Mangamad

The Travelling Sketchbook

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:01:59 GMT

Welcome to the Amecon 2009/10 Travelling Sketchbook!

Although we made a good donation of £120 from Amecon 2007, it was unfortunate that both Traveling Sketchbook’s never made it to Amecon 2008 due to mishandling of the current holders from this year’s Amecon. In this case, we will start the book as of now. So there should be no reason for those who wish to take part will never get to draw or having the excuse to delay the book.

PLEASE READ THE RULES CAREFULLY BEFORE PARTISAPATING THE TRAVELING SKETCHBOOK;

NOTE: This was intention for Amecon forum use.

TSB participants’ rules & Guidelines:

Adding yourself to the list.

To enter the Travelling Sketchbook (TSB), Mangamad will be keeping a list of people who will be drawing in this book. The following detail needed to PM him or e-mail traveling.sketchbook@yahoo.co.uk with the title “Join the Travelling sketchbook” with the details as follow;

· Name

· Username (for topic listing purpose, unless otherwise it’s the same as name)

· Address

· Post Code

· E-mail (because once the Amecon forum is down, Mangamad won’t be able to contact you by PM)

This will be a first come first serve unless otherwise and make sure the details are correct. However, if you;

· Cannot afford paying a bit more for Recorded delivery

· Might end up delaying more than the required time

· Don’t agree with the guidelines below.

Then please don’t participate on this list. (More on other ways to participate in the Q&A)

If during that time you have move/relocated (example: moved to campus of a university, moved house), please let Mangamad know ASAP so he can update the record. Otherwise, the book will still be set to the address previously given by YOU.

We can expect more than one person from the same location as the <username> on the list, just as long as you give the other users name in the <Username> detail as well as following the rules.

Once you received the TS, you will be given 4-7 days to complete your art before it move to the

next location but please send them as recorded mail to ensure the book will arrive to the next person in line. Also to the next person, who received the book PLEASE post on the topic to let everyone know that it has safely arrived so that Mangamad can give the current holder, the next person in line the next location.

If however:

· The 7^th day is a Sunday for the current holder the TSB, you are automatically given the next day to send it off.

· The book was sent on a Saturday, expect the TSB to arrive Monday the soonest.

· The current holder has (Fallen ill, unable to draw from delays or so on), contact Mangamad and he’ll give an extension weather if it’s need or not.

· Lands on public holiday (example: Christmas) you are given an extinction/until the day the post are running again.

Mangamad will check up on those who fall it meet up with the reasons above and its current location. Remember, as the current holder, you’re responsible of looking after the TSB until it has safely arrives to the next person.

Tips: If you’re unsure on what you’re going to draw before the TS arrived, draw a mock up version.

Important Note: If the time comes when either the book is filled or A MONTH before the Amecon date, please send the book back to me ASAP.

Drawing rules

Right, now comes the part on what you can or cannot drawing in this Travelling Sketchbook but remember, it’s 1 person per page ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE…nothing more.

Drawing materials

The following items you can use;

· Pencil

· Colour pencils

· Fine liner

· Manga pens

The following items you cannot use;

· Marker pens

· Pens which can easily bleed to the next page

Now come the part that people that can and cannot draw in this book…sorry but rules are rules and that’s final.

You can draw the follow;

· Anime or Manga character/s (Example: From Bleach, GaoGaiGar and so on)

· Your Original character/s

· Chibi’s (aka Super Deformed)

· One page comic strip

· A member that you'll see from Amecon

· Amecon's mascot, Ame-chan

You cannot draw the following unless otherwise;

· NO Naked Anime characters. (This means no genitals revealed. It will mean that a censored block covering it be made or for female character skin tight suit that can pass)

· NO Hentai porn. (Same as above but with no sex scenes, gore, tentacles and so on)

· NO Yuri/Yaoi porn. (Same as above. Unless they are making love in underwear/clothed [Yuri] or wearing trousers [Yaoi])

Last of all

· NO STICKMEN!! (For the love of CRUD! Try to draw a proper human form for once!!)

