Avcon - Day 1
I promised to blog during the convention, but I couldn't get wireless access, so I kept a sort of running commentary diary of the day instead. See under cut for all the ups and downs of Day 1 of Avcon:
11:30am
Well, I’ve been here for 2 hours, and already I want to go home. Is that bad? I can’t say the day got off to a good start, and it’s not getting much better.
By the time I finished cutting, laminating and trimming all the bookmarks and tags it was about 5am. Figuring I’d read for a bit before I had to start getting ready at 6:30am, I ended up falling asleep until 7:15am. Already late, I rushed about to get dressed and get everything organised. Lucky for me, I’d packed most things 2 days ago, and just had to throw tags and bookmarks in my bag. Left home at 8:30am (half an hour later than I would have liked), walked up to the tram. On the way, I realised I’d left my entry pass at home so had to go back and get it. 9am, I finally get on a tram in to the city. I get off in town at 9:20am . Shit! I realise I’ve left my hat behind somewhere. Oh well. I’ve had no sleep and haven’t had a chance to eat yet, what could be worse?
Plenty. I’m watching all the artists around me selling HEAPS of merchandise, but I’ve only sold 3 A4 prints and a bookmark. Alex, no one seem interested in B/W. It’s all about the colour it seems. That, and when people ask if I’m the artist, and I reply that I’m the writer, they give me a forced smile and walk on. It’s kind of depressing. Dimi is not a happy camper.
1:00pm
People still aren’t buying! I’ve given away loads of business cards, not including the ones people have come up and grabbed on their own. They’re all happy to browse, but no one seems willing to buy. Ro next to me can’t take their money fast enough, lol. What are we doing wrong? I’ve lowered my original princes to match the competition. Let’s see how well that works.
There are quite a few people floating around, and even more since lunch time. I have to admit the venue change and the increased advertising has really helped. The games and traders are ilocated in a central location where you can float between them. Artists’ Alley sits on the fringe though. Not connected to anything, skirting the edges where people only usually pass when they’re coming or going. I know we don’t pay as much to be here as big companies, but shouldn’t they focus on supporting local artists? Yeah, I know I’m whinging, but there isn’t a single can of RedBull in this entire building and I’m starting to go a little crazy, lol.
1:38pm
OMFG! YES! THE REDBULL HAS ARRIVED!!!! Moira is officially my hero. She went into the city and got me some blessed, beloved RedBull. AND IT’S COLD!!! *squee*
Ok, now that I have some of my life and soul back, I’m in a better mood. I’m starting to actually starting to enjoy myself. I’m loving this venue heaps better than the old one. It’s easier to get to, easier to navigate, and heaps more spacious. Adelaide University Union Building (the old venue) is a freakin’ maze at the best of times (and that’s when you’re a student), not to mention the 5 flights of stairs, tiny rooms and disjointed layout. Yes, the Exhibition Centre is much better. Hopefully they’ll choose it again next year.
There are some amazing artists here, so it’s no surprise that the competition is tough. And they’re offering better prices, but the quality isn’t always as good (HA, suck on that!) And there are even more traders than usual. Some of them I didn’t even know existed, lol. For example, there are a couple of stalls selling Loli-fashion items and accessories, some selling otaku wear, and my favourite “Gifts for Geeks” (I love the name <3). SMASH! and Manifest are also here promoting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them here before. It’s good to see the different states sharing and caring and getting the word out.
Even the local colleges are getting in on the action. Both Flinders University and TAFE SA are here promoting their digital art and gaming courses. I knew TAFE had one, I wasn’t aware any university here in SA offered one though. It’s kinda special.
Then you’ve got the regulars: Pulp Fiction Comics, Game Traders, OzTaku
2:20pm
I’ve sold out. I’ve resorted to selling my sister to bring in sales, lol. “Free Panda Hugs With Every Purchase” :P Hey, she offered. And it’s her fault for buying and wearing that panda hat. It’s sooooooo cute <3 So far, it’s NOT working. Hmm…
Sales progress so far: 3 x A4 prints, 2 x bag tags, 3 x bookmarks. Epic fail OTL
Cans of RedBull consumed: 2
2:40pm
Some middle-aged dude with his two young kids in tow just complimented my boobs… I don’t know whether the be flattered or worried, lol. I admit though, in the corset I’m wearing, they are VERY prominent (and my sister keeps telling me I need to flaunt them to get more sales), lol. At the moment though, it is starting to become very uncomfortable. I’m kinda regretting not bringing alternative clothing XD;;; Did I mention redbull is my god? I’ve had 3 so far and I’m feeling very happy <3
Business is still slow. Sitting next to Ro can be very depressing, lol. She does well wherever she goes. Plenty of people have stopped to look, admire, chat and ask questions. But no one is buying :’( I thought the tags would be a huge success, but only one person has bought some (that person being Ro, lol).
