a vet or a vet tech of some sort. Regardless, he was telling her that the higher altitude was hard on the elderly from an oxygen and hydration standpoint, that domestic animals especially were no exception, being smaller than us.<br /><br />He assured her that so long as she didn't go hiking or do anything strenuous with the old pooch that he should be fine.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I'd really like to think that if the dog did pass, that it was back home, and that his loving owner would have gotten one more finished adventure with her companion. I guess I was in the mood to believe in the idea that good things could happen.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkgYnm-fNr_Oy_fEkvZhQBPRwGAeLI0tNyYM4hpUHVS20_s5duWjVRE1IVgrP0aqKkF0qPW5IPMYK_HKdSYNnDfeHg8IfwlJFpl3tMV4uYKlRFtMMH6JNm3X6xOIZb5LBZROdHpbcJcI/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkgYnm-fNr_Oy_fEkvZhQBPRwGAeLI0tNyYM4hpUHVS20_s5duWjVRE1IVgrP0aqKkF0qPW5IPMYK_HKdSYNnDfeHg8IfwlJFpl3tMV4uYKlRFtMMH6JNm3X6xOIZb5LBZROdHpbcJcI/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know people rely on phones to get places, but I will always prefer my GPS, and not just because I can make my car look like an X-Wing fighter on screen.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">For some reason, I had totally missed the fact that there was a lake in Yellowstone. A massive lake complete with one or two little islands that looked like they wanted no visitors on. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE3I36FUMxdKljMixoJx8c_vuDnl-YEO1CbvK3OsbS9uRjndlPTuR02wWbukmTGXgZ8px3kafkoAktKA9cPYQ9yjwHs8hDx2thcCOBZcky_5oW8O5s0_a7bldAKtxuXnvI3d5BAbdypw/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE3I36FUMxdKljMixoJx8c_vuDnl-YEO1CbvK3OsbS9uRjndlPTuR02wWbukmTGXgZ8px3kafkoAktKA9cPYQ9yjwHs8hDx2thcCOBZcky_5oW8O5s0_a7bldAKtxuXnvI3d5BAbdypw/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This areas was a bit creepy to drive through as there had been a fire a while back, and the still standing burned out, bleached remains of the trees looked a bit alien.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">There was an overlook along the main driving route that the phone navigation app had noted "If you've got time, you might want to take a moment to stop and appreciate the majesty of the lake from this point just off the roadway. You might even get to see some of Yellowstone's more rare residents, if they don't see you first!"</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwjjzFPgu9i97AUE-oZ9a3EGmI7rJ6L1Ix74R2ImT84Ap47UWMix4nrJX6r1wumCK3ke0Z4X-SYpuCNPcz6CtgGJaUS4XvMOURTw874uuRx5NzCyDKfOYeWqUjBE-ct6Lt6oB7X-VaJk/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwjjzFPgu9i97AUE-oZ9a3EGmI7rJ6L1Ix74R2ImT84Ap47UWMix4nrJX6r1wumCK3ke0Z4X-SYpuCNPcz6CtgGJaUS4XvMOURTw874uuRx5NzCyDKfOYeWqUjBE-ct6Lt6oB7X-VaJk/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for wildflowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I'm glad there's an app for that. And "that", would be seeing something once again, that I've only seen a few times before, but each time is memorable beyond belief for me.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DgoEdcTfTXej4uRGlK9w7vpfi4IYiSqYcLMHQjRi9_Ik5edgYOq9BaaOPSjfbhwEBaXZAodFmE8-aHWZyO2djieRN0msVRW3ahLEFq8IBWWVvYhlTTK38pLs4tAG02VB3BbS-Vs6Ros/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DgoEdcTfTXej4uRGlK9w7vpfi4IYiSqYcLMHQjRi9_Ik5edgYOq9BaaOPSjfbhwEBaXZAodFmE8-aHWZyO2djieRN0msVRW3ahLEFq8IBWWVvYhlTTK38pLs4tAG02VB3BbS-Vs6Ros/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what could be seen from the side roadway...</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I think I held my breath and rubbed my eyes when I saw what was down below in the valley.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixF0RkwcQY0RT9qLdLoCIbDyGuRV24PoS9LNlEYOVZlVC_hiAjWrgmkk4JW2u6ijYDWthhDM2TREW7hScoRZwX55agIaR8pWGsvkgEHhKcOS_BGmnnvnfp7tHYRMpejrOHWFIHwMPZjE/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixF0RkwcQY0RT9qLdLoCIbDyGuRV24PoS9LNlEYOVZlVC_hiAjWrgmkk4JW2u6ijYDWthhDM2TREW7hScoRZwX55agIaR8pWGsvkgEHhKcOS_BGmnnvnfp7tHYRMpejrOHWFIHwMPZjE/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was through a HUGE CAMERA LENS...a Mama bear and cub sharing a moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">As this moment went on, more people quietly came up the road and saw the pair below, and so many various camera lenses and tripods came out to silently chronicle and observe these two majestic creatures playing, interacting, and eating on what was left of a deer carcass, all the while very much aware of the line of humans watching from a short distance away.