theweefolktreasures

[theweefolktreasures]

How I create my prints, stickers, pins for the Loot & Magic series.

I thought it would be fun to create some illustrations based on RPG classes that I could turn into prints, stickers, and pins—so I started developing this idea called Loot & Magic, sort of a collection of images representing different classes from RPG games. I came up with a list of 12 classes, and the first three I’m focusing on are the Wizard, the Rogue, and the Paladin.

I started sketching objects I thought each class could be associated with, and once I had a bunch, I picked two per class. Then I refined the sketches and transferred them onto watercolor paper.

For paper, I used Fabriano Acquarello Artistico—100% cotton, hot pressed. It’s a block of paper I bought eons ago and never used, and I figured this would be the perfect project to finally put it to use. I’m still figuring it out, though. After a few layers, the watercolor seems to sit on top of the paper and becomes kind of reactivatable, which isn’t great if you want certain parts to be “sealed.” I don’t have this issue with ARCHES, so I’m trying to figure out if it’s a pigment-specific thing or just how this paper behaves.

Anyway, once the drawings were transferred, I stretched the paper and attached it to my watercolor board (thanks to my trusty LUKAS gummed tape), and then started painting.

This next part is probably the most challenging, but also crucial—I establish all the values using Neutral Tint by Daniel Smith. Once that’s done, applying color becomes much easier since the values are already mapped out.

When the painting was finished, I scanned it and sent the file to the printer to make A4 prints, which I’m now selling in my Etsy shop. Go grab one—I only printed 20 of these!

Enjoy the video process!

[theweefolktreasures]

My Loot & Magic artwork is finally finished, and I’ve made a print with it!

There’s a whole concept behind this piece: these six objects are the first in a series representing different D&D classes, two items per class.

*Can you guess which three classes are featured in this first wave?*

(This is Loot & Magic: Wave 1.)

Want to grab a print? Check out my Etsy shop!

[theweefolktreasures]

$350 for a Table, a Whole Lot of Anxiety, and No Regrets: What My First Artist Table Taught Me

So, after a long time contemplating whether I should try the convention experience as an artist and vendor, I finally decided to apply to my very first event. A few months ago, I signed up for ConnectiCon, a comic and anime convention in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Artist Alley was already sold out by the time I applied, but there’s an area on the 6th floor of the building called the Daily Market—and it just so happened that when I looked into attending, a few tables were still available. I decided that, despite all my reservations, I wanted to get that experience under my belt. The Daily Market lets you attend on a daily basis instead of committing to all four days (the convention runs from Thursday to Sunday).

Why did I have reservations? Well, first off—Hartford is about 2.5 hours from Brooklyn without traffic. The Daily Market opens at 9 AM and closes at 11 PM every day. There was no way I could drive in the morning and back in the evening—it just wasn’t realistic. So staying overnight became the only option if I wanted to arrive early, set up properly, and be presentable.

Secondly, I had the impression that ConnectiCon was very anime-focused, and anime fans can be a tight-knit tribe. They’re usually not that interested in things outside of anime. I wasn’t sure my art would connect with that audience. Still, I really wanted to experience what it’s like to table at an event—and honestly, most other conventions I looked into for the summer were already sold out.

So I signed up. I didn’t expect to make my money back 100%, but I saw it as an investment. I’d already signed up for a Long Island event in October and, more importantly, for the Area Gaming Expo in Philadelphia on January 26. Yup—if you want to do conventions as an artist, you have to apply months in advance. It’s usually very competitive. I also wanted to test if I could manage the full convention routine—setting up the table, dealing with logistics, handling payments (card, cash, etc.).

Now… let’s talk cost. The table at the ConnectiCon Daily Market was extremely expensive compared to a regular Artist Alley spot. I think it’s because that section is meant for vendors, and vendor tables are always more expensive. Still—$350 for just one day is steep. I went on Saturday, July 19. I believe the other days were slightly cheaper, but not by much. I figured, If it’s this pricey, that area must get a ton of traffic.

