CherBear's Thoughts: July Wrap Up

Tomorrow is August & its amazing how we're nearing the end of the year...

I know...I know...but c'mon have you not come across your social media feeds of countdowns for Halloween? Christmas? Next thing you know New Year's will be the next thing I talk about.

Anyways, I think I've successfully recovered over earlier this month. My convention will be quiet until January - granted I will still be busy in one form or another but that's what I'm essentially looking at.

Granted; on my end, its been rather muggy & humid. Familiar weather on my end but hasn't been made present for a few years so its just a matter of adjusting...& plenty of complaining.

So what's in the horizon? Well let's see.

More little artwork pieces for Pacific PonyCon [ pacificponycon.com/ + @ pacific_ponycon *twitter* ] here in San Diego, CA from now until January.

Looking for work once again in some capacity since my previous line up of work fell through. Don't get me wrong! I have no regrets there - glad to know they're doing a lot better.

More individual works / fan art pieces / etc. in the meantime.

Gaming? Probably...been peeking around Audition Online, gotta see what this fuss over the new patch on WoW is & start working on that before this supposed rumored expansion they're announcing, try out maybe World of Warships?...the list goes on, for now - I will see ya'll on Wondertrade in ORAS ^_~ <3 p="">
Afterall, the intention is there just at the moment - the weather has been canceling out my renewed inspirational drive to create more after San Diego Comic Con.

Besides, this year has been alright; hasn't been spectacular - but at the same time - its not as bad as other years...I'd like to think I'm slowly progressing forward in that capacity.

Also, some silly mundane things as prepping my DVR for fall shows. Been enjoying some such such as We Bare Bears.

But other than that I've been focusing on myself or my family to that capacity.

We'll see how August will treat me as I slowly inch closer towards 2016.

CherBear's Thoughts - SDCC2015 Day 4

Its a bittersweet moment, after the complaining of how exhausted I am, wondering if SDCC was over & just overall being 'con tired' it is finally over.

I'm not sure why but it always tends to happen, near the end on Sundays are very lazy moments. Got there fairly late to the convention only to put in my remaining time. In the meantime I was able to meet up w/ old friends & catch up. Got to watch some new & old anime then head out to another meet up. The night ended up w/ a lil celebration before just finally getting some rest.

Was able to actually score an exclusive & get extras in hopes of a return in investment but we'll see how that'll go. Past that it was nice for me & the group I had been with for the past 4 days to watch the convention pack up, I thanked them & hope to work w/ them again next year.

As for my final thoughts: I think this year was different like every other year, it wasn't too bad & I think the layout & lines were a bit more orderly. The new location where I've been putting time in I think was a lil more successful this year & hope that our group will remain for the following 2016.

My cousin, who I was able to get him in, asked if he would do this all again & he said yes. With that, here's hoping we get to return for another year w/ SDCC changing their registration policies.

So even though the convention is over & I think essentially my con season too, I would chalk this to another successful year. Time to go back into hibernation!

CherBear's Thoughts - Day 3: Masquerade Madness

Woke up after passing out, technically day 4 has started but I wanted to briefly sum up about Day 3.

Even though Day 3 is usually my relaxed Day due to sitting around in line for Masquerade Ball later in the evening; didn't really change any facts of what I had to do that day. Guess there's truth in the idea of each year tends to be a little different from the last & this time isn't any different.

With an early start off w/ me & an extended family of sorts that gather in a line for Ballroom 20 Masquerade Ball happens about as early as 6am. Line management seemed to be attempting to be as strict as usual but at the same time - things were rather orderly. Picking up for tickets were fairly early too, 12:00? Well it isn't too bad considering that I did have to put in my time to give back to the con in an hour...we ironically only needed about 40 tickets for our group this time...heh.

I didn't see much of the floor but more of the upstairs for once, I got to wander around the sails pavillion on my way to my 1 priority.

Granted I know there were other things going on, I did manage to go to the Person of Interest panel a lil later that afternoon. As much as I was on the fence 'bout going [like most panels because I can look for it online in a few weeks] I'm glad I went. Seeing the cast there & being surprised that it'll only be 13 episodes this time around as a mid-season series. I guess when your ratings starts to be in question; things do tend to happen.