Don’t forget to add your name & message on the front pages (again one person per line) and location it has been to at the back. We have left out the last page for people who want to test the materials they are using before they carry on with their drawings.

Blacklist

This new addition maybe harsh but buy not following the;

· Mailing requirement

· keeping more than the required days given (This includes not being in the address given at the time)

And even

· NOT returning the book before a month of the convention

You will automatically be added into the blacklist and banned from participating form the next Travelling Sketchbook. You are not only letting Mangamad down but those who worked hard drawing and waiting for in the book, including the donation we make from the TSB.

This ends the rules and announcement of the Travelling Sketchbook. Before we end, here’s some Q&A which my assistance Maylei will explain;

What is “The Travelling Sketchbook“?

The travelling Sketchbook (TS) is where one person draws their art on a page of the book, then sent off to another person. This will carry on until the book is full (if this is the case, another book will be sent in its place) or until it arrives close to the convention date.

Do I have to be an A class artist to draw in this book?

No, as this is open to any level of art talent. From ‘just a simple line’ to ‘otaku good’ artist.

I’m I allow to draw <pacific question> in “The Travelling Sketchbook”?

There are some restrictions to what people can and cannot draw in this book. “Drawing Rules” will follow. Please contact Mangamad if you are not sure about the art is considered acceptable.

Okay, how do I add my name to the list?

To add yourself to the list please refer to the “Adding yourself to the list” but please make sure you can follow the guidelines as it becomes YOUR responsibility of the book once you get hold of it.

Can I add <username/s> with me at the same time?

Yes. More will be explained in the “Adding yourself to the list”.

How will I know that I’m next?

Mangamad will post up to the first 15 people who are on the current list in order. Whether if the list is in two. (The current holder is excluded as it will be separate).

Why are there two books this time instead of the one TSB?

In many cases, there weren’t enough people to draw in the TSB before Amecon arrived and has been disappointed not to be able to draw in the book. Which is why the second book has come to be if one book happens to be delayed, as well as covering twice the amount of people taking part?

I live outside the UK, can I still take part of the TSB?

Due to the miss handling/unfortunate of one of the Travelling Sketchbook 2008, we have decided not to send the book outside the United Kingdom. This also means it would take even more time to make its way to your location and back.

So I can’t afford to pay recorded delivery/live outside of UK…is there another way I can still take part?

Actually…yes. You can draw on an A4 sheet of paper and add it to the book during the Friday of Amecon but, you still have to add your name & message in the book when you had it in.

If I was in the Blacklist, can I please be let back in to draw in the TSB?

No. Even if you beg to be let back in, there was a reason you was blacklisted in the first place. Read more under “Blacklist”.

Amecon forum is down, where can I find out if I’m next/how far from the list?

One step ahead of you, we will be putting a topic in the convention section in anime-england.net. That way, we can still keep track until the future Amecon forum is back online. He will post in other convention forum too to get the message across.

What will ‘Mangamad’ get out of this?

Nothing. Whatever this item/s generates during the Auction of the convention will be 100% donated to charity, and the lucky winner will have our drawing in one book/s.

If you have further questions regarding about the rules or any other queries, PM Mangamad but for now…get your art skills going and draw your best.

Returned from 2008

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:22:58 GMT

Returned from my convention (with Pictures to be added later)...here my day.

[Pre-con]
Train Journey there was annoying as it started 7mins late Thursday morning but never the less...I made it to Leicester. Made my way to Opal Court, where I was staying...and nearly had no keys to my room (Kill the last person staying in my room).
Once I dropped my luggage, I went to the venue to see if I can assist with committes with anything...wether it's moving stuff or orginzing boxes. ^_^
Once that's done, it was more socialzing with the people who was there, before we headed out to a Japanese restaurant for out meal at 7pm, on foot.