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNRXahg3YUghf4k7uSqklaSeqYdnJ3ecnoDnvcnASitjmenP9U5mcVwHreZgkVqta7CjJmGnj8chV4mHXpJMFMXkQNQO66l0H1ADq32DDVwH1Ccv06UIkVt9B0Mc0MeQvSpe2vSsvcFA/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNRXahg3YUghf4k7uSqklaSeqYdnJ3ecnoDnvcnASitjmenP9U5mcVwHreZgkVqta7CjJmGnj8chV4mHXpJMFMXkQNQO66l0H1ADq32DDVwH1Ccv06UIkVt9B0Mc0MeQvSpe2vSsvcFA/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, SO aware... that there were some people up above on the ridge overlooking them.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I saw my first bear when I was in a tent, in a bleary eyed zoned out moment that I barely remember because I was so exhausted from hiking at Philmont in New Mexico, that was a black bear that had some into our campsite looking for things we'd left out and about.<br /><br />The second one I saw, was in Colorado when I went looking for a spare tire that... it's a long story for another time... got violently ripped off my trailer by the wind, and bounced a LONG distance at high speed down into a streambed. I managed to find the wheel, but forgetting that I was in a pretty remote area of Colorado, I also found a bear. I didn't look at it long and thankfully, it wasn't interested in me.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctmOiffS1B6EY1OCrGgmEl70T1lyA7kvXp6T-BpKUdyI1y8y0h76G8fUvp3WhjqgqV4WQRlfb64CmBgm6jChyphenhyphenlSClHxJ6f7SgMRih19LteMMHh9pkpS76fF4n5aQ-xOBrKVq8DynM-hI/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctmOiffS1B6EY1OCrGgmEl70T1lyA7kvXp6T-BpKUdyI1y8y0h76G8fUvp3WhjqgqV4WQRlfb64CmBgm6jChyphenhyphenlSClHxJ6f7SgMRih19LteMMHh9pkpS76fF4n5aQ-xOBrKVq8DynM-hI/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's moments like this, that will live in my head forever.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This now third time, fully seeing TWO bears, was emotional. In all the best ways. I didn't want this to end. I would have sat there just watching them for hours if I could have.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I'm sure more than a few of the others did, especially the one fellow I saw pull out a Hasselblad 100 Megapixel camera. It was his moment, and judging by others that knew what his camera was, they gave him a choice spot.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Seriously, go look that camera up. I'm not even a decent amateur photographer, and I would die to have a chance to use a Hasselblad for just one day. I can only imagine the images he got with that thing.</span></div></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRT871VPxPWvuuGhgxQPCFuQPY19RB6gPXhngVgT2vhs7ROqyT7lTsblL4viZNaP7SkxCvnGlS20EhdmIJf2mMSx8ASdfdgAmqm2LeqJyRaXljWW3erYeYLxmBB43oqnZi59jifxuM_4/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRT871VPxPWvuuGhgxQPCFuQPY19RB6gPXhngVgT2vhs7ROqyT7lTsblL4viZNaP7SkxCvnGlS20EhdmIJf2mMSx8ASdfdgAmqm2LeqJyRaXljWW3erYeYLxmBB43oqnZi59jifxuM_4/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this photo was any more "American West", Sam Elliot would be standing in it</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">So as the day went on, and the sun finally started to set. I felt that pang of this all closing up as an experience. or so I thought. I mean life is what we make of it, even the muted moments right?</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iyK8hNqjaBmQYd-AKDx6AdG9lhJSW49jrCNQHWEAgg2pR9_zzHaK8wbzhheLMI3hl_U0uEO3X6AGFvKxsPwW_2Ttiui5pwCe3vjmbpJwc0Ss3OFKVIQxrbW2RMiAQ9dJuRywm_J4B-A/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iyK8hNqjaBmQYd-AKDx6AdG9lhJSW49jrCNQHWEAgg2pR9_zzHaK8wbzhheLMI3hl_U0uEO3X6AGFvKxsPwW_2Ttiui5pwCe3vjmbpJwc0Ss3OFKVIQxrbW2RMiAQ9dJuRywm_J4B-A/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another late day bear in a far off corner of the park.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">So I'm not lying when I say that there was no way in heck I thought another bear sighting would be lined up in the evening hours. This one was just off by itself in another remote area of the park.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC-H9chcYyv8Rl1uUJJlewkAUPhykFqnRRdcS-V0YNdfXXL0NcbNthmyXRYy2Up5JVRCdPKHS1jlhO42qJIDBrhqyosyITaA8EMnPvtA4VvMmFYcediARKFxx2mkIiqY-xqqwrDyAXks/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC-H9chcYyv8Rl1uUJJlewkAUPhykFqnRRdcS-V0YNdfXXL0NcbNthmyXRYy2Up5JVRCdPKHS1jlhO42qJIDBrhqyosyITaA8EMnPvtA4VvMmFYcediARKFxx2mkIiqY-xqqwrDyAXks/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take your time looking around...