calgary comic expo re cap

I can't let a week go by without writing something about the Calgary Comic Expo that took place last weekend, so I better do it now.

I was able to get some art signed by some amazing comic book artists while meeting them, Camilla d'erico, Pia Guerra (Y:The Last Man, my favorite comic), and Eric Powell (The Goon). Saw some celebrities, caught Brent Spiner taking some digs at Nimoy's retirement, and was pushed out of the way by Nimoy's body guards as they escorted him to his room.

The workshops were of course very constructive. I attended the independent comic panel, the character animation panel, the concept design panel, and the traditional painting panel, all of which I took something valuable away from.

The highlight for me was getting to talk to Marcelo Vignali and Iain McCaig, both really cool guys. Each of them asked to take a look at my sketchbook, which I appreciated as I don't know if I would have been able to muster up the courage to ask them on my own (it can be intimidating talking to these pros, though they couldn't have been more approachable). The advice they gave to me was invaluable, and just the opportunity to be able to talk to them one on one was not only pricelsess but highly motivational and inspirational. I am both blown away by their willingness to help and impressed by their positive outlook on life which comes through with every gesture they make when emphasizing a point, great stuff. I'm going to make sure if they are there next year that I will be prepared to show them my growth as an artist.

This could easily turn from a quick recap to a five page rambling summary so I will end it by saying the Comic Expo was a great success and made even better by taking it all in with some great friends. Can't wait for next year, when I hope to have more of a presence at the Comic Expo, just wish Calgary could have two a year.


































































Above: Marcelo Vignali looking at my sketchbook and allowing me the chance to tap into his wealth of knowledge. Iain McCaig showing me and buddy Sam his sketchbook along with some great advice. After talking to both it was easy to see why they made it to the top of the pack and remained there. I also chilled with R2D2 for a minute.

Big thanks to Ashley and Tobias for taking the photos used here.