#possible mini print for cons ?!

[rombitzy]

🩵

[ebonytails]

PotA: Fall is Over!

This means that this week I’m going to chip through unfinished commissions, thank you so much for your patience!

As my first boothing experience for a big con, this was very special, and I learned a lot! It really melted my heart a lot to see everyone’s reactions to my work, and so much so that they buy them to bring home… Stickers are usually an easy-buy, so it was such a pleasant surprise when on the first day, my first order was someone who bought almost HALF of all the prints I brought!

It was honestly a very lucky experience for me, I think. It was also genuinely an honor to see so many people want to buy physical copies of my art and to trust me with drawing their commission ideas in person!

I met a lot of cool people this weekend, and it was a really different experience from just attending a convention for sure. It’s one thing to take someone’s business card from the otherside of the table, and it’s another to be exchanging them mutually..

I also made back table! It’s made me feel like perhaps a life where I feel fulfilled while being able to do art is actually quite possible :-]! I haven’t been able to make this post for a while, because I feel that there is a lot I can say, but with a mix of exhaustion and also “there is so much I could say”, I get lost! The best part, really was just connecting with people and seeing everyone’s reactions. I am very lucky

I’m not sure how I may be coming off as right now, but I just wanted to do my best to quickly journal how this all feels, so hopefully as I keep doing this in the future, I really don’t lose that spark of why I started in the first place.

We also raised a humble amount for the PCRF! About ₱500! A lot of people refused the extra mini-sticker, and told me to keep the change for various purchases so it can go towards the people in Palestine. It was nice to see.

For the rest of the week, I will be resting and also chipping away at other project slowly as I get back into the groove of things. Thank you so much for supporting us and what we do. It makes what we’ve been worried about a little less scary in life!

[n7punk]

She-ra (2018) Con-Exclusive Merch & Giveaways

I'm assembling a master post of all officially-produced merch for the SPOP reboot, but it's focused on information. I have a separate post focused on promotion-exclusive items, and this post is dedicated to detailed information for the ambiguous middle ground: con exclusives. Some of these were given away and some were for sale.

If I get additional information on any of these specific items, I'll edit the post to add it, but if I find anything new then it'll go in a reblog addition as I've hit the image limit on this post.

Sometimes you have to click photos to see full images, as many are cut off due to varying dimensions. Any [x]s will lead to the source of the images, usually secondhand listings that will eventually become defunct. I use the best photos I can find.

Pins/Buttons:

The buttons (first two images) were at NYCC in 2018. [1st] [2nd].

Han Cholo sells a lot of pins on their website, but the four on the right were exclusive at SDCC one year (concept photo in the final reblog here, this post chain in general has a ton of photos of She-ra merch from a mix of sources). [3rd]

Misc:

A foam tiara (2 photos) and a (seemingly foam and plastic) flat sword were at NYCC 2018 & 2019 and SDCC 2019. [2nd], [3rd]

There aren't any good photos and I'm at the image limit anyway, but there are pictures in the final reblog here of knee-high socks that were given out at promo events (possibly cons) and in reviewer/influencer promo packages. They're patterned after She-ra's uniform and have a cape on the back. Any details on this would be appreciated if you know them.

Temporary tattoos (far left) and stickers (middle left) were at NYCC 2019 and maybe also Power-Con. Coloring sheets and hair ties were at either NYCC or Power-Con. The coloring sheet is watercolor with paint squares provided at the top of the sheet. I believe the hair ties came in three colors (purple, pink, and blue) and the long post* has good photos of the pink one. If you want to look at approximately ten pixels, this listing has all three colors. [1st] [2nd] [3rd]

Bookmarks were available at SDCC one year and likely any other locations that had the books (Power-Con, etc). [x]

Collector card sets featuring 16 of the characters were given out at cons, possibly SDCC 2018. First image is the front of the packaging, second is one of the cards, and the third is the back of the package. [1st] [2nd] [3rd]

Posters:

Buckle up, this is the final, longest part. Posters were at many conventions and some designs may have been available at multiple cons. I mostly want to catalogue the designs here and will list a con just when I know it. Most listings online are of fan reprints unless otherwise specified.

The first four (left to right) were available at SDCC 2019. The 4th & 5th are the front and back of the same poster, which was probably also distributed at places like Power-Con or wherever they sold the books (since it's a Scholastic poster). [4th] [5th]

Here are clean social media uploads of the 2nd and 3rd image. The 2nd was also the cover image for season 3 and the front of the DVD for seasons 1-3.

The character mini prints in the bottom right [6th] seem to have been given out at multiple cons. They were probably at SDCC (year unknown) and/or Power-Con (year unknown). The collector card designs roughly followed their design pattern.

All three of these were at SDCC WonderCon. The first was 2019 and the second was probably 2018. The 3rd was supposedly at 2023 but was (probably) 2018 unless they still just had a bunch of extras laying around. WonderCon also had a variant of the 4th poster from the SDCC section above, but I can't find good photos of it and there's going to be a third variant of it further down too, so at this point I think you get it.

The first design is the cover image for season 2.

The first was probably at NYCC 2018. The right two were given out at a NYCC 2019 panel, as well as sent out with an exclusive statuette to family bloggers to promote season 4.

The first design is the cover art for season one. Its design was also used for a shopping bag at Anime Expo 2019 (photo in the final reblog here). The second one is the cover image for season 4.

Distribution currently unknown (if there ever was one). The second image is the cover for season 5. I'll edit on the distributions if I happen to find them, but I'm fine with what I've got here. I could have missed one or two posters, but since their distributions mostly amounted to handing out flyers, they're hard to find.

[zlulyart]

Fat orange Cat 🐱 aka Garfield. Had fun with this will be making Mini (small) prints and possibly stickers. Will be available at my next con.

[mega-angry-cloud]

hey so do you like SVA??? i was just accepted for BFA comics/cartooning and i’d love to hear ur opinion b4 i officially commit!

Pros: 95% of the professors are working professionals in the industry. (For example, my applied cartooning class is taught by the executive editor of Avatar Studios, Joan Hilty.) so they have up to date insider info and they can slip your name into job conversations if they like you.

