2011: A fond farewell
And what a year it's been. Since I'm absolutely terrible at keeping up with journals & haven't done a single proper recap of an event that actually occurred this year, I'm doing a fly-by recap of aaaaall the events.
Er. Sorry.
Sydney Armageddon (February): Gabrielle
Wow so long ago now! This was Sydney's first proper Armageddon, which meant it was a little quiet. It also meant the cosplay competition was absolutely tiny & kind of embarrassing. I entered with a Xena/Tron crossover that ended up winning, lmmmaaaaooo. The other three went on to win again in Melbourne, which was all very exciting. Honestly I'm a bit sad Armageddon isn't returning this year - though it was really quiet, there will never be enough pop culture conventions!
Sydney Mini-Animania (March) was a bit of a non-event really. It probably will be this year too - chances are I'll be getting my feet broken around that time, so I'm not sure I'll attend (we're thinking of having a lovely picnic instead). I certainly won't be cosplaying! So skipping right over thaaaat one, to:
Melbourne Supanova (April): Rapunzel
Rapunzel: I've Got a Dream by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Where do I start with this one? Getting to cosplay a Disney princess again would have been enough all by itself, but then the con went and became one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was able to be a part of an INCREDIBLE group:
Be in a photo that went completely viral:
And be serenaded by the entire Ouran High School Host Club (oh my!):
We also had the pleasure of meeting Nick Frost & Simon Pegg who apparently sought us out I can't even.
An unusual but most welcome aspect of Melbnova 2011 was that I was able to spend it with my brother. We had never managed to attend a con together before, but kipping on his couch for this one was great. My brother and I had a pretty iffy relationship when we were younger (understatement), and this weekend honestly felt like reconciliation. It meant it was a wonderful weekend for both fannish and personal reasons, and that makes me all the happier.
Shame he's moving to Noosa now. I might need a new home next Melbnova! Any takers? xD
Supanova Sydney (June): Rogue
Deader Than a Snowman in July by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Mutatis Mutandis by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
I saw pretty much none of Sydnova this year - I was too busy organising! Sydnova 2011 was the culmination of everyone's efforts into getting an X-Men group together...and what a group it was. :D
Rogue has been my idol since I was roughly seven, so finally getting to cosplay her pretty much made my life (ridiculous hair and all). I have to admit though, I was stressed to the eyeballs on this particular weekend. I don't think I'll be organising a group again. I'm not even certain I'll be in too many more skits! Competitions and skits just aren't what I enjoy about cosplay, and I always feel like I've missed out when my day is taken up by them. So while I'll still be making costumes for a good long time yet, don't expect to see me on stage too often!
Smash! (July): Utena
Utena: A Kind of Fairytale by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Utena: In Harmony by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
This was much more like it for me: a small group with absolutely lovely people, a quiet con day with plenty of time for photos and hanging out. Still cosplaying my idols though - I have such a thing for strong female characters, and Utena definitely fulfils that. It was lovely to see such a well-run convention in such a beautiful location, as well...it's not often these days that a con actually makes for a decent shoot backdrop!
Ha ha that is as much leg as you will ever see from me! We're planning a proper shoot for this in February though, and I am so looking forward to it. :3
Harry Potter Shoot/Release of the Final Movie (July): Harry Potter
Non Nobis, Sed Omnibus by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
OOOOHH MAN I've been in this fandom for more than a decade now, so this day meant a great deal to me. We had more than thirty people attend the shoot and the screening in costume and it was an absolute blast. Despite originally intending to do Remus (it suits my nose, lol) I somehow ended up as Harry. Not sure when that happened!
Anyway, apparently this shoot meant spending a lot of time in the bathroom.
With absolutely hilarious results.
And then we filmed this video, oh god.
Animania Sydney (September): Hikaru & Touko
Rayearth: Emerald Typhoon by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Pokemon: In the Tall Grass by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Another con full of lovely people (even though there were some dramas about the venue). And awesome groups. MKR - god, one of the first anime I ever watched - and Pokemon B&W.
The gorgeous Chantelle. I think it's rare to find a family member at this point in life, but Elle has firmly lodged herself as a found sister. I'm lucky to have her - aside from being an adorable Nurse Joy, she's one of the kindest and most gracious people I've ever met, and I'm allowed to be sappy because she likely won't see this so ne'er.
I managed to run into another B&W trainer and nabbed him for a few photos...only to discover he was the younger brother of someone I already knew! Small world. :D
Brisbane Supanova (November): Supergirl & Robin
DC WEEKEND FOR THE WIN! I'm definitely having the most fun at Supanovas these days, and Brisnova was no exception. In fact, it was probably the best con of the year. :D As much as I love Kara, getting to cosplay Dick pretty much made my life. He's my favourite Robin (and I will defend that till I die, I'm looking at you Tim fans!) and I'll probably end up cosplaying every version I can actually pull off (sadly, this does not include Nightwing D':).