</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">After getting back in town, I noticed this building off over to the side of the main roadway, and that it had an information display in front of it.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uxZa1kQw0XOSqJDxT9N0s3cgrT6Snq9g6tuVpL2qtj0LocdFge52qAoa17WzBaePR7DRbASO63yFIIhbCiejRqcRTSXk5Ycj4rFUActxDxOzFJlnCY68LzY3MDuGaCb9Iq-beWw7Bpw/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uxZa1kQw0XOSqJDxT9N0s3cgrT6Snq9g6tuVpL2qtj0LocdFge52qAoa17WzBaePR7DRbASO63yFIIhbCiejRqcRTSXk5Ycj4rFUActxDxOzFJlnCY68LzY3MDuGaCb9Iq-beWw7Bpw/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some great overlooked things are hiding in plain sight.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This was the only US mail carrier post in this area. I don't know how much of it is original, when you take away the rest of the town that is around it, you really can get a scope of how remote it must have been living and working out of this cabin so many years ago.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAaZ5X79p4Nr-Ltfq-zw97LDTXXb_kJI5I89Zwgi8IlZHMPB5UNYEWCg1taApsuFu6QA89BjVuB0uasRZRl2RGZhOfg-lIIETEGFhGHJ7pc-A1B3NtEncF3HYkPEq4_QpxP5QhA-Vmdo/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAaZ5X79p4Nr-Ltfq-zw97LDTXXb_kJI5I89Zwgi8IlZHMPB5UNYEWCg1taApsuFu6QA89BjVuB0uasRZRl2RGZhOfg-lIIETEGFhGHJ7pc-A1B3NtEncF3HYkPEq4_QpxP5QhA-Vmdo/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An evening meal.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Dinner in Cody can be found at a few different places, and this buffalo burger was one heck of a way to end a day's wandering around. I don't always like to post food pictures, but this was part of the experience, so here it is. <br /><br />Like any tourist area, try to get to dinner early, and beat the crowds as best you can.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">After dinner, it was back to the hotel, to get an early rise to get maybe a few more things seen before heading home.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Museum find: The Railroad Museum</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I love anytime I can find a museum. The fact is that the United States has them all over the place, museums about the Old West, Military History, Toys, Art, Technology, I mean you name it, it's out there. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">When I was young, I became obsessed with them, because I tend to have a penchant for hyper fixation on things, so finding a museum that has catered and ordered sections of information and physical presentation of things, is a literal nirvana of the mind for me.</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpy2e0sxI_LbbL9h0BfnIhkQYWLzy7zZ44zxaxNEFnEV5un-j_0LHSVoAoXVNVg3ebAi8K2POHe_Qq_-J1c9yyX4pBrVgN_pcWrrhTEJKH_pLPNt8HYS6dZoLQDUiQGRoVD67TZnC734/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpy2e0sxI_LbbL9h0BfnIhkQYWLzy7zZ44zxaxNEFnEV5un-j_0LHSVoAoXVNVg3ebAi8K2POHe_Qq_-J1c9yyX4pBrVgN_pcWrrhTEJKH_pLPNt8HYS6dZoLQDUiQGRoVD67TZnC734/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having some time before the flight and finding a niche railroad and movie history museum was so great!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This museum had one very informative fellow explaining all sorts of great things about the history of the local railways. But it also had two other sections included. A small film history section upstairs, and traveling temporary exhibit dealing with animal herd migration, history, and preservation efforts across Yellowstone.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The last part was a nice little quick injection of Yellowstone before heading off to the airport.</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxPDELqBK5XBq-bdGyQYXooM57hC7cGaminVmpNMEGWGhIFU-bjv-j6BlHhZULc9OBZ5p9axwQibUqbbNw7SsnG7n6GVvyNIoSfH_CvrsH3VFc7SuSaj2tZhIKazIteed8fDfFzSEfPs/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxPDELqBK5XBq-bdGyQYXooM57hC7cGaminVmpNMEGWGhIFU-bjv-j6BlHhZULc9OBZ5p9axwQibUqbbNw7SsnG7n6GVvyNIoSfH_CvrsH3VFc7SuSaj2tZhIKazIteed8fDfFzSEfPs/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took SO many photos. Reference like this isn't always easy to come by!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Finally, it was time to head to the airport. I learned two things on the two flights home. I hate flying in the tail of the plane. And next time if it kills me, I WILL sit in first class. Evidently those are the only seats sized for humans.