The student pool is diverse, extremely talented and passionate. There are tons of after school clubs and events where you can meet up and make friends and collaborate.

Plus there are things like Ink Magazine, where you can submit your own comics or illustrations each semester, as well as student showcases and even mini artist alley cons. It's great practice for applying the skills that you're learning in class.

There's student job boards with leads on employment opportunities, a pretty cool print lab, a wide variety of available classes (illustration and comics majors overlap alot) and the atmosphere is very creatively open in most cases, but there are a few assholes to look out for. Which brings me to...

Cons: while the school seems to be trying to address it in recent years, there have been a lot of stories about some of the department heads being dicks about art style. Honestly, this is a risk at any art school. The trick is to make sure the feedback your getting is about the techniques you can use to achieve the look YOU are going for. Take what helps, leave what doesn't.

The school is expensive. The books are expensive. NYC is EXPENSIVE. Keep your budget in mind when making your decision, because for all I've learned at this school, (and I learned a LOT) I can't confidently say that I couldn't have improved at a cheaper school. Plus, you don't actually need a degree to be any kind of artist. Art school is more about making connections and building a strong portfolio than anything else. If you think you can do that online, don't put yourself in debt to do it in a school.

The workload is KILLER, especially in the comics program. The studio classes expect you to be able to complete 1-2 pages of comics a day, and every professor treats their hw as the most important assignment on your plate. You will be forced to improve by the sheer amount of drawing youll be doing on a daily basis. And breaks are shorter than at other schools, so less time to recharge(my guess is so they can make the summer last as long as possible to save money on the professors).

I know that might sound like a fun challenge at first, but it really wears on you. Burnout is a bitch, and its a VERY difficult place to pull yourself out of while still enjoying the thing that put you there in the first place. Do what you can not to push yourself too hard, but remember to seize opportunities to show what you got.

All in all, I've had both good and bad experiences with SVA. I've made better work here than I could've ever imagined, and I've learned so much more about comics and storytelling. The professors know what you can expect after you graduate, and they want to see you succeed. People say this alot, but you get out what you put in with this place. Stay open minded, and remember what you're trying to do.

[sirladysketch]

Been a hot minute since I’ve done one of these so ignore under the cut, lol.

WT stuff:

Spec costs for mini pin

Finalize washi design

Finish test pour for suncatcher

Quilt

finalize design

prep fabric

cut pieces

iron together

quilting

Finalize full bundle items + cost

Thank you gift for full campaign supporters

Misc:

Test destati lamps

tiny

tupp

Sidon papercraft sample

Washi designs + 5

Komory restock (?)

Tarot card finish

private commission (May-ish)

Con builds (?)

Woodworking designs

3d printed stuff

resin scenes

Plush

Lifesized meow wow

Rex lapdragon

those sumeru birds lol

Knock-off bags

More pin tapestry designs

Genshin

Fall

Halloween

Chesapins sketches

Cryptiddies sketches

Teyvat Travel Pins

Diecut Sticker sets (Tags)

Shaker charm/ <redacted> merch designs

More TK as I remember them lol

Possible new fandoms for merch:

SVSSS

MXTX

Genshin

Dragon Age (again)

[sofiarichards]

HOW DO YOU DRESS IN A SWEATER DRESS?

Sweater dresses are comfortable, warm, and fashionable. You can choose from a variety of sweater dress styles, each with unique length, fit, colour, closing method, and knits. Whether you want to use it with tights or just for fashion purposes is entirely up to you.

These dresses come in a variety of styles. The selection is broad and diverse, ranging from body con, micro-mini sweater dresses to long, bulky ones. Choose from a variety of chunky knit dresses or go with a traditional rib knit dress. You can layer dresses with various coats, cardigans, or ponchos depending on the fit and style of the garment. The secret to successfully wearing a sweater dress is layering.

By adding a long blazer, a fashionable belt, or printed scarves, you may give your sweater dress ensemble some edge. The appearance will be further elevated by the inclusion of stylish accessories like chains, striking necklaces, and purses.

HOW SHOULD I STYLE A SWEATER DRESS? There are several possibilities when it comes to footwear with a sweater dress. There are other footwear options to wear with dresses besides heels, so resist the urge to go for those sexy stilettos or t-straps. Or, to look like a diva, you can wear platform heels, which are now fashionable.

In addition to these choices, you should choose a variety of boot styles for an outfit that will not fail. piece. Wear a black midi sweater dress underneath a coat in black and white plaid. Combat boots in white will complete this look.

Utilize animal designs with a black sweater dress. Try pairing it with a similar-colored purse and boots with leopard pattern. Alternately, wear black ankle boots and a scarf with tiger stripes wrapped over your neck.

BOOTS AND A LITTLE SWEATER DRESS We reach for our short sweater dresses with chic boots if we want to look great without sacrificing comfort. Wear a gorgeous green body con sweater dress to effortlessly rock the combo. Black pencil heel ankle boots are a lovely choice for the body con dress since they give you a confident image. Make sure you choose black accessories for this outfit, such as a sleek shoulder bag and a black necklace.

COWBOY BOOTS WITH A SWEATER DRESS The interesting cowgirl look is really popular right now. You can choose to wear a full cowgirl suit or add components of the look,such as cowboy boots or a hat, to your more casual outfits. Put on a brown leather jacket with fringes, brown cowboy boots, and a beige sweater dress. Add a brown cross body bag to elevate this look.

HOW SHOULD I STYLE A MIDI SWEATER DRESS? Sweater midi dresses come in a variety of styles. If you choose one, be sure it fits your body type and that you pair it with the appropriate kind of boots. While a pencil dress would allow you to choose higher boot designs like riding boots or combat boots, a loose-fitting A-line sweater dress will look great with stylish ankle boots.

Grey suede ankle boots look great with a purple turtleneck dress. This unusual mix creates a seductive appearance. To give this outfit a party-ready vibe, accessorize with metallic silver accessories and hoops of silver jewelry.

DRESS IN BLACK WITH SWEATER AND BOOTS You may create a variety of outfits utilizing a black sweater dress as your foundation piece. Wear a black midi sweater dress underneath a coat in black and white plaid. Combat boots in white will complete this look. Utilize animal designs with a black sweater dress. Try pairing it with a similar-colored purse and boots with leopard pattern. Alternately, wear black ankle boots and a scarf with tiger stripes wrapped over your neck.