Oh god, I just realised I may have been lying about never showing more leg than Utena, if/when I get around to Dick's scaly panties lmfaoooooo
We were hunting Batmans all day.
And besides, I was able to be a part of YET ANOTHER goddamn epic group. YJL, ILU guys so much. :'D
I can't tell you how hard I was shaking. xD
...*on floor*
A huge thanks again to J for letting me stay. I couldn't have made it without you, and you're a wonderful host. THANK YOU! <3
Harry Potter Exhibition Fan Media Preview (November)
Yeah, you heard me. PREVIEW. I was lucky enough to be invited to see the Harry Potter exhibition before it opened to the rest of the public here in Sydney. I dragged Straw into it as well, ostensibly to take the pressure off me as a photographer but mostly to be a victim of my fannish clawing and weeping.
The rest of the fan media!
I JUST. It was amazing. We were able to hear the two exhibition curators, as well as the Phelps twins, talk about the exhibition & their experiences on set. There was a Q&A, and then we were taken on a tour of the exhibition, with the curators as our own personal tour guides.
After, of course, the photoop. :D
...and then I started working there.
![]()
Because I can. Working there is an amazing experience in and of itself - I've walked the exhibit a dozen times or so now, including when it's completely empty. The best part though is that we get first dibs on all the merchandise, ahahaha!
From One Stranger to Another
A few years ago I spent Halloween handing out flowers to strangers while dressed as a fairy. It was an amazing experience, and a lot of the reactions I received - one army guy in particular - stuck with me right through until today. So when I saw this video, I thought "that's enough of an excuse to do it again!".
There were only about six of us, but we managed to hand out 232 flowers & presents to complete strangers on the street. It was wonderful. <3
Seeing all this go global is absolutely amazing - search on youtube and you find so many videos from those who participated around the world. Hopefully we'll be adding our own soon. :)
FOSTA (and 2012) marks the beginning of something beautiful, as well. Elle & I had so much fun on the day, and were so touched by how things went, that we're setting up a charity organisation with which we can launch more events just like it. We want to use our hobby of making costumes to reach out to others and make a few lives a little bit happier. At the moment, we have things like a Beach Quidditch tournament for the Starlight foundation on the cards, as well as a Mad Hatter's Tea Party for the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea next year. At the moment we're looking for both ideas and volunteers, as well as any advice - let me know if there's something you want to contribute.
For me, 2011 has seen dozens of mind-blowing fannish moments, a thousand opportunities, new friends and a family reconciliation. I've been fully registered as a psychologist, seen dreams set in motion, and I've developed as a person. It's been one of the best years of my life, and I'm more grateful for it than I can say.
Er. Sorry.
Sydney Armageddon (February): Gabrielle
Wow so long ago now! This was Sydney's first proper Armageddon, which meant it was a little quiet. It also meant the cosplay competition was absolutely tiny & kind of embarrassing. I entered with a Xena/Tron crossover that ended up winning, lmmmaaaaooo. The other three went on to win again in Melbourne, which was all very exciting. Honestly I'm a bit sad Armageddon isn't returning this year - though it was really quiet, there will never be enough pop culture conventions!
Sydney Mini-Animania (March) was a bit of a non-event really. It probably will be this year too - chances are I'll be getting my feet broken around that time, so I'm not sure I'll attend (we're thinking of having a lovely picnic instead). I certainly won't be cosplaying! So skipping right over thaaaat one, to:
Melbourne Supanova (April): Rapunzel
Rapunzel: I've Got a Dream by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Where do I start with this one? Getting to cosplay a Disney princess again would have been enough all by itself, but then the con went and became one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was able to be a part of an INCREDIBLE group:
Be in a photo that went completely viral:
And be serenaded by the entire Ouran High School Host Club (oh my!):
We also had the pleasure of meeting Nick Frost & Simon Pegg who apparently sought us out I can't even.
An unusual but most welcome aspect of Melbnova 2011 was that I was able to spend it with my brother. We had never managed to attend a con together before, but kipping on his couch for this one was great. My brother and I had a pretty iffy relationship when we were younger (understatement), and this weekend honestly felt like reconciliation. It meant it was a wonderful weekend for both fannish and personal reasons, and that makes me all the happier.
Shame he's moving to Noosa now. I might need a new home next Melbnova! Any takers? xD
Supanova Sydney (June): Rogue
Deader Than a Snowman in July by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Mutatis Mutandis by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
I saw pretty much none of Sydnova this year - I was too busy organising! Sydnova 2011 was the culmination of everyone's efforts into getting an X-Men group together...and what a group it was. :D
Rogue has been my idol since I was roughly seven, so finally getting to cosplay her pretty much made my life (ridiculous hair and all). I have to admit though, I was stressed to the eyeballs on this particular weekend. I don't think I'll be organising a group again. I'm not even certain I'll be in too many more skits! Competitions and skits just aren't what I enjoy about cosplay, and I always feel like I've missed out when my day is taken up by them. So while I'll still be making costumes for a good long time yet, don't expect to see me on stage too often!
