Photo: Shannon Cottrell/LA Weekly, Alex Pardee painting at San Diego Comic-Con 2010
One of the reasons Shannon Cottrell and I love covering fandom conventions is because the events provide a space for artists at all stages of their careers.
Our first convention report focused on the young and talented artists we met at Anime LA 2009. Since then, we've come into contact with many more people who have brought their work to conventions. Sometimes we spotlight something we saw in the exhibit hall, like animator Michelle Reese's student film "Paper Animals." Other times, we ask questions about the con experience. Recently, comic creator Chandra Free described her first Comic-Con panel for us, while Meredith Yayanos and Zoetica Ebb of Coilhouse talked a little about finding inspiration at the Con.
As we've gone to more conventions, I've become more curious as to how the events affect artists. Do they have an effect on the creative process, in addition to being a good way to promote one's work? If you have any insight, please share in the comments.