BOOTS AND AN OVER SIZED SWEATER DRESS How about fending off the chill in a stunning blue and white ensemble? opt for a royal blue dress with an over sized cable knit sweater. An attractive silhouette can be achieved by tying a white belt around the waist. For a glam look, pair this outfit with white wellington boots.

CONCLUSION You must be fairly adept at pairing a sweater dress with boots by this point. We have provided you with various suggested clothing, ranging from fancy to casual. To upgrade your fall/winter 2023 looks with stunning success, add chic sweater dresses and modern boots to your collection. Who knew achieving functional style could be so simple? Thank you very much.

[toonytoodles]

So like once a year there's a local art exhibition thing at a mini-comic-con, and there's no word on when it's coming back, but I'm highly debating on joining when it comes back to sell prints/get commissions. Do you guys think I should? Or would I just be embarrassing myself? Be honest please, if I'm not good enough for something like this I'd rather be told here then at the event. And if I do it, what sort of fan art should I make if I do it? I'm thinking centaur world and kid cosmic for sure, some Pokemon and animal crossing stuff, star wars, jojo (possibly), maybe some MLP stuff (if I can learn to draw a horse), but Idk what else people would like? There's no word on if it's returning, it'd likely be next year at best but I wanna know what people think

[n7punk]

She-ra (2018) Promotional Merch

As part of an ongoing project to catalogue all the merchandise produced for the 2018 She-ra reboot, this post is going to contain everything I can find that was only available as part of another purchase, promotion, or exclusive gift. None of these are available anymore outside of resale.

Sometimes you have to click photos to see full images, as many are cut off. Any [x]s will lead to the source of the images, usually secondhand listings that will eventually become defunct. I use the best photos I can find.

Con-exclusives (for sale or giveaways) are on their own post. The master post focuses on for-sale merchandise but includes descriptions for everything else. This post acts as support to that, including photos I don't have room for there.

Lootcrate:

Socks, a notebook, and a tumbler were produced, all exclusive to Lootcrate subscribers in their respective month(s). The tumbler was for March, unsure of the months for the other products.

Sonic Kids Meal Toys:

Four figures, two "straw buddies," one inflatable sword, and character profile magnet 3-packs of at least six characters (possibly more. Probably at least one more since Glimmer is missing from the BFS but I haven't seen any not included here yet).

Influencer Exclusives:

This promotional statuette was sent to family bloggers in 2019 to promote season four. It might have also been sent to reviewers in 2018. It's fragile (possibly porcelain) and very rare. Clare has taken more extensive pictures with notes on construction here. [x]

This promotional metal lunchbox was sent to influencers to promote the series in very limited quantities (not to be confused with the insulated fabric lunchbox that was for sale on Amazon). The graphics are stickers rather than directly printed on the lunchbox and it is in mini size. [x]

Recruitment Swag: Stickers

She-ra stickers promoting the Dreamworks' Career pages were given away with Dreamworks pins, likely to current or prospective employees, though when and why is currently speculative. [x]

Media Press Kits:

Media press kits were sent out to outlets. They included collectors cards (the same cards as were given out at cons, see that post for all the cards), a foam tiara (also given out cons), and buttons (guess where they were given out to the public: cons). A letter (fifth image) was also included in the box, the only completely exclusive part of the box that didn't make it to the public. [x]

A separate kit (sixth image) was sent out to celebrate International Women's Day ahead of the show's premiere, though the contents of it are believed to have been the same and only the box color differed. This was produced by Commuter Industries. Some of the recipients were those bloggers mentioned earlier. Thanks to Clare for finding it.

Commuter Industries produced further promotional material for IWD 2019 such as digital booklets (Clare has some pulls here). They also made an activity book & character standees for cons.

Reviewer Special Mentions:

They were not exclusive, so they're only getting a small mention, but the Super7 Catra & Adora action figures, as well as limited knee-high socks patterned after She-ra's uniform (with little red capes on the back) were sent in promotional packages to some reviewers. These socks were given out at other promotional events, though I'm currently not certain which and thus whether they were ever available to the general public. While the action figures did go for public sale, they were in very limited quantities, so it felt worth mentioning.

Absolutely Not Merch: Promotional Con Props

Three large props - a Sword of Protection, a statue of She-ra, and a prop of the Horde Throne - were created for photo ops at conventions and the company that made them has provided photos on their portfolio page. Their current location is unknown. The She-ra statue seems to be based on the same character art that the promotional statuette was made from. Also featured in these images from upper-left-to-right are Aimee Carrero (Adora's VA), Karen Fukuhara (Glimmer's VA), and of course ND Stevenson (creator/showrunner).

[percussionmassagerblog]

10 PROS & CONS OF MASSAGE GUNS FOR RUNNERS

People that are always trying to find the very best & best method to call home through hard races and workouts. And who could blame individuals? The capacity to recuperate quickly means athletes may endure education hard, which theoretically, means advancement to getting a quicker, stronger runner. Of course, each time a fresh restoration technique or even product reaches the endurance community, then it is inclined to show viral. Compression socks. CBD oil. Epsom salt tub. Percussion / vibration massage firearms are no exception for the principle.

In reality, as I write this article, every advertisement that this is appearing within my own interpersonal networking packs is to get an alternative new rub gun down. Apparently everybody is expecting on the bandwagon, from quite long recognized restoration application brands, to businesses you may possibly have definitely never been aware about. Thus, what's the offer with percussion / Percussion Massager firearms? Achieve they actually get the job done? Let us dig deeper.

A massage is actually a handheld resource which massages muscles by supplying rapid bursts of force at concentrated, short-duration stimulation. Think about a mini-jackhammer, especially parts of your muscles.

The notion is the fact that the movement and impact, frequently called shaking treatment, helps loosen tight and sore muscle, very similar to that of a massage, in addition to stimulate the flow of blood to aid one to increase healing.

The massage firearms are an average of battery powered, also have various rate settings to change the intensity out of the massage. The majority of those massage firearms arrive with interchangeable minds to concentrate on different muscle tissues and portions of the human body.

