#fan expo panel inspired

[pararararablof]

Inspired by Ewan’s Panel 2️⃣

When asked to pick between R2 and 3PO, Ewan can’t dump any of them, but Hayden picked R2. 【video for reference (I didn’t video when Hayden answered this question so i found a clip on YouTube 】

So Obi-Wan is the dad that loves all his kids equally and Anakin picks favorite

[davidtennantgenderenvy]

Things That Happened At Dallas Fan Expo- Panel and Epilogue

David and Catherine doing a panel together was such a wonderful surprise and it was lovely to see David be so unabashedly himself after how overwhelmed he seemed last night in autographs, complete with Refusing To Sit In Chairs Normally oh my goodness I can’t believe I got to see it live and in person 

If not everyone got to answer their questions it’s because the combined adhd energy from both David and Catherine was far too strong and resulted in them taking 5-10 minutes to  answer very simple questions and David oversharing quite a bit about his feet and stomach problems “I just want to share” why is he me

There was a very sweet girl who broke down in tears bc she’s from a small town and really wants to be an actor and David and Catherine have been really big inspirations for her it was so moving as someone in very much the same situation

Catherine gave an AMAZING speech about how being funny helped her empower herself against bullying 

Merlin and I were lucky to get early enough in line to ask questions, I asked about takin over the asylum which surprised him in a really good way, and Merlin asked what it’s like forming very strong and very temporary connections as an actor! We had to leave immediately to get on our flight, but it was such an excellent note to end the weekend on

We ALSO were two people behind Alex Kingston at the airport, I didn’t get to meet her at the con so I was like “I loved your panel! Your hair is amazing! My mom loved you in ER!” She obviously was in a hurry but she was sweet, smiled and said hi and stuff, which was nice considering she very easily could’ve just shot me a withering glare and I would’ve thanked her. She also let a woman in front of her in security. A+ very elegant lady

All in all quite possibly the most insane weekend of my life. Definite ups and downs but overall I met so many LOVELY people, got to meet everyone I really wanted to and they were all everything I could’ve ever hoped for- especially the boy ;) @elsinore-and-inverness

Attached my question, and close up of David’s reaction to the video essay!

[spongebob-connoisseur]

So I went to Fan Expo yesterday! I wish I bought tickets for two days instead of one, i couldn't do all that I wanted. Most of my day was just waiting in line to meet voice actors.

Buuut the highlight of my day is that I met Dee Bradley Baker! I got a selfie with him and I asked what was his favorite Spongebob character to play. He said Bubble Bass's mom. He did voice impressions of them both. Its so weird to hear the voices come out of him since I'm used to hearing it on the TV. It was great though.

He LOVED my Slappy cosplay and said it was freaky. I am so so happyyyy. When I took a selfie with him, my friend said some lady also took out her phone to snap a picture of my cosplay. It may not be the most polite thing to do without asking but I really don't mind it lmao

It was my dream to go as Slappy since the first time I ever went to Fan Expo. Which isn't long ago but still. I felt like I was wearing his skin✨

I finally know how Slaps felt like in this instance wearing the Patrick costume

I spent the past week making the head out of paper mache and I'm very proud of it. It's not particularly strong because I was figuring this out while it was foing along. I spent most of my time sculpting and ensuring it LOOKED like Slappy, I didn't give much consideration towards visibility (his mouth is a seeing hole but you can just barely see. Also towards the end of the day, it began cracking around his jaw area so I couldn't wear it anymore. It's fine and easy to fix, I do kinda want to fix it up and make it stronger. Probably put a helmet on the inside and pad out the inside. I also want to give him false eyelashes lmao.

I had a lot of fun painting him though. It was like doing his makeup UwU he's also actually wearing makeup since I used an eyeshadow pallette to use as a highlighter on his skin. He's sparkly in person.

I also made his dorsal fin (I followed a basic fairy wings tutorial to make it) and my sister helped out and made the little gloves from socks. She finds this costume horrifying. I think that's the best part. I chased her around a bit as Slappy.

I also attended a panel and got an autograph from Neil Newbon who voices Astarion from Baulders Gate 3.

Mainly because my friend has been obsessed with the game lately. I didn't think I'd care much until I actually met him. Hes actually wonderful and witty and polite and professional, I could go on and on about it. My friend and I were both gushing about it. Even for the brief moment of meeting him at the table and he shakes your hand with both hands and looks you in the eye AHHHH✨✨✨😭😭

Unexpected but REALLY made my day <33

I ended up missing photo opportunity to meet Spongebob because the line was so long but this is a rare moment where I think it was worth it.

Especially since despite all of that, there are many folks who asked for pictures. Especially older folks. They were able to tell right off the bat that it was Peter Lorre related!

And the ones who were younger and closer to my age were still able to get it. I got a lot of people asking "is that Gomez Addams?" because Gomez is Peter Lorre inspired. Which was the PERFECT opportunity to infodump and tell them that Slappy and Gomez are both caricatures of Peter Lorre. I actually have a printed picture of Peter Lorre that I kept in my tote bag just for this purpose <3

When I was standing in line, one man was looking at the Slappy head for a bit and said "he has a face only a mother could love. He reminds me of a certain actor" to which I just had to say "Peter Lorre!" Hehehehehe

There was also a paramount section where they had Spongebob mini golf.

I actually met a dude while I was in line and he was also a Hardcore Spongebob fan. Its actually crazy to find someone as deranged as I am irl. It was soooo much fun just chatting with him. We ended up traded socials. I kinda wish I stuck around longer but we didn't have much time left ro really explore the con so my friend and I did a mad dash trying to get through as much as we could before the con closed.

