Flashback to SDCC 2024 Part 3

 SDCC 2024 Part 3 

 

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Flashback to SDCC 2024 Part 2

 Part 2 of our SDCC 2024 rewind. What are you looking forward to this year? 

 

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DesignerCon 2022 Recap

DesignerCon 2022 was back in full force with a huge turnout of exhibitors and attendees at the Anaheim Convention Center. VIP night was held on Friday night November 18th. There was a good amount of VIP attendees ready to purchase exclusives and to get first dibs on what exhibitors had for sale. Some of the popular booths were Medicom as well as 100% Soft, Secret Handshake Toys, Creature Bazaar, Science Patrols, Unbox Industries and many more. Super7, Joe Ledbetter, The Beast is back, Pop Mart, illest, Kidrobot, 3D Retro, Panels, Leen Customs, Gravy Toys, Rampage Toys, Paul Kaiju, My Plastic Heart, Toy Tokyo are just a few of the hundreds of exhibitors at Dcon this year. So many artists, companies from outside the USA like Punk Drunkers and Medicom teaming up with DCon for collaboration show merchandise. NFT's, NTWRK, Out of Order Art Show, Movie/TV inspired Vehicles were in the building like Ecto-1, TMNT Party Wagon, Pizza Planet Truck and Sally from Cars.

There was pretty much something for almost everyone at this show. Sofubi/Japanese Soft Vinyl Toys, vinyl figures, resin figures, plush, apparel, enamel pins, stickers, art prints, nfts, exclusives, limited edition drops, panels etc... 

If you're not a fan of lines or crowds then VIP Night is definitely worth it besides getting first dibs on most exclusives and releases.

Check out our pictures at the links below:

DCon 2022 Part 1

DCon 2022 Part 2

As always thanks to the Collecting Toyz team and shout out to V for the assist! See you guys at the next DesignerCon which is December 15-17 2023 in Anaheim.

SDCC 2022 Recap

Super late post but a lot of our pictures can be found on instagram. We will have a link at the end of this post so you can view our pictures from SDCC 2022. 

Recap- 2022 was the first year back in full force since the pandemic. What was different this year was that we had to get a wristband that showed we were vaccinated or had a negative covid test prior to attending. We had to stand in a line to show proof to get the wristband in order to get inside the convention center. For those of us that were there for 4+ days had to wear the wristband, the wristband took a beating lol. You probably could get a new one but why waste more time in another line when there was more important things to do. Everyone was required to mask up which was good because it was just as crowded inside the exhibit hall pre-pandemic.

Exclusives? Of course there were exclusives. A lot of companies like Neca and Mattel had pre-orders to have them shipped after the show. Others, you had to enter a lotto via the comic-con portal to get a chance to get a time slot in order to purchase exclusives. Towards the later part of the day when all the groups that got their chance to purchase exclusives, anyone could get in line to buy what was left that day such as Funko, Mondo etc... Hasbro had their exclusives released differently this year where you had to go to their booth to get a QR Code to be able to purchase their exclusives. Those were gone in a flash once the exhibit hall doors opened. 

 

Noticeably absent from SDCC this year was the massive WB Booth. Some booths that were usually in their same spots year after year moved to different parts of the floor. Funko had a huge presence and turned their huge space into Funkoville. Funko consisted of Loungefly and Mondo which they acquired a few months before SDCC. They also had huge POP! Statues of Squid Games characters.  

DesignerCon 2022

 

 

In 1 week DesignerCon will be back at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Get your tickets at DesignerCon.com. This show will have something for just about everyone. Enamel pins, vinyl toys, NFTs, plush, apparel, sofubi, resin, customs, one-offs and so much more. If you're looking for unique gifts for Christmas well this is the place to get them. A lot of your favorite artists and illustrators will be there as well as major toys/collectibles companies such as Medicom, Super7, Kidrobot, Mondo, Tokidoki and more. 

We're excited to finally get back to somewhat of how things used to be before the pandemic. It'll be great to see a lot more familiar faces or half faces (if wearing face masks) of friends and fellow collectors that we haven't seen since 2019.

What we'll see more of this year is digital collectibles / NFTs. The one good thing about digital collectibles is that it doesn't take up physical space. Haven't really looked into it much but really interested in learning more and seeing what they're all about at DesignerCon this year. 

We are looking forward to the Creature Bazaar area featuring some of our favorite sofubi/ Japanese soft vinyl toys as well as Punk Drunkers, The Beast is Back, Leen Customs, Super7, Secret Handshake Toys, 100% Soft, Fairycookies, Patrick Ballesteros, Unbox Industries, Hype Bao and so many more. 

Make sure to follow us on IG! We'll be posting up photos throughout the show!  

Five Points Fest This Weekend

This weekend is Five Points Fest at Zero Space in Brooklyn! Get your Tickets HERE!!! 'Nuff said! Go get them exclusives!