Let us first discuss the advantages of these massage programs for runners.

Decreased DOMS

For anyone not familiar with the definition of, DOMS is the tender, tight experience which pops anywhere from 24-28 hrs after a powerful work outside or race. It's brought on by microscopic tears which ofcourse occur in muscle fibers throughout exercise. DOMS isn't simply embarrassing, however it might interfere with future work outs by leaving you sense too sore to work out, or inhibiting movement routines as a result of aggravation.

Plus one as straightforward as changing your running gait as your hamstrings are tender may lead to additional injury else where.

Essentially, the shaking therapy will help in avoiding mechanical overload of their muscular fibers, leading to less of one's above microscopic tears that the muscle.

Higher Efficiency Exactly the Exact Same above research shows that utilization of percussion and/or vibration treatment before exercise might assist:

Decrease tissue adhesion, thus increasing array of flexibility Reduction accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, so decrease time before fatigue May offer an earlier decrease in pain (origin ). Each one these things can subscribe to increased functioning performance.

Greater Blood Circulation = Faster Recovery When used article exercise, percussion massage-therapy firearms might help temporarily increase the flow of blood into the muscle. Heightened blood circulation helps hasten the healing process by helping remove waste product in tissue that is damaged. What's more, the specific blood provides oxygen and nutrients into the muscular mass, and also help stimulate regrowth and recovery of their tissue.

Pain Alleviation Let us imagine you worked outside or dashed hard, and no matter of one's absolute best preventive measures, you still have muscles that are super sore. Massage. In other words, percussion massage firearms feel-good about sore muscles.

However, what does this mean?

According to the theory, sensory nerves carrying vexation sense and sensory nerves carrying vibratory sensation both transmit signals towards precisely the exact afferent neurons, which then sends data to a mind. The nerves triggered by vibratory feeling impair the afferent pain nerves, hence barring or preventing the material delivered by the nerves who felt pain. To put it differently the shaking by the percussion caress rifle may shut the nerve pathways into painful inputsignal, preventing pain sensation in traveling into the leading nervous system.

Give More Anxiety than Massage therapies I have no idea about you, but I am definitely the most intense at using self indulgent programs such as"the rod" and sometimes perhaps polyurethane rollers. Why? Because I can't physically use the tension needed, or I am at precisely the exact same time frame chicken to take to (as it strikes ). The battery life run, mechanical percussion/vibration massage firearms, but do not return. They have the seriousness that my muscles that are sore desire once I can not...or will not...take action .

Which would be the Disadvantages of Knead Guns? Here Is What you Want to're aware of the drawback of those recovery tools:

User Error Have you some idea what it is you're doing? Are you currently trained in the science in addition to implementation of massage? Chances are the answer will be extremely little (it's okay, the majority folks are not ). And consequently, often there is a chance you may wind up utilizing the massage gun erroneously. Or, you may possibly well be massaging a region that's experiencing known pain, also maybe not targeting the location which really needs help with healing.

I reached to someone Who's trained in massageand she consented up on." It (the massage weapon ) is a instrument, so it is just like the consumer " Says accredited massage remedies therapist Michele Zeberlein. "Should you understand just what direction to go and manners, then it's really a fantastic tool. However, in addition, it can cause further problems is employed in the incorrect way. "

It's required to learn the safety instructions which include your percussion massage handgun. So if in doubt in the event that you're targeting the suitable area for helping any pain you're having, make reference to your doctor or maybe massage therapist.

Stroke firearms utilized on harms such as stress, sprains, broken bones, and sometimes extreme swelling may potentially cause your injury more powerful. They are able to further hurt the wounded tissue, and sometimes even fortify swelling speed. This is only going to delay healing period, and might cause further annoyance.

Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) Rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, arthritis, or fibromyalgia Varicose veins

Muscular dystrophy or alternative muscular ailments As always, reevaluate to a medical doctor when you have questions regarding respect to massage gun usage and some other injuries, chronic complications, or other health conditions such as pregnancy.

Bulky / Enormous / Noisy While maybe not true for each and every percussion massage weapon, more than a few of these are able to be bulky or heavy. The very first time that I implemented one, I had been astonished by just how much sexier it had been anticipated (today, do not misunderstand me, an average of the ExoGun DreamPro we have is 2. 5 weight. Still, I did not expect the burden ). It primarily is logical, nevertheless, since the battery has to be large enough presenting capacity to the engine which goes pretty fast.

Rely to a Solar-battery While virtually all the massage firearms available on the industry at this time chance to be corded, they still have a battery that has to be charged. Different from a normal foam roller or hand-held tool which could possibly be human-powered, a massage weapon wont work without becoming an energy resource.

Therefore, if you should be carrying your knead rifle into a lengthier event -- state an ultra marathon or stage race, then you have to become conscious of battery lifetime.

Bundle cost This is huge. I have seen percussion massage prints vary between $49. 9-5 completely as much as $1, 200. Sure, you read that right -- a dozen hundred cash to get its small edition, goldplated, G3PRO Theragun. Many folks us seem to put at the 100 -$300 range. All these are certainly the investment, and maybe not really a cheap tool such as a roller coaster.

You may be wondering exactly what these acronyms mean -- and also why that they matter. Thus, allow me to help.

Stroke Length: that can be called amplitude. To spell out, just how far does the mind of this massage gun travel. Or simply, how heavy can it move in your own muscle. Percussion exact firearms will routinely have a increased stroke span than guys designed to concentrate on vibration.

To put it differently, what number"percussions" (sometimes the mind of this massage gun will likely reach on your muscle) each and every minute.

Stall Force: how the burden it's possible to apply on the apparatus before it dries and ceases changing. To put it differently, just how much pressure could YOU placed on the rifle before motor ceases proceeding.

Other items to think about: Additional variables to take into account are now actually going to boil down to personal taste. Consider precisely what you want (and desire ) out of a massage weapon ). Those variables might be:

Battery life or interchangeable battery packs Weight Develop (could it be easy to put up? Would you reach specific sections, such as the back or shoulders? ) Noise place Attachment heads

Therefore...Can I Want a Massage Gun Only for Running Retrieval? The thousand dollar question -- will probably soon be these massage firearms worth every penny?

