WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ATTEND CONVENTIONS
Art conventions are some of the rarest spaces where the line between creator and audience fades away. You’re not just witnessing a final product. You’re glimpsing the soul behind it. The late nights, the doubts, the spark that kept them going. It’s like being surrounded by a thousand open sketchbooks, each one whispering a story only they could tell.
During my four years as a streamer, I only attended a handful of these events, but each one left a mark. I got to meet so many people, viewers who stayed up late with me, strangers who became teammates, friends forged through pixels and laughter. It was all fun and games, just like everyone said… until something deeper began to stir in me. A spark. A craving not just to entertain, but to connect—truly connect.
I’ll never forget one moment. I was walking outside a convention center with my then-boyfriend (now husband) when someone from the crowd recognized me. He chased us down, out of breath, holding a gift. When he handed it to me, I was overwhelmed. We took a photo together, and I smiled… but inside, something shifted.
That moment stayed with me. It made me realize I didn’t want to be someone people just adored for being “there.” I didn’t want to build a fandom around my personality alone. I wanted to create something that could live on beyond me—something that could stir hearts, change minds, leave a mark on the world.
That’s when I knew it was time to go back to my first love: writing. Because to me, success isn’t found in followers or fame. It’s in making something real. Something that matters.
When I set out to create Eyes See You, I had a clear vision: write the story, shape it into something I was proud of, and then share it with the world. Simple, right?
Well… not exactly.
I spent so much time focused on writing and perfecting the book that I didn’t stop to think about what comes after. How do you actually get your work out there? How do you make sure people see it, feel it, and maybe even carry it home with them?
I didn’t have all the answers—and truthfully, I still don’t.
But what I can do is share what I’ve done so far as an exhibitor. This isn’t a definitive guide or a one-size-fits-all approach—every artist’s journey is different, and every story connects in its own way. But if you’re curious about how I’ve been putting my book into the world, here’s a glimpse into the steps I’ve taken—specifically through conventions:
CAMPUS PLAYFEST EXPERIENCE:
My very first convention—ever.
It was my brother who introduced me to it. He’s a fellow anime and manga enthusiast and the president of his school’s art organization, Alpha Illustrations. From the start, I had a feeling this wasn’t the kind of high-profile convention people usually flock to. I mean, it was free, and that alone was a clue. But I had a clear mindset going in: there’s no such thing as “too small.” Every opportunity holds a lesson. Every experience adds to the toolkit.
So I gave it a shot.
Even though it was my first time as an exhibitor, I wasn’t new to event prep. I’ve planned big days before—heck, I even pulled off a surprise wedding for my guests (but that’s a story for another blog). So I approached this con with the same energy and intention. Here’s how I prepared, step by step:
1. I sketched my ideal booth setup.
Visualizing it helped me stay focused and figure out what I needed.
2. Research, research, research.
I looked for budget-friendly, effective alternatives to the materials and tools I wanted to use—getting creative where I had to.
3. I made a product checklist.
I designed merch that tied into the theme of my book, Eyes See You, and listed everything I planned to sell.
4. Planned the logistics.
I used the Grab app to transport everything from my home in Manila to the venue, factoring it into my expenses.
5. Booth setup practice.
Once the materials arrived, I did a trial run of my setup at home. Honestly? This part was the most fun.
One important thing I learned—and I think this matters for any first-timer—is not to fixate on earning back your investment right away. Good things take time, and this is no exception. I let myself soak in the experience, met artists who later became friends, and finally understood what it felt like to be part of a living, breathing convention.
At that point, Eyes See You was still on preorder. And yet, I sold eight copies—most of them to friends and family, but it didn’t matter. That small start was still a start. And it felt like the beginning of something bigger.
EASTWOOD EXCELSIOR POP UP
It had been a few months since my first event when the next one came around. In that time, I’d been deep in developing my website and preparing the eBook PDF release of Eyes See You, so I opted for a pop-up setup this time—something simpler and easier to manage. I knew I couldn’t replicate the full-scale effort of my debut booth, especially since that first setup took us four hours just to assemble something small! But I wasn’t discouraged. I reminded myself: it only gets better from here. Every event is a step forward.
This time around, setting up my booth took only an hour—such a big difference from the four-hour hustle at my first event. The venue was close to home too, which made everything feel lighter and more manageable.
What I loved most about this event was how rooted it felt. It was a chance to show up for my local community, to connect with people just around the corner—some who had never heard of my work, and others who were curious enough to stop by and ask questions. That kind of visibility? It’s priceless.
And here’s something else I’ve come to appreciate: sometimes, different is better. A smaller, more relaxed event doesn’t mean a lesser experience. In fact, I met even more creative souls this time—some younger than me, some older—and that mix of perspectives was so refreshing.
Each event really does bring its own kind of magic.
I hope this gave you a little glimpse into what it’s like to dive into the world of conventions as a first-timer. If you’re curious or excited about where I’ll pop up next—trust me, I’m just as thrilled! Feel free to check out my Events Page if you’d like to catch me in person, support the book, or just say hi.
And for a little spoiler… SEE YOU AT PICOF 2025~!
Insightful, Educational, and Heartwarming. The ideal author / streamer <3
Thank you for your support always. ^^