Ichibancon in 2016 was my first convention I ever attended. I had always wanted to sell in an artist alley, but never considered it a possibility. My soon to be husband had bought an embroidery machine for me and I was making patches with it. Now that I had a way to reliably make smaller dollar items, I decided to try for it. An old friend at the time had talked about applying for this con so I did as well and got in. I was so surprised. And excited. Also very underprepared as I had no idea what to expect. I bought some wire cubes from Aldi and went for it. I checked in and set up on Thursday. My first booth was very much a beginner booth, but it got the job done.
The first day, I wasn't expecting such a crowd! My mom was helping me and it was incredible. I sold out of almost all of my merch! I went home that day and pulled an all nighter so I could make more product. Same with the following night. My dad helped me on Sunday and it was incredible. I left with about 6 things that hadn't sold. And I was hooked.
Now how does Ichibancon stack up? I will be the first to admit I'm incredibly biased to this con as it was my first and that bias hasn't changed over the years. This con will always be one of my favorites and hold a special place in my heart. Nostalgiacons cons are always some of my favorite. The sales are consistent and great, the attendees are always friendly, the con is in an amazing location with a mall and many food places nearby, the drive to it is always nice, the date is always convenient and right after Christmas, and the staff is top notch. I always feel like I'm returning home when I attend this convention.
Highlights of this particular year include a Yubaba cosplay that handed me a paper bird (it's still in my money box after all these years) and my parents reactions to the con scene. Lots of amazing cosplay and I made friends with everyone around me. I also got a good sense of what to do for future cons. I paid off one of my student loans with the profits and was officially hooked.
Now how does Ichibancon stack up? I will be the first to admit I'm incredibly biased to this con as it was my first and that bias hasn't changed over the years. This con will always be one of my favorites and hold a special place in my heart. Nostalgiacons cons are always some of my favorite. The sales are consistent and great, the attendees are always friendly, the con is in an amazing location with a mall and many food places nearby, the drive to it is always nice, the date is always convenient and right after Christmas, and the staff is top notch. I always feel like I'm returning home when I attend this convention.
Highlights of this particular year include a Yubaba cosplay that handed me a paper bird (it's still in my money box after all these years) and my parents reactions to the con scene. Lots of amazing cosplay and I made friends with everyone around me. I also got a good sense of what to do for future cons. I paid off one of my student loans with the profits and was officially hooked.
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