DesignerCon Announces Partnerships With eBay, NTWRK, and VeVe Collectibles for 2022

The Largest Art & Toy Convention In the US Comes In Strong With Title Sponsors eBay, NTWRK, And VeVe Collectibles
Tickets on Sale July 15th 

CONVENTION DATES 
November 18 - 20, 2022 

Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
 

DesignerCon has amassed a hugely impressive following over its 17 years of existence. Now, in 2022, DesignerCon is returning to the Anaheim Convention Center, bringing all new content and fan-favorite artists. With three epic partners, the show is reaching wider audiences, elevating the experience for existing enthusiasts and bringing new ones to the wonderful works of art toys and collectibles!

Tickets are on sale July 15th, and can be purchased at http://www.designercon.com

Joe Ledbetter's "Road Trip" Sculpture

Joe Ledbetter will be releasing his "Road Trip" Sculpture that's been in the works for a while now. It stands over 16" tall. It's large, heavy and solid resin. Limited to 100 pieces. This will go on sale Tuesday, May 10th at 9am Pacific in Joe's Store HERE for $450. Free shipping worldwide.

Wondercon 2022 This Weekend!!!

It's been way too long since we last attended a show. Wondercon Anaheim is this weekend, April 1-3 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Badges can still be purchased HERE. If you've never been to Wondercon, it's a smaller con compared to SDCC. The exhibitor list w/map and programming is available HERE.

Tristan Eaton Launches Comprehensive Generative Art Collection entitled G.E.M.M.A.

Los Angeles, CA (January 4, 2022) - With his entry into the metaverse, Tristan Eaton has once again proven his artistic prowess, dedication to his craft, and sheer business sensibilities. While many dove headfirst into the world of NFTs space during the initial wave, producing content based on volume, Eaton waited until he had crafted truly unique ways to contribute to the digital art space. As a highly respected multi-disciplinary artist perhaps best known for his murals around the world, it made perfect sense that Eaton would take his work into the metaverse, but as a true innovator, Eaton prioritized revolutionizing the space, and has continued to do so with each drop.

LA Art Show Returns to LA Convention Center

 

The LA Art Show is just three weeks away! We look forward to welcoming you back when the LA Art Show returns to the LA Convention Center South Hall, January 19 to 23, 2022. We hope you’ll join us for the next exciting edition of captivating art from all around the globe!

With a focus on presenting engaging state of the art themes and the next edition of the compelling DIVERSEartLA program – exploring the nexus of art and the environment – the LA Art Show is gearing up for a spectacular launch of the 2022 Los Angeles art season while observing COVID protocols to keep everyone safe.

The first live show to showcase the NFT craze, the LA Art Show will once again present more eye-catching new media, digital and cutting-edge art trends. As the world adapts to the pandemic, the LA Art Show is gradually rebuilding its customary international roster of exhibitors, welcoming new and returning galleries from around the world. 

Don’t miss it! See below for ticket information:

 Purchase your tickets HERE!

Designer Con 2021 Recap

Designer Con 2021 had their own virtual con during the summer but they also had their in-person event held at the Anaheim Convention Center in November. There were still a good amount of exhibitors, artists etc... in attendance. Overall with how things have been regarding the health and safety protocols, the show was held and it was a solid event despite a lot of uncertainty with traveling and covid. Looking forward to all the shows that can be safely attended this year. Here's a link to our DCon Photos HERE. Enjoy!

San Diego Comic Con 2021 Special Edition This Holiday Weekend!

 

This Thanksgiving Holiday weekend is a Special Edition of San Diego Comic Con. If you are local to San Diego or in the Southern California area check out the show this weekend or do some early Christmas shopping. Tickets are still available HERE. Tickets are $150 for adults which is for 3-days. Unfortunately, they are not selling single day tickets. There will be a few off-site events going on outside the convention center. Certain streets will be blocked off for comic-con attendees. Parking is still also available to pre-purchase as well.

DesignerCon 2021 This Weekend!

DesignerCon 2021 is back this weekend starting Friday, November 12th for VIP Ticket Holders and into the weekend. This is one of the first conventions to slowly come back after the pandemic shut down pretty much everything for over a year. Attendees and Vendors will still have to mask up and show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test. More details can be found on their website HERE. 

DesignerCon 2020 This Weekend

 

DESIGNERCON RETURNS NOVEMBER 13TH - 15TH FOR THE MOST AMBITIOUS CON OF 2020!

New Partnership With Popshop Live App Will Bring Vendors’ Storefronts And Artists Live to Viewers’ Screens, While Allowing Them to Skip the Lines And Avoid the Crowds

In spite of the unusual presentation, attendees can expect many of the traditions they’ve come to love. Every year, DesignerCon organizes events and aesthetics around an important pop-culture theme, and 2020 is no different. For this edition of DCON, the expo celebrates the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future—a franchise more timely than ever IN 2020.

