- Feb. 17-19, 2012
MegaCon 2012
Artist’s Alley: Pink 1 & 2
Orange County Convention
Center, Hall D
9800 International Drive,
Orlando, FL 32819 - March 30-April 1
Emerald City Comic Con
Artist Alley: L 10 & 11
Seattle, WA - April 13-15
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
Artist Alley
Chicago, IL - April 27-29
Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
Artist Alley: i 07 & 08
Calgary, AB Canada - July 12-15
Comic-Con International 2012
Booth 4820 – Fantasy Illustration
San Diego, CA - July 27-29
Otakon 2012
Exhibit Floor (NOT Artist Alley)
Baltimore, MD - August 16-19
GenCon 2012
Exhibit Hall
Indianapolis, IN - August 31 – September 3
DragonCon 2012
Atlanta, GA
0
Fourth of July was spent at Jellystone Park Java (northwest new York). And today we visited Niagara Falls.
We started doing the summer tours for several reasons. To go to conventions and connect with clients and fans. But mostly, to travel, and explore our great nation with our two artistic daughters. We have been enjoying learning through visits to the landmarks (Mt Rushmore, Statue of Liberty), but I believe that to really learn about your country, is to explore the local culture as well.
So, we try to go off the beaten path – trying local foods, visiting local markets, learning about the local wildlife. This partifular summer trip has allowed us a view into an aspect of our nation and culture, and even our very human nature, which I would like to share with you.
We hiked in Banff, and Katheryn (6) pulled a muscle in her leg. In the 10 days between there and Origins (Columbus, Oh), it got slowly better, and then took a dramatic (and excrutiating) turn for the worse. She ended up admitted for the last six days at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus Ohio with a Staph infection deep in her pelvis. Narrowly avoiding surgery, she is on the mend, and due to be released today. Things could have gone much more seriously, and we are grateful that all went a well as it could have. But this post isn’t about her. This post is about our experience dipping below the surface, and peering into a world that hopefully many of you will never see.
I have met many very strong people in my week here. I have also discovered a support community that is truly amazing to behold. And what is truly amazing to me, is how that support system does all that it possibly can to take away the inconvenience of thinking of anything but the welfare of your child. There is a room in on the first floor call the Blue Jay Room (or the Blue Room), where you are gently encouraged to go 24/7 as a private, family only place. It is a tv room, computer lab, laundromat (gratis), snack area, shower and workout facility all in one area. You can even sign up for a free massage. There is a library to research your childs ailment. You can go next door to the cafeteria and receive any beverage for free. Even the inconvenience of paying for coffee or hot chocolate is lifted. Everything is designed to let you focus on your child. E
ach time you peek your head from the room – the staff immediately asks if they can get something for you, and next, they ask about for your child. The hospital focuses not only on the welfare of the child, but on what they can do to make your own stay less painful. As one volunteer told me “we just wish that we could do more”.
Our first day here, we were encouraged to stay at the Ronald McDonald house across the street. To me, the RMH has always been that little box in front of the cash register where you pick up your hamburger. It’s a place where the parents with kids with cancer stay. It’s for people who can’t afford a hotel (so I always thought), It’s…well, it’s nowhere I’ll ever have to visit. Could we have stayed somewhere else? Sure, I suppose that we could have. But, honestly, I was curious to find out more about it – to experience it, so that I could share it with all of you. And then next time you drop your orphaned nickel in the box, you understand what exactly it’s going to.
In effect, it’s a hostel. A large, clean, friendly hostel – with a front desk full of helpful smiling volunteers, and a dining area full of late night parents gathering together over coffee to commiserate, seek comfort, share stories, and perhaps play games. Today they are offering free haircuts (one less thing to worry about). Last night I spent an hour helping prepare dinner (baking cookies for 150 people). The room is clean. The linen closet is stocked with two meticulously placed bags of assorted toiletries donated from a variety of hotels, and various brands of tp. Everyone pitches in to do their part.
Some people have been there for weeks, or even months. I’ve met some amazing people since I’ve been here. The first day, in the cafeteria I met Joey and his grandmother. Joey drowned 8 weeks ago, down for ten minutes until his lungs were stiff and his organs were shutting down. His grandmother was giddy to show him off – giggling, laughing, trying to steal her soda, and throwing his socks on the floor. Joey is two. I met the cousin of a boy upstairs who had crawled under a car, and been run over completely by a car. He was also two. On the way up to the room, I met Madaline, who was excited that she was old enough to go to the sibling playroom (she had been coming here to visit her brother since she was born).