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOMk8nKxdtENhmjJ0aRS4HJTa7gOFpBAerSFkkeMDPOili_yjWJn6CLPbX7F9JvE9Or1cKSvK6ej4pKOD51QAm1sfJNzFjXR_4DwN8wkhZMJhVD71g6gF7q6ZqgFfoAB_W2Pg9zOIM5k/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOMk8nKxdtENhmjJ0aRS4HJTa7gOFpBAerSFkkeMDPOili_yjWJn6CLPbX7F9JvE9Or1cKSvK6ej4pKOD51QAm1sfJNzFjXR_4DwN8wkhZMJhVD71g6gF7q6ZqgFfoAB_W2Pg9zOIM5k/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least the inflight movie on the second flight was more than great. I love The Last Crusade!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">So you know that feeling after a vacation, or after attending/working a comic convention?</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">FULL ON POST AWESOME TIME BLUES were happening.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuimmbxylhm82o4BM6YWoM67LZXxDNp_IKQTH1Ghpe4kSdHIxb_ZVtg_PyYHKLhLXeabIkpPtHZwjCJziMutx3u-Aqp9KucLF8-A4YADZqsnKqZJoWjAUz6ur5B78Kytz8m8qQ3YF5cZY/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuimmbxylhm82o4BM6YWoM67LZXxDNp_IKQTH1Ghpe4kSdHIxb_ZVtg_PyYHKLhLXeabIkpPtHZwjCJziMutx3u-Aqp9KucLF8-A4YADZqsnKqZJoWjAUz6ur5B78Kytz8m8qQ3YF5cZY/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure these people felt the same way.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Coming home means more than just that late night drive back to the house, means more than sitting down in my office chair and greeting my animals and being happy to be home. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">It means time to reflect, time to enjoy what I saw, what I experienced, and what I will miss.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Yellowstone is a geographical and historical icon, of immeasurable environmental wealth. It is a location that resides in a particular area in the map, but moves into that part of your heart filled with adventure, amazement, love, and appreciation for the natural world. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I went from being someone who never thought they'd ever get to go to Yellowstone, to someone who can't imagine what it would have been like to have missed out on it.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWxNm1kICQB8TLyvetM3L5KwtWJVXhbfCKwkv3-wVlREx9a9_k8gijA3npZ4a45OcU2aCKott1Wv0kbY44wDnf_bCEZ0vzfcWMR0Fl7yKuvrTL4aZpGTd4qwM8KA9AzM7Hv7sOcj5z84/s740/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWxNm1kICQB8TLyvetM3L5KwtWJVXhbfCKwkv3-wVlREx9a9_k8gijA3npZ4a45OcU2aCKott1Wv0kbY44wDnf_bCEZ0vzfcWMR0Fl7yKuvrTL4aZpGTd4qwM8KA9AzM7Hv7sOcj5z84/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_10_28_Yellowstone_Realizations_25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first road picture at a stop in the park, and the last one I took before leaving the park.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Will I go back? I can't predict the future, but if I had my way, I'd have already gone back. There is still a lot more to see. It got me to pick up my spirit from a pretty low place, and see the sun in a new way.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Even if I never make it back to this park, there are a lot of others, and my sense of adventure really ignited again in ways I never expected, and to be honest, never had thought would have happened as they did. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">It reminded me of how important it is to stop and focus on where one is in life, to take the moments to breathe in, to observe exactly where you are, and to want more out of life. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">It did make me realize that I waited too long to want to see more of the world, and frankly, even if I had 300 years of life, I'd probably never see all of the world. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">But I'm sure as hell going to try.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Until next time, support artists and local businesses! A</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">lways 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! Keep being awesome you glorious people.</span><div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
www.theartisanrogue.com
