In the artist world, you learn about a thing called conventions pretty quickly even if you're not looking for them.

The way I became exposed to them was probably typical for other artists. First, there were several weekends in a year when all the artists I follow have converged into one building and I simply had to watch as picture after picture was posted at the convention, as one of my heroes meets another one of my heroes, veiwing the action unfold via a tiny window in your phone.

Next, I did a tiny bit of research. Conventions are places where artists go to gain new fans, to discover other artists, to show off their work, sell products, and dress up and have a good time. Basically, nerd heaven.

There are several different cons, the biggest one being Comic Con. However, it is with great joy to announce that this weekend I attended my first first full-scale con, CTN Animation eXpo!

I almost DIDN'T go, for several reasons. First, because neither of my two best friends, Josie Stocks and Dash Narjarian, could go on the same day. The solution? Go with both of them on separate days!

Then, in a classic Kip move, I waited too long to buy the tickets. When I opened up the online forum to purchase tickets, the booth had closed. After a few seconds of desperation, I realized the window where I was looking at how to purchase tickets was still open from yesterday. Sure enough, I was able to purchase tickets after the booth had closed online.

Saturday I woke up early, got gas, decided to forgo a trip to the bank to get cash as a method to keep me from spending too much money, picked up my friend Dash and my wheelchair, and was off!

The ride there was a mess of excitement, laughter, traffic and sharing of music. Finally, we got to the expo.

It was in a giant tent! Or, hybrid between a tent and a building. And it was jam PACKED with artists.

I got to meet some of my favorite artists like Jake Parker and Griz & Norm, see my concept design teacher Armond Serrano, and discover amazing new artists like Brynn Metheney, and was overwhelmed by the amount of talent in one place.

I can't wait for the day when I'm the one behind a desk, inspiring future artists.

The whole day was really just so much fun, mostly thanks to the hilarious antics of Dash, who's a full foot and a half taller than me. All in all, I gained a better appreciation of the art community, animation, and of my friend Dash.