All in all, I had fun. I'll probably reuse this costume next year. Perhaps I could find a brown tailcoat suit too so the cosplay can be 100% accurate.

Here are some miscellaneous cosplay pictures:

This one is my favorite <3

[imagination-mess]

You could read these first (Deku), and (Dynamight) before this post for it to make sense since it's different timelines and are connected to each other post-wise. It is not necessary to do so.

_____

After a year had passed, everyone within the hero community wasn’t blind to the famous 3 graduates from U.A. A fanfiction writer and their work was trending online throughout all social media platforms. The fanfiction, with the expectation of changing their names, got published for a limited amount of physical copy without the author's permission. 

The root of it becoming a trending topic was curiosity and, most of all, sadness because a crowd of fans harassed the author to where the writer had to delete their account with a massive collection of fanart over the years. 

There was a panel at the Hero Expo with those same three heroes who were trending the year prior. Instead, it was during the Halloween month. The Expo requested for them to dress up as a special event for the fans. 

Pro Hero Shoto pays a special tribute to the book “The Demon Prince.” He was wearing special effect makeup, showing the demonic form of the curse on the left side of his face up to his ear. He used one of the many arts of Demon Prince that was circulating the media by the same author as a reference for what he wanted.

When asked if the inspiration came from a famous book that everyone knows about, even when the author deleted their accounts. It’s well-known within the fanbase of all three. 

He didn’t lie about it, because he got inspiration from it. He even expressed that he did truly enjoy the book and would still occasionally read it again whenever he could. 

Another fan asked a question related to the author to everyone in the panel, which contained Pro heroes Dynamight, Deku, and Shoto.

“What would be the thing you guys would like to say or ask to the author of this book?”

It was a different response from the heroes, but all were on the same page.

If the author wishes for those books to become an officially published book. They were all willing to fund it if it was a financial issue. They all loved their book individually and would love to read more from them.

The clip of the panel was circulated throughout the media by fans. Some fans were hoping it would reach the author, who deleted their account more than a year ago. 

It did reach. 

Within 72 hours, the author had created a new account and provided evidence that they were, in fact, the author of “The Demon Prince, The Dragon King, The Mage.”

The author answered the hero's questions related to their books. The tweet goes viral and reposted. There are an enormous amount of times when the fans were tagged on the heroes' official accounts for them to see it. 

There was art in chibi figures of the heroes underneath the thread of answers to their questions. The chibis resemble what they were wearing in the panel this weekend at the Hero Expo, including the special effect makeup on Shoto and Dynamight.

[maidenofthecloud]

This is a livejournal post by straight_as_an

thanks to this post I discovered that such videos existed about the Storm Hawks Q&A Panel

THE DARK ACE IS MOST LIKELY NOT DEAD.

Sure. . . 😶

-IN FACT ANYONE CAN RETURN.

ANYONE?

CAN RETURN!!

-It's not a series' finale but a SEASON finale.

-Comics are a definite go.

-Stork is definitely not in his twenties. He's a teenager. THANK YOU.

-Crystals are sustainable. They never run out.

-The Waterfall scene with Mr. Moss is based on Apocalypto. YES.

-YES Storm Hawks is also based on Serenity. AS WE ASSUMED.

-There are standard Storm Hawk pajamas.

-I was voted best hair amongst the entire cast. Dark Ace uses too much gel.

It shows. . .😮‍💨

-Andy Poon [art director] cites his inspirations - Saint Seiya, Sailor Moon, Gundam.

-The "Chicka-cha" was Matt Hill's fault and was not originally scripted.

-Atmosian is an actual alphabet that was broken up!

-The Dark Ace's first name is MARION. OR TERRY.

I prefer the name Terry, it rhymes with Terra.

-The Dark Ace is like MC Hammer.

the dark ace is like who?

-The original Storm Hawk names were all based on Birds! Aerrow = Sparrow, Piper = Oriole, Finn = Finch, Junko = Junco, Stork =... Stork.

SPECIAL NOTE

"We cater to the fans" "But there will be no yaoi action in the store!"

I love how they didn't say anything against the yuri, Crystal tryst for the victory!

( just to clarify the words that are in

#%&*@!

they are not mine, they are the ones in straight_as_an's post, I just added the images)

in case anyone wants to go check out his blog

[florals-cardigan]

Inspired by Grace Van Dien said she would love to play a serial killer at the panel in fan expo New Orleans.

Imagine Chrissy in The Ballad of Sara Berry au 👀

[dropintomanga]

Fan Stranger, Not Danger

It’s about time for fan convention season and that means fans going out to events once more to celebrate their fandom. Even though COVID still lingers, the convention experience is worth it. That’s mostly because you get a good chance of talking to strangers that can become new friends. I want to talk about that because I want everyone to see that there’s good people out there.

I was reading a 2021 Atlantic article called “Why We Should Talk to Strangers More.” It detailed various anecdotes of people’s experiences of talking to strangers and the joy they got when talking to them. They greatly underestimated the reception they will get from the stranger and vice versa. It turns out most conversations end up being pleasant. Many things are in-play as to why people don’t talk to strangers, but talking to strangers is a beautiful thing. It’s argued that we don’t know how to talk to them due to social messaging saying that strangers in general are bad.

