I love conventions. There’s just something magical about traveling somewhere for three to four days, standing in line for hours to pick up a badge, being crammed into tiny rooms with tons of people, having to hike to find food that isn’t $15-for-a-pretzel sort of fare, getting your portfolio looked at (and usually told is “too cartoony” or “not cartoony enough” in the same breath–HAH), and attempting to sell stuff. Oh, and buying stuff. I always manage to spend way too much money at conventions.

That last paragraph may have sounded like an overlong sarcastic statement, but it really does add up to the convention experience. I love seeing old friends, making new connections, and learning new things. Plus, there’s always the off-chance that you might get to meet a celebrity (like Felicia Day last year! She’s really sweet, by the way…).

That being said, I’ve been doing the con-goer thing since I was about 12 years old. I graduated in recent years to con-hanger-outer, and then finally to con-trying-to-make-a-career-happen-er. Next step will be con-mildly-successful-er. That’s a good goal to have, in my opinion.

Anyway, I intend to attend two conventions this year– tell me if you’ll be at the same ones!

San Diego Comic-Con: July 23-26, San Diego, California
http://www.comic-con.org
I went to this con for the first time last year and– yes, it may have been a tad overcrowded. Well, make that stupidly overcrowded, but whatever. I love San Diego, and I had a great time!

Dragon*Con: September 4-7, Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.dragoncon.org
I’ve been going to Dragon*Con for years now, and have really enjoyed the art show every time! I hope to actually have something in it this year.

I’m adding a “Where” tab to the website navigation bar so that you can easily find this information if you need it. I don’t know why anyone would need it, but it’s the idea that counts, right?