I am back from a wild and unique IX. I created some exclusive Magic
That's all for another exciting
I am back from a wild and unique IX. I created some exclusive Magic
That's all for another exciting
I have been so involved with writing that IX has snuck up on me. Somehow, IX will be starting next Wednesday, and I am not necessarily ready for the show. I have been frantically getting ready while also writing AND dealing with all my responsibilities at the university... but it has not been enough.
I am sure by the time I am setting up on Wednesday, everything will be as it should be. One thing I do know is that Rikala, Homarid King, will be with me next week! OH! And another thing is that I will have several IX exclusive Magic the Gathering artist proofs with me. As well as all the usual monsters. After selling out last year, Mitze will be once again sharing the booth with me, as he has been very busy this year making more artwork.
If you are in the Reading, PA area, I hope to see you there!

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here after IX! Until then...
I am thrilled to announce a convention that I will be attending in 2026! Notices went out last week, and I can now announce that I will be returning to the main show of Illuxcon in Reading, PA, in October 2026. We love IX, and it is a truly unique experience to attend and be a part of. I will share more once we get closer to October. And with the crazy year ahead of me, come
That's all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here soon! Until then...
In many ways, I am still processing IX 2025. This was the eighteenth year, and I have been attending since year two. A long time to be involved in multiple cities at multiple locations. Post-COVID life and conventions have been weird, and it feels like it still hangs in the air at events, but this year's IX felt different. There was an energy, an excitement, a feeling, and a vibe I haven't felt in easily five years. This year, it felt like it did before COVID. And it was truly and completely wonderful.
I wish I could put my finger on it, but it was all different for me this year in all the best ways possible. For me, this was a FANTASTIC event this year. I brought everything that I could. The entirety of the Grand Bazaar was on display, and it was all very, very well received. Yes, sales were up over the last few years at IX, but it was much more than just that. I felt like I was connecting better with people. I had a thousand amazing conversations about art and life. I saw so many friends and my heart was refilled. We met so many new people, and people who have been on the fringes of our bubble were brought in. As much as IX is about art, it is also about friends, community, and fellowship. You are among your peers, mentors, coworkers, and patrons for a week, and it was the best time I have had there in a good long while. Not that IX is in any way lacking, but the car troubles of two years ago, the lingering gloom of the COVID years, and the state of the world have had their effects on things. But this year it was all gone for me. I was in a wonderful art bubble for a week, and I want MORE.
I have said it before, and I will continue to say it, IX is a
Here are some images and thoughts regarding this year's IX!
That's all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...
3Next week, I will be appearing in the main show of Illuxcon in Reading, PA, October 22- 26, 2025. Now that the show is nearly here, I can update you with additional details on my panel schedule, location at the show, and more.
I will be a part of one panel this year, the aptly named Magic Artist Proof Panel. Moderated by Donny Caltrider and will include your truly, Sarah Finnigan, Donato Giancola, Will Smith, and Alex Stone. The panel is described as:
Join Magic: The Gathering artists and collectors as they chronicle their journey with artist proofs, the extremely limited, white-backed versions of the game cards, now turned into traditional artworks and miniature masterpieces. You’ll learn what an artist proof is, where to find them, and how each artist approaches them in their unique style. Stay to the end for several AP giveaways, and an exciting announcement of things to come!
I am really looking forward to being a part of this. I will add that, as I am a part of this panel, I will not be a part of the live artist proof art event later in the show. You will just have to come to my booth at the show.
That's all for another Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...
Now that it is October, it is time to remind everyone that I will be appearing in the main show of Illuxcon in Reading, PA, October 22- 26, 2025. We love IX, and it is a truly unique experience to attend and be a part of. As the event nears and final schedules are announced, I will share with you some of the things I will be a part of at IX. And I should have a surprise or two as well.
That's all for another Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...
I am thrilled to announce another convention that I will be attending in 2025! Notices went out a week or so ago, and I can now announce that I will be returning to the main show of Illuxcon in Reading, PA, in October 2025. We love IX, and it is a truly unique experience to attend and be a part of. I will share more once we get closer to October; I am sure I will have a surprise or two planned.
That's all for another exciting YEAR on the blog. See you back here in 2025! Until then...
There has been much to do since IX, which is why my IX 2024 is several weeks late. Much to do, AND it now takes time to Shade and Glaze my images, so it is a double blow to getting posts up quickly after events.
Now that IX 2024 has come and gone and I have had some time to think about it, it was, of course, amazing. Save for last year (which was 110% the fault of my car having a catastrophic unrecoverable event), every year at IX is simply the best. It is a time for celebration, community, fellowship, and art love. You have to go to one to know what I mean. It is a long show, but it also flies by, so there is a bittersweet aspect to it. It is so wonderful, but the moments do fall through your fingers. It was wonderful to see so many friends and familiar faces. IX is usually my last event of the year, and it is such a great completion of the convention year. I feel like I should be saying more, but if you know, you know, and if you haven't attended, you truly owe it to yourself to attend one year, even if you only attend and don't show. Here are some photos from IX 2024.
Another amazing year, the 17th IX, to be exact. Here
That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...