I recall one moment where I talked to a stranger on the way to Crunchyroll Expo 2017. I ran into a woman who was wondering which rail train to take to the convention center. So she talked to me as I was in total cosplay and I guided her to the same train I was taking. We talked for a bit and then she revealed that she worked at VIZ Media. We then talked about what was hot at the time (Haikyuu!! and Tokyo Ghoul). After we reached the convention, we parted ways and told each other to have a great time. While we didn’t become friends, I enjoyed the conversation. It got me more hyped for the convention. 

About a couple of months ago, a new user joined a mahjong Discord server I was a part of and asked about what to do at anime conventions as they were going to one for the 1st time. I chimed in and said.

“Regarding conventions, just hang around people with similar interests. Go to panels that interest you. Talk to people when you can. Take photos. Artists’ alley has some fun stuff to buy at times. I hope you get to make friends there because they make convention experiences worthwhile.“

I did check in with them later and they told me that while they may not be adept in social skills, they managed to make a friend. I considered that a success. 

What I want to say is that meeting strangers is arguably the best solution to some of life’s problems. Many popular anime/manga stories are about meeting strangers that change heroes’ lives. I think about Gintama’s introduction where Shinpachi meets Gintoki at his job and decides to join him after seeing how cool he was standing up to the Amanto. There’s many scenes in anime/manga where a disgruntled youth finds a lone badass to be inspiring and their heart tells them to go with them. There’s also the opposite where the lone badass finds peace with strangers that turn out to be the best friends they needed. The best example is Guts from Berserk as his supporting cast helped him ease the burden of helping Casca and providing him a companionship that he missed since his old Band of the Hawk days.

There’s so much conditioning in media and outside influences saying the world isn’t safe. Here’s the thing - the ones who often hurt us the most are those closest to us. When I hear stories about abuse of any kind, it is usually from someone who knows the victim well. Trauma can be caused by people who are supposed to protect/support us. I notice a lot of anime/manga characters are usually hurt because someone close to them treated them like crap.

Given how much has happened in the past 3 years, definitely reach out to someone who looks like they could be nice to talk to. You deserve a manga-esque story that can make life a bit more worthwhile and less lonely. You deserve a chance to see that people are still beautiful and trying to live the best they can despite the mercilessness of it all.

[globalanimenews]

Anime's Global Rise: A Cultural Phenomenon in the 21st Century

Anime, the vibrant and diverse genre of animated entertainment originating from Japan, has surged in popularity worldwide in recent years. From its humble beginnings to becoming a cultural powerhouse, anime continues to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds with its rich storytelling, imaginative worlds, and unique art styles.

The Global Appeal of Anime Anime's appeal transcends borders and cultures, attracting a dedicated fan base across continents. Its blend of fantastical narratives, complex characters, and stunning visuals resonates with viewers seeking immersive storytelling experiences. According to recent industry reports, the global anime market has experienced significant growth, fueled by streaming platforms and digital distribution channels.

Streaming Platforms and Accessibility The advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation has revolutionized how audiences access and consume anime. These platforms offer a vast library of titles ranging from classics to contemporary hits, making anime more accessible than ever before. With subtitles and dubbing options available in multiple languages, viewers around the world can enjoy their favorite anime series and films in their preferred format.

Impact on Global Pop Culture Anime's influence on global pop culture is undeniable, permeating various industries from fashion and music to gaming and merchandise. Iconic characters like Naruto Uzumaki from "Naruto" and Goku from "Dragon Ball Z" have become cultural symbols, inspiring fan art, cosplay events, and even themed cafes and restaurants in major cities worldwide.

Rise of Anime Conventions and Events Anime conventions have become key events for fans to celebrate their passion for anime, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture. Events like Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Japan Expo in Paris, and Comic Market (Comiket) in Tokyo attract thousands of attendees annually, featuring cosplay contests, industry panels, and exclusive merchandise launches. These conventions are hubs for fans to connect, share their enthusiasm, and meet industry professionals and creators.

Diversity in Genre and Themes Anime's appeal lies in its diverse range of genres and themes, catering to audiences of all tastes and interests. From action-packed shonen series like "My Hero Academia" and "Attack on Titan" to thought-provoking dramas such as "Your Lie in April" and "Steins;Gate," anime explores themes of love, friendship, heroism, and existentialism with depth and nuance.

Technological Advancements and Animation Quality Technological advancements in animation have transformed the anime industry, allowing studios to create visually stunning and technically impressive series and films. Techniques such as CGI integration and digital coloring have enhanced the visual appeal of anime, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animated storytelling.

Industry Growth and Economic Impact The anime industry has experienced robust growth in recent years, with increased investment in production, distribution, and licensing. Major studios like Studio Ghibli, Kyoto Animation, and Production I.G. continue to produce critically acclaimed works that resonate with global audiences. The economic impact of anime extends beyond Japan, contributing to tourism, merchandise sales, and collaborations with international brands.

Challenges and Opportunities Despite its global success, the anime industry faces challenges such as piracy, licensing complexities, and the need for sustainable business models. Initiatives to combat piracy, expand legal streaming options, and cultivate new talent are essential to ensuring the long-term viability and growth of anime worldwide.

Future Trends and Innovations Looking ahead, the future of anime appears promising with emerging trends such as virtual reality (VR) experiences, interactive storytelling, and global collaborations. Studios are exploring new ways to engage audiences through immersive technologies and cross-media projects, creating multi-platform experiences that extend beyond traditional anime formats.

In conclusion, anime's global rise as a cultural phenomenon in the 21st century reflects its enduring appeal and impact on audiences worldwide. From its origins in Japan to its widespread popularity across continents, anime continues to evolve, innovate, and inspire generations of fans with its imaginative storytelling and artistic achievements. As the industry continues to grow and adapt to changing trends, one thing remains clear: anime's influence on global entertainment and pop culture is here to stay.

