Friday, June 14, 2013

Prepping for a con! (in artist's alley or the dealer's room!)

I'm heading to Anime Blues Con which right around the corner and I thought it would be a good idea to make a con survival post for those who are behind the tables selling or promoting at a convention.

Cons can be a fun and wonderful experience but when you're behind a table you need to make sure you have a few things with you, besides your equipment and product, to make it through the day!

Survival Bag Contents: 
  • Large Water Bottle. (You'll have plenty of sodas, Ramune, and other fun beverages to drink but you need to drink plenty of water to keep yourself going!)
  • Towel ('cause you know the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy says so!)
  • Extra set of clothes (if you're like me you'll be in costume most of the day but when it comes to tearing down you'll want a pair of comfy clothes to be in to leave!)
  • Extra Cash outside of your change for customers
  • Phone Charger 
  • A Bento Box of Healthy Goodies (If you have dietary restrictions or allergies this is a must plus you need to stay healthy in a sea of pocky, ramen, and hi-chews.)
  • Deodorant (Do I need to explain con funk to you?)

Once you're behind your table you need to remember a few things also: 
  • Establish relationships with your fellow dealers/artist alley people! These people will help to watch your table when you need to run to the bathroom or help to get food. 
  • Don't forget packaging for items!  It makes your items feel specials and your customers.
  • Remember to give our your promotional items to everyone who stops by and thank them! 
  • Don't forge to take breaks before things start to rev back up or when they start to die down. 
  • Offer to watch your fellow dealers/artist alley members tables if they need to take a break when they do it for you! 

These are just a few things for surviving a con when you are behind a table and can apply when you are at a con as well hopping around from panel to panel.




Monday, June 10, 2013

What happens when you cross My Little Pony with the Invisible Pink Unicorn?


 You get My Little Invisible Pink Unicorn!
(Yes that is my arm and the original line work I did for it)

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Sailor Moon Goodies



I have some new goodies coming to the shop once the weather and lighting gets better! There's sailor moon tiaras and her first locket both made from craft foam for those who, as always with Tiny Little Magic, need something quick and easy for their costumes.

**I'm really embarrassed by my foam head! My kiddo got to it one day while she was in a destroying anything foam stage. It now looks like a zombie got to it...

Monday, May 13, 2013

The semester is DONE and I still have work to do around here...


I've just finished the semester and I'm getting ready to either start student teaching or if I'm lucky I'll get to write my thesis if I can find a new teaching job. I've been lucky my business has been keeping me afloat for most of the year when I needed it most. I've done three craft/comic book conventions this year and I've been in at least 4 art shows. My craft has been getting better and this latest piece has proved it. Someone asked me to make the summer Juban Middle School uniform from Sailor Moon. I can say it was a labor of love but I know that since I've done one that I an pull off more much more easily now.

Friday, March 29, 2013

BOWS


Brand new bows for the shop. I'm expanding into more patterned materials for more custom cosplay outfits. 

Solid Cotton Bows - $6.00
Patterned Bows - $8.00

Monday, March 25, 2013

Midsouth Con 31





I'm home from Mid-South Con! The family and I had a lot of fun and my place in the art showroom this year went over much better then in years past! The kiddo rocked out her Fluttershy outfit I made for her and the costume I helped my husband create won a hallway award! I'm really reconsidering my life as a teacher since my costume and art works are getting a lot more attention as I actually take the time to put things out there.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

A well oiled machine



Its almost the end of spring break for me and if I got at least one thing accomplished it was a complete reoganization of my work space. I've been having problems with clutter and my studio looked like a tornado hit it. So using only a $20 dollar bill and a ton of trash bags I attacked the studio. I bought a bunch of small bins from the dollar tree to organize my threads, bias tapes,office supplies, and other small objects I use often in my business to arrange my supplies in a manner that made it easier for me to find it so getting work done and clean up will take less time then before. I've also separated my racks with one for supplies and the other for completed product.

I am so happy with the set up now, especially with the photography area for my cosplay pieces, because I might be actually able to get some work done at home! Now if the rest of life could just take a back seat so I could have maybe 3 hours to sit at the sewing machine I would be a happy mommy....