So our journey, (Unfortunately Judas couldn't make this journey, so was down to the "classic" School of Bitches team of Dhalia & myself to represent.) began at a reasonably decent hour, unlike most international/domestic travel I've experienced in the past... which always usually amounts to a bus at 5am, or flight at 2am... this time our flights were mid afternoon, meaning we didn't have to leave the house until 12.
I'd packed the suitcase the night/morning before, (a 'borrowed' suitcase that either belonged to "Jazzy Jeff" or the 90's, I'm not sure which was better.) so spent the extra few hours afforded in bed.
Our 'Train, Plane & Automobile' journey consisted of a train to Bristol, a flight to Belfast, and then a bus/train (we decided on bus) to Derry, which would take us the rest of the day... arriving at our hotel and into our room just before midnight.
(the name Waterfoot Hotel somewhat misleading in title, perhaps QuiteFarAwayFromTheWater Hotel would have been better, or a disclaimer reading "the name Waterfoot applies only to those individuals with feet which are 2 miles long!")
Bar the 'misrepresentation' in name, the room and hotel was awesome, and after enjoying probably one of the greatest showers of my life, it was time for bed.
We were up in time for breakfast the following day, (something that only happened this once during the course of our trip.) and afterwards headed into the town, the walk seeming somewhat less intense as the night previous. (probably due to not having to drag the 'Fresh Bag of BelAir' around with us.)
We explored; walking the city walls, taking in the sights, the city's ancient walls just a hint of the rich history on offer here. We stopped along the way, listening to a teacher/tour guide who was talking to an accompanying group of students. He described a time long before him, the enthusiasm in his voice as he proudly spoke of the history resonated in his words.
Having already negotiated the Peace Bridge to get into town, we took the opportunity to check out "The Diamond" where Austin's was situated... it was strange seeing these sights in person.
Similar to when we visited Bristol, and I first saw Brunel's Old Station with my own eyes, rather than the photo I had been working, the scale of things sometimes cannot be realized with a photo no matter how expensive the camera that took it.
Anyway, the day went on, we ate, bought a few items... sketchbook, Irish compass set (of which the only notable differences were it came in a green box that had a map of Ireland on it, and was 49p cheaper than it's standard counterpart!) and generally procrastinated until the early evening, where the 2D Festival was introduced by a panel taking place at a local bar, Sandinos.
It was our first opportunity to meet the guys from Uproar Comics in person; Dhalia had made first contact over Facebook, and it was them who told us of the 2D Festival.
The night was long, and eventful, so to keep this as to the point as possible, bulletpoints:
Danny, Kevin, Holly (& her sister.) from Uproar, the most gracious hosts we could ask for,
"Butter, Roll" line/ hoodtalk - ineffective in Derry,
the sheer volume of women to men in Sandinos should be illegal or at least better advertised
Furthermore, they are actually approachable, (and approach you) and friendly, (towards even antisocial misfits like me.)
We had a somewhat muted involvement in a podcast (not drunk enough!)
Bumped into our 'boii's' Patricia & Herbe (!)
Drunk 16 year old girls are the same wherever you go,
Hedgehogs seem like a good idea at the time.
Well after other assorted mischief, didn't actually get back to the hotel till 5am, and although it is not unusual for School of Bitches to hit it heavy the Saturday night of a convention, it was the first time we hit it hard the night before the convention.
We retired for a few brief hours before having to head back to Derry again, the 2D festival opening at 10am.
Despite having a terrible hangover, I found myself soon forced to engage with the crowd that began quickly filling up the Millennium Forum. Unlike the hesitant reaction we've had from crowds elsewhere, who even when interested, seem a little reluctant to ask questions, or even approach, the crowds in Derry of varying ages and demographics along with a Mocha soon got rid of my hangover.
By the end of the first day we had sold out of the black and white versions of the two images, something that I had not anticipated, as the "Brilliant Skies" postcards are aimed at the "casual" audience that attend, as they are visually easy on the eye. My style without color can be very intense, all those hectic pencil lines can overload the eyes... but Derry surprised me with an audience much more interested in the "art" rather than the aesthetics.
