NDK 2014

So this weekend was an amazing success!  Not counting the fun parties check out these Highlights.

1. The Cosplay Triage Unit fixed well over 300 unique costumes.  We were asked return to NDK next year.  We even were complimented by other cons.  But one of the coolest moments, was Sunday after all the con hype and costume contests was over, one of the contestants that won, who we helped with her costume, came down to the shop and thanked everyone for helping to repair her costume. The amazing humility she showed was a credit to the craft.  You are welcome Miss, you know who you are, keep up the humility it's a glorious character trait!

2. I won a 1st and second place awards in the Model show, my fiancé Meagen won an award, and my friend Glocker won 1 first place and two 2nd place prizes. Count that as 6 prizes for the movie night crowd!!! 

3.  In the Art show, I sold both Pchan and the Mushroom lawn ornaments and Meagen sold both the Sun and Moon from Soul Eater. 3 of the 4 went to the charity auction!!!

 4. Although my Mecha lost in the masters category to other amazing costumes, many friends won.   And better yet, many of the contestants costumes made it across the stage do to the diligent work of the Cosplay Triage Unit.  And although there is no "Official trophy" for stitching and gluing costumes back together 10minutes before the show.  We know how many of those wins we made possible.   So a big round of applause for my CTU staff;  Meagen Partin,  Eric Moore, Barbara Dennis, Kenny Derry, Anna Elis, and Rayn Harvey.

5.  I won a staff award called the "Rising Star" for the amazing execution of Cosplay Triage Unit.  So maybe there is an "Official trophy" after all. (Don't get it? read number 4 again).

6. I was featured on Westword.com in this weekend "the Excellent Cosplayers of Nan Desu Kan 2014. Picture Number 89. http://www.westword.com/slideshow/the-excellent-cosplayers-of-nan-desu-kan-2014-41854544/#89  As A throw back I also made the list on Westword in 2012 for my samurai armor, http://www.westword.com/slideshow/nan-desu-kan-2012-bronies-lolitas-and-dreamers-37749749/#14  and again in the 50 Best costumes in 2010 http://www.westword.com/slideshow/50-best-cosplayers-at-nan-desu-kan-31025488/#44 The only year I think I was not featured in Westword, was 2011.

7.  But the clincher on what made this the best NDK.... I personally sat down with Kevin McKeever of Harmony Gold who talked fondly of my Robotech costume from a  few years ago.  Talked with either David Vincent about transferring the imagination of anime artists in to the real world. Talked briefly with Jason and Heather Martin, although I don't think she recognized me without Sharpedo (But I still love the pokemon shoot we did in 2013).

A number of other staff, guests, and directors approached me wondering why I didn't win anything in the costume contest, and gave their praise,  but one guest Judge was introduced to me and it lead to something very uplifting.   Associate Professor of Japanese Literature at the University of Oregon, Alisa Freedman was introduced to me by a good con friend George.   We talk for a long time. And after a while she asked me to submit work for a project she is working on.  I'm not saying that, that means anything I submit would be accepted.  But it was a great compliment, and it's a great testament to the quality of my costumes.  And has to be one of the most enduring compliments I have ever gotten. 

And that makes for one freaking amazing weekend.