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</div></div></div>Mario the Artisan Roguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08837549886369649819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4624085848236299359.post-52571260973629425802021-07-05T12:47:00.002-07:002021-07-08T20:04:21.170-07:00Yellowstone Part 3: Mindfulness<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIllMSm0YvtZHHMiJTzWE7jKxhPh0D3tDus0CRzm4N1HhshfMGakbJI-e1uQtlmbS_n3M3lmIrWAkIWxPqg7wQ305yT5xVEYyThcGF4XqVbTwQmYL4sJYSByMtjmNI8tKXyR-SNCB2xU/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIllMSm0YvtZHHMiJTzWE7jKxhPh0D3tDus0CRzm4N1HhshfMGakbJI-e1uQtlmbS_n3M3lmIrWAkIWxPqg7wQ305yT5xVEYyThcGF4XqVbTwQmYL4sJYSByMtjmNI8tKXyR-SNCB2xU/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing sunrises like this, reminds me of how few I take the time to watch when I'm at home.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">The next morning was early rising, packing things up, and getting fuel for the day's driving. The towns around Yellowstone all seem to work on similar hours. Nothing in town is open until after 9am, and the majority of people don't seem to get up and around until then. I'm not sure which came first to make it that way.</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikThZta2vZ3JH-xVVKNsTMymIZmPdEkjrNIpDmx3xzQMtR-AfL3uHjiqZCgaTS-RxJY4q0wlNtbGEaBIXg-omHQY4Dca8iNjihnp1E8tAiZ95XCoGTms8Qcqjx-Gn5OmQu2-PaPmajwOk/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikThZta2vZ3JH-xVVKNsTMymIZmPdEkjrNIpDmx3xzQMtR-AfL3uHjiqZCgaTS-RxJY4q0wlNtbGEaBIXg-omHQY4Dca8iNjihnp1E8tAiZ95XCoGTms8Qcqjx-Gn5OmQu2-PaPmajwOk/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rush hour in the mountains...</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">But there will always be like minded people that also get up early to get in line on the roads leading back into the park, in an effort to get to areas before crowds start to gather and parking spaces become more scarce</span>.</div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrJ3xczeKynnQo_b7zSB5pyB3xxAlTWh8wsfnrnMQTbpeXnMID9C1KR7GY1WvZgJW23KGWiQYNliKqSMXOgsC_lkX8PDtXcJRzFbKG3rgDg4GxFSYGsa7bfzaUA2foxdkyDfD8dNLQiY/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrJ3xczeKynnQo_b7zSB5pyB3xxAlTWh8wsfnrnMQTbpeXnMID9C1KR7GY1WvZgJW23KGWiQYNliKqSMXOgsC_lkX8PDtXcJRzFbKG3rgDg4GxFSYGsa7bfzaUA2foxdkyDfD8dNLQiY/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like lining up a shot to have your subjects suddenly look the other way.</td></tr></tbody></table>It could also be that some bison are milling about, so traffic slows to a slower pace for safety and photo opportunities. Once again, as a side note, if you are planning to come to Yellowstone, you WILL see bison. Everywhere. At practically anytime.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH62w1RUcVFN4vbL_PA93CDpjcf4samFd-EoZyZVIoQK2cfKWo7pA237S6bA3vOYZLycwh-PjWAQag5RUoR4wBlaxHykzRs5PAlvLlHtDh79QxX9KnfIMMLnyBF3F7cSwJCO5pplglpDo/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH62w1RUcVFN4vbL_PA93CDpjcf4samFd-EoZyZVIoQK2cfKWo7pA237S6bA3vOYZLycwh-PjWAQag5RUoR4wBlaxHykzRs5PAlvLlHtDh79QxX9KnfIMMLnyBF3F7cSwJCO5pplglpDo/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No picture really captures how absolutely majestic Old Faithful is in person.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I believe Old Faithful goes off every hour and a half or so, and because of that, there is a circle of seats that encircle the geyser so people can sit and wait. The biggest thing that struck me was, I can remember moments from 1st grade where my teacher spoke about US landmarks and showed pictures of places like Old Faithful. Maybe because it's one of those things most people grow up hearing about, or just being referenced in media, it hits differently when you finally get to see it in person. It felt like stepping into one of the history books or posters I saw in my youth.</span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">The time that Old Faithful took to run through it's release was about 5 to 10 minutes. I have video of it which I'll post up in the last update. The funny part was all of the false starts that the geyser would do. As a group you could watch a line of cameras and phones rise and fall in unison, all in anticipation of catching the eruption when it begins.<br /><br />After watching the majestic actions of Old Faithful, the next nearby area you can walk to is the Upper Geyser Basin, with more geothermal activity on display. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAeBvnftjqXkbnpUZQZXMsfjjkWBO8bb1NW9nma74mXUYtC3NHDY4eyvVK2mqeicWavAD3hecKmuuyj6tIfe6-PPkTWEq04aSUlXOhVrNXTHv7KrtnvDn2Ic2gCJ8zwG2S6X0mS13ghw/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAeBvnftjqXkbnpUZQZXMsfjjkWBO8bb1NW9nma74mXUYtC3NHDY4eyvVK2mqeicWavAD3hecKmuuyj6tIfe6-PPkTWEq04aSUlXOhVrNXTHv7KrtnvDn2Ic2gCJ8zwG2S6X0mS13ghw/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The creeks and rivers all around, are some of the most scenic I've ever witnessed.