[spacenutspod]

Connect your sci-fi fandom and learn about how NASA explores the unknown in space for all humanity! Join experts and engagement team members from NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2023. Visit the exhibit, panels, and more to hear about NASA’s plans for human exploration at the Moon and missions to Mars from NASA roboticists, engineers, and educators.  The FAN EXPO San Francisco convention will be held Nov. 24-26, 2023, at Moscone Center West in San Francisco.  NASA Booth  The NASA booth can be found by the main entrance of the convention show floor, at booth #607. Stop by to talk to our experts, learn about upcoming missions, and much more! Event attendees will also have a chance to take a photo with a full-size model of VIPER, NASA’s first robotic Moon rover. Shared posts on X, Facebook, and Instagram using the tag #MoonRoverAndMe may appear on NASA social media accounts during or after the event!  NASA Panel Schedule  Bots Before Boots: VIPER – NASA’s First Robotic Moon Rover Mission  1:45 p.m. PST Saturday, Nov. 24  Theater #5 (Room 2006)    Launching in late 2024, VIPER will explore ancient craters at the lunar South Pole to unravel the mysteries of the Moon’s water and inform future human exploration of the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis missions.   Panelists:  Loretta Falcone, Lead Mission Planner  Terry Fong, Director of the Intelligence Robotics Group  Ryan Vaughan, Systems Engineer  Moderator: Cara Dodge, Public Engagement Lead  Boots on the Moon! NASA’s Next Step in Human Exploration  2:45 p.m. PST Saturday, Nov. 24  Theater #5 (Room 2006)    With the Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers.   Panelists:  Parul Agrawal, Ames Lead for Orion Spacecraft Operations     Lara Lash, Aerospace Engineer     Seth Schisler, Technology Manager   Moderator: Arezu Sarvestani, Public Affairs Specialist  For News Media  Members of the news media interested in covering this topic should reach out to the NASA Ames newsroom. 

[ns-games]

A story about Jason David Frank.

Last year at Wizard World Comic-Con Chicago (now Fan Expo Chicago) I got to meet and get an autograph from Jason David Frank.

The first time I attended Fan Expo Chicago was in 2015 and I sat in on a panel he was giving. There was a point where he was taking questions from the audience. A little kid walked up to the microphone, he had to have been no older than 5 or 6 years old, and he was dressed in a red ranger costume. He asked Jason “Can I be a Power Ranger?” Jason responded “Dude, you are are a Power Ranger. Come up here and give me a high five”. And I watched as he invited this kid on stage and gave him a small talk about how Power Rangers must have good public speaking, skills and that he should work on saying hello to all the fans watching him. And I just thought that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen a celebrity do.

So, when I heard that Jason was going to be at Wizard World last year, I wanted to make sure I got his autograph so that I could tell him just how great I thought that was, that he had to have made that kid’s day, and hopefully inspired him to do good. Completely unexpected, he asked me to come aside and take a few photos with him. He also impromptu had me perform out a small scene with him.

[sicilyjoywrites]

Week One: Trying to get motivated

We have survived the first week of Nanowrimo. How is everyone who is playing along doing with your goals? I just change mine to 15 scenes. I'm now at 4 scenes out of 15, but that involved rushing to edit today as I got little editing done throughout the week. Why?

Well, we went to my comic con (Fan expo) and though very motivating; I was asleep by the end of the day. At the fan expo, we went to three writing panels: Writing with emotion, shared storytelling, and writing a novel starter guide. I would highly encourage writers to go to events like this because they really help inspire, especially if you are feeling struck. And either way, it will make you a better writer. My take away was it is never too late to write, keep trying until you are published or publish your own work, and that shared storytelling is creating fresh stories and new communities.

Sadly, when I arrived home on the 3rd, I have a huge migraine attack from all the July 4th nonsense. It sounded like we were under siege. There was no writing/editing the 3rd-5th. There are still fireworks happening.

Anyway, I will do some vlogs on my progress and write-ins in order to keep me focused. Wish me luck and other campers let me know how you are doing.

[cosplayinamerica]

Princess Daisy : pencils_and_pincushions // photo: that_fedora_photographer

I’m a Canadian cosplayer who has been cosplaying since 2007. I’ve had a love for Victorian fashion since I very young age (my little kid brain basically made the connection that Victorian dresses = women dressing like Disney princesses IRL), but the thing that kickstarted my desire to learn sewing was going to a fabric store with my mother when I was in my senior year of high school and seeing a Butterick pattern catalogue that had Victorian-inspired costumes. Almost instantly I had a lightbulb moment that if I learned to sew, I could actually wear those big fancy gowns I loved.   

I entered university and, over the next few years, spent my free time reading and learning everything I could about sewing. In 2007, my best friend invited me to Anime North - she was going as a gothic lolita-inspired version of the Queen of Hearts, so I decided I would make a Mad Hatter to accompany her.

I was so excited that I jumped in completely head-first, and it ended up being my first foray into both sewing and pattern drafting. In hindsight it was wildly ambitious for a first project (and I’m still a little surprised that I actually pulled it off!), but I’m so glad that my enthusiasm made me persevere and psh through the challenges, because I learned a ton from that experience and ended up with a cosplay I was thrilled with.

I remember seeing myself in the mirror the first time and being so happy when I realized I’d been able to bring something to life from my imagination. When my friend and I got to the con, things only got better from there - the atmosphere was so energetic and colourful thanks to all the amazing cosplays, and it was filled with so many fun, enthusiastic, and friendly people. From that day I was officially hooked on cosplay.