A couple of writers stopped by and we had a chat about writing for comics, and they said positive things about the script sample I’ve provided. That was kinda cool. I might have to start looking into conventions for writers and see if I have more success there (at least people won’t give me the blank/cold stare I get whenever I say the artwork isn’t mine).
3:21pm
Panda hugs: 6 Sales: 8 Cans of RedBull consumed: 3
My sister is such a hug whore XD
3:45pm
Met Poshua. Had a good chat. Apparently I’m not the only one struggling to sell “Art” to a majority “Game” crowd. I had to buy a copy of “Generation”. It’s just so pretty (and unlike some people, I’m all for supporting local artists). Ro said Avcon never used to be so gaming orientated, but over the years artists have realised that fanart sells better than orginal art, so that’s all they produce (if they get a table at all) and that’s all people buy (Ro being the exception because her art in a mix of traditional with gaming influence). PLEASE let SMASH! and Manifest produce better results T^T Tomorrow’s a new day though, so who knows what could happen?
4:15pm
Panda Hugs: 9 Sales: 12 Cans of RedBull consumed: 4
More hugs were given out for free today than customers I’ve had, lol. Of all my sales, Ro has bought 50% of them. Did I mention I love that girl? <33
4:24pm
The day’s starting to wind down, people are starting to leave (without buying anything, bastards!), and I’m starting to get bored. On the plus side, quite a few people have looked through the Refraction portfolio I put together. And I mean REALLY looked - they’ve looked at every page, read every word, and all seem interested in reading further. I’ve kinda been naughty though - I’ve been telling people that we’ll have the website and sample chapter online in 2 weeks (hint hint Alex). They’re especially keen to see the new pages as relating to my script. Kinda makes me feel good about myself - I can write a good story that appeals to a lot of people after all =) Although whether they’re just saying things to be nice, I don’t know. My ego makes me want to assume they mean it =P
5:30pm
Things are winding down, everyone’s leaving so Krystal and I are going to back up and go home.
Total Sales for the day: 2 x A5 prints, 4 x A4 prints, 5 x bookmarks, 4 x tags.
AVCon Saturday Verdict: EPIC FAIL OTL
Costumes (in order of appearance)
I have to admit, people have gone all out this year. A lot of effort has been put in to these costumes, and more people than ever are getting in to the spirit of the convention and dressing up. I’ve seen Sailor Scouts, Tuxedo Mask, Link, plenty of Narutos and Lolitas, Bleach and Kingdom Hearts groups. There’s a pretty cool Alucard floating about here somewhere…
OMG!! THE coolest looking Jack Sparrow just walked past and, aww so cute, he’s hugging a little boy dressed as a ninja turtle <3
So far I’ve seen a Mario & Luigi,, and Mushroom, tetris pieces, domo-kun, Pikachu, the Comedian from Watchmen, various members of organization 13 and ?, various incarnations of Cardcaptor Sakura, L, Vash the Stampede, various characters from games such as Final Fantasy, Okami, Assassin’s Creed, and Halo, Chi, Gohan, Goku, and Trunks, Fullmetal Alchemist characters, LOTS of animal ears, and more furry pants than I ever wanted to see in my lifetime. AND SIMS! Now I’ve seen it all XD
And to top it all off, a troop of Star Wars characters just wandered past, including a storm trooper, a sith, and a a starship pilot. Avcon really has hit the big leagues if even the Star Wars fans are getting in on the action, lol.
Oh wow, that’s he second guy I’ve seen cross-playing in Lolita fashion. It’s kinda cute :P
Scratch that, make that THREE guys cross-playing.
The entire South Park crew just passed me (Stan, Cartman, Kenny and Kyle).
Phoenix Wright, complete with “OBJECTION” sign
A dude wearing a female storm trooper outfit, complete with boobs and high heels.
PEDO BEAR!! LMAO!
Adult Link, with small son in tow wearing a matching Link costume.