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">The walk to the basin, goes over a wooden bridge with a ridiculously photogenic creek underneath it. I couldn't help myself, I kept stopping to get just a bit more video, or just a few more shots of anything I saw that was inspirational, beautiful, or just great reference for future art projects</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXTDhau_J2CDPCKxR98VaOk9nXZsEGbKIeUHGtX1V8YV3a79dna0jHofJzWgH2uEgLA81PRjNeLONsIJUwo0-B3vGp4yV-MWx-kXUc0p-J9aC-yqPnNUgF7Ht-aX5sePqs1I565NFY0w/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXTDhau_J2CDPCKxR98VaOk9nXZsEGbKIeUHGtX1V8YV3a79dna0jHofJzWgH2uEgLA81PRjNeLONsIJUwo0-B3vGp4yV-MWx-kXUc0p-J9aC-yqPnNUgF7Ht-aX5sePqs1I565NFY0w/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire up the Toy Story feels...</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">I don't know how long this little lost toy had been on this fence post on just the other side of the creek. But in my mind, some little kid may have been missing it, or this little toy was dropped and forgotten.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br />Not wanting to take it with me in the event that a parent or child would come back looking for it, I just chronicled the little stuffed toy laying there, seemingly patiently waiting for it's owner to come back. Maybe I was feeling my imagination fire up, but as I walked the Upper Geyser Basin I had a very Toy Story like narrative that developed about this little baby bison toy, whom I named Bisley. It involved him traveling around the park until he finally ended up near a gift shop and reunited with his owner, a small boy named Tony.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">I think I was still a bit dehydrated and the hiking around was tiring me out, but I'd also like to think I was feeling my creative rut starting to fade away. </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJCf_XMqzV-uIE9d7aHHp7nC3czEFHmrQgIEpa_rLGzjJbVE74ViKL52unPuZwi9ErKB0YXTJPHydIrX3BxOjyE4DiPLgY0KPdCGCLTfTzMGh79X3gbQcasyLxxbRc0geJR53UBkhyc/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJCf_XMqzV-uIE9d7aHHp7nC3czEFHmrQgIEpa_rLGzjJbVE74ViKL52unPuZwi9ErKB0YXTJPHydIrX3BxOjyE4DiPLgY0KPdCGCLTfTzMGh79X3gbQcasyLxxbRc0geJR53UBkhyc/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was worn out enough that I could not figure out why the walking path was just one way. Was I breaking a law? Which way was... and then I realized it was just saying that it was 1/2 a mile that ONE WAY, and another 1/2 mile and back.</td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">All of the geothermal activity areas had burned out trees in them. It was kind of wild to see these stark almost ethereal looking ghost like trees that still stood. They reminded me for some reason of a modern art installation, similar to the 60 foot stainless steel tree on the south lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum. In particular how that metal tree looked on the security monitors when it was turning dusk. <br /><br />The monitors security would watch are in color, but have night vision to some degree, and as the evening came on, the screens would switch to grayscale video. But the one camera that watched Ferment, would have this very odd, almost surreal look to how it displayed. It made the tree look like it could have once been alive, it's hard to really put it into words, but it was the camera I liked to have up on my monitor to watch the half hour or so as the sun went down to see that effect play out</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JLTUcmr7stjkes4fhldkRWvjZma1H6kDgpLDg9KL5eL-0lfb0BepBIBjpzPkAkwhyf_skLRWEPU6USN4kkJX9X-itxer0jGgM7HAX5_K2fZqdtFHTMqdZSBhNYuvXJqq6X2zOfTAqXw/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JLTUcmr7stjkes4fhldkRWvjZma1H6kDgpLDg9KL5eL-0lfb0BepBIBjpzPkAkwhyf_skLRWEPU6USN4kkJX9X-itxer0jGgM7HAX5_K2fZqdtFHTMqdZSBhNYuvXJqq6X2zOfTAqXw/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't wander off the path, but I was interested to see how the bark or apparent lack thereof on these white trees felt.