Maybe.

The boundless marketing effort in my face book feed directly now may possibly be attempting to embarrass me these would be the best things since sliced bakery. But massage firearms are merely an instrument. They'll in no way completely block or solve sore tissues, and they'll never guarantee decreased healing period.

While there's loads of researching pointing into the efficacy of percussion and shaking healing for muscle soreness and healing period, there's also viable research that says differently.

My thoughts: In case you should be excited about purchasing a massage first use one from the pal or with a massage therapist. See whether you take pleasure in the stroke, also notice some other positive aspects.

After that, browse reviews.

You are able to acquire hundreds of brands of massage firearms available on the industry at the moment. Ordinarily the greater price label does not necessarily relate to some fantastic nutritional supplement. Conversely, a relatively inexpensive massage rifle does not suggest it's crap.

And finally, be sure to actually enjoy the massage gun. Many folks will likely delight in the impression of percussion and shaking massage rifles, while some could see them anything but relaxing. Of course in the event that you are not going to make use of a restoration tool or procedure as you can not endure it (such as me personally along with ice bathrooms ) so of course it wont be quite good in any way.

[theineffablecon]

The Ineffable Con Programme    

Please note the schedule below is provisional and subject to change!

Friday

16.00 Registration Opens

Sign in at the registration desk in the Lounge to collect your convention badge.

18.00 Welcome to The Ineffable Con

Get to know your fellow convention members with some themed ice breaking games.

19.00 Episode 3 Cold Open

Get into the spirit of the convention with a group rewatch of the magnificent 28-minute cold open of episode 3. Heckling encouraged.

19.30 Dinner

20. 30 Opening Ceremony

The official opening of the convention. Rachael and Tracionn welcome you to The Ineffable Con with themed games and prizes to win.

21.30 Kink Bingo

A fandom favourite game to round off the night.

*

Saturday

09.00 Round Robin

Start the day by writing a collaborative fanfiction.

10.00 Panel: Ineffable Husbands

What’s your headcanon for the progression of their relationship? How much of a gift was the cold open of episode 3? How much difference does it make to have the author openly acknowledge it as a love story?

11.00 Chibiffable: An Art Workshop

Three of our fandom’s talented artists present a workshop for complete beginners and seasoned artists alike, to discover easy ways to draw Aziraphale and Crowley in the most adorable and wholesome way possible.

12.00 Alpha Centauri & Beyond

Is Alpha Centauri a good place to run away to when you want to avoid the apocalypse? An astrophysicist talks through the stars and nebulae Crowley helped to build.

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Meet & Greet With the Crowley Family

For fanfiction research or just for fun: meet some of Crowley’s serpent friends. Content Notice: contains live snakes (handling optional).

15.00 Bring & Buy Sale

A chance to buy and sell merchandise and crafts.

15.30 Much Ado About Ineffability

An introduction to a fan project crossing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with Good Omens. See progress on the first act and learn how you can get involved.

16.30 Gavotte Workshop

Learn to dance like an angel. Note: this room is up one flight of stairs.

18.00 Free time to get ready for dinner

19.00 Dining at the Ritz* and Cosplay Contest

*imagination required

20.30 Quiz

Another chance to win prizes in our team quiz event.

21.30 Vid Show

A screening of a selection of Good Omens fanvids, including some not seen online.

*

Sunday

09.00 Panel: Queerbaiting

“Queerbaiting” is when writers (whether in books, TV, or movies) hint at a queer romance in order to attract an LGBT audience, but shy away from actually depicting it in order to avoid alienating a homophobic audience. Does Good Omens fall prey to this trope?

10.00 Panel: The Ineffable World of Fanfiction

There has been an explosion of Good Omens fanfiction in the last few months. What trends have emerged and which tropes are popular? This is also an opportunity to recommend your favourites to help other convention members wade through the thousands of new fics.

11.00 Panel: Genderfluid Crowley

Headcanoning Crowley as genderqueer, and the connection between snakes and genderfluidity in myths and fiction.

12.00 Auction & Raffle

A chance to bid on the art that's been on display in the Art Show throughout the convention, and to win prizes in our raffle.

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Behind the Scenes

A member of the Good Omens crew talks about the experience of working on the show and shares stories from the set.

15.00 Armageddon, feat. An Ineffable Musical Parody

The official close of the convention, featuring prizes and a special musical performance.

16.00 Convention Ends

17.00 Depart for Tadfield

This is a Good Omens convention, so clearly Armageddon is not really the end! If you’re joining us for our outing to Tadfield, meet in the Lounge for a 5pm departure.

In addition to the formally scheduled programme, we have the following activities on offer:

Art Show The art show will be available for viewing until Sunday morning, with both originals and prints.  We welcome arts and crafts of all sorts. The show will consist of pieces brought by members to display, with some available to buy through the con auction.  Please check out the art show page to find details of how you can submit work to the show and how the auction will work.

Games We have two games created especially for the convention that will be available to play throughout the event.

Competitions Competitions available to take part in at any time include a caption contest, a mini story and art challenge, and a treasure hunt. Prizes are available and will be awarded at the close of the convention.

Photo Ops We know lots of people will attend the convention in costume - and not necessarily only for the Saturday evening Cosplay Contest! To help with your photo ops we'll have an assortment of props available.           

Arts & Crafts Corner Themed colouring pages and craft activities are available in the Lounge throughout the convention.                                                              

Reading Library Whenever you need some quiet time, we have an assortment of novels by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, as well as Good Omens fanfiction recommended by other convention members, available at all times to be enjoyed in the Lounge, or taken back to your room or (if the weather surprises us) into the extensive grounds of the conference centre.