On that first day, I saw a man with a parent badge, dressed in pajamas. I ran into him today (five days later) in the same pajamas, in the elevator. He was on his way to NICU – and commented that his daughter (born Thursday) had had two surgeries, and he (being 26) had only ever had one.
Last night at crafts, we met a boy whose car had been hit by a Hummer, and had his head smashed in (pray4trey.com), but he’s recovering use of the left side of his body, and mom is thrilled! The other little girl’s father had accidentally run her over with the lawnmower. She had lost some toes, and most of the muscles in her thigh, but they had given her a skin graft that very day. Luckily it had narrowly missed her femoral artery. Her father had thought that the mover stalled, and it took weeks of therapy to convince the four year old that her father had not done it on purpose.
There are folks of all ethnicities here, worried for their loved ones. Indian, African, a lovely Amish family with cute children. But all are treated well, and offered comforts to take away the worry. Books, movies, activities. Would you like a massage, a haircut? Let us take the sibling for a while, into the playroom. It is easy to think that all human caring and consideration for others is extinct, in this day and age, where everything is so Me, Me, Me.
I’m thankful that my eldest daughter was able to learn about the familys who live in this pocket of the universe – waiting on tests, hoping, praying, and to meet the people helping them to get through it. I am thankful that we were fortunate enough to be passing through, and happily discharged today to move on with our lives. And I wish the best to Trey, in physical therapy, and the other kids here (some who may never leave). It reminds you to worry less about the little things, and be happy for what you have.
And I’m hoping that next time you are ordering a burger at McDonalds, and have a handful of change, that you drop it in that little box in front of the register – and know that it is not being squandered, but instead, that you are doing your part to take away a little pain and worry from another human being.
I love Canada. My absolute favorite part about other countries is sampling their candy. Canada has neat candy, and these fantastic maple cookies @ duty free.
This is our first trip to Banff. And why not? It’s only 44 hour drive from hone. Then there’s customs, and rising gas prices. And a show (Calgary) that we’ve never done before. But, sometimes you have to choose the less practical road to really LIVE. Banff is just gorgeous. From the distance of 5-10 feet we’ve seen elk, mountain goats, 3 black bears, rutting bighorn sheep. And 2 grizzlys, one with her cubs.
And best of all, the funny money, buffalo burgers and assorted odd candies.
It turns out that Revolution Pizza! (whom I did the logo for two years ago) is ten minutes from the Heroes Convention! We’re going to head on over there tonight and check out the logo, napkins, menus. Call me silly, but I get a real kick out of seeing my work published and out there. I guess once that giddy happy joy in the bottom of your stomach goes away, you should think about changing careers – after all, that’s what it’s all about. I hope that when I’m ancient, I still get a kick out of seeing my work on package designs.
We are fortunate enough to be next to the lovely (lovely!) creators of Owly. If you haven’t checked out Owly (especially if you have kids!) buy the set! I bought the books for Katheryn when she was five, and now she has an owl room, and is their biggest fan. Andrew was nice enough to do her a custom drawing in his newest (color) book – and she slept with it last night. Owly is a fantastic little owl who goes on kind-hearted adventures. But what makes it truly special is the emotive way that Owly is drawn – the expression given to this little owl, is truly entertaining and out of this world.
Heroes con is fun – we’ve seen lots of fans from last year and lots of new faces. I only did two original paintings this year – and one of them I donated to the Heroes auction. I was hoping to bring the kids to the auction and show them all about the fun and atmosphere of the legendary event, but the placed mine in the silent auction instead (which was a bit disappointing). So, we went out for a lovely dinner and listened to a streetside brass band instead.
This day marks the eve of the third year of “the big summer trip”. Three years ago, we set out on an eight week tour of shows all across our great United States.
Being a rather well known and established advertising illustrator, I did not *need* to do this – we *chose* to embark on this journey of unknown obstacles, and unseen adventures. There are so very many people out there who dream, there entire lives, of being able to travel. Freelance artists rarely vacation. Any time not working is non-paid time. But we were determined to vacation with the kids (then, being 4 & 6 – now 6&8) before they were suddenly in college. Thus, “the great summer trip” was born.
We play Shadowrun every Friday. And Saturday. And sometimes the random Thursday. On the eve of our Great Trip, our good friend Zach showed up with helping hands, a red velvet cake (my favorite!) and a little statue of a Gnome, upon which he had inscribed “There’s Gnome Place Like Home”. Promptly named Grievous, he accompanied us our first year to various tourist hot spots and shows from Ohio to LA to Tulsa, OK. Grievous enjoys sightseeing at Ruby Falls, hiking at Chaco Canyon, river rafting in Missouri, and eating S’Mores by the campfire. Unfortunately, Grievous had an untimely falling accident off of the rv steps, and to the cries of “can we glue him?”, met an untimely death.