We had our pizza run later into the evening, picked up & delivered to our line spot before going into the main event: Masquerade Ball.

Now I have to admit; I admire all the time, effort & imaginative creativity cosplayers go through to perform & w/ 33 entries, it wasn't too bad.

After the showcase; a lil live entertainment from Saber's Guild was pretty good & some shorts & clips afterwards before announcing the winners that night.

It was a good night w/ friends, family, new, extended & old into the mix. With that being said, time to get ready for the last day.

CherBear's Thoughts - SDCC2015 Day 2

Into the wee morning hours once again, I took a brief nap once I got home, mainly because I was trying to unplug myself so to speak from another day - it worked but eventually I should go to sleep for another day is approaching.

So what to discuss about...oh yes...venturing outside the Con; no I know I preached it but some of ya'll wonder do I really do it? Well I did, I managed to check out into the Downtown Gaslamp area for San Diego & I do stand by my statement. The interactive zone over at Petco Park was cute this year tho I have heard it was more lively last year w/ what was taking over the area & its fine, every year is different. Gaslamp Downtown was just another site within itself that just makes things rather different & unique. To see Downtown San Diego especially within the Gaslamp area transform for these events is something. In short of my adventure of taking in the sites & sounds, some free swag, some free snacks & a lot of relaxing. I also made my way over to the Marriot & Hyatt to see how things were as well. Ppl still went & there was plenty to do as I say once again...y'really don't need badges. Observing, I can safely guess the ratio of badge to non-badge folks wandering around is respectably 1:3.

Submitting my time to give back & seeing all the announcements; Star Wars, MLP: FiM & other sorts were pretty cool. Also, managed to go to the Kung Fury panel & as funny & great as that had been, the message was pretty sound - pursue your dreams & risk everything.

Some folks have been voicing how its not the same or its lost its luster, others wonder why ppl go there when they themselves aren't into the comic pop culture. As, as I would like to say, a veteran going for over 10+ years can understand the reasonings why ppl have been voicing their opinion. I can only humbly speculate as I think over these thought provoking voices stating their opinions. Why have I been going? Why have others flocked here if they are completely obvious to the pop culture that SDCC is providing to the masses?

I have to agree to one sentiment; its not that one con is better than the other, it is about friends going w/ friends & w/ me hanging out w/ good company for about 10+ has helped. My purpose has changed within the 10+ as an attendee, a good part of it has become apart of the volunteering, its a different insight, greater appreciation of how things are run in a convention, more friends [to hug fellow volunteers that y'work w/ in the same department is nice...granted its not everyday friends it is like I guess the best way to put it, long time friends coming together for 5 days] & the opportunity to show other friends the SDCC experience because they've never been or help folks who couldn't score tickets to come.

As for that anamoly, I think w/ ppl hyping how SDCC is; it became a curiousity factor. They may not be initially pop culture fans at first but after being there, some either become hooked or are satisified & feel there's no reason to go again...I wish the latter was more common but I think my first hunch is a more accurate statement. Afterall; especially w/ ppl I work with in volunteer staffing & even my long time local friends - it became a 'you're going to what con again?' to 'OMG you're going to Comic-Con, can you get me tickets?!' As much as ppl think this has long stopped being a convention 'bout comics...it is ironically a common theme among the con. It has a lil bit of something for everyone but at the same time its that lil bit of something in all reality became a large blob. Yes, from the video games to the movies & other promotional stints were inspired by something comic book based & if it wasn't; it had become its own comic within the next few years.

With Saturday being day 3. I am fairly ready...thanks for following me on twitter / instagram [ @ lilcherbear ] ; I'll hopefully have more pictures but w/ my plans to be fairly relaxed for the big ol' Masquerade Ball, we shall see. For now ~ nap time!

CherBear's Thoughts - SDCC2015 Day 1

Into the wee hours of the morning, I should be resting with it being technically day 2 but my days are long & I get home fairly late.

Now how did Day 1 officially go...