[volantedesign]

Letter from Japan

It's quiet. It is really really quiet. There's a gentle white noise from the mini split and that's all. We're in Kyoto sleeping on the floor, inhaling the sweet reedy smell of the tatami mats. We're staying in a major metropolis. It's 4 in the morning because I'm still jet-lagged. The doorways are all too short for me. When I stand up on the train I invariably bang my head on the hanging handles, not hard, just enough to surprise myself and to feel foolish. I am enormous here. I forgot to pack walking shoes and bought a men's size, as the women's sizes stop well before my (size 9) giant feet. We've been doing a lot of walking. There are so many beautiful little streets, with worn fabric banners showing hand printed or drawn letters that look like nothing more than beautiful shapes to me. I am utterly illiterate here. The people I've met have been unbelievably gracious and put up with our knowing nothing in a way that makes it seem like they are at fault for not knowing what strange thing we're asking for in their country, in their home. We've been traveling very low-budget and staying in single rooms in homes and ryokan (tiny hotels run by families mostly). For some reason the images in my mind of Tokyo are not the sweeping torii gates of the shrines that we went to see. I have photographs and will always treasure the memory of seeing them. But what I was most amazed by were smaller things that we did not know to stop and document. There was a set of three ceramic pots, sitting on the street next to some potted plants. They seemed vacant at first, but they were full of water, and tiny fish hiding in the water plants. The tiny shapes of the fish were right there in the street under the sky. The bright flash of this revelation was both so fitting for the setting and so unexpected. I imagine that they belong to some grandmother who sits out in the evening and watches the fish go around. Who cares if this is true or not. I remember also vividly the meh meeeeh-ing sound of the cicadas, such a complaining sound, so loud in a country where even the construction is done with as little impact as possible. There were some houses styled to be European that stuck out. They looked like something from an anime. They didn't look like any European house I've seen. More like a very tidy cake in the shape of a house. The first night we landed and went deliriously in search of some food after flying for about 17 hours, we stumbled into a family run udon shop. David begged me to make a decision about food, because everything seemed bright and loud and utterly indecipherable at that time of night in our strange state. We ordered the first and second thing on the menu, ordered a beer. Blessedly the word for beer is understood everywhere. We got some amazing home-made noodles in broth, some cat-foody tasting fish, a bowl of clams in rich brown sauce? We think they were clams but honestly I'm not sure, and rice with tuna mash and a raw egg yolk on top. It was unbelievable. I think that's when I knew we were in Japan. We ate our udon hot even though they asked us 3 or 4 times if we were sure about that. It was about 90 degrees. It never occurred to us to have it cold. The cook went to sit in the back room and drink with his friends after it seemed there would be no more customers coming in. He poured us a tiny challis' of sake and left us to his wife's watchful eye. She tidied, we ate, and then payed and fled. I love how clean it is here. I love it. I have always liked order and taking off my shoes inside. I am German after all. Everyone seems to carry their own hand towel for a day's outing. There are no paper towels in most of the bathrooms. This same hand towel can cover your hair should it rain. Why you'd want to cover your hair when it rains I'm not sure, but it was clearly an important function of the towel. We enjoyed a late afternoon of watching people run through the rain with various items over their heads while we sat in the window of a restaurant/pub. The fashions and people were equally fun to watch. People wear floor length flowery mom-ish dresses and make them look cute. Can you believe it? The rooms we've been in are spare, clean, everything in the bathroom is white, as though to prove to you that there's no speck of dirt hiding that you might miss on a colorful tile. I love that people don't smoke and throw their butts on the ground, but either wait near an ash-can or carry the butt away in a small pouch designed for this purpose. I don't even mind that there's smoking in some restaurants. I grew up with this in Germany and it seems sort of cozy to me. I know that it's terrible for all involved of course- but what can I say. I've seen folks with gloves for ridding the train so they don't have to touch what other people touched. There are even men in the train stations who clean the ever rotating germ-buffet that is the escalator handrail. There seems to be a whole fleet of people in the parks who's job it is to clear away leaves. I love that they care enough to employ people to make sure that it's nice. We could learn from this America. We came to Japan to see Tokyo Games show and see if it would ever be a viable market for us. It's much cheaper to send me and David (who go for free) than the company and all the stuff required for a con set-up. So, we've reviewed Tokyo games show, and basically it'll be a very long time before we come to exhibit at this show if ever. No judgement of the show, but it doesn't really look like folks are interested in shopping. And what there is to buy is very easy to buy, t-shirts, towels, stuffed critters. It's blastedly full and hot and sort of dark also. But there I am being back at work, analyzing, explaining. I'm done working for the trip. We've got one week to do whatever we want in Japan. The funny thing is we have gone so far away to be able to have a real stopping point. To be able to stop working or even thinking about work it helps to have little to no internet and not to be callable. I think we must learn to be unavailable more often. The most wonderful thing about running a business is that you get to set the terms. You get to chose. This is also the very hardest because you have to chose carefully and then follow up on your choices. It never really ends of course. This has never been more true than now. As we grow, (not as smoothly as it sounds) we also have new growing pains, new overhead costs, new challenges, new systems we have to learn and master. There's nobody to help you "figure it out." It's hard to shut-off, to stop working. It's hard to feel like your ship will stay afloat without you watching it's every move. But it will, it does, it has for the last week.

- Willow Volante

[dmsden]

The Con Game – Running games at conventions

Hullo, gentle readers. We have a rare week of freestyle, where I can talk about whatever I want. Since for the last two years I’ve been running a lot of games at conventions, I thought that might be a fun subject to tackle. Running a game at a con isn’t just a fun way to spend some con time – it’s also a great way to make new friends and game with people you don’t normally have sitting at your weekly table.

Now, there are two types of convention games. Many conventions devoted to gaming will have organized games that they need GMs for. In cases like this, being involved is easy. They’re usually looking for GMs, and all you need to do is contact them, volunteer, and show up and run the adventure you’re provided.

In my case, however, most of the cons I go to are not gaming-specific cons, but they’re cons at which a D&D game is very welcome. In a situation like this, you have a lot more work to do. A lot of conventions are fine with someone just showing up and running a game, but if you want to generate excitement and increase the likelihood of people showing up ready to play, then it’s best to contact the con and volunteer to run it. That way, your game can potentially be considered an official con event, show up in the con book, get listed in the scheduled, be advertised on their website, etc.

I check the convention’s website for their rules of submission. There’s usually a deadline that you should definitely adhere to. Most cons have a form online to fill out these days, and they want a description of what it is you’re wanting to run. It may amuse you to know that, when I submit my form, I almost never have the adventure written. Many cons have a theme, so I come up with a basic idea and a blurb based on the theme I’m going to write around. I make sure to include that it’s a 5E D&D adventure, that characters will be provided, and that I welcome brand new players.