As I imagined, the day was slow. I barely made back the cost of the table, and everything else—two nights at a hotel, food, gas—was out-of-pocket. The Daily Market area had about 30–35 tables, right next to two big auditoriums where events were held throughout the day. There was some foot traffic, but not nearly as much as I had expected. People were curious, asked questions, took business cards, but didn’t spend. Again, I don’t think it was my crowd.

The positive? I had a blast—although it was exhausting. I was tabling solo. My day started at 5:30 AM. Got up, got ready, and drove to the convention center to arrive by 7 AM, when we were supposed to retrieve our badges. The ConnectiCon team ran late, so we (me and a bunch of other early birds) didn’t get to the 6th floor until around 7:20 AM. I was nervous—when I time myself setting up at home, I usually need an hour and a half to do it right. It was tight.

Surprisingly, I was super efficient. By 8:50 AM—ten minutes before opening—I was fully set up and ready to go.

I really enjoyed interacting with the people who stopped by, asked questions, or bought my work. I loved meeting other artists. My neighbor at the next table, who was selling amazing miniatures with his wife, was a total joy—super chatty, full of energy, and clearly a pro at working conventions. It was inspiring.

I honestly don’t know how I got through the day. Adrenaline, maybe. I started breaking down my table around 10:20 PM—after nearly 15 hours of standing and talking to people. It was tough, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Even though I lost money on this one, I still think attending was the right choice. Now I have a much better grasp on how tabling works, what to expect, and how I can improve.

One thing I was nervous about was internet connectivity—I use Square for payments, and I need a decent signal. Thankfully, the 6th floor had solid cell service, so I didn’t have to buy the convention’s overpriced Wi-Fi (yes, most cons charge absurd fees for Wi-Fi and electricity if you need them).

And the best news? Ta-da! Just a few days before I left for Hartford, I found out I’d been accepted to table at New York Comic Con Artist Alley this October!

Honestly, I applied mostly just to go through the process—I didn’t think I’d actually get in. I was shocked when I saw the acceptance email. Like… my very first Artist Alley table ever, and boom—it’s NYCC?! Hah. I have a whole theory about why this happened: I think a lot of cons get flooded with anime art, and when someone shows up with something different, the jury takes notice. So in the end, attending ConnectiCon—even with its financial downside—was the right move.

Now I’m heading into NYCC with real experience under my belt. Sure, it might be slow too—it’s also a very anime- and comic-heavy crowd—but it’s a four-day event, the table cost was $420 total, and I’ll be local, so I won’t have to worry about hotel or gas. Maybe just a couple of Ubers to get to the Javits Center on the first and last day. All in all, I’m counting ConnectiCon as a positive experience—though I probably won’t do it again.

Anyway, I hope some of this info helps others thinking about tabling for the first time!

[theweefolktreasures]

Love art? Please consider reviewing, signing, and sharing this petition to regulate the use of A.I. in the U.S., stop unauthorized A.I. training without artists’ consent, and require fair compensation and protection for artists. This is IMPORTANT if you care about art and artists. A.I. is currently unregulated, and our government is moving far too slowly—soon, there may be nothing left to protect.

[theweefolktreasures]

Hi! It’s been a while since I posted on here — I’ve been busy! (Busy is good, right?) I’m working on a series of RPG class crests, and the first one is for Paladins. What do you think? Here’s the final touch, applied with my airbrush.

[theweefolktreasures]

Instructional post- How a sticker is born

Idea>Sketch>Color>Off to the printer>Back from the printer>The End

[theweefolktreasures]

Today I sketched this orc using traditional pencil on paper, then colored it in Procreate (a.k.a. the cheating cousin of traditional media...).

I’ve been bouncing between so many different things lately. Honestly, I’m starting to think it’s just procrastination. I know exactly what I should be working on, but I keep finding reasons to try something new instead—oils, acrylