Special Events // Tr!ckster 2011

Tr!ckster merch and our correspondent / photographer Jane Dope

This year artists and fans in town for Comic-Con had and exciting new alternative/supplement to the chaos of the main convention - Tr!ckster 2011 brought a fresh feel to convention vibe, offering a laid back cocktail and sushi patio space filled with creative buzz, a pop-up retail space selling creator-owned comics, graphic novels & art prints, and a list of art symposiums. The event was the perfect place for artists to draw together, take creative workshops, and enjoy a beer while flipping through portfolios.

Limited Edition Shirts sold in the Tr!ckster store

Art merchandise and "Beat Bee" figurines at a meet and greet with Jim Mahfood 

Jim Mahfood's Beat Bee's came in Original (we got the O.G. one) and Custom Special Edition

The 6 day Pop-Up event was hosted at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, directly across the street from the main convention, which was a completely welcoming change of pace from the thousands of people crammed shoulder to shoulder inching their way across the convention floor. The retail space had so many great items, New wishlist: Kent Willimas' Book Eklektikos and this sweet shirt by comic funk-master Jim Mahfood aka FoodOne and (for my daughter) the Yo Gabba Gabba Comic Anthology which features work from new friend Dave Crosland aka King Gum.

Aside from the art store, Tr!ckster is really about good people joining together to enhance the comic arts. Throughout the week, the event featured several symposiums, where fans got a chance to meet, ask questions, get advice, and watch the artists do their thing. Far different from the typical waiting in line for an autograph. There were also live drawing jams, where budding artists can have drinks, listen to killer tunes, and draw alongside the pros. 

Comic inspired models posed for a lively life drawing session 

Artists of all experience levels took advantage of the creative atmosphere

King Gum got in on the live hot chick action ;)

The fab Tr!ckster book featuring all the artists and King Gum hamming it up

We were especially excited to visit Tr!ckster to see with dear friend (and the photographer of many of these photos) Carmen aka Jane Dope, 1/2 of the funky mixtape series - The Beat Bee Sessions podcast she hosts with FoodOne (Jim Mahfood) as they promoted the release of a fresh new Beat Bee Figurine.

Listen to the latest volume of their Beat Bee Mixtape Here

FoodOne and his Beat Bee creations

Poolside drinks at the Marriott - Yes Please! 

17 story view of the harbor curtesy of Jim Mahfood and King Gum's balcony

Relaxing day of poolside commissioned work for Dave Crosland aka King Gum

Best beer and people watching in town (thats me and my giant convention swag bag) 

Friends new and old :)

FoodOne signing our beat bee souvenir

King Gum sharing his work on theYo Gabba Gabba comic with my Ellis Veda (she's still talking about it)

Obviously the first year of Tr!ckster went off without a hitch - everyone involved had a blast and this indie Anti-Convention really did put the "Comic" back in Comic-con. Not being tied to a traditional convention booth for days on end gave the artists the freedom to explore our beautiful home city during the best time of year,  and hopefully this will become an annual event that fosters creativity and camaraderie within the art community for years to come.