For example, at the beginning of August, I’m attending a charity furry con in Connecticut called TinyPawsCon. Their theme is always “Summer Camp”, and they’re very family friendly, so these things inform the blurb I write for them. This year, I submitted the following:

“A year has passed since a band of heroes rescued the Woodland Warriors from the powers of Heck. Now, they need aid once again. The beasts of Heleswode, normally allies to the rangers, are attacking viciously. What can be causing this imbalance in nature? It's up to you to find out in this Charity D&D 5E adventure where donations can make your lives easier...or harder. No experience necessary. Characters provided.”

I tried to give a little idea of what the adventure might entail, to make sure that people know it’s a charity event, what game system I’m using, that I’ll be providing the characters, and that people brand new to D&D will be welcome.

You should probably decide whether or not you’ll be providing characters. I recommend it, as it saves time, and you can customize the characters to the scenario that you create. I have a set of standard characters – one of each character class – that I have printed out and laminated. That way, players can write on their character sheets with dry erase pens and clean them off afterwards. (Obviously, I also bring dry erase pens.) My provided characters are level 5, as I find this does a nice job of balancing a bit of power and longevity without being too complicated.

When you write your scenario, I recommend avoiding anything too complicated. You may have people who’ve never played D&D at your table, and you’ll find yourself answering a lot of questions. If you also have a complex mystery, you may find the game bogging down and running too long. I tend to make the adventures straight-forward in nature: rescue someone, find the magic sword and use it to kill the big bad guy, defeat the attacking orcs, and so on.

I personally like to use maps and miniatures in my convention games, as it gives the players something straightforward to focus on in battles. I bring these, of course (I have a bag of cheap, generic-ish minis for the players in my “con box”). I also bring several sets of loaner dice, because not everyone thinks to keep a set of dice on their person at all times.

Show up a bit early, claim your table if possible, and do whatever set up you need so that, when the time for your game to start comes, you can launch right into the adventure. Make sure to take a short break about halfway through your game if it’s more than an hour or two. Gamers need breaks! If it gets close to the end of your time, you might need to call the adventure mid-combat, but, if you can, give the players the victory before you do. Who cares if Blusipher, Lord of Heck, still had 50 hit points? You’re the only one who knows that, and your players are more likely to remember the adventure fondly if they get a win at the end. When you’re done, make sure you get all your stuff back, clean up the space, and leave it nice and neat for whatever’s coming next.

If all goes well, hopefully the convention gets some praise for the event and wants you to come back and do it again. And hey, maybe you just added some new gamers to the hobby!

[howtobeaconartist]

Any opinions/advice on non-centered table displays? Like a grid cube wall of your work and then artist on the side: _0[][][][]_. I see mostly centered ones where the artist is in the middle through a window made from cubes, but not on the side.

Kiriska: My table configuration used to be kinda off-centered on 6ft tables because of my print rack, but it isn’t by a lot so it’s not super obvious unless I point it out.

From 2015:

I do think centeredness is optimal though, for two primary reasons:

1. It’s easier to keep an eye out on your entire table if you’re in the middle.

My print rack takes up a lot of space and it’s already difficult to see over it. If I line up all of my racks on one side and leave my window on the far side, it becomes basically impossible to see the side of the print rack that’s furthest from me.

In addition to deterring theft, it’s important for me to be able to see potential customers hanging out on that side. I can’t greet them, etc, if I don’t see them.

Asymmetry makes it easier for more uncertain customers to avoid you. Shy people will always exist, but you being in the middle of the display makes it easier for them to give you a chance if they’re even slightly interested in your work, and you have more opportunity to win them over.

If they can easily avoid your little window, they can zoom in for the business card and run away before you can say hi.

2. Symmetry is more visually appealing.

It seems basic af, but visual appeal plays a big part in people approaching your table in the first place. Most of the super ~a e s t h e t i c~ and coordinated booths I see are symmetrical, and they look great for it!

It’s not always possible to go for perfect symmetry, but I still think it’s best for you to be in the center:

From 2019:

EDIT:Nattosoup:Oh gosh, somehow I missed this ask!  Of course, I agree with everything Kiriska says, but I’d also love to throw in my own two cents! 

Different Layouts Work for Different Types of Shows

Craft Fair

So here’s an interesting example of my craft fair setup- it’s definitely a divided setup that utilizes two tables- one for comics/minicomics and small wares like bows (with me behind the table), the other for original art and sometimes other books/anthologies (with no one behind it).  This is great for creating a ‘shop’ feeling, but only useful if you have the extra space.  Some shows, like Akaicon, will allow you to bring in an extra table, and this setup can be useful for utilizing a dealer’s room 10′x10′ space as well.

This is the setup I’ve used for the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Firefly Artisan fair.

Library Show:

While the artist (c’est moi!) is in the middle, this setup is also VERY divided.  On one side there’s mini prints and charms, including a small photo album of further mini prints, on the other side, there’s anthologies, comics, and original art.  I find utilizing zoning, like stores utilize, helps my customers find what they want quickly.  When you’re selling original content, this can be really helpful- those looking for fanart can focus on the fanart zone, those interested in original comics/art can focus on the other side.   

I LOVE the spinner rack- it allows me to have all my minis out, available for sale, accessible to customers, and in one space, rather than taking up my entire tabletop.  

This was taken at Imaginacon.

And here’s a weird still from one of my con recaps- this was at Destrehan Comic Con, a one day show.  The setup is a bit abbreviated, but I still try to keep zoning intact.

Huge Vendor Show (ALAAC)

So at a huge show like ALAAC, which is catered towards librarians, you want your display to be appealing, fun, and easy to parse.  This is a great show for me to sell original pieces, so when permitted, I also utilize a print rack for my originals, so customers can flip through various pieces of original art. 

 Anime Cons

It’s a bit hard to see in this picture, but I still try to utilize zoning, and drawing attention to specific products even on busy anime con tables.  I also try to stay consistent with my zoning from show to show, as it allows me to go through my pitch quickly and with few mistakes, even if I’m down with a migraine.  It’s also helpful for people assisting me, or repeat customers, as it allows them to quickly find particular items.  In general, although I don’t design my setup in a way that really allows me to ‘hide’ behind it too much (I’m a bit claustrophobic), I have designed it to invite customers to casually browse, flip through things, and pick up samples, without feeling pressured into addressing me if they don’t want to.

