Wow. The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo was this past weekend and it was utterly amazing. I was set up in Artist Alley and I met so many awesome people. I sold some prints, I sold some originals and I even did a commission or two. It was a fantastically positive experience.

And, just like last year, the weekend also afforded me the opportunity to learn a great deal!  I’m going to sit down and write a “Lessons Learned” review for myself in the next couple of days – while its still fresh – so I can improve even more next year. But the most important thing that I came away with is that I absolutely love this. I love drawing. I love art. I love my artistic peers.  I love interacting with people (even if I am still getting used to it). I loved doing little sketchcard commissions. I just loved all of it. Fabulous energy! I need to endeavour to adjust my schedule and find a good life balance so I can do more of it. This weekend confirmed that it is, indeed, my passion!

Oh, and did I mention that I made it into the 2012 Artbook? Well, I did! I found out about a week before the show and I was utterly flabbergasted. Being an unknown, I really didn’t think I would make it in. But clearly, I don’t know what I am talking about. It was very humbling and exciting to be including in such a beautiful book and among some absolutely stunning pieces and some talented artists.

Additionally, my piece was also supposed to  have been auctioned off in the charity auction. But there was a bit of a snafu and it was misplaced.  The auction organizers were going to try and auction it off without the piece, but I am not sure what happened. I have an email into them to see if they found it.   I hope they did because while I am not a huge name, I would have loved to have done my little part to help raise some money for a worthy cause.

If you picked up the book, my piece is on Page 36.   But I have also included it below! This year’s theme was “Dreams & Wishes”.

On a personal note, my highlight of the weekend was meeting Katie Cook. She’s one of my favourite artists and has been a HUGE inspiration for me.  I’m sure I was an awkward dork when I met her, but it was great nonetheless. Plus? I got a custom Alien cartoon from her too! I also scored an autograph from Max Brooks in my worn-out copy of the Zombie Survival Guide and got to shake George Perez’ hand after he signed my Wonder Woman “Gods & Mortals” trade.  It was a thrill!

And here is a photo of my pile of goodies!

Finally, I’d like to thank the attendees who spent time and money at my table.  You helped my confidence bloom.  I’d also like to thank the Organizers and (especially) the Volunteers.  It was a difficult weekend for them. There was a lot of chaos and difficulties with the massive crowds due to the media guests this year. But they did their best, admitted when they were wrong, and were brilliant. I know that they learned a lot about what not to do next year.

I can not wait until 2013!