[Day 1]
I wore my Dungeoner Cosplay that I made and in some way's I'm glad as it rained...until a few hours later, that it stopped. Lining up to get our conbagdes and goody bags (along with the Pre-ordered T-shirt & Pillow x 2) retreated back to Opal court and returned to the venue.
I'm happy that some reconized me for my cosplay and had brought back some happy momeries of Knightmare.
Unfortunately for my cosplay...my Eyeshield gave in and had to retire earlier then planned but meeh, easily repaired.
Got out of my cosplay and headed back out to the AMV disco!

[Day 2]
Saturday's weather started the opposite then yesterday...sunny at first, then rain. T.T
I wore my revised Jaden cosplay (and first time to wear a wig too). Would have been well if the wind didn't pick up as well. >,<
I did however found another person cosplaying Dark/Black Magician Girl (First was on Firday but this was better made), Manga happy. XD
More buying and dropping out later...
I went to the Masquarde with the BMG cosplayer wanted to join in, so we sorted out with the head of the cosplay committe Ilpala. some delays and tecnical difficulty happened (and line waiting later), our catwalk plan was set...until. I tripped on the top step backstage to the stage at the beginning plus my wig feel off. DX Before you all ask...no, it was only a trip and Manga was still okay. With the wig back on, I continued on as if nothing happened. The crowded still cheered though. XD
With the day over again...I dressed in White and headed off to the Disco again...but it wasn't as exciting as Friday night.

[Day 3]
Felt like I was drunk waking up at 7.30am from a 2am sleep...but Manga wasn't drinking either.
Anywho, I got my Jaden Cosplay together and did the usual stuff there. (Events, Childrens card game, photos) but off course...FURTHER DISCOUNT in the dealers room!! XD
Omake want late so i went back to my room and had a shower...but I forgot to have a cosplay duel with my friend Mr Seahouse who was in his Kaiser cosplay. (D'oh)
With the Ball been delayed 2hr later then sheduled, I went to the Uni's lounge where the Karaoke took place. Sang a few songs before entering the ball. Chococat who did some live singing during the cosplay ball was as great as ever, making it an enjoyable night. I did manage to ask some ladies to dance unlike last year...but Meh, it's better then nothing.
I also managed to ask our guest voice Actress for Amecon, Kari Wahlgren to sign my Conbook. She was a very nice person.
With the dancing over and done with, I head straigh back up to the lounge where the list was pack. O_O;; So, (once there was finally room before it finished) I had to sing GaoGaiGar Opening 2. XD
With the Karaoke finished at 11pm with everyone sing to Evangelion: "Fly me to the moon"...it was finally over.

...

Okay I lied, there was a Disco once again until 2am! So...with my friends, we danced said those who are going back goodbye.

[Leaving day]
With Amecon over, I packed my things and lucky I packed another suitcase within the suitcase I carried with me to the con...which took my about an hour to sort out. Cleaned the room and handed the keys back to the reception.
Saying more goodbyes to those who are leaving and I made my way back to the University/Amecon...had my breakfast with friends and made my way to Ops.
Getting anything I might have dropping during the con (which I did; a tie and my Negima manga's) took a few items (best freebie was an Amecon cap...and nearly took a box of Pocky XD) and help carry boxes to the van.
Then I left the convention to the trainstation...while waiting for the train, some of us who had a DS Picachat, chatted and said our goodbyes once again before I headed back home.

[Round up]
I had a wonderful time in Amecon and to have meet some new as well as old friends there.
The stuff I got out of the dealers room was;

Pani Poni Dash DVD Vol 2-6
Oh my Goddess series 2 DVD Vol 1
Pumkin Sciccers DVD Vol 1
Nagima Manga Vol 18
Nagima info book
Appleseed EX Machina artbook
Astrotrain (Takara version)
Harahi poseable figure

The only down side was the I never got a hold of the Travelling sketchbook to have them auctioned, which was a shame...I will enforce that for the next Amecon.

