Designer Con 2013

Took me about 4 hours to walk around and see all the wares! I loved all the new work everyone has produced. Love all the art and talent out there! I got some new figurines for my shelf and will be back next year for more! This is always a good time if you’re into little vinyl toys and/​or fantasy/​cartoon art in general!

Designer Con a.k.a. D-​CON a.k.a. VTN (Vinyl Toy Network) is an annual convention since 2006 which continues to grow.
This was held on November 9 (Saturday) and November 10 (Sunday) in 2013
It once was a small one day show, and has since expended to become a two-​day show with a larger exhibit hall plus entertainment programming and even concessions stands inside, and has really professionalized itself in appearance. It’s a really nice set-​up.
It’s always been a great show. Its unique, and very fan friendly. The artists who appear are very approachable and gracious, as are the vendors and exhibitors.
You can find all sorts of quirky unique artistic pieces here, that are beyond what’s considered a toy, figure or statue. They feature truly original creations you won’t find in many stores (other than if in the Los Angeles area, places like Munkey King, Pop Monster, Giant Robot and Kid Robot), but this is a one stop shopping emporium of vendors, many of which are the actual creators themselves.
Admission in 2013 was $ 5 per day in advance or $ 7 at the door and $ 10 for 2 days. In the past, when it was a 1 day show, admission was equally as affordable, and after I think 3pm or so it was free admission, but now with the upscale improvements to the show, I think the overhead may not allow them to do the same things they used to as a small boutique show.
This year, I saw the legendary Frank Kozik there amongst others. It’s fun to shop around and look at everything, and there’s lots to see and buy. It’s a great place to shop for quirky gifts too. I also saw Luke Chueh at an exhibitor’s table.
I’d love to see a more formalized artist presence much like how comic conventions have an «Artists Alley» in the future as opposed to exhibitors hosting signings or artists spread out with their own tables, plus maybe special guests too, maybe expand into the «Low-​Brow» (as it’s called) art scene.
It feels like a modern art gallery, only the items here are for sale and for the most part are affordable. You’ll see some really eye catching stuff that’ll blow your mind and bring a smile to your face.
The venue is nice and convenient. I’ve always known this show to be at the Pasadena Convention Center, and it’s always been a very clean, well lit, comfortable and convenient (proximity to freeways and a nice surrounding area of other things to see, do and eat at).
Parking is somewhat easy, but if you park on the streets just be mindful of the street signs for any limitations.
…be sure to check out their website to see when the next show is if you missed the current year’s show, it’s something well worth traveling for or planning to attend.