FA+
Shop
Anthro Northwest Post-Con Write-Up
8 years ago
General
I don’t normally do convention write-ups, but I think that Anthro Northwest definitely deserves one, especially as a new convention (that received a lot of undue negative attention and rumour-mongering, particularly from non-attendees).
What is Anthro Northwest? A new convention in the Pacific Northwest, catering specifically to the furry arts (from drawing to suit making, and everything in between). I hadn’t initially planned on attending, but the con-bug hit me pretty hard and when I ended up with a table in the Dealers’ Den, it was pretty much a done-deal.
It’s a family friendly convention, which means there was no adult content visible (or present?), and anyone overly intoxicated was asked to leave until they sobered up. The staff were pretty serious about their dress code and code of conduct, as well, and likewise, folks dressed in clothing primarily associated with sexual activity were asked to change before entering con space. That said, I had an absolutely wonderful time. There was an established standard for behaviour that made me feel far more comfortable than I do at other conventions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and not at all creepy! From what I could see, the con ran smoothly and professionally. With the exception of that One Big Thing.
They ended up having a film crew present, and didn’t inform the attendees until the day of the convention. According to the agreement, however, filming/appearances were opt-in, meaning anyone who did not specifically sign a release will have their faces blurred. Suiters, however, were not given the option to opt-in, but rather, to opt-out. This all sounds pretty sketchy, but honestly, I saw the film crew twice, the entire weekend, and both times they were friendly, professional, and were taking pains to avoid filming anyone other than their subjects (eg. in the Dealers’ Den, they made a point of focusing the camera on open spaces like doorways and aisles, rather than at individual tables).
The panels and talent at this con were amazing! With a focus on craftsmanship, things were right up my alley. I actually nearly missed dinner more than one night, to attend panels like Using Thermoplastics, Casting Resin, and Advanced Airbrushing. I learned a ton of cool new techniques, and hopefully I can put them to use in my own practice.
The only downside to the con (for me), was the hotel bed, which was extremely uncomfortable @m@ but that had nothing to do with Anthro Northwest.
Overall, it was definitely worth attending, and I’m really glad I went. I’ll definitely be wishing everyone luck in the following years, and plan to keep this con on my calendar :D
What is Anthro Northwest? A new convention in the Pacific Northwest, catering specifically to the furry arts (from drawing to suit making, and everything in between). I hadn’t initially planned on attending, but the con-bug hit me pretty hard and when I ended up with a table in the Dealers’ Den, it was pretty much a done-deal.
It’s a family friendly convention, which means there was no adult content visible (or present?), and anyone overly intoxicated was asked to leave until they sobered up. The staff were pretty serious about their dress code and code of conduct, as well, and likewise, folks dressed in clothing primarily associated with sexual activity were asked to change before entering con space. That said, I had an absolutely wonderful time. There was an established standard for behaviour that made me feel far more comfortable than I do at other conventions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and not at all creepy! From what I could see, the con ran smoothly and professionally. With the exception of that One Big Thing.
They ended up having a film crew present, and didn’t inform the attendees until the day of the convention. According to the agreement, however, filming/appearances were opt-in, meaning anyone who did not specifically sign a release will have their faces blurred. Suiters, however, were not given the option to opt-in, but rather, to opt-out. This all sounds pretty sketchy, but honestly, I saw the film crew twice, the entire weekend, and both times they were friendly, professional, and were taking pains to avoid filming anyone other than their subjects (eg. in the Dealers’ Den, they made a point of focusing the camera on open spaces like doorways and aisles, rather than at individual tables).
The panels and talent at this con were amazing! With a focus on craftsmanship, things were right up my alley. I actually nearly missed dinner more than one night, to attend panels like Using Thermoplastics, Casting Resin, and Advanced Airbrushing. I learned a ton of cool new techniques, and hopefully I can put them to use in my own practice.
The only downside to the con (for me), was the hotel bed, which was extremely uncomfortable @m@ but that had nothing to do with Anthro Northwest.
Overall, it was definitely worth attending, and I’m really glad I went. I’ll definitely be wishing everyone luck in the following years, and plan to keep this con on my calendar :D
what were they making up? Because, i wanted to go but a last minute pet emergency had to come first.
Always next year~
thank you for supporting our Creature Research <3
AND FOR SAYING HI! it's always awesome to see you ^_^
And as a result of it being "family friendly" there were actually ... SURPRISE ... a LOT of families AND kids there. All sorts of kids ... from babes in arms to toddlers to 5-8 year olds, to tweens and teens. They were having a great time, mingling, talking, making art, shopping the dealer's den and suiting. Most of them there were with parents in tow ... sometimes seemingly parents who weren't furries themselves, but instead coming and experiencing the fandom for the first time.
And see folks, it's THESE kids who are the future of what we hold so dear. And to have them there at the con, out in the open loving and living the fandom we all admire with the full and conscious support of their parents is amazing ... and frankly what we want. This contrasts with hidden folders of furry art, magazines concealed under beds, and disguised links to FA on computers. The deep shame of loving the anthro world that many keep from their parents ... and sadly so often how WE first found the fandom. Wouldn't it be great if we could all be open and proud about it all? Places like ANW give us that chance.
So yes ... let us of course have the adult themes (since they are part of every fandom) ... let's have those party cons (because they are fun). BUT let's make room for AND give active enthusiastic support to those cons that promote wholesome and family oriented fun ... because THAT is where our future lies ... with the kids in the fandom.
</rant>
I couldn't believe how many middle-aged folks (with names like Karen, or Doug) were there! and with kids! and there was so much less shame involved, and it was amazing ;w;
I'm glad there's now a con for new, young furs to go, without worrying about adult content!
ALSO THE ART FOCUS was so great ;W;
Like... panels on art stuff that i legitimately wanted to learn more about. It felt like a business trip, and not a con. I LEARNED COOL STUFF, OMG.
I hope we cross paths again and can chat more!
I'm actually super disappointed that i missed your panel on the history of furry ;A;
hopefully i can catch that at another con some time.