GEN CON 2018: POST-CON
Turns out, I was a touch too ambitious in my blogging schedule. Working a booth the entire day then networking in the evening doesn't leave a whole lot of time for sitting down with a glass of <insert favourite beverage here> and your laptop, capturing your thoughts from the con.
That said...WOW, what an amazing time I had. This was only my second year, but my first year as a full-time, self-employed designer. And boy, what a difference it made! I had the opportunity to meet SO MANY wonderful people in the industry; publishers, game designers, graphic designers or artists, you name it, everyone was such a delight to meet and connect with.
This was also a great opportunity to meet in-person, several colleagues & clients that up until this past week, I'd only had the chance to meet 'virtually'. There really is no substitute for pressing the flesh and finally getting too meet face to face.
One big difference this year is that I got to see so many of the games that I worked on in action. The Thunderstone Quest table was always 3-deep in spectators, as was Scorpius Freighter, both by AEG.
From there, I headed over to the Brotherwise booth to check out Call to Adventure. Wow, what a table presence that game has. I can only imagine what it'll look like when the playmat and player boards get printed! (Psst. You still have a few days to back it on Kickstarter!).
Unfortunately, my inaugural game with Tasty Minstrel Games, "Embark" didn't make it to Gen Con this year, but perhaps it'll make an appearance at one of the later cons like PAX Unplugged or Essen. Either way, I'm excited to get my hands on it.
All in all, I had an amazingly great time. What a different experience than last year. Coming to GEN CON this year, a little more seasoned in the ways of the industry and knowing a few more people really made it feel like a week-long get together with some really great and welcoming friends, who are only too willing to share their love of games and the industry with anyone who is willing to listen.
Looking forward to the next time we meet...
Gen Con 2018
I have only been to Gen Con once before, and that was as an employee for a museum. While I had a great time and learned a great deal, the experience was undoubtedly a different one than the one I'll experience this time 'round.
This year, I'm 100%, all the way, a self-employed graphic designer. The only objectives I have to strive toward are wholly my own. Last year's con was in a word "Overwhelming". The crowds, the constant din, the go, go, go-edness of it all was a little too much for me to take. In retrospect, however, I believe that last year was a necessary exercise. The experience I gained at Gen Con 50, fumbling around in the dark really helped me get a feel for the event and how I could interact with it going forward as a freelancer.
Here's a multi-part blog on my experiences this year at Gen Con.
Day 1
After a gruelling drive from Ottawa, we arrived in town late last night. I had dreams of meeting up with friends and colleagues, but those were quickly dashed by exhaustion and common sense.
Up at 7:30, raring to go! 10:00, we leave for breakfast. Last year I found a great breakfast spot, Cafe Patachou, and couldn't wait to kick-off this year's con-going experience with a hearty "most important meal of the day", LOL. Seriously, though...amazing omelettes, wonderful bread, and sweet homemade preserves (although, personally I think I prefer Gingham Wisdom preserves more, but I'm probably biased :O ).
On to the booth setup for Wonderment Games, makers of Quodd Heroes. We've got a 10x10 booth this year. Set up isn't going to take all day (or two) like the ginormous Upper Deck or Paizo booths. The Wonderment booth is eye-catching with it's beautiful back-lit backdrop (how's that for alliteration?!) and the game will be stunning as well when set up.
Couple of meetings and then preparations for the deluge to come. Gen Con 2018, do your worst.
Stay tuned for Day 2 commentary.
Peace.