AnimeUSA 2014

AnimeUSA, was a very last minute convention and I wasn't sure what I was going to expect. If I was to summarize my experience in one word about AUSA it would be; relaxing. I wasn't in any rush with plans for once and I ended up having fun during the night. A great con to end all con this year for me. With that, enjoy my diary!




Friday, October 3

Waked up around 5AM to pretty myself up. My plan was to go to the con early as possible around 10AM to set up my table at the Artist Alley. However, that did not come true. My friend Ameorry woke up late as well last minutes printing; we arrived at the convention through the metro around 11:30PM. We were able to set up our table very quickly and was ready, set, and go at 12:30PM.

My friend and I don't usually go to small convention such as AnimeUSA, so most of the day we tried to enlighten ourself with minor works such as cutting keychain and doodling because the amount of people on friday was very small, so the traffic was really slow. Gladly, there was the game room next to our booth, so whenever it get 'really' slow, I would play few games of DDR or the drum game and return to my booth. I got to see alot of old friends, and even had a mini fun photoshoot. Ended the day with a pizza party at the Artist Alley and call in the night.

Saturday, October 4

Saturday at the convention was more bustling with life as more attendees were out of school and ready to live the convention life. I worked at the artist alley from 10AM till 6PM, selling artwork and drawing commission. I had a girl commission me to draw Shishio from Rurouni Kenshin so that she could have it signed by the voice actor. Best . Commission . Ever! I promised my friend we would visit the  Host Club and have a lot of fun. Oh boy do I mean that.

My friend Kali was a sponsor, so we did not need to wait in a line and were the first one to enter the Host Club. We were greeted by dashing (and probably drunk) host gentlemen. The experience to handpick your own host is exhilarating, however, my friend and I chose her friend who worked there instead. For our meal, I had a BBQ pork slider and marshmallow cocktails. It was very delicious!! Played Uno with our host as well invited a table next to us to play one round of games. Afterward, we popped a champagne bottle with all the host men surrounding us. I requested all the host to take a sip of my drink so that when I drink it, I seal all the host men lips on mine. I was just having alot of fun. We kept ordering more cocktail, to the point we cover almost all cocktail listed on the menu. I don't quite remember the name of the drinks. My friend and I were very popular at the Host Club and many of the host who had free times came to say hi to us. Few hours later, I was escorted by two host on each arm.

Didn't care how drunk I was, I dashed to Company & Noodle to order dinner (with extra meat) for my friend back to the Artist Alley. I tried to draw my commission, but I was too intoxicated at that point. Instead, I chatter my mouth out to other artist across our table. I had a great time talking to them, they were too sweet and funny.

After the Artist Alley closed, I went to my friend Peter, Laura, and Syra hotel room to drink more. We had this really cool drink that was shimmering and sparkling; it tasted great! Wondering around the convention with my drunk pals, I met people who knew me from facebook and invited me to the dance. Went back to the hotel with more new people to drink more. While waiting, the floor room we were at was the same floor the Host club were partying. I did not care much for them, but it was great to know some of the host remembered me. While my new friend ran out of drink, they gave me the last cup to me; I felt really appreciated. But instead, I shared the cup around with everyone because sharing is caring. The whole night I just hanged around with more new people at the lobby and ended the night then. I'm sure I don't remember anyone names. Sorry!

Sunday, October 5

Luckily for me, I did not get a hangover and felt really great in the morning. I stayed at the Artist Alley throughout the whole days and got to trade artwork with alot of cool artist. With that, the convention was over and my friend and I left the con. Before going back home, we decided to be super weeaboo and eat dinner at a sushi restaurant. I was shocked how much food my tiny friend can eat. The chef was really cool and gave us some free fried fish; it was delicious! Ended the night with a full stomach, which is rare at an anime convention, and fell asleep.

Overall

I did not visit any panel this year, so I have no say in those matter. The convention building was very beautiful and wished I had cosplay. I did not realized how small this convention was, so I would advise seller to be careful and only go to AUSA if you're local, or else no profit would be made. The host club was really fun if you're with a friend. If I were to criticized the host club, it would be that some of these men need to really stick to their own table aka that one host who keep visiting our table when your table is literally right across our. I felt bad for few table who host doesn't visit them often, The staff at the con were really nice for what I know. I'm glad that there are security at the convention that actually try to crack down on naughty people. Overall, the convention was okay at best, it's definitely more intimate than other bigger convention I have experience so far.

To see my cosplay photo taken at AUSA, click the [Link]