NCN Convention by subwaysurfer

Just returned from the Annual NCN Convention. ITo be more accurate, I returned on October 6th, but only until now have I been able to calm down enough to collect my thoughts.The Best of the BEST Caricature Artists from all over the world came together for a week of fun, education, competition, and even controversy at this convention. You reallly had to be there to get the full meaning. A couple of mountain top experiences included reuniting with my pal, Kenly Dillard, a former NYC Street Caricature Artist, now Florida native,who was instrumental for teaching me the ropes of live Street Caricature in NYC. Ken has alwasy been THE fastest artist I've ever seen, and I watched him create, in a few hours incredibly detailed sketches that would have taken a normal human days to complete. I also got a chance to meet my buddy Chris Collins, who I had been conversing with on the NCN forum for a year tring desperately to crack the caricature code. Chris REAAAALLLYYY "messed me up!" caricature wis, I was inspired and delighted. Another favorite artist, Adam Pate, thought me a simplied way of doing a quick sketch party style I cant WAIT to try at a party. Adma , the lucky dog, had the distinction of looking like Wolvernie from the Xmen, and I couldnt help but do his caricature. I also got an opportunity to meet and be interviewed by Mark Simon, artist and author of Facial Expressions, Your Resume Sucks, and Storyboards Motion in Art. Mark gave an inspiring, thought provoking and dynamic lecture on how to be a thriving artist that obliterated every excise for failure that I had. One of my illustrations , taken from an upcoming facial expressions book, also recieved honrable mention in a recent contest that NCN members participated in. Considering the awesome talent the NCN has, I consider that to be an honor. Character Designer, Steve Silver was also in attendance and gave another inspiring thought provoking and...dynamic lecture on the art of character design that also helped to inspire and eliminate excuses for failure. So much more to write, and I'll just spread out the news over time.... ..