 

CONVENTION DATES

November 13 - 15, 2020

Since its founding in 2005, DesignerCon has grown into the largest designer toy and art convention in the United States. With COVID-19 disrupting the global event industry, founder Ben Goretsky remains determined to continue expanding—this time into the digital realm. For its 2020 edition, DesignerCon will broadcast and sell to thousands of attendees on Popshop Live, a groundbreaking platform at the forefront of streaming commerce. 

Companies that have already signed up for the innovative approach to the convention include Japan’s MEDICOM (with DesignerCon being their only US convention), Toy Cube, and 3D Retro. Participating artists include Valfre, Joel Ledbetter, Luke Chueh, and Jorge R. Guiterrez, to name a few. his year’s set of DCON exclusive Be@rbricks will be designed by Jermaine Rogers, Louis De Guzman, Valfre, Alex Pardee, and Greg Mike. Tickets will go on sale in October, and DesignerCon will be hosted live on the Popshop Live app from November 13 to 15th, 2020.  

Today is the last day to purchase VIP Tickets but you can purchase all tickets HERE.

Who's Ready for Designer Con 2019?

Designer Con 2019 is literally right around the corner. Next weekend November 22-24th, Designer Con will be taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. There will many different events happening as well as tons of exclusives and releases from artists, companies and so much more. Below is some of what will be taking place next weekend at Designer Con.

Five Points Festival Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!

Five Points Festival announced that their Early Bird Tickets are now on sale! Get your discounted tickets for Five Points Festival in NYC at the Brooklyn Expo Center June 1-2, 2019 HERE. Tickets on-site will be more expensive.

Pop Art Cat Plushies by Kidrobot x Andy Warhol

NEW Pop Art Cat Plushies by
Kidrobot x Andy Warhol

Now Available at Kidrobot.com

"For the Love" A3 Riso Prints by LUNARTIK

Artist LUNARTIK has just released "For the Love" A3 Riso Prints in their online store HERE for £25. 

DesignerCon 2018 Recap!

DesignerCon has come and gone. Still trying to figure out the best way to sum up this year's DCon besides HUGE lol. As you all know DesignerCon moved from Pasadena to Anaheim this year and the venue which is the Anaheim Convention Center made it possible to expand DesignerCon greatly. A lot of artists and companies that were not able to secure a booth in previous years were able to get one this year. DCon was HUGE this year. There was a lot of space between aisles which also meant a lot of space between the rows of exhibitors. It also meant you can look at both sides of the aisle to view the booth's items and so you have more walking to do lol. Planning which booth to hit up this year was very important as the one problem was there was no aisle numbers or booth numbers so sometimes looking for a certain booth you can get lost and end up somewhere else.

This year they had a few mini art shows within the show. They had a huge dinosaur and Jurassic Park vehicles as part of their Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Art Show. There was also the Shard Dunny 2 Show which featured custom Shard Dunnys from various artists. There was a lot of things going on within the show. Different artists and companies released exclusive items at certain times each day etc... You really had to be selective as artists and companies are very spread out.

Saturday Morning by Funko was pretty busy starting on VIP night. They sold FunkO's Cereal, Cereal Bowls and T-Shirts. Wasn't sure how it was going to pan out but they had a corner spot and a big area to hold their line. Great booth display and Mike Becker was there throughout the show. You could get his autograph or picture taken. They also had cereal taste testing area.

There were a lot of artists and companies that came out from other countries such as Japan etc... Long lines were formed for companies like Refreshment Toy, RealxHead, Goccodo, Skulltoys, Punk Drunkers etc... each day. Other companies and artists that were back this year was Paul Kaiju, MVH, Splurrt, The Sour Lemon, Clutter, Rampage Toys, Touma, Kidrobot, Super7, Unbox Industries, 1000Toys, Lulubell Toys, Bwana Spoons, Gargamel, Cometdebris, Max Toy Co and many many more.

This year we took a lot of pictures. Normally we use both the iPhone and an actual camera lol but one of our photographers injured their hand prior to DCon which meant holding the camera to take pics was painful and uncomfortable. On the other hand, our handy dandy iPhones which are lightweight came to the rescue and we have about 1800 pictures or so to show you. Here's our link to our DCon 2018 Photo Album. There's definitely too many pictures to post here and since we have less time than usual, we didn't have time to watermark them which is also why we aren't posting them here. One thing we do ask is that if you want a picture to post or re-post elsewhere to contact us for permission or credit us when using them.

We left DCon pretty much poorer than when we arrived. There was so many awesome art and collectibles for sale that whatever we thought was enough $$ to spend this year was clearly not enough. Wanted so many more things but had to pick and choose. It sucks from a collectors standpoint for sure but when you have so many artists and companies bringing so much awesomeness all in one place you need to save as much money as you can. For those planning to attend to DCon next year. Plan ahead and save a lot of money. You're gonna need it.

To sum it all up, DCon was awesome this year! There were some things that they could improve on but overall we didn't encounter any major problems. Looking forward to next year! Enjoy the pictures!