Designercon is the home to many different artists showcasing all sorts of artwork from paintings and digital prints, to art toy collectibles and clothing. It’s transformed a lot throughout the years. It’s been around for 10 years, but the very first time I went, it was a small convention. It was held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA, but now, it has grown so much bigger.
This year, it was held on November 16th-18th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Since it was held in this convention center, the whole exhibit hall covers two halls in the convention center. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!
You’re probably wondering, what makes this convention different? Why can’t I wait to go to comicon or any other convention?
This con is more than just artwork everywhere, it’s a way of life.
I’m a huge fan of the art community and I indulge in this culture. If you’re a fan as well, you don’t need any other reason to have to check this out. This convention is the epitome of art cons.
Let me describe to you my experience at this convention.
Right when you walk into the convention center, you are welcomed with the Badge Pick Up booths. It was never a problem picking up the badge. Since there were so many booths, you didn’t have to worry about waiting in line to pick up your badge.
If you happened to pick up a VIP badge, you were able to go to the convention on that Friday, where the convention was open to only you and the rest of the VIP attendees. That was the perfect time to scope out the con and pick up all the great exclusives!
Once you pick up your badges, you are welcomed with this huge welcome sign!
This showed off a bunch of the sponsers of this event, such as 3D Retro, Mighty Jaxx, Medicom, and more!
So welcome fans!
Oh! I can’t forget to mention this huge cereal box!
You’re probably asking yourself, what exclusives do they have? Well, let me tell you!!!
A lot of the different artists and booths created exclusives just for the convention, and even some booths made specific collaborations with the Con to have Con Exclusive products, such as the Funko x Be@rbrick (Medicom) cereal. This cereal is a blueberry flavored cereal that makes your milk blue, and you can’t forget about the blue Funko Be@rbrick inside the cereal box! HOW COOL!!!
Besides this, there were plenty of exclusives that you were able to pick up at the event.
Here is the link to where you can see the full list of what was available: https://www.designercon.com/exclusives/
If that wasn’t enough to get you to come, then prepare yourself.
Here was what the convention looked like:
Park Exhibit 
AAPE 
Alex Pardee @alexpardee
There were all sorts of sculptures, exhibits, and more surrounding you as you adventure around the exhibit hall. Everyone was showcasing their artwork all around you, which leaves you to constantly walk around and stare into the deep sea of art.
Even for me, I was there all three days, and yet, there was something I missed out on everyday.
There were so many great artists I would love to feature on here, but unfortunately, I haven’t had enough space to take that many photos. Let me share with you on some of my highlights of the convention.
I have my favorite artists, and I was able to meet a bunch of them. Not trying to say I fan girled or anything, but sometimes, I would catch myself (slightly freaking out inside) when I would pass by some of my favorite artists, and imagine when I met them in person. I FREAKED OUT EVEN MORE!
At the convention, I was able to meet Lauren Tsai, Ron English, Frank Kozik, and Jermaine Rogers. These are just few to name, but there were more artists I adored.
Here is a photo of me when I met with Lauren Tsai and Jermaine Rogers.
Lauren Tsai @laurentsai 
Jermaine Rogers @jermainerogersart
YEAH, DEFINITELY FAN GIRLED! xD
It was just an amazing feeling talking to them about their artwork and random topics like their life and music.
Luckily, I was able to pick up a bunch of their artwork and I’m still so happy about that!
Besides artists, there were a lot of different brands that I got to check out during the convention.
There were brands, such as Lowkey Geeks, Nora Inu, Dumbgood, Native Gold Clothing, Mokuyobi, and Slush Cult. All these brands held themselves down in this community, and it was a pleasure meeting some new faces as well as see some similar ones.
Lowkey Geeks @lowkeygeeks 
Dumbgood @dumbgood 
Nora Inu @norainuofficial 
Native Gold Clothing @nativegoldclothingh 
Mokuyobi @mokuyobithreads 
Slush Cult @slushcult
There were so much more, but instead of me talking about all these wonderful artists and booths, it’s best for you to check it all out with this wonderful gallery of everything I saw and loved!
After you venture around the exhibit hall, if you happened to pick up tickets, there was an after party event at the area area of the convention center.
This event had a SECRET WALLS battle, where artists would battle each other in teams. Here was how the walls turned out!
On top of Secret Walls, they had two bands playing that night: John 5 and Chevy Metal. If y’all are into the metal rock, this is perfect for you. Chillen out in the bleachers with a beer in hand, and watching these live performances was the perfect way to end the night.
Honestly, this convention was a lot of fun and I enjoyed every minute of it. I got to meet some new friends, hang out with old friends, and got to talk to people about artwork. What’s not to love!
Make sure to check out this convention next year, because I expect things to be even bigger and greater! Hope to see y’all there! 😀