Fast forward. The following March.
I had a show in New York City, after which, I drove to CT to pick up my aging great grandparents and drive them to Florida. It snowed a late year snow, and adventure ensued. Everything was enjoyable and great when HO! we stopped upon a cute little florist, gift shop somewhere in the carolinas. In the back room of the renovated little house, who sits upon a corner shelf admist poupouri and kitchen cozies, but Grievious!! My great grandmother promplty acquired him, and he rejoined the party.
Grievous is all packed, prepared, and ready for our summer tour this year. He is very excited to visit Banff and go fishing, see Mt Rushmore, get stuck in the Smokies (with our very overloaded rv), catch fireflies in Pennsylvania, go on the Maid of the Mist in Niagara, camp at Lake George, and more.
I will be updating this blog with news from our travelling ways – so that you can travel vicariously through us without leaving the comfort of your home. So, don’t be surprised if you see a little gnome in our family photos!
echo
Two years ago, we brought a half a dozen of my personal pieces to MegaCon in Orlando as a “test” run to see what the general public thought of my personal work. I was already an award winning, established advertising illustrator – but really wasn’t sure what the response would be to pieces that I completed for myself. The response was HUGE. So, we promptly purchased an rv, and by the summer, we were booked for a handful of shows.
MegaCon is what we consider the official start of the con season for us. So, it makes sense that we premiered the book at this, our third ever, MegaCon. The response was killer – we almost sold out of the books that we brought to the show, and I had a ton of new pieces to satisfy my loyal fans – including cupcake cthulhu! I met several new models whom I will be shooting with this upcoming year, and got to hang out with my favorite existing models (including Yaya Han and Jonathan Carroll).
At the last minute, my good friend Clare Kramer (Glory from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) booked for the show, and we were able to find time to go out to dinner at my favorite Orlando Italian restaurant, Maggianos. She brought with her Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) – and we got to hear all about his new movie Soul Surfer, as well as drink great wine, chat about phone apps, fight over apple crumble and talk about kids. Fantastically wonderful guy – super awesome. And, of course, I LOVE hanging with my girl Clare. We were able to sqeeze in a ten minute photo shoot – so watch my new pieces for her beautiful face and lovely locks of hair. 
Kevin Sorbo, Echo and Clare Kramer
ALSO at dinner were Lazarus, Brian Boling and the lovely Yaya Han, who brought with her the fantastic Marie-Claude Bourbonnais (who agreed also to model for me! I’m so lucky!).
Marie-Claude, Yaya Han and Echo (Blonde, Dark, Red)
Saturday was equally as fun as Friday. Artist dinner at Paul Vincenti’s house. I was fortunate enough to receive vip tickets to the Cirque De Mentia party that evening as well. I was so exhaused that I nearly didn’t go, but my good friend Karl Kuras and my mom dragged me along. It was *incredible*. We stayed out until two! The outfits were phenomenal, the music was perfect (and not too loud), and the company great. I won’t post pictures – mom’s a first grade teacher, and there is supposed to be no proof that they do anything other than count the letters of the alphabet all weekend. 
But I think that she particularly enjoyed the show – especially the woman with the bone saw shooting sparks across the stage….
But I think that she particularly enjoyed the show – especially the woman with the bone saw shooting sparks across the stage….Fun.
Fun.
So Fun. 
AND I found a model, whom I’m really excited about.
Sunday was super duper cool too. Lazarus has commissioned some illustrations of me by other artists that we love. I will have them posted soon.
SO – The con season has officially started for us. This echo-location blog will follow our adventures, journeys, trials and tribulations. I will do my best this summer to keep you updated with cool sights from across the country.
SO – The con season has officially started for us. This echo-location blog will follow our adventures, journeys, trials and tribulations. I will do my best this summer to keep you updated with cool sights from across the country.
But, for now, I have eight illustrations to finish before Heroes Con!
x
7 am, at Sea-Tac in Seattle. After playing Shadowrun for 15 years, I’ve always wanted to go to Seattle. It’s just as fantasic as I imagined! The con is Emerald City Comic Con, which has apparently been growing exponentially the past few years. The AA was huge. Spent time hanging with my college buddy Dave Fooden (who always knows the trendy and chic places to go). This time it was Tavern Law, a prohibition era speakeasy, where we entered the secret bar through a vault. Joining us was Alain Viesca, Clare Kramer (glory, from Buffy), and new friends Froggy and Jacqui. They customize cocktails to your taste and offer the swankiest grown up Mac n cheese known to man. A good time was had by all.