The Saturday evening was a lot more of a relaxed affair, Sandinos was again the scene of the crime, alas the crime being somewhat less serious, (like a parking infraction) compared to the previous nights escapades.
We entered into the 2D "quiz", with the ironic name,
"The Winners of the Quiz" which as soon as the questions began we immediately regretted.
Without our elusive third member, Judas and his decorated knowledge of comics, it was looking like the "Winners of the Quiz" were going to come up a little short.
Danny from Uproar arrived, with Nev (so much more than just a steward!) joining our flailing team - this coupled with the fact that right answers seemed not as important as hilarious answers, and a few questions focus on the new Star Trek film, (which I'd managed to watch a few days earlier on Icefilms! :) meant that we walked away with a respectable 3rd Place.
After the quiz, a variety of panels began, and once they had finished both of us and the Uproar Comics peoples seemed to be really feeling the effects of the previous nights mischief, so Dhalia and I headed back to our hotel early to recuperate.
Well we woke Sunday, at a suitable time to get a taxi, but had somehow completely forgotten about the Derry Marathon of which we'd seen numerous posters and signs throughout our time there, warning of potential disruption... so arrived in true School Of Bitches fashion, half hour late.
Whether it was the marathon, or something else, the Sunday was busier than I've ever seen a Sunday at other conventions... selling more comics than anticipated, getting dangerously close to selling all we had took! The postcards prepared for Derry completely sold out early on in the afternoon, as well as a considerable number of the postcards left over from Bristol that we were forced to display after even the display images of the Derry postcards were gone!
I had gotten reprints of the 'Site of the old Suspension bridge' as it was a popular image, and had wanted to keep some for our next Con - but sold out of every one - even the display image too!
I even had a lady come in sent on behalf of her husband who had seen the works the day previous, and wanted to buy one of the actual sketches I was displaying in the portfolio, as part of the "Before & After" page for Peace Bridge Harbour! (see below)
Peace Bridge Harbour, (displayed in portfolio)
Upon informing her, the sketch was not for sale, she settled on 6 postcards instead!
I'm going to bulletpoint the remainder of the Festival, (as well as a couple of people we met on the Saturday!) as this update is taking longer than 'Pirates of the Caribbean 3' (credit to Life's Too Short!)
Herbe & Patricia came up individually at different points of the day, for a chat and a break, as (if we were as busy as we were!) no doubt it must have been hectic. Always a pleasure to speak to them both.
Was asked to look at a portfolio, by a fellow artist potentially looking to get into comic books and wanted my opinion on some of it... I didn't even have to 'be nice' as it actually was really awesome stuff, some of the character concepts, and drawing style... he was just missing a 'writer' to help put it together. (I encouraged him to be at 2D next year. If your reading, hit me up I'll give you the credit you deserve!:)
Our glorious PR guy, (who was apparently in Belfast anyway.) popped in to say hello briefly, snapping some photos of Dhalia posing with some 'staple' fantasy fiction characters, and congratulating us on his hard work. (?)
Caught up with the RAZARHAWK guys, who were at Cardiff but I never got to meet in person. (Hopefully I didn't scare them off with my attack on the mainstream perception of comics!)
And finally... remain 'daring' and consider when comic conning, in New York 'School of Bitchin' the new WTC, Freedom Tower. (!)
Met some cool people, who were genuinely interested in the lore, the concept, the art, and the story. (or all of the above!)
Its always a humbling experience, when talking to someone about School of Bitches; whether it be regarding the 'smash mouth' art style, the inspirations behind the vast story, or just describing the synopsis, and seeing genuine enthusiasm for the 'product', for my vision.
This for me is a real fan... a real fan doesn't have to spend loads of money - sometimes doesn't even have to buy a thing.
I've never bought a single DVD/boxset of some of my all time favorite TV shows, yet could probably answer anything about them, and the amount of people that I have gone on to recommend them too... well this is a form of that 'viral' marketing our PR guy goes on about all the time.
(see I do listen!)
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Right well, I'm wrapping it up here, as it's fucking 2am.
The concluding part of this update, After: Derry (despite it's title) will detail a few other notable things that happened whilst still in Derry, and some exciting news on what's happening now.
Alas, I'm out.
Goodnight.
- A.S. OUT