This was my setup from Mechacon 2018.  The hall they had us in was very dark, so I brought my own lights, and used them to highlight (doo doo tish) pieces I wanted to showcase.

PS:  I have loads of great con recaps AND interviews with other artists at cons over on my Youtube channel, yall should definitely check it out!

[destinyroseart]

New creature design Print-Spirit foxes called The Whispers of Na Firi(or The Whispers for short)! To be added to my print collection in time for Michigan Comic Con. I’m adding a new mini print and possibly bookmarks to the list as well. Stat block in progress!

[rpgsandbox]

Each game of MAZES begins as you are about to set out into the darkness. You and your stalwart companions peer down the stairs winding into the abyss, or lifting a rusty portcullis into a secret passage, or opening a door into a labyrinth where they say power and glory lies…

The MAZES RPG combines the look and feel of classic, dungeon exploring RPGS with cutting edge game play and mechanics. Designed for short session play in an episodic, novella style.

Each player has a different role to play within the party, and that role is DEFINED as a single die. You only ever roll your die - so, What do you want to do in the game?

MAZES and Polymorph System use the same YOU ARE A SINGLE DIE mechanic

MAZES ZINE EDITION is an introduction to this brand-new RPG – and the first game published with 9th Level’s exciting new POLYMORPH SYSTEM. MAZES makes it easy to play episodic, narrative heavy RPGs about dungeon exploring, monster fighting, and tales of sword and sorcery.

#ZINEQUEST

When Kickstarter announced ZINE QUEST, we knew that we had to be a part of it! Besides being game designers, we are also huge fans of ZINES and ZINE culture. In fact, our first game “Kobolds Ate My Baby!” was a Zine 20 YEARS AGO! (And we just completed a ZINE QUEST Kickstarter to deliver a reprint of it : Check that out here.)

We completely rejiggered our 2019 schedule and decided to introduce you all to POLYMORPH with this 1979 style ZINE EDITION of MAZES.  

MECHANICS OF MAZES

In MAZES, you always roll a die that represents your role in the party (the Vanguard is a D6, for instance). When you take an action, you are rolling against one of the 4 Actions - BOOKS, BOOTS, BLADES, or BONES (see the character sheet below) - and you are trying to roll one of the target numbers for that action. So, if you are running away from a Razorbear you would roll your die and try to roll a 3, a 4, or a 5 (since those are the numbers for BOOTS).

Each player has a class (reminiscent of basic/BECMI D&D). If you roll a 1, and it is something that your CLASS can do - you also succeed. Your class also gives you a number of EDGES - edges are like skills or abilities that allow you to gain ADVANTAGE on rolls.

                                   MAZES basic Character Sheet

OSR Emulation and Trilemma Adventures

Since MAZES is designed to feel like a game from 1979, but play like a game in 2019 - we have included a set of simple rules for translating OSR compliant game material for use with MAZES - so you can play using all of those great, old, DND modules, or all of the great, new, Old School Renaissance modules.

But, making adventures just for MAZES is easy too! The MAZE zine includes a host of ways to cook up a quick adventure for a night of gaming.

To help you get going quickly, we've included a set of three mini-adventures created by TRILEMMA ADVENTURES (100% ready to play with MAZES ).

FOUR ZINES FOR MORTALS DOOMED TO DIE

This Kickstarter is to create 4 small booklets that will detail a complete old-school style game – featuring everything a group needs to jump in and start adventuring!

SWORD contains the primary player facing rules of the game, including: how to create characters, fight monsters, and do cool stuff. This is the book that you need if you want to play the game. Sword also includes tiny solo adventures for you to learn more about the game!

SORCERY introduces magic, tools, and retainers to the game. It has everything that you need to wield magic, and information about the assumed world of the game. This is a player facing book. Together SWORD and SORCERY contain everything that a player needs.

MAZE is the core rulebook for the Maze Controller - the MC - the player that runs the game. It features all the rules for creating adventures and commentary on running games, creating obstacles, and a collection of quick play adventure episodes.

MONSTER is a bestiary of the horrible denizens that are waiting in the darkness to devour the players when they descend into the maze. MAZE explains how to control “The Darkness” a running clock that keeps the players moving forward.  

ONE GAME TO RULE THEM ALL

While POLYMORPH and MAZES are new – the 9th Level team is not. We have been making RPGS for 20 Years (yes, TWO DECADES). The Polymorph System is the result of countless games we've run all over the world – distilled down to create something fresh and exciting. We hope that you will join us on this journey as we start exploring the edges of what is possible with Polymorph – starting where we always start – BACK IN THE DUNGEON!

ONE GAME TO FIND THEM

Anyone that backs this campaign will also receive an invite to the BETA Discord Channel for MAZES and POLYMORPH. We will use this channel as a forum, and hopefully, as a place for people to play and share POLYMORPH and MAZES games.

9th Level will be supporting MAZES throughout the year with convention play opportunities and actual play videos. You can be a part of that through this Discord.

9th Level Games will be at Dreamation, Emerald City Comic Con, PAX East, Origins, DexCon, GenCon, PAX Unplugged, and more in 2019!

AND IN THE DARKNESS BIND THEM

BESIDES being huge RPG NERDS, Chris and Heather at 9th Level Games are huge zine and design nerds. We're just as excited about the look and feel of the zines as we are about the content!

Each zine will be solid black printing on bright white, matte 80lb Text weight acid free paper, with 111 lb. 300gsm rich colored vellum cover stock, all gloriously saddle stitched. Our zines will be produced by FIREBALL PRINTING in Philadelphia, PA.

These are some badass looking zines! Each book will be approximately 36 pages (we think, but don't quote us on that). We've gone with bold, shadow style art that looks amazing.

THERE WILL NOT BE A DIGITAL VERSION of MAZES at this time. However, the next iteration of MAZES will include a complete digital experience.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Thu, February 28 2019 11:30 PM UTC +00:00

Website: Ninth Level Games