Plus hearing that there won't be an Amecon next year but the return of Ayacon...ohh, time will tell.

Hope you had fun reading this. Back to reality...

Mangas log: My weekend in Amecon 08

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:32:58 GMT

Right...it now a week after Amecon and I'm ready to give a better extent on my day out.
Note: I'll update with images soon

Thursday (pre-con day)
Although I had a few hours of sleep that morning, I had a refreshing shower and had packed the last items I'll be needing for Amecon...I would have brought two smaller cases to the con but my mother refused me to carry so much and gave me a large case instead. Oh mother, why can't you just let me carry them as they were. ¬¬

Anyway, I was on my way...but I was still disappointed that I wasn't able to complete my animation on time for the skits and that the Travelling sketchbook never arrived at my house on time...or did it? Back to the journey,,,I did encounter a few more otakus on my way to Leicester, one was a newbie to a con. Keaira was quiet shy when we left Birmingham station, eventually the three of us manage to have some common interest (other then been an anime freak); Drawings and playing Yugioh.
Remember what I said about "...or did it?"...well, the Travelling Sketchbook arrived when I was already gone! <enter anime echo scream here> So, I told my brother to scan all the images within the book and send it to me once I obtain the address to the place I'm staying.

Once we arrived, our new friend had to leave because she needed to get a dorm key for a friend for Uni. Whiles the other called in a friend to pick us up, dropping me along the way. I was staying in the Opal court and not Nixon.

I've gone and meet up with Tyma, a local Yugioh friend back where we lived. Picking my keys, dropped my stuff and had a stroll. After that, we departed and I decided to see if I can give my support with the Amecon committees (after all, I would enjoy the convention much better that I helped). I helped set up in the games room (bring my games too), help arranged the Mana reading/library room [stamp book, next, stamp book, next. XD )and brought items to the Dealers room. Unfortunately...it did mean I had missed out the Laser Quest meet up...T,T

It's now coming to the late afternoon and we all waited outed Opal court, read for a night out to a restaurant which Royster arranged but as I look at the the current crowd...crud...it would look like we would take over the entire place for the night, ^,^; Back to the story, I did meet up some old friends as we wait and got to meet Yuko too...I don't think I need to introduce myself since I'm known too well, lol XD
I did reunited with Keaira I met earlier but she had a problem. She was suppose to meet up with Toad and the others but had not arrived...meaning that she will have no place to stay for the night. Feeling sorry for her situation, I offered her shelter for the night but just to be sure...I had to ask the other members just in case. I took her to my room I was staying in C4C and reunited with the waiting otakus outside for Royster. Once he arrived, we head off to the restaurant.

I was right when we arrived...we took over 85% of the small restaurant. The food was lovely and with the spicy food...I was fired up to finish off my cosplay back in my the remaining parts of my Jaden Slifer red coat...with a guest sleeping over. We did have a wonderful chat on our way back too.

Friday (Amecon day 1!!)

First night in, a wonderful day which was brillant start to Amecon, sorted our stuff and I head to freshen up...although the shower I had was a 15-20 seconds of warm water before it went freezing cold!!! So I managed to have a decent hair wash, brushed my teeth and got most of my cosplay cloths one...before I curled back into my be from the freezing shower.

We was the only members who arrived here first...but at this time, it was about 9pm. ^,^;

When the line did eventually started to take register, I got my member tags and brought the T-shirt and Pillow...another set was for my brother who was sitting at home. I headed back to my room as I won't be able to do anything with the stuff I had, encountering more friends along the way, and praying that the sketchbook arrived (remember it was recorded delivery) and as I went to the Opal court counter...it had arrived!

"Event saved!!"