SNAPE! (but no where near as good looking as Alan Rickman).
Hello Kitty.
11:30am
Well, I’ve been here for 2 hours, and already I want to go home. Is that bad? I can’t say the day got off to a good start, and it’s not getting much better.
By the time I finished cutting, laminating and trimming all the bookmarks and tags it was about 5am. Figuring I’d read for a bit before I had to start getting ready at 6:30am, I ended up falling asleep until 7:15am. Already late, I rushed about to get dressed and get everything organised. Lucky for me, I’d packed most things 2 days ago, and just had to throw tags and bookmarks in my bag. Left home at 8:30am (half an hour later than I would have liked), walked up to the tram. On the way, I realised I’d left my entry pass at home so had to go back and get it. 9am, I finally get on a tram in to the city. I get off in town at 9:20am . Shit! I realise I’ve left my hat behind somewhere. Oh well. I’ve had no sleep and haven’t had a chance to eat yet, what could be worse?
Plenty. I’m watching all the artists around me selling HEAPS of merchandise, but I’ve only sold 3 A4 prints and a bookmark. Alex, no one seem interested in B/W. It’s all about the colour it seems. That, and when people ask if I’m the artist, and I reply that I’m the writer, they give me a forced smile and walk on. It’s kind of depressing. Dimi is not a happy camper.
1:00pm
People still aren’t buying! I’ve given away loads of business cards, not including the ones people have come up and grabbed on their own. They’re all happy to browse, but no one seems willing to buy. Ro next to me can’t take their money fast enough, lol. What are we doing wrong? I’ve lowered my original princes to match the competition. Let’s see how well that works.
There are quite a few people floating around, and even more since lunch time. I have to admit the venue change and the increased advertising has really helped. The games and traders are ilocated in a central location where you can float between them. Artists’ Alley sits on the fringe though. Not connected to anything, skirting the edges where people only usually pass when they’re coming or going. I know we don’t pay as much to be here as big companies, but shouldn’t they focus on supporting local artists? Yeah, I know I’m whinging, but there isn’t a single can of RedBull in this entire building and I’m starting to go a little crazy, lol.
1:38pm
OMFG! YES! THE REDBULL HAS ARRIVED!!!! Moira is officially my hero. She went into the city and got me some blessed, beloved RedBull. AND IT’S COLD!!! *squee*
Ok, now that I have some of my life and soul back, I’m in a better mood. I’m starting to actually starting to enjoy myself. I’m loving this venue heaps better than the old one. It’s easier to get to, easier to navigate, and heaps more spacious. Adelaide University Union Building (the old venue) is a freakin’ maze at the best of times (and that’s when you’re a student), not to mention the 5 flights of stairs, tiny rooms and disjointed layout. Yes, the Exhibition Centre is much better. Hopefully they’ll choose it again next year.
There are some amazing artists here, so it’s no surprise that the competition is tough. And they’re offering better prices, but the quality isn’t always as good (HA, suck on that!) And there are even more traders than usual. Some of them I didn’t even know existed, lol. For example, there are a couple of stalls selling Loli-fashion items and accessories, some selling otaku wear, and my favourite “Gifts for Geeks” (I love the name <3). SMASH! and Manifest are also here promoting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them here before. It’s good to see the different states sharing and caring and getting the word out.
Even the local colleges are getting in on the action. Both Flinders University and TAFE SA are here promoting their digital art and gaming courses. I knew TAFE had one, I wasn’t aware any university here in SA offered one though. It’s kinda special.
Then you’ve got the regulars: Pulp Fiction Comics, Game Traders, OzTaku
2:20pm
I’ve sold out. I’ve resorted to selling my sister to bring in sales, lol. “Free Panda Hugs With Every Purchase” :P Hey, she offered. And it’s her fault for buying and wearing that panda hat. It’s sooooooo cute <3 So far, it’s NOT working. Hmm…
Sales progress so far: 3 x A4 prints, 2 x bag tags, 3 x bookmarks. Epic fail OTL
Cans of RedBull consumed: 2
2:40pm
Some middle-aged dude with his two young kids in tow just complimented my boobs… I don’t know whether the be flattered or worried, lol. I admit though, in the corset I’m wearing, they are VERY prominent (and my sister keeps telling me I need to flaunt them to get more sales), lol. At the moment though, it is starting to become very uncomfortable. I’m kinda regretting not bringing alternative clothing XD;;; Did I mention redbull is my god? I’ve had 3 so far and I’m feeling very happy <3
Business is still slow. Sitting next to Ro can be very depressing, lol. She does well wherever she goes. Plenty of people have stopped to look, admire, chat and ask questions. But no one is buying :’( I thought the tags would be a huge success, but only one person has bought some (that person being Ro, lol).
