MCM Comicon Birmingam - Day Two

   Day two was a later start but no less busy before the gates opened to the public. My costuming dressmaker, Belle Costumes, arrived with her Princess Leia, Queen Amadala, Valkyrie and Jawa costumes. I added my pieces to her outfits, Leia belt, Straps for the Valkyrie breast plate and the chain maille epaulette for the same costume. We also had to rearrange the table. The count down was given by the tannoy lady and the people flooded in once again. It was a different crowd from the Saturday but no less energetic. A number of visitor folks came to both days so they were greeted as "friends". The Valkyrie piece was something Fem451, my dressmaking friend's cosplay nom de plume, and I put together for the show. Fem451 made a medieval/Game of Thones style of dress and a breast plate modeled from a Victorian theatre prop. I made the plaited leather straps for the breast plate and a chain maille epaulette. It got a lot of comments and the piece drew people in to speak to me.

   Through that piece I got a number of contacts and hopefully a commission or two. The Savage Opress piece drew a lot of comments. I later discovered it is the only one in this country. The feed back on the overall impression and detailing was very good. It is comforting to know that a knowledgeable audience appreciates your work. More of Savage in another post.

   I donned my costume for the afternoon session. The wide belt supports my back very nicely. I might start wear the belt more often. I was chatting to a professional costume actor, as you do, he commented on my outfit and deemed it to be a Steampunk theme. So now I know. My winderbusse drew nearly as much attention as Savage Opress.

Mark, the bass player from the Steampunk band Birthrite dropped by. Click HERE for their website. I duly enrolled him the Ashby de la Zouch light Winderbusse yeomanry.





   
   Thanks to Simon and Jackie of the RPF for the invitation and for looking after me. Thanks to the lads and lasses of the RPF for making me feel at home over the weekend. The Judge Dredds for not taking me into custody. And lastly but not least my better half for putting up with comings and goings at all hours

MCM Comicon Birmingham - Day One.

   The folks flooded in and it never stopped from that moment onward. The was lots of positive energy in the air. The folks were very knowledgeable. I was pleased to see they appreciated the items on show.The two hits of the day were the Savage Opress costume, a recent completion for a customer, and my Winderbusse. A steampunk weaponised contraption.  Folks ebbed and flowed. Chats were had, enquiries made and business cards distributed.

   I took a stroll round the event as I was getting stiff just standing about. It amazing what was for sale. Sweet for Japan, self published comics, a myriad of collectibles and the celebrities autographing for a few quid. I made way back to the stand and took up duties again.





Imogen modelled my Steampunk epaulette. Imogen lives in Dudley and rocks the steampunk looks on daily basis

















This young gentleman posed with my winderbusse as a favour to me. I don't think he minded.










   The day continued in much the same way. One couple did look a bit lost. The couple were of pensionable age and came over to have a chat with me. They were amazed at this new world they had discovered. They had been at the Model Train exhibition which was also on at the NEC. They took a chance and stepped into the comicon world. They liked it. Lots of folks enjoying themselves without expenses of the anyone else. It was accessible to them because the was lot s film and TV references. The gamers and Japanese anime kids was a bit strange to them but they liked the atmosphere. It was not until the tonnoy lady announced the event was closing did the visitor numbers start to dwindle. In fact a few souls had to be herded out. We exhibitor tidied up and picked over the day during well deserved sit down. I got away at 6 pm which felt early. Back tomorrow for part deux.



 

MCM Comicon Birmingham - Day Minus one.

   Day minus one at Birmingham Comicon and Collectomania. I turned up at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday at 2.30 pm. Security directed me to a car park with a long queue of vans and cars. As luck would have it the chap I was to meet, Simon and his missus Jackie, were in the same queue. Again as luck would have it they was nearer the front of the queue than me. Given there was just two lines of vehicle I ran the car down to meet him. I was let into the queue....which was nice.We were directed the loading bays where bun fight commenced. If your are not on the list you are not coming in! was the gist of the security guards message. Jackie worked her magic and entry wrist bands were procured as were free parking passes. Gold star for Jackie's merit chart.

  Si and I bagged a heap of tables for our pitch. Si gets a call to say the bike has turned up. What bike? It is only the Lawmaster motorbike from the Judge Dredd movie. We gingerly unload it then had a bit of bother manoeuvring it. Too many cooks etc. I take charge...whats new.... I whizzed round and through the doors of the venue in a trice. Nothing broken, scratched or bent. It really i easier to to do on your own. To be fair it is quite a light bike if bulky. The three of us build the back drop for the set and position the bike and Dredd manikins. A few posters and graffiti are we are done.

   I set myself to setting up my area. It is not that big a job once we have decided where all the other exhibitors are going.



Before long the other exhibitors had arrived and unloaded there wares. Unbelievable models of space ships, amazing latex masks, brilliant costumed manikins and fantastic space helmets.

   I got home about 8 pm. I glass of wine with a late tea then bed...well eventually after in had made a number of labels.  A 5 am start. It is frosty outside. However I get sorted, shower, shave, breakfast and butties made and I am in my car for the run over to the NEC in good time. Everything is as we left it the previous evening. The lady on the tannoy system counts down to the opening to the public. The folks flood in.

   

Next Outing

   Here is your next chance to see, fondle and smell some of my work. Sir John Moore Foundation know their audience. There is a free glass of wine included in the admission price.

I hope to see you there!

Click HERE for Sir John Moore Foundation website