</td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Some of the springs look very alien in coloration. Truly like nothing I'd ever seen before. It is a shame though that signs have to be placed up near them to remind visitors to not throw coins or other things into the centers of these fragile natural creations</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLuf498MS9BjR9sxZB-vJZLbN__0bXYYc52oIQa7iGpP3kKzYG4yOhMuWC_kOOrz0L6O-EcNJdTzmSsrS_Gm0Ssr52N_Z7UGLtaEhIQ_2njv1BgPtLJEXAYBYsFz4orfEYlts17IG7M/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLuf498MS9BjR9sxZB-vJZLbN__0bXYYc52oIQa7iGpP3kKzYG4yOhMuWC_kOOrz0L6O-EcNJdTzmSsrS_Gm0Ssr52N_Z7UGLtaEhIQ_2njv1BgPtLJEXAYBYsFz4orfEYlts17IG7M/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason from what I understand that there is such an intense blue is from the way that sunlight is reflected back out. </td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Along the walkway, there was this little guy just chilling out and staying out of the way of people walking about. He was pretty tame, and more curious than really weirded out it seemed</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYHhvUnhwHX9RLfxx-0DcRVAWe1rm0IzT8ZZT9IqaPRh2jF_dlB4A1HCKrj3VO4hEEx8TwCR0RiZYM4xNkjOxj2_RRiL7OIQJpmShNe8uuSz3FaoWvn6_eW0WAVSqiefMpMbm_4pcJJA/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYHhvUnhwHX9RLfxx-0DcRVAWe1rm0IzT8ZZT9IqaPRh2jF_dlB4A1HCKrj3VO4hEEx8TwCR0RiZYM4xNkjOxj2_RRiL7OIQJpmShNe8uuSz3FaoWvn6_eW0WAVSqiefMpMbm_4pcJJA/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He probably appreciates the long walkways with the shaded undersides that allow him to go anywhere, but in a pinch allow him to gain higher ground to get away from a predator if need be.</td></tr></tbody></table>I wanted to give him a name, just to imprint this moment more in my head. Which then led to a new idea that I have to learn embroidery for to pull off. In the wider shot of this area around where he is looking up at the camera, were the hoofprints of bison and some other fauna. Something about seeing his little paws, as he sat surrounded by all the rest got me thinking about something I will add to my hat soon.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eCnL2UYghFcZLvU3ePqoQFR28Glorw_sz7QwpY2XGNBp3uCmoSBd1m4XLl8P5rbirTrXfRHpDjKNopM0vzaXPf0oIWd7cBkLtUZK5hHZULhXcjvHxPmSoqJJCe9ijdWy8Djcf-A9H34/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eCnL2UYghFcZLvU3ePqoQFR28Glorw_sz7QwpY2XGNBp3uCmoSBd1m4XLl8P5rbirTrXfRHpDjKNopM0vzaXPf0oIWd7cBkLtUZK5hHZULhXcjvHxPmSoqJJCe9ijdWy8Djcf-A9H34/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are fluffy, and I shall name you Captain Fluffy Nibbles the Brave.</td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">There are many other geysers around Old Faithful that are in some ways more spectacular, but not as well known. Take this one for example, I can't remember the name, but I believe it was the tallest erupting one in the park</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3hJmorUT6tV0IR67ufoRR1Hort0dxesfIwbX6LdFwHuNwcpBAkAzLLY_f2lnQ_hOjLVS2Sz2X9dLBRzWGBgowXUbrA7WJWqSxsJ0SYpWs_xp3pRlptR7UwXW8Oc6-y4R3kVLEQc3N4/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3hJmorUT6tV0IR67ufoRR1Hort0dxesfIwbX6LdFwHuNwcpBAkAzLLY_f2lnQ_hOjLVS2Sz2X9dLBRzWGBgowXUbrA7WJWqSxsJ0SYpWs_xp3pRlptR7UwXW8Oc6-y4R3kVLEQc3N4/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someday I hope a camera lens is invented that can actually come somewhat close to what the human eye observes.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">After getting done with the walking trail, I was walking up past the area near Old Faithful and evidently there were a handful of EMTs and Park Rangers that were milling about attempting to keep park attendees from wandering over too close to an area where some Bison had randomly decided to come and rest at. </span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">I think it's all too easy for people to get lulled into this idea that the bison will be serene and gentle all the time. It's a wild animal, a BIG wild animal, and it's far too easy for them to decide that your approximate range from them is making them feel trapped or having their personal space invaded</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvL9RHEqyQxTAdMMJtQUgu8BDlhjU_VzbPZDCDeTSa35uekRFCej12UEZzMiXF1aQNa5UP4uT8C6sJ1e2li04iBUr3WhJtdZUmHqt4e95PREcq2TNWYuStEyh0Vni_2ARKM5ggJZq2mU/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvL9RHEqyQxTAdMMJtQUgu8BDlhjU_VzbPZDCDeTSa35uekRFCej12UEZzMiXF1aQNa5UP4uT8C6sJ1e2li04iBUr3WhJtdZUmHqt4e95PREcq2TNWYuStEyh0Vni_2ARKM5ggJZq2mU/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park rangers were losing their minds trying to get the attention of this EMT that was just casually walking past two huge bison.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">One of the last things to see for the day was Mystic Falls, which is a bit of a hike to get to. Not even kidding, my legs were already wanting to get out. I had clearly not prepared myself adequately for the amount of hiking I was going to be doing.