From Sketchbook to Spotlight: My Eye-Opening Journey to Oz Comic-Con 2023
The Moment When Time Stood Still
Ever experienced a life-defining moment? You know, one of those instances where time feels like it stands still as you watch your dreams morph into reality? That was me, a few weeks ago, when I unveiled a project that’s consumed me for the past year. And I couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop than Oz Comic-Con 2023.
A World of Fantasy
The experience was nothing short of surreal. This was my first time at a Comic-Con, and let me tell you — it didn’t disappoint. The moment I stepped in on the first day, I encountered a dreadnought so meticulously crafted, he drew a small crowd every few steps. People snapped photos, captivated by the spectacle. Viking warriors, ethereal princesses, Jedi Knights — they all coexisted in this space, each serving as a tribute to the diverse and vivid stories that have shaped my own creative path. It got me thinking about our collective infatuation with fantasy, how we all seek that dash of magic in our daily grind. There I was, fully embracing that magic, realizing a dream that was, just a year ago, scribbled ideas in a sketchbook during my 9-to-5.
Reflections and Preparations
While preparing my presentation for the panel — courtesy of the gracious folks at Oz Comic-Con — I found myself drifting down memory lane. I wanted to share not just the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ of this project. To perhaps light a spark in someone else, encouraging them to take that daring first step into the great unknown in pursuit of their wildest dreams. If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be showcasing my Illustrated Storybook at such a prestigious event, I would’ve been skeptical, to say the least.
The Journey and the Lessons
So there I was, standing before an audience that was as passionate about the fantastical as I am, sharing the origin story of my project. You see, this journey started with dreams of NFTs and financial freedom — very 21st-century motivations. But as I dove deeper, the lore and characters from my past as a game designer began to bubble to the surface. And that’s when I realized I had something far more precious than just a business venture. I had a story to tell and a world to build. It’s been a winding path, filled with invaluable lessons I can’t wait to share in future posts, and I’d love to hear in the comments about your journey and the lessons you’ve learned along the way working on your projects.
Inspirations and Insights
Speaking of lessons, Oz Comic-Con was merely the first chapter in a series of invaluable learning experiences that unfolded in the weeks to follow. The chance to rub shoulders with other creators was enlightening, to say the least. Take Declan Miller, for instance, who conceived and crafted the first installment of his graphic novel, ‘Mixed Feelings,’ all while juggling the rigors of high school. And now he’s out with his second book, thanks to relentless hard work and perseverance. Conversations like these were both humbling and inspiring. While my Illustrated Storybook concept had generated interest, it became clear that I still had much to learn, even leading me to consider a reevaluation of the entire project.
The Road Ahead
I arrived at Oz Comic-Con thinking I was on the cusp of launching a year-long labor of love, only to realize it was merely another significant milestone on a much longer journey. None of this enlightenment would’ve come had I not stepped beyond my comfort zone, engaged with other creative minds, and absorbed their invaluable insights. As a future endeavor would soon teach me, there’s no tale worth telling around the village campfire unless you’ve ventured out to ‘hunt the boar,’ so to speak. That’s my story — the story of my first Comic-Con, where my eyes met those of a friend in the audience. A friend inspired by my journey, and whose creative spark was visibly ignited. Stay tuned; we’re launching a podcast together soon.
P.S. We’ve put together a short videoblog capturing the highlights and memorable moments 🎥 Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyANmpwI6oZ