Well from what I can tell, a lot of exclusive scenes had come out for various shows, a lot of celebs made their appearences, nerd girls with boyband crushes got their hugs & closures & plenty of more with cosplayers making their way out in masses...did I mention a symphony at the park featuring Pokemon music?

I did wanna wander the floor more & have a lil more fun; ironically my priorities weren't any panels, if I did make it to one...it was rather on a spurr of the moment.

Everything I think was worthwhile, Doctor Who's exclusive clip, Bill Murray rockin' out like a rockstar, exclusive premire showing of Bare Bears on top of a Masquerade Ball-esque type panel w/ the creator of Bare Bears & voice actors Finn & Marceline & yes, much more.

I don't think I had heard anything bad happen & it was another day of things going smoothly...I may be wrong though considering I'm only 1 of 130,000 in the convention & 1 of 160,000+ within Downtown, San Diego.

One of the things that did perk my interest, down in Downtown, San Diego there is a Snoopy inflatable house & if you go in there, there's a lil slide/play area & a pen where you can play with...yes, puppies. They're only around for so long during the day so it is definitely if you wanna play with puppies over in Downtown, San Diego, that's one place. Other events I've heard is a last chance to reserve $25 opportunities for a warehouse Zombie Survival Paintball ordeal. There's plenty of more to list, the Adult Swim Carnival, the Assassin's Creed place & well I can go on & on, on top of Conan filming this week.

I submitted 4hrs of my day to give back to the convention & ensure things went smoothly, thankfully being back within the convention - it was nice; it felt like more ppl were wandering in to check things out but I do miss the lil office room where our group had set up snacks & food to get us by throughout the days of this convention...

Hopefully enjoyed the lil tweets & instagram pics being posted [ @ lilcherbear (for both twitter & instagram) ]. Hopefully will take pics of cosplayers but for now, just random shots around within the convention. Take care folks!

CherBear's Thoughts - SDCC2015 Preview Night

Evening folks. It is 'bout 2am & I will attempt to keep it short & sweet.

Preview Night - strangely enjoyable regardless of the lack of presence from Marvel & Paramount. Does this phase me? Not so much.

Everything feels a bit more organized at least the chaos wasn't as apparent from what I can tell. Folks seems very wide eyed & happy to be here considering it is Preview Night.

...did I mention I sat next to a woman who dropped $2.6k on merchandise...on PREVIEW NIGHT?

While I was walkin' 'round with company...I have to admit though, even though I've been to other conventions - whether this is being a lil bias or not ... there's a bit of a different vibe here that I've always enjoyed regardless.

Anyways, I did manage to post stuff up on instagram [so if ya follow twitter or my instagram it is on there! (handle @ lilcherbear for both twitter & instagram) ] of what I have been seeing throughout the evening.

When we wrapped up & got essentially kicked outta the floor, folks that are w/ me might have best summed up how Day 1 will be 'absolute chaos'. Hopefully the staff will keep it together as they always do...though come to think of it...I did see an ambulance roll on by.

Hmm...

WELL I should at least try to get 4hrs of sleep & start my adventure up again tomorrow, stay tuned for more pictures, thoughts, sketches & random madness. Stay classy San Diego! ;)

Revisited: Simplified Guide to SDCC2015

It's that time once again; San Diego Comic Con 2015 is right around the corner. To keep this short & simple, out of my convention experience I have basically simplified it to a easy checklist that can apply to not only this convention, but any within 2015. So, enjoy! [This is in no particular order!]