Now that I have that ans unload the bulk, it was back to Amecon! First stop...games room (since the Dealers room isn't ready yet) and there's more variety of games this time, they did put DDR Mario this time(find out that we only got one....and that would be mine)...so they put on Smash Bros Melee which was just as good. I was very rusty playing this game and I mean rusty, but I went to put on....not the boring normal mode but more crazy settings..."POKEMON MADNESS" where there was nothing but Pokeballs...and heart health.
Then went on to play Yugioh with my Hero deck since I was cosplaying Jaden.

After meet up with more friends and taking photos or have a photo taken. It was now coming towards 6pm so we went to the Opening ceremony and boy we had a show. Hel and Scott presented us a great opening See the full animation HERE

Just look at this room...full of Otakus. XD

Keaira contacted me on my mobile to let me know that she found her friends, so I went back to Opal court to get her stuff out.

After that it's just been shopping...hang around with friends...game room...and more Yugioh duels. ^,^;;

Okay...I ended up strolling around the Chill bar since I couldn't sleep...yet.

Saturday

Day 2 and again...a crappy shower and into my Jaden cosplay with my Winged Kuriboh plushie (after its leg fell but have mended it) I bumped into Full Metal Neko and head off to the Uni's canteen for Breakfast.

It was back to more Games room, more shopping in the Dealers room...kind of...meeting up with friends.

I activate...Skyscraper

Then from 1.30pm (which ment I had to miss out in Scott'n'Hel Q&A) I met up with Yuko who was cosplaying Dark Magician Girl...Manga love her cosplay!<--DMG sucker...for the Masquerade set-up. The waiting took longer then the talk in truth. Basically it was up on stage walk to next "X" spot...pose...rinse and repeat.

So with the briefing over, I decide to eat as much as possible and randomly strolled to meet up with friends and chat. Now the waiting begins. It was my first time experience going on the Masquerade...and I wasn't even nervous, plus we had three more joining us then the original plan of just me and Yuko. Shinigami-ky-chan (cosplaying Duke/Otogi), Sazza (cosplaying Bandit King Bakura) and zack_materia_hunter (cosplaying Seto Kaiba) joined in the last minute, because Yuko felt nervous to do it on her own. I could understand really as been up there on your own can feel uncomfortable.
There was an hour delay and it was boiling (and I felt sorry for heavier/more clothed cosplayer who are waiting with us)...but we did get free drinks if you could call that a bonus. lol XD
When it did get started, we was heading off, one by one weather it was single or groups. Since we was close to last of the standing cue, we continue to watch the masqueraders going on stage from the Elements area...until finally, it was our turn. We even talked about how many people would quote "Abridged" quotes during the cat walk. XD

Mangamad (and Co) first time in the Masquerade. ^o^

Oh yeah..."Get your game on!"

Everything was now an hour late then it was shown in the time table but now the most important event is happening...the Auction! So...with a few moment of fresh air after the Masquerade had ended, it was back into the room to see how far the Travelling Sketchbook went for...even if the winning bidder would be me. There was so many good items came and gone but I did win a lovely School, bunny-girl towel (although I was worried about the towel bidder from last year. ^,^;; )...now the book has arrived and the highest bid will be 100% donated to charity. I tried to bid on the book but it became too high for my limit...it went over three digits which I was surprised that it would never reach. I tried to encourage more bidders for the item, I even cried "there's porn" and "It's for charity" but the hammer has struck and it went for...£120. Great job.

I reunited with my friends outside the Charles Wilson building where was talking about yugioh related (as well as others) talk. Then it was midnight and Full Metal Neko and I decided we will call it a night, and headed back to Opal court.

End of day 2

Sunday (last day)

It was day three and I felt depressed knowing that it's the last day of the con. Another crappy shower, freshed and headed off to the Uni canteen before our Yugioh meet at 10:30am. Although I was expecting Yuko to be here with our group photo but the cold night on Saturday got to her (There goes that photo oppotunity. T,T). Never the less, we continued with the photo shoot.