Smash! (July): Utena
Utena: A Kind of Fairytale by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Utena: In Harmony by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
This was much more like it for me: a small group with absolutely lovely people, a quiet con day with plenty of time for photos and hanging out. Still cosplaying my idols though - I have such a thing for strong female characters, and Utena definitely fulfils that. It was lovely to see such a well-run convention in such a beautiful location, as well...it's not often these days that a con actually makes for a decent shoot backdrop!
Ha ha that is as much leg as you will ever see from me! We're planning a proper shoot for this in February though, and I am so looking forward to it. :3
Harry Potter Shoot/Release of the Final Movie (July): Harry Potter
Non Nobis, Sed Omnibus by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
OOOOHH MAN I've been in this fandom for more than a decade now, so this day meant a great deal to me. We had more than thirty people attend the shoot and the screening in costume and it was an absolute blast. Despite originally intending to do Remus (it suits my nose, lol) I somehow ended up as Harry. Not sure when that happened!
Anyway, apparently this shoot meant spending a lot of time in the bathroom.
With absolutely hilarious results.
And then we filmed this video, oh god.
Animania Sydney (September): Hikaru & Touko
Rayearth: Emerald Typhoon by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Pokemon: In the Tall Grass by *echoing-artemis on deviantART
Another con full of lovely people (even though there were some dramas about the venue). And awesome groups. MKR - god, one of the first anime I ever watched - and Pokemon B&W.
The gorgeous Chantelle. I think it's rare to find a family member at this point in life, but Elle has firmly lodged herself as a found sister. I'm lucky to have her - aside from being an adorable Nurse Joy, she's one of the kindest and most gracious people I've ever met, and I'm allowed to be sappy because she likely won't see this so ne'er.
I managed to run into another B&W trainer and nabbed him for a few photos...only to discover he was the younger brother of someone I already knew! Small world. :D
Brisbane Supanova (November): Supergirl & Robin
DC WEEKEND FOR THE WIN! I'm definitely having the most fun at Supanovas these days, and Brisnova was no exception. In fact, it was probably the best con of the year. :D As much as I love Kara, getting to cosplay Dick pretty much made my life. He's my favourite Robin (and I will defend that till I die, I'm looking at you Tim fans!) and I'll probably end up cosplaying every version I can actually pull off (sadly, this does not include Nightwing D':).
Oh god, I just realised I may have been lying about never showing more leg than Utena, if/when I get around to Dick's scaly panties lmfaoooooo
We were hunting Batmans all day.
And besides, I was able to be a part of YET ANOTHER goddamn epic group. YJL, ILU guys so much. :'D
I can't tell you how hard I was shaking. xD
...*on floor*
A huge thanks again to J for letting me stay. I couldn't have made it without you, and you're a wonderful host. THANK YOU! <3
Harry Potter Exhibition Fan Media Preview (November)
Yeah, you heard me. PREVIEW. I was lucky enough to be invited to see the Harry Potter exhibition before it opened to the rest of the public here in Sydney. I dragged Straw into it as well, ostensibly to take the pressure off me as a photographer but mostly to be a victim of my fannish clawing and weeping.
The rest of the fan media!
I JUST. It was amazing. We were able to hear the two exhibition curators, as well as the Phelps twins, talk about the exhibition & their experiences on set. There was a Q&A, and then we were taken on a tour of the exhibition, with the curators as our own personal tour guides.
After, of course, the photoop. :D
...and then I started working there.
Because I can. Working there is an amazing experience in and of itself - I've walked the exhibit a dozen times or so now, including when it's completely empty. The best part though is that we get first dibs on all the merchandise, ahahaha!
From One Stranger to Another
A few years ago I spent Halloween handing out flowers to strangers while dressed as a fairy. It was an amazing experience, and a lot of the reactions I received - one army guy in particular - stuck with me right through until today. So when I saw this video, I thought "that's enough of an excuse to do it again!".
There were only about six of us, but we managed to hand out 232 flowers & presents to complete strangers on the street. It was wonderful. <3
Seeing all this go global is absolutely amazing - search on youtube and you find so many videos from those who participated around the world. Hopefully we'll be adding our own soon. :)
FOSTA (and 2012) marks the beginning of something beautiful, as well. Elle & I had so much fun on the day, and were so touched by how things went, that we're setting up a charity organisation with which we can launch more events just like it. We want to use our hobby of making costumes to reach out to others and make a few lives a little bit happier. At the moment, we have things like a Beach Quidditch tournament for the Starlight foundation on the cards, as well as a Mad Hatter's Tea Party for the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea next year. At the moment we're looking for both ideas and volunteers, as well as any advice - let me know if there's something you want to contribute.
For me, 2011 has seen dozens of mind-blowing fannish moments, a thousand opportunities, new friends and a family reconciliation. I've been fully registered as a psychologist, seen dreams set in motion, and I've developed as a person. It's been one of the best years of my life, and I'm more grateful for it than I can say.