I’m part of the Toronto Steampunk Society and, each year at Fan Expo Canada, we hold an Annual Costume Challenge where we pick a theme and encourage people to make a costume based on the theme. A couple of years ago, the theme was ‘steampunk video game characters’ and one of my friends in the TSS, Modern Myths Cosplay, thought it would be cute to do Princess Peach and Princess Daisy.

I loved the idea and, after more discussion, we decided to do a steampunk twist on the Super Smash Bros Brawl version since it was fancier and seemed to lend itself well to a steampunk interpretation. Though Daisy isn’t officially in Brawl, my friend was fortunately able to dig up some fan edits of Peach in Daisy’s colours, so with that we were set.

I usually make my outfits myself, but since my friend and I wanted to ensure our cosplays matched, we decided to work collaboratively and divide things: I would create the bodices and accessories for both gowns, and she would create the skirts and crinolines.

I started off by drafting the base bodice patterns. Since I draft all my costumes, I used my existing bodice block/master patterns for myself and drafted a bodice block from scratch for my friend based on her measurements. One neat thing about working this way was that it basically turned into a girls’ weekend where I was able to teach my friend more about pattern drafting, which ended up making the process unexpectedly fun and memorable.

After I finished fitting my friend’s bodice block, I got to work drafting our bodice patterns based on the reference pics we had collected. Being able to tackle both bodices ended up working well since it enabled me to draft them in a way that made them visually match identical while taking our respective body shapes into account.

A couple of mockups and fittings later, we had an idea of how much fabric we needed, so we went fabric shopping. My friend suggested that we go with richer, more regal-looking tones instead of strictly game-accurate colours, so when we found a place selling gorgeous peau de soie and sparkle organza, I was instantly sold on a gold and burnt orange colour scheme.

We split the fabric based on our respective portions and worked on them separately. I cut and sewed the bodices, which was fairly straight forward but time-consuming! The part that sticks in my mind the most was the center front panel because it had so many pieces and layers - two types of satin, two types of organza (including one that had to be ruched to the base panel in multiple places), five rows of lace, interfacing...and that doesn’t even include the lining!

I also created our jewelry and crowns. The brooches and earrings were made from filigree settings that I painted, glued gems, and attached pin backs and earring hooks to, and the crowns are made from craft foam painted in gold acrylic, with embellishments assembled from painted filigree stampings and gems.

My friend created our cage skirts from 1/4 PEX pipe and brown grosgrain ribbon, which ended up being the perfect hoop skirt material since it was cheap, lightweight, and strong enough to support the huge, heavy skirts. She cut and sewed our skirts (including attaching meters and meters of trim that I’d painted white to better match the game colours) and she also made our bloomers.

The gowns were a huge undertaking and, thanks to work and general real life eating up time, we did end up engaging in the dreaded con crunch, but fortunately in the end we were able to get them to a state where they were pretty and wearable!

The response at the convention was absolutely amazing - I don’t think I’ve ever had a costume elicit the reactions that Princess Daisy did. We figured that, since we were cosplaying the princesses from Mario, there was a good chance we might be recognized, but the thing I wasn’t prepared for was how genuinely happy and excited people were, especially when they saw us together. We literally had kids waving at us from across the street when they spotted us.

Even grown-ups loved it - we were frequently stopped for pictures, and even a couple of the folks in the dealer’s room who were running booths would break into huge smiles and ask for pictures. Plus, people loved the steampunk twist and were delighted when they realized how much our costumes matched.

The best, most heartwarming response to my Princess Daisy cosplay happened when I met up with some other friends and one tapped me on the shoulder, pointed behind me and said, “I think she wants a picture with the princess.” I turned around and, standing a few feet away, was this adorable, super shy little black girl who was staring in my direction. My heart instantly melted and I went over to her and had a little chat and took a picture with her.

As a black cosplayer who has run several panels on BIPOC cosplay and spoken about the importance of diversity and representation in cosplay, being able to show that sweet little girl that someone who looks like her can be a princess - and showing kids of other races that Princess Daisy can be black - was a vivid reminder that representation does matter.

Since I got into the hobby, cosplay has been a big part of my life and has positively impacted me in so many ways. It has been an incredible creative outlet that has given me the chance to express myself, and it has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people - many of whom are now among my closest friends. However, I think one of the most rewarding things about cosplay has been how it has allowed me to provide BIPOC cosplay representation and visibility within my local cosplay community. I often do Afro-steampunk cosplay, and one of the most unexpectedly moving things I’ve experienced has been other BIPOC saying to me that seeing my outfits make them feel like they can cosplay.

It has been humbling and has motivated me to get more involved in the cons I attend. For the past several years I’ve run panels on diversity in cosplay/steampunk as well as sewing and cosplay construction, which has enabled me to share the knowledge and skills I’ve learned. I also lead the steampunk section of the Anime North Fashion Show, and I’ve made a point to recruit as diverse a roster of models as possible. I’m happy that we’ve been able to showcase steampunk looks inspired by various cultures including Chinese, Indian, and Morrocan.

Another plus is that the sewing skills I’ve learned from cosplay have come in handy in other areas of my life. It has been fun - and surprisingly empowering - to be at a point where I can use my sewing ability to create one-of-a-kind outfits for formal work events (like office holiday parties) that make me feel pretty and confident.

