This labor day weekend marks the 10th anniversary of my artwork getting accepted into the
Dragon Con Art Show.
Ever since attending this amazing convention for the first time, I dreamed of being a part of their art show. With encouragement from my family I attempted to join the show. But was rejected by the judges. :( The next year I reluctantly applied again. 2008 was apparently my year, I passed the jury.
I proudly set up my booth with my make shift signs and backdrop. I felt like a fraud that first year. I was selling my artwork next to amazing artists, with years of experience behind them. No matter what I felt or not, the artists and art directors welcomed me into the DCon family.
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This was the set up at my 1st craft show ever, as you can see my booth has come along way from this first tiny show.
I didn't even have sculptures yet and Yes, that is a poster-board sign with masking tape. LOL |
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More handmade signs and displays.
My family and I call this colorful table cloth "the magic carpet" and it has been covering my booth table every single show since 2007. |
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2009 and you can see my booth is looking a little more put together. |
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2nd Dragon Con booth set up. Not too bad, still had so much to learn though. |
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2011 Dragon Con booth set up. Starting to look legit? |
Dragon Con is the largest Sci-fi/Fantasy convention in the South-East, with over 80,000 attendees last year, but only a decade ago it was bringing in 30,000 people, still the largest show I had ever been a part of.
10 years later and this art show has proven to be my most successful convention each year. I have won several awards in the Art show, from best fairy to best horror, believe it or not. :)
I have also met the most crazy yet most interesting people here and made many friends and con buddies.
I completely believe you never stop progressing and improving as long as you keep doing, and the same goes for shows/conventions. Each year I learn something new about my art and the business.
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2014 booth set up. |
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2015 booth set up. |
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2016 booth set up. |
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2017 booth set up. |
Though it is a stressful time, getting ready for this convention every year;
Taking months to build inventory and working many nights and weekends to prepare, I love this Art show and the inspiration it has been for me.
Here's a look at how far my artwork has come in the 10 years of Dragon Con. :)
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Dragon pals 2008 |
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Dragon Pals 2011 |
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Dragon Pals 2014 |
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Dragon Pals 2018 |
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Steampunk Dragon Pals 2012 |
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Steampunk Dragon Pals 2013 |
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Steampunk Dragon Pals 2014 |
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Steampunk Animal Pals 2013 |
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Steampunk Animal Pals 2014 |
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Steampunk Animal Pals 2015 |
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Steampunk Animal Pals 2016 |
Looking forward to being apart of Dragon Con again this September. Can't wait to see everyone there. :)
Thanks to everyone that has supported my art and encouraged me over the years. And Thanks to Dragon Con for letting this little artist be a part of this awesome show for 10 years. :)
A super special Thank You to the people that help me at the show every single year, without these few I would not be able to handle the stress of those 4 con days. I love you all so much and appreciate all your help. Laralee, Julie, JR and my sweet wonderful husband.
Thank you for reading!
~Caralyn