Special Events // Comic-Con 2011

Godzilla takes over the San Diego Convention Center

After a whole year of anticipation since the 2010 festivities, Comic-Con 2011 rolled into downtown San Diego much like a freakish freight train, bringing with it a long list of celebrities, artists, and of course there were no shortage of elaborate characters.

All of downtown gets sponsored makeovers, and each year the marketing teams get craftier and craftier. 

Comic-Con robots and superheroes spilling into the streets

Seems like every business, bar and restaurant in the Gaslamp district was decked out to welcome the overflow traffic from the convention. *On a side note: Join us Aug 5th at the top of the Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego for the "Eighth-ply" skateboard inspired art event hosted by We Love Creativity.

The all powerful COCO does some clever marketing near the convention  

Freaks & Geeks all over town

Entering the convention center is like approaching the nebula of the comic book/pop art universe. Some people complain that the convention has become overwhelmingly commercial in the recent years, but anyone who's worked in the graphic arts has got to be a little bit in awe of the grand scale of advertising at Comic-Con. Yes, every major network is there promoting their new show (hence the reference to "popular arts" in the convention's new motto) but i was pleased to find that this years event was not completely taken over by Twihards, and Steampunks... the Comic Arts are alive and well, and the convention is still the greatest event in the country for artists and core fans.

The costumes are my favorite part - The masquerade contest always brings out the best handmade costumes, and the fans never need a reason to dress up as their favorite charachter

Nerding out over Vader & the cast of one of my fav shows "Big Bang Theory"

We had a great time taking pictures of the scenery, meeting artists, and collecting swag in our gigantic Comic-con bags. I even had a chance to connect with a major inspiration of mine Tara McPherson, and the sights when on for days.

Met Tara McPherson - Showed off my Flower Head Girl tattoo & got a personalized print 

"Metal Girl" silkscreen (i scored #54/100)

Kat Dennings in a fun new show? I'm sold.

Cans by Ron English

Cuteness overload for my little Miss Ellis Veda

Hi-Fructose Magazine Booth - a pop art standard 

fun things you wish you could touch

Time Traveling Equipment? There's something for everyone here! 

Character artist Sze Jones and Low-Brow Legend Ron English

An "Alice in Wonderland" print I picked up from Sze Jones for my daughter's room

New release from Ron English - a definite wish list item!

Nickelodeon Favorites Muno and Spongebob 

As the convention came to an end, we gathered out souvenirs and headed home, with our heads spinning with inspiration and dreams 2012... So excited to see how all our new connections work out, and eager to make next year bigger and better!

Achy stumps deserve a ride in a Pedi-Cab!