- Always have a plan A & B: I find this especially important, if you can't get into a panel you wanted or had planned to go to a panel but are running late, never fret! Always check out the con guide [whether its a online app or a physical guide] & social media [twitter especially] to see any options that look interesting for you to check out.- Set a meeting place: Groups even when they come together, tend to split to indulge in their own interest. If your phone does manage to run out of battery before the time on the con floor ( & you're not carrying a powerbank ) is over always decide on a place to meet up.
- Shower: I think this has been always a joking rule but its true; the convention will be there for so many days & for some folks its a good time to network with people in the industry & bad BO is always a bad first impression.
- Be prepared: Always carry the following items.
     - Powerbank: If you're constantly using your cell phone to take pictures, find out any ongoing events from other twitter folks or checking that online app guide & kinda forget you need to meet up w/ friends/family after the floor closes? I can't tell you how many ppl have always bummed off a stranger's phone to get in touch with someone. Not to mention you may not be carrying any means to plug in & recharge your phone, charging stations are full w/ other ppl who didn't bring a powerbank or wallsockets are no where to be found, so always keep this in mind!
     - Backpack: Fill it with snacks & drinks; don't be subjected to overpriced food at the convention - stop by a grocery store & pack up enough to keep you satisfied until dinner! Necessities you may think you need [wallets (IDs!), cellphone, tablets, etc.], even though you'll have a bag in some shape or form from the convention, they're not always reliable & maybe even flimsy. You always may never know if you end up buying something there you really want, the extra space you'll have to carry any additional stuff is always nice.
- Comfortable shoes: Really, need I say more?- Get plenty of rest: Because ultimately in the end, after the convention is over - you always seem to suffer to w/e degree of what I like to call 'con tired'.

It really does breakdown simply into this. I can go into detail 'bout other topics but from large conventions to small intimate ones have their different kind of feels but I feel these are often the most common things that do tend to happen. It never hurts to research the con beforehand & plan. Other than that, by all means, have a safe & fun con.

CherBear's Challenge: dA kiriban catch fail ~

Ah well, looks like I passed the 30,000 pageviews & no notes.

So I guess no winners. :(

Well, the other challenges will continue to run & I do check my messages so until next time!

CherBear's Challenge: deviantART Kiriban Catch

I noticed I'm close to reaching another milestone ...

A reminder of my challenge - send a note w/ a screenie of that kiriban - I'll do a full color w/ sketch/line art progress as a token of my gratitude.

Since it is a 30,000 view ...

29,999 - Sketch/Line Art
30,000 - Full color + sketch/line art progress
30,001 - Sketch/Line Art

Yes, these are your choice of what you want.

Keep in mind, since San Diego Comic Con 2015 is this week I won't be able to really start 'til July 21st at the latest depending how things are going. Hope to capture another milestone memory.

Take care for now!

CherBear's Thoughts: SDCC ... wait there's more!

Greetings & salutations ~ first off, hope everyone's had a safe & enjoyable 4th of July my fellow americans. It's a new month & I'm exhausted. I can honestly blame the weather.

I know Anime Expo 2015 is nearing an end & granted I miss it, its okay. I don't think I'm ready to discover that new degree of 'con tired' quite yet. To those who can or are powering through both Anime Expo & San Diego Comic Con...kudos to you.

In the next 3 days San Diego Comic Con 2015 is coming up; another year that I can honestly say I'm thankful to be apart of. Over 130,000 ppl at the San Diego Convention center and another 30,000-40,000 just lingering around Downtown San Diego, as I would like to sweetly put it; San Diego's Christmas in July. Hopefully the weather this past couple of weeks won't dictate the next 2 weeks.

San Diego has recently announced they are extending their contract to 2018; delaying a lingering inevitable having to move out due to the high demand not only by vendors/exhibitors but also the attendees. The main stay question is will they build a 3rd extension to an ever so large convention center? Only time will tell.

I've prompted my place for visitors for the next couple of weeks so I will be more or less busy. Be sure to follow me on either twitter [ @ lilcherbear ] or instagram [ @ lilcherbear ] for pictures from San Diego Comic Con, random doodle drawings from me & hopefully much more. I'll occasionally hop on, maybe do a brief day to day updates, thoughts & goings but I'm banking on the fact I'll pass out each day. We'll see how it goes!

Even though San Diego Comic Con is 5 days, I will have company for 2 weeks so after the 21st, I'm not quite sure where the direction of my life is going. I have a vague idea of what it is but I won't say until that day comes, for now. I just gotta prepare for the now & worry about the later when it approaches closer.

I hope / attempt to - livestream more & try to balance my artwork along with projects I contribute that I like to call - Project: PPC [ Pacific PonyCon ]. I'll be posting a couple of more journal entries before hoping the rest of my queues take over but at the latest will probably be July 8th, for now. Time to take a moment to relax & unwind while I can.

Take care folks!