A couple of writers stopped by and we had a chat about writing for comics, and they said positive things about the script sample I’ve provided. That was kinda cool. I might have to start looking into conventions for writers and see if I have more success there (at least people won’t give me the blank/cold stare I get whenever I say the artwork isn’t mine).
3:21pm
Panda hugs: 6 Sales: 8 Cans of RedBull consumed: 3
My sister is such a hug whore XD
3:45pm
Met Poshua. Had a good chat. Apparently I’m not the only one struggling to sell “Art” to a majority “Game” crowd. I had to buy a copy of “Generation”. It’s just so pretty (and unlike some people, I’m all for supporting local artists). Ro said Avcon never used to be so gaming orientated, but over the years artists have realised that fanart sells better than orginal art, so that’s all they produce (if they get a table at all) and that’s all people buy (Ro being the exception because her art in a mix of traditional with gaming influence). PLEASE let SMASH! and Manifest produce better results T^T Tomorrow’s a new day though, so who knows what could happen?
4:15pm
Panda Hugs: 9 Sales: 12 Cans of RedBull consumed: 4
More hugs were given out for free today than customers I’ve had, lol. Of all my sales, Ro has bought 50% of them. Did I mention I love that girl? <33
4:24pm
The day’s starting to wind down, people are starting to leave (without buying anything, bastards!), and I’m starting to get bored. On the plus side, quite a few people have looked through the Refraction portfolio I put together. And I mean REALLY looked - they’ve looked at every page, read every word, and all seem interested in reading further. I’ve kinda been naughty though - I’ve been telling people that we’ll have the website and sample chapter online in 2 weeks (hint hint Alex). They’re especially keen to see the new pages as relating to my script. Kinda makes me feel good about myself - I can write a good story that appeals to a lot of people after all =) Although whether they’re just saying things to be nice, I don’t know. My ego makes me want to assume they mean it =P
5:30pm
Things are winding down, everyone’s leaving so Krystal and I are going to back up and go home.
Total Sales for the day: 2 x A5 prints, 4 x A4 prints, 5 x bookmarks, 4 x tags.
AVCon Saturday Verdict: EPIC FAIL OTL
Costumes (in order of appearance)
I have to admit, people have gone all out this year. A lot of effort has been put in to these costumes, and more people than ever are getting in to the spirit of the convention and dressing up. I’ve seen Sailor Scouts, Tuxedo Mask, Link, plenty of Narutos and Lolitas, Bleach and Kingdom Hearts groups. There’s a pretty cool Alucard floating about here somewhere…
OMG!! THE coolest looking Jack Sparrow just walked past and, aww so cute, he’s hugging a little boy dressed as a ninja turtle <3
So far I’ve seen a Mario & Luigi,, and Mushroom, tetris pieces, domo-kun, Pikachu, the Comedian from Watchmen, various members of organization 13 and ?, various incarnations of Cardcaptor Sakura, L, Vash the Stampede, various characters from games such as Final Fantasy, Okami, Assassin’s Creed, and Halo, Chi, Gohan, Goku, and Trunks, Fullmetal Alchemist characters, LOTS of animal ears, and more furry pants than I ever wanted to see in my lifetime. AND SIMS! Now I’ve seen it all XD
And to top it all off, a troop of Star Wars characters just wandered past, including a storm trooper, a sith, and a a starship pilot. Avcon really has hit the big leagues if even the Star Wars fans are getting in on the action, lol.
Oh wow, that’s he second guy I’ve seen cross-playing in Lolita fashion. It’s kinda cute :P
Scratch that, make that THREE guys cross-playing.
The entire South Park crew just passed me (Stan, Cartman, Kenny and Kyle).
Phoenix Wright, complete with “OBJECTION” sign
A dude wearing a female storm trooper outfit, complete with boobs and high heels.
PEDO BEAR!! LMAO!
Adult Link, with small son in tow wearing a matching Link costume.
SNAPE! (but no where near as good looking as Alan Rickman).
Hello Kitty.