Suz Baeston is known throughout Elfwood, Yerf, and Epilogue for her vivid and unique depictions of dragons and anthromorphs. She is also one of the founders of #Vagrant, a post-apocalyptic anthromorph role-playing game. Knowing this, is it any wonder that she should be at the 2004 Anthrocon? This month, Suz will tell us a little about what the con was like this year.

Woodworks: For those of us who have never been to one of these, what are some of the typical things that go on at Anthrocon?

Suz Bateson: That'd depend on if you go as a vendor or as a 'normal' member, really. Since I went as a vendor I didn't go to many events at all.. Most of my time at the con was spent behind the table, drawing, carrying stuff, and sleeping. I did get to spend a lot of time meeting a lot of other great artists, though, and socializing with them.

There were a lot of events organized, everything from drawing circles to masquerade balls to role-playing sessions. Other major events at the con included the Art Show Reception (which I managed to sneak into at the end), a few dances, and a parade.

WW: What is your overall opinion of the organization of the con?

B: It seemed pretty good, overall. There were a few blips here and there, but considering the huge amount of people present I think it was handled as well as could be expected.

WW: Do you think Anthrocon is an easy way to sell and buy art?

B: Yeah, it was all pretty straight forward.

WW: What was it like running your own table?

B: First off, I didn't exactly run my own table - Cara Mitten had a pair of tables at the con, and she let myself, TK Labus, and Amy Fennell share her space. We all kinda did our own thing there, helping each other out when someone needed to take a break and escape from the room. It was really fun, though.. the table served as a nice refuge when needed, but also helped to bring a lot of interesting people over. I don't think I would have met so many different folks if I'd just been wandering around the whole time!

WW: Did you meet any role models or famous folks?

B: The person I was most excited to meet was Cara Mitten, actually. She's been one of my favourite artists for years, and getting to see her in person and watch her draw was really inspiring.

WW: Were there any insane antics among con attendees?

B: Not that I saw! I was actually a bit disappointed.. I'd heard so many crazy things about Furry cons, and was looking forward to seeing some of those things in person. People were all rather well-behaved and (dare I say) normal, though.

WW: What were some of the things you saw at the Art Show?

B: A lot of really bad art selling for a lot of money. ;)

Well, that's not entirely fair. I actually saw a lot of cool stuff, including art from some of my favourite people (like Chris Goodwin and Mary Minch). The most interesting part for me was seeing the range of work that was displayed. Anything from fine art to false ads could be found there, in more mediums than I can easily recall. It was really surprising.

WW: What was the Masquerade like?

B: It was interesting, to say the least. A lot of the costumes were really well done! Some of them were outright terrifying, of course, but for the most part the Masquerade just made me think that a lot of sports mascots had gone on strike.

WW: Did you learn anything about selling art that you wish to pass on to anyone else?

B: Yeah. Cute stuff is almost always popular. Things that are 'cool' or 'freaky' will attract a certain percentage of the population, but cute things always sell well. Oh, and shiny stuff. People like shiny things.

WW: Will you be attending Anthrocon 2005?

B: I plan to. :)

WW: Any advice for newcomers?

B: Don't make too much stuff! Remember that anything you don't sell has to be brought back home. And make sure that you do lots of drawings at the table - the best way to make money at AnthroCon is to do sketches on the spot. One last thing! Try to get a room on a lower floor… the elevators tend to break.

WW: Anything else you wish to add?

B: Ummm... be sure to take a flea bath before you go? :P

And there you have it! Be sure to check out Anthrocon’s official website for more information.