Something I’ve frequently mentioned during my BIPOC cosplay/steampunk panels is that the simple act of showing up to a con or event in cosplay can have an impact because you never know how much that visibility can inspire other BIPOC to get into the hobby, so my advice to anyone wanting to get into cosplay is to do it! Overall I have found it to be a fun, creative, energizing experience.

While I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had overwhelmingly positive experiences while cosplaying, I recognize that, unfortunately, BIPOC do sometimes face harassment and outright racist comments (especially online) that can make getting into the hobby seem scary. Finding welcoming, supportive spaces in person and online can be a big help (the POC Cosplay group on Facebook is great for this) - plus, thanks to things like #28DaysOfBlackCosplay, there is more visibility and inspiration out there than ever before.

The other thing I’d add is to treat each cosplay as a learning experience. Being able to work so closely with my friend on creating a cosplay was a completely different creation process than I’m used to, and it was really cool to be able to learn from each other’s different working styles and experience. It was great to teach her pattern drafting and see how happy she was to learn skills she could apply to future cosplays, and I was so excited when she showed me her PEX pipe hoop skirt method. Looking back on my Princess Daisy cosplay makes me smile because it’s almost like a physical representation of the fun we have cosplaying together.

[architectnews]

Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion Building

Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion Building, Architect, UAE Design Project Photos

Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion Design

6 October 2021

Design: Grimshaw Architects

Photos by Phil Handforth

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, opened to the public in 2021 as one of the top three attractions of the Dubai Expo 2020, and aims to illuminate the ingenuity and possibility of architecture as society looks to intelligent strategies for future sustainable living.

photograph : Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Drawing inspiration from complex natural processes like photosynthesis, the dynamic form of the Pavilion is in service to its function, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from humid air. The relationship of building to site, and to its physical and cultural contexts is critical, as the facility’s strength lies in its capacity to demonstrate a new way of living sustainably in a challenging desert environment.

Sited in a prominent location, the Pavilion structure works in tandem with the considered landscape of demonstration gardens, winding pathways and shaded enclaves to create an aura of magic punctuated by the sights, smells and tactile opportunities of nature. The gardens are both experiential and functional, setting the stage for the exhibition contents within and creating shaded gathering areas that will manage and distribute crowds while providing retail, food and beverage opportunities.

When creating a building with a goal of generating its own energy and water in a harsh climate, the solution cannot be driven by a single aspect of the design. To achieve net-zero, the design required a series of technologies, building systems and design solutions to act in unison. This self-contained, micro-ecosystem resulted from a combination of strategies: optimizing the natural conditions inherent in its location; working with and within them to maximize efficiency; and supplementing them with pioneering sustainable technologies to create innovative solutions

The design is driven by maximizing efficiency which it does by seeking shade in the one place available: below the ground. The Pavilion uses the insulating properties of the earth to shield it from the harsh ambient temperatures which can soar to 50 degrees in the warmer months.

photo : Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Most of the accommodation is below grade and cased with an earth roof system, creating a substantial barrier to help reduce its cooling loads and conserve energy. The above ground surfaces are clad with a gabion rainscreen wall – sourced with local stone from the Hajar Mountains – which provides enough thermal mass to absorb the heat while the stone’s natural color reflects the sun.

Flora and fauna sourced from the surrounding deserts – including some species that have been never been cultivated by humans – are arranged on the planted roofs and throughout the gardens, creating a water efficient landscape that functions through a series of closed loop systems designed to filter, supply and recycle water. The framing of these local topographical and floral features, combined with the technologies of water recycling and reuse, provide visitors a newfound appreciation of the unique region and its biodiversity. The site also includes areas for productive agricultural landscape featuring halophytic agriculture and other testing beds.

The culmination of the building’s systems can be found in the heart of the Pavilion, its large exterior courtyard. Borrowing from the vernacular of the region, the courtyard provides a large, passively cooled space for visitors. During the design, thermodynamic studies charting the prevailing breezes were used to shape the courtyard to allow desirable cool south-westerly breezes to enter while blocking warmer winds.

Soaring over the courtyard, the Pavilion’s canopy accommodates more than 6,000 sqm of ultra-efficient monocrystalline photovoltaic cells embedded in glass panels. The combination of the cell and the glass casing allow the building to harness solar energy while providing shade and daylighting to the visitors below. The experience in the courtyard is of being beneath a large shade tree with dappled light projecting onto the surfaces below. The form of the canopy works with the courtyard to direct cool air in, while simultaneously exhausting low-lying hot air through a chimney effect at the centre.

The canopy also serves as a large collection area for stormwater and dew that replenishes the building’s water system. The result is a structure that combines the most advanced technology in solar capture and a clear understanding of the natural conditions of the site to actively generate energy while passively cooling and enhancing the experience of the visitor. With over 6,000 sqm of exhibition space, the Sustainability Pavilion will enjoy a long life after Expo is over, transforming into a science museum and expanding on its mission of exploring sustainable practices and the critical stewardship of our fragile planet.

ENERGY E TREES The Sustainability Pavilion is complemented by an installation of Energy Trees which contribute toward its goal of producing its own energy. Nineteen E-trees ranging from 15-18m in diameter are dispersed throughout the site and provide 28% of the energy required to power the building. Inspired by the Dragon’s Blood, a tree found only on Socotra, an island 200 miles off the coast of Yemen, the E-Tree is designed to be a deployable freestanding shade structure that harvests the sun’s energy. The structure is constructed from steel and complex composites and has been optimized to support an 18m photovoltaic array.