Sunday, after breakdown, spent the evening with the nice folks from Geek Chic, who make the most gorgeous custom gaming tables in the world. Really fantastic time at cheesecake factory.
Didn’t get to see too much if the city. Did get a peek at the mountains. Lots of great folks came to see me, and I’m leaving with less than 25 prints left!! Thank you all, and sorry for running out of so many! I never expected such a ravenous response to my art here in Seattle. At one point there was actual rending of garments over the last Coy print. So I’ll bring more next year!!!
Exhausted, going home! Next is Megacon!!! Echo
I’ve gone to Miami SuperCon the last two years, but this is the first ever Miami Comic Con hosted by Wizard World. I wasn’t skeptical, but I was not sure how this inaugural show would do. It went great for a first year show.
It’s mostly a local show for me. I have friends in the area and it’s only a short 3-hour drive. Friday night we got some friends together and travelled to Delray Beach to eat at our favorite restaurant: Café Lauradana. It’s an exquisite italian restaurant on the North-Bound side of US1 near Atlantic Boulevard. I’m friends with the owner and the food is out of this world. They get written up in every “Best of…” issue of everything. They should be on the Food Network or Travel Channel, they are that good. The owner Laura is one of my collector’s too, and when I’, there she introduces me to her other patron’s promoting me. It’s so much fun (but sometimes I have to leave the table to meet and greet instead of eat).
I introduced some new pieces at the show and met some other artists. I also met some of the celebrities (Wizard World brings in some of the coolest.)
It was a fantastic event – but a really tiring one. As soon as we were done, we had to pack up and drive home that same night to prepare for the rest of the week.
Eek! I have Emerald City in just a few days.
The official start of our summer tour is Megacon in March. But, it’s 2011, and I have this brand-spankin new blog to break in. So, here goes.
I’m not much of a blogger. I don’t read them, I don’t write them, the only one that I ever read was talking about how my friend’s dog was throwing up chunks and had a huge discussion on the consistency of said chunks. There were *way* too many people interested in the dog chunks, and a discussion that went on for ages. Which tells me two things. People enjoy reading about what’s going on in other peoples lives. And, you shouldn’t feed your dog shelled peanuts.
This will be our family’s third summer on the road. I’ve spent seventeen years cooped up in the studio, up to my eyeballs creating artwork. Which is GREAT, but not for meeting other artists and fans. Freelance illustrators don’t tend to take vacations – when you vacation, you’re not working. A friend of mine brought up to me “why don’t you go to Megacon? They have an artists alley there, you can sell art”. Having no idea whether or not my personal pieces would sell, I attended my first Megacon in 2009, and holy cow! So, we promptly booked a tour of summer shows, bought an rv, and Laz left his job to work with me fulltime.at the studio. Within two months. We’ve always jumped into things full force.
Deciding to do this was a huge leap. A huge risk. A complete unknown. Most of my family thought we were nuts. But, as the sticker stuck to my cousins refrigerator says “Jump, and the Net will appear”. And, I would have never had the opportunity to drive through the Mojave, or Utah, or visit Flagstaff and read that sticker – if we had not taken the leap. And we’ve made so many friends and loyal fans along the way. Thinking back, I can’t imagine doing anything different (and I can’t believe the adventures and the beautiful sights we’ve seen!). Travel, if you can!
2009 was a fantastic success. The rv was great, it lit on fire at one point and we all survived. We travelled to 27 states that first summer. From Columbus, OH to LA to Oklahoma to Maryland and Connecticut, to Indianapolis…. and home. We had a flat tire in the middle of Arizona (half a mile from a tire fix place!). The rv lit on fire. We did not have a trailer at that point, so everything was hanging off the back, and we had to watch it to see if my art ended up all over said interstate… it was a huge adventure!
2010 was even better! I got to see return fans and artists that we’d met the year before. My parents bought us a little cargo trailer – so that brought on maneuvering fun in itself. We blew a gasket (three times) for being overloaded, and were crawling along the interstate at 20 mph. We skipped LA, but drove to San Diego Comic Con – and then from there to Maryland in 3 days. Oh, the fun we had!!
People ask all the time about how we do this, why we do this, and what sort of adventures we have. So, this blog is for you, my fans. Keep track of us, laugh with us, enjoy vicariously the fine country we live in. Added bonus – we go to Canada this year! Hear all about customs. See photos of Lazarus being strip searched at the border… Fun will ensue.
SO, watch this blog to follow the real us – and let the adventures unfold!
echo
Echo-X.com
Echo-Gallery.com
Echo on Facebook
