I made it - one of the best times I ever had, so much fun.
I talked with the wife and we decided to make it a family trip. The drive was just under 8 hours without stopping, so it took about 9 total. My two daughters and I drove down on Friday (they got to miss school for a trip... big plus in their book). The wife was in Texas on business, so she flew in late Friday to meet us.
The three of us got in about 3:30 and checked in, and then headed down to the convention center. It took a little doing, but eventually we found it, got parked, and made it to the registration area. There was a
massive quitling convention going on, so it was a little surreal in the building until we found where we needed to go. I had preregistered so they had my badge (and the girls got in free); we got everything and headed in.
Once inside..... WOW!!! I have never seen so many incredible artist in one place - an absolute fantasy. I was only there 2 hours on Friday but was able to meet Randy Gallegos, Brom, Michael Whelan, Matt Stewart, Franz Vohewinkel, Steve Belledin, Eric Deschamps, Mark Nelson, Matt Stawiki, Steve Argyle, and Rob Alexander (again) and Mark Poole (again), just off the top of my head. I must've spent almost an hour of that time talking to Poole - such a great guy. I got a bunch of sigs and some AP's, including a few I was to pick up the next day. After leaving we met my wife back at the hotel room. My girls teased me on the drive back, saying "daddy, you
really had fun in there, didn't you?" and "you're such a nerd". No arguement from me
The next day my girls traded up and decided to go shopping with mom, so they dumped me off at the convention center in the morning and I was there all day. Let's just say I brought some food with me, along with $250 - by the end of the day I still hadn't eaten anything and was broke... what a great time. I met so many artists I don't think I can list them all: John Stanko, Peter Mohrbacher, Dan Dos Santos, Jason Engle, Daren Bader, Volkan Baga, Drew Baker, Paul Bonner, Darkeen, Jason Felix, Donato Giancola, Gary Gianni, Lucas Graciano, Michael C. Hayes, Vance Kovacs, Stephan Martiniere, Iain McCaig, Jeff Miracola, Winona Nelson, Anthony Palumbo, David Palumbo, Ryan Pancoast, Jim Pavelec, rk post, Vincent Proce, Chris Rahn, Omar Rayyan, Wayne Reynolds, Dan Scott, Greg Spalenka, and Justin Sweet. In addition, one of the best people I got to meet was a fellow forum member - Blood (hi Jason!!).
After I got picked up I had a quick bite at Wendy's, and then some quality time with the family in the pool at the hotel. Once everyone was showered and dried off we watched some TV in the room and had popcorn, until we couldn't stay awake.
The next day I had to hit the show for a couple of hours to see a few artists I'd missed (George Pratt, Shelley Wan, and Brian Despain), plus revisit a couple I'd already seen. After that a nice relaxing car ride home, so I could unpack and get to work by 11PM... ugh.
I really haven't had any time to get a final tally of my haul; I know I got 28 AP's with sketches and over 1K of cards signed - once I have a chance to sit down I'll give the final numbers (if anyone cares). It was great to meet so many new artists and put a face with the ones I've mailed to. I don't know how many times I got "... oh, so you're Jared, nice to meet you" from different artists. Eric Deschamp had just sent me some proofs so he recognized my name right away, and Daren remembered having 3 cards for me on his desk (lol). They all said I "was doing it right" and I could keep sending, so that was great to hear.
I will post some specific stories about varoius artists in a day or so - we're busy at work (OT), and my daughter needs me to use what little time I have at home to help her with homework. Just figured I'd chime in with a little info.
Again - best... time... ever!!!
Take it easy,
Jared