Taking further cues from nature, the array follows the sun in the same manner as a sunflower, rotating 180 degrees throughout the course of the day to maximize the energy yield and increase the efficiency of the solar cells, before returning to its original position at night. Bespoke trapezoidal panels composed of highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells, embedded within three layers of glass, provide shade below without casting severe shadows or blocking views to the sky.

Supporting the array is an engineered carbon fibre structure inspired by the design of the steering wheel of a yacht. The structural design maximizes strength in its shape, with radial branches encircled by a compression ring while decreasing the load of the structure itself. Carbon fibre was chosen for its light weight which allows the form to extend unsupported for up to nine meters in all directions.

The E-Trees have become an integral part of both the exhibition and the Pavilion site – showcasing and educating visitors on the research on solar harnessing and panel technology – while at the same time, serving as an integral part of the systems that contributes to a net zero energy goal of the building.

photo : Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Terra Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion Design – Building Information

Project Data:

Client: Emaar Properties & Expo 2020 Dubai

Location: Expo Road Dubai South, Jebel Ali P.O. Box 2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: https://ift.tt/3FmYDo0 Completion date: January 2021 Gross square footage: 17,000 sqm Project cost: confidential

Project Team:

Grimshaw: architect Buro Happold: engineering Desert Ink: landscape architecture

photo : Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Other Consultants:

Rice Perry Ellis: local architect Sherwood Design Engineers: civil engineering, water management Cerami: AV, IT, acoustics, security Tricon: food service Orca : crowd flow RWDI: climate analysis Thinc Design: exhibition design Eden Project: exhibition content TAW Weiss: maintenance Arch4Blind: accessibility Charcoal Blue: theatre design Lord Cultural: operations Friday Group: specifications

photo : Dany Eid / Expo 2020

Grimshaw Design Team:

Andrew Whalley – Chairman – Partner in Charge Matthew Utley – Principal – Director of Middle East Operations Mark Rhoads – Associate Principal – Project Director Casimir Zdanius – Associate Principal – Industrial Design Lead

Associate Principals: Iouyu Chen, Robert Young, George Hauner, Croz Crozling, Andrew Anderson

Associates: Jorge Salgado, Aimee Duquette, Aaron Vaden Youmans, Ross Goldsworthy, Woojae Sung, Andrea Debilio

Design Team: Zach Fine, Augustine Savage, Kyle Day, Renua Itsueli, Fernando Fisbein, Hannah Park, Anthony Mopty, Joana Torres, Justin Brammer, Mehnaj Tabassum, Diba Dayani, Mason Nabors, Albert Hsu, Kurt Hanzlik, Patricia McKee, Fan Cao, Kyle Spence, Vincent Velasquez, Max Dowd, Wooyoung Choi, Leland Jobson, David Mans, Greg Smith, Konrad Sobon, Raphael Ogoe, Alexandra Danciulescu

Photos: Phil Handforth

Sustainability Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai Design: Grimshaw Architects image courtesy of architects Sustainability Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai

Grimshaw

Expo 2020 Pavilion Abu Dhabi Sustainability

Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion building design images / information received 061021 from CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati Architects

Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE

Dubai 2020 Expo Pavilions

Dubai Expo UK Pavilion Design: Es Devlin photo by Alin Constantin ; image courtesy of Es Devlin Expo 2020 Dubai UK Pavilion Building

Dubai Expo Swedish Pavilion Building Design: Alessandro Ripellino Architects, Studio Adrien Gardère and Luigi Pardo Architetti photo courtesy of Swedish government Dubai Expo Swedish Pavilion Building

Dubai 2020 Expo Pavilions Design: Santiago Calatrava, Foster + Partners, BIG and Grimshaw Architects image courtesy of architects Dubai 2020 Expo Pavilions

2020 Expo Dubai Luxembourgish Pavilion Design: METAFORM Architects image courtesy of architects 2020 Expo Dubai Luxembourg Pavilion Building

Dubai World Expo 2010 Masterplan Design: HOK / Populous Dubai World Expo Masterplan

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Comments / photos for the Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion Building design by Grimshaw Architects in UAE page welcome

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[freelydifferentluminary]

H is for “Hell Bent” (smile for the Doctor, Clara)

A is for “Australia” (in Sydney during the World Tour)

P is for “Parliament Square photo call” (not against the hugs here)

P is for  “Panel” (at the Fan Expo in Dallas, Texas)

Y is for “Yahoo quiz” (at the San Diego Comic Con)

B is for “Berlin Apple store Q&A” (simpatico)

I is for “In the Forest of the Night” (BTS)

R is for “Radio Times” (holding hands together)

T is for “Time Heist” (12 making Clara laugh)

H is for “Heaven Sent” (Clara’s inspiration)

D is for “Deep Breath” (hugging behind the scenes)

A is for “Awesome Con” (Jenna worked with the First Doctor)

Y is for “Yuletide” (the Doctor’s best Christmas EVER!)

Put them all together and they spell “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to the best Doctor of them all (Mr. Peter Capaldi). With love from Jenna Coleman, Clara Oswald & me.

[thatmagicaldisneyplace]

https://www.instagram.com/skygetsfancy/

“We now have the ability and the responsibility to build new bridges of acceptance and cooperation between us; to create a better world for ourselves and our children as we continue our amazing journey aboard Spaceship Earth.”

I haven’t gotten to bring this to an event yet, but I did get the incredible experience of getting to take photos in this outfit in front of the ACTUAL Spaceship Earth in Epcot thanks to an amazing group of Cast Members! I’ve been asked so many times how I got the dress into the park. I reviewed the costume rules many times before approaching Disney Cast Members with my request, and I spoke to several levels of security and management before the decision was made to let me in to get the photos. There was no sneaking in or rule breaking whatsoever!