Yugioh unit!...to play a childrens card game. XD

No games room this time as the Naruto Torunament was happening so I wondered around the dealers room...which ended up missing more event that was happening included dance lesson and signing. Must be the after-con depression kicking in.

After lunch and more Yugioh later, it was time to watch the Omake. Thank goodness our Yugioh Skits was cancelled due to the face Yuko (DMG) was still sleeping off the cold. I recorded all the plays and I though it was well performed (I still have to upload them onto Youtube).

It was time to let Jaden off for the night, so I headed back to Opal court and smarten up (yes, Mangamad in a suit which the past convention never seen). When I returned, there was a few shocked faces to my changed imaged unlike my usual Manga nuttyness clothing.

There was a delay on the ball so, I ended up sitting with people outside...Washu, Ropponmatsu and Ropponmatsu # 2 are two people I remember. While I was about to draw...Washu, ended up something that relates to a self argument over getting drunk or not (wait a minute...what am I saying, it was. XD )

See what I mean. ^,^;;

So I had a chat with Ropponmatsu 2 instead. Then we took a picture of us on the table, so I ask someone to do the same

Us enjoying the last Amecon weather before the ball

After that, it became a Haruhi moment...Washu was randomly recording stuff with my digital camera. ^,^;;

It was time for the ball. Free drinks, meeting up with a few of my friends (most have got changed for the ball)...now to ask a girl to dance with me...if I know how. Well, it was until my friend Keaira told me to go and ask a girl to ask.
Ohh...well, slowly but surely I confidently begin to ask the ladies to dance. Since I was kind and well mannered, it wasn't a problem.

Well, I'm getting the use to this...^_^

Okay, maybe too well...^^;;

With a total of five lovely ladies I've danced with (failing to dance with Sakura Kokoro who I also know from Deviantart and one random guy who asked me to dance with. ^,^; ) I decide to departed the ball for a spot of anime KARAOKE!

Finding out that it had already began, I rushed to see the list of songs. So many to chose from but I came to sing a song that is close to my heart...and that was "GaoGaiGar: Here come a Hero (Op2)".
Why not Op1 you ask...well, I could but I don't want to cry out Dividing Driver in the song...I want to cry out (if those of you who hasn't seen my sig long enough by now) "GOLDIAN HAMMER!!" the kick ass weapon from the mecha anime. XD
To my surprised, I never had a great response from a crowd like that and I was back in line again...ready to sing again to "Yugioh GX: Wake up your Heart (Season 2 Cl)"...but this wasn't going to be when I encountered someone who was as into GaoGaiGar like me and requested for me to sing once again. Not that I really mine but I really wanted to sing the Yugioh GX song.
When the reg for the karaoke told the first five (I was standing behind Full Metal Neko...meaning second), I finally given in which I rarely to people...and requested the song again. That guy brought me a drink for requesting GaoGaiGar again...so I asked for a Diet Coke. Being a hyper happy person, I even went and sing from the crowd "Yugioh GX: 99% (Season 2 Op)" which FM Neko chose.
Yes, it was my turn...again, but I laugh at the message on screen. This was different this time as my new found friend joined in and I've managed to get the crowd to cry "Goldian Hammer" in the verse which 1) Made my karaoke day more enjoyable and 2) Engrave that word forever so that they would know where my sig came from LOL. XD
It was coming to the end of the Karaoke...that is until they asked me once again to sign "Evangelion: Fly me to the Moon (Cl)", which I was glad to take up. So...with my remaining energy to sing, I went to encourage as much people as we can to sing the night away.

With that ended, enjoyed the night skies and said our fairwell's...it was time to call in for the night at the end of Amecon 2007.

After a pair of ladies ask me to cosplay Guy due to my singing earlier and said "I sung like Hero" (I was greatly honoured, Thanks. ^o^)...and grabbed a burger back to Opal court. XD

Monday (Con aftermath)

Well, I'm still alive as I slowly packed my stuff away (making my suitcase even more heavy now XP).

<to be continued>