</span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br />This area in particular is pretty remote, and amazingly beautiful. It felt like being in a Grizzly Adams film or some modern western. Mystic Falls itself is this great gem hidden back some ways. The path does sort of lead up to the side of the falls, but the best view was from where I sat to rest a bit and took the photo below. </span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv5hYucL7B1mNPmfIJjFm86abrlG7MRv19AEjYIJ3dWXRzsxIe5WkYmHR5QFIgorwk2pDoUEO2xILAA6l94OMNBDTdmNiziWhHe8-pvAhllSjpn-fDNtQcAa3xCi8ST50q19GXupfKeE/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv5hYucL7B1mNPmfIJjFm86abrlG7MRv19AEjYIJ3dWXRzsxIe5WkYmHR5QFIgorwk2pDoUEO2xILAA6l94OMNBDTdmNiziWhHe8-pvAhllSjpn-fDNtQcAa3xCi8ST50q19GXupfKeE/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REALLY thought I was going to run into a bear in this area, sure enough some of the upper paths were closed due to bear activity, but alas no bear sightings.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">By that afternoon, it was time to get to the next set of lodgings, which if I remember right, were about a mile or so outside of one of the entrances to Yellowstone.</span></span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv_3xYrP8l9tKMMGCUv2yJX5al8OV1F92-TEGPeT_05YSrBAPefatJhYJbTvpvY4MGB51OkuwSP6HkdMR3_aR5UUc3-2UdzcwhCzvwNpON4xzS2sY-PPRF-4UbqTX3XTiMrmK_KUes1A/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv_3xYrP8l9tKMMGCUv2yJX5al8OV1F92-TEGPeT_05YSrBAPefatJhYJbTvpvY4MGB51OkuwSP6HkdMR3_aR5UUc3-2UdzcwhCzvwNpON4xzS2sY-PPRF-4UbqTX3XTiMrmK_KUes1A/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch and the friendly pooch there to greet people.</td></tr></tbody></table>I used to play this game on an old iPhone I had, called "Campers!", and while the gameplay was a bit flawed, it was still a great old school campsite building game that had buildings just like these in it. They also reminded me of a lot of the buildings I would see at Bartle Scout Camp from my younger days in Scouting.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbCJppijZMwt7tDSThc2qZswhyphenhyphenXxMyQMAThNe5z_H0wBVmkS3zwT-h3Q_TU0JmtiSmRHkfeUhah_TVLBPPz0BchwCwKf-_EucXIlwWm4y0NH9IIm9Lur_T4SbB-EOgqdbi-Bz0xhB6oM/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbCJppijZMwt7tDSThc2qZswhyphenhyphenXxMyQMAThNe5z_H0wBVmkS3zwT-h3Q_TU0JmtiSmRHkfeUhah_TVLBPPz0BchwCwKf-_EucXIlwWm4y0NH9IIm9Lur_T4SbB-EOgqdbi-Bz0xhB6oM/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cabin is so damn awesome.</td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">The cabins are really comfy, clean, and relaxing. No central air or window units of any kind, but to be honest, they weren't needed. <br /><br />It was a nice change of pace to go from the large crowds of people to the quiet in a small cabin at this lodge. The area around the site is not very large, but it does have modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, laundry machines, a few ice and vending machines</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOJRTHMZtzMFZOPgWrxTKIFZM37PoyJjv4SfBj0c4hfxpSWQrG9wx-wPzcTYms_sqLGAYqG_QCrLf5S0gokGthi9ik6UApz3znmC0rv8uKzKA_KXrbLhiFSpWL8oWMKA-V_w1eqyICV8/s740/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="740" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOJRTHMZtzMFZOPgWrxTKIFZM37PoyJjv4SfBj0c4hfxpSWQrG9wx-wPzcTYms_sqLGAYqG_QCrLf5S0gokGthi9ik6UApz3znmC0rv8uKzKA_KXrbLhiFSpWL8oWMKA-V_w1eqyICV8/w640-h390/artisanrogue_2021_06_29_Yellowstone_Mindfulness_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so quiet and beautiful all around, I regret not having walked about to have gotten more photos.</td></tr></tbody></table>As the afternoon shadows began to draw out, dark clouds began to move in, leading to an early evening of rain. Even though rain isn't really something most people want on trips, it gave me a chance to think, to write, and to sink into the moment more. I could easily have spent more days at this location.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Be sure to come back for the next installment, and a chance encounter or two that really ramped up the attachment for me to this incredible National Park.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- <b><i>Mario, the Artisan Rogue</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist</span></i></b></div>
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www.theartisanrogue.com
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