I had to perform one of the quickest changes I’ve ever done in order to get into the gown and get photos in time before it rained. I went from having on the bodice and a pair of shorts to being fully in the gown in less than 2 minutes!

Probably one of the funniest things about this photoshoot was seeing people’s comments after it on social media! I saw a few people saying that they had seen me going through security with the gown, people who had gotten photos of me while I was doing the photoshoot, even people who had seen me before I had changed into the gown and knew something was up!

I had actually had the idea for the Epcot Ballgown (Actually titled The Grand and Miraculous Spaceship, but that’s way too long to say every time 😂) way before I wanted to take it to D23 Expo! I’ve been a fan of the Disney parks my whole life and I love to design my own fashion and costume pieces. In 2018 I was sketching out ideas for some other parks-inspired looks, and I was struck with the idea to design a Disney Princess inspired fashion/cosplay piece based off of a play on words: The Epcot Ballgown! It went through several concept designs including an open front gown with galaxy painting and lights inside, a floor length tetrahedron skirt with a front panel painted to replicate the mural outside of the attraction, and even a knee length half dome skirt instead of a ballgown. After months of playing around with the idea, I finally finished the design in early 2019. I opted to go with a more classic, refined silhouette with the focus being more on the fabric manipulation and textures.

Fabric choice was one of the most important parts of this project to me. I knew exactly what fabrics I wanted to use when I designed it, including matte vinyl on the skirt to match the Epcot ball’s metallic look and mirrored silver vinyl for the bodice to match the mirrored column under the ride. I love to get creative with the textures I use in my pieces and I loved getting to use different fabric choices to represent different parts of the ride! Some parts of this gown were some of the most challenging processes I’ve ever done on a piece, but also the most rewarding. When sewing fabric I used for the bodice, a mirror textured suede, the needle from the sewing machine left visible holes where it had been sewn and had the seams removed, which meant that I basically had one chance to sew it properly or I would have to order new fabric. I drafted a mock up bodice to ensure the fit was right and I practiced ways to attach the boning channels to the interior of it so that I could still structure it without marking the front. Making the tetrahedron overskirt required a lot of planning and research, I made multiple mockups of the tetrahedrons in order to figure out the perfect overall size and specific dimensions of them. There’s over 145 on the skirt, all made by hand and trimmed around the edges with cording and rhinestones!

Some of the jobs on this gown could not physically have been by one person alone! I’m super grateful to have a family that not only supports my crazy projects, but lends a hand when I’m faced with a task that I can’t do by myself.

[omishu]

🌻🐝🍵 from the cottagecore ask game!

Hi, thank you for asking! I had fun pondering my answers to these. The first one was a doozy 😅 haha

🌻 What is the nicest thing you have ever done for yourself?

Hoo boy! Here we go haha I haven't always been kind to myself. In fact, quite the opposite. There are a couple of things however.

I think finding myself a therapist was a very good move for me. When I started treatment for my mental health issues, I was in 4th grade, so I just went wherever my mother sent me. Unfortunately, my mom held the stigma that therapists were for crazy people, and I think she hated to consider her daughter was literally psychotic. It was brutal, but my growth journey has led to me living my best life, even if it's still rough at times and not as great as I'd like it to be yet. But I've forgiven my mom for past abuses and reconciled with her; she's also grown and changed so much in the past few years, and I'm proud of how far she and I have both come. Meeting with someone who was just evaluating my "craziness" or judging me, but rather offering me practical solutions and understanding was so groundbreaking. I didn't start meeting with her until after moving back from college when I got my first degree, but the past almost decade has shown more progress than any counseling I had up through highschool. She changed practices, but now I know how to find someone who can really help. My school has really great counselors for free too, which is fantastic.

The other thing was when I quit teaching to pursue art. I've been drawing my entire life and was always passionate about it. I got a bullied a lot, sometimes by well-meaning adults (ie. Mom) who tried to tell me it's not a practical career path. Unfortunately, I couldn't escape it. Teaching middle and high school art was a nightmare. I stuck with it for a few years, but I didn't have training or experience in education, and there was no curriculum or admin support from the school. Plus, I hadn't even gone to school for art myself at that point, so it was all self-taught or private-tutored. I had no idea what the hell I was doing and left work every day crying. It was killing me slowly, but one summer, I decided to attend the D23 Expo. It literally changed my life. Being a receptionist and teaching gave me time to finish my first degree online while making money and developing my craft (while also trying to make a positive impact on future artists, some of whom I still keep in touch with to this day even though they graduated years ago, which is so special to me). But after seeing the panel of artists and creators talking about their work on inspiring films, a flame was lit under me. Deciding not to renew my teaching contract freed me up to look into paths towards a career in art, and I decided to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. It's been a really difficult ride but totally worthwhile so far. I'm treasuring every moment in class, with my friends, volunteering, practicing, learning, growing, etc.

Sorry this is long, but these two things just mean so much to me 🤗

🐝 What do you find yourself daydreaming about?

Usually about possible futures involving working at Disney, having a small hobby farm, or being in a romantic relationship. Sometimes my daydreams are more fanciful, and I turn them into stories. But most of the time it's more realistic about my ideal future.

🍵 Yummiest warm drink for cold cottage nights?

Personally, I'm a big fan of oat milk hot chocolate with whipped cream on top, maybe even with a frosted gingerbread cookie on the side. Ugh but I also really love tea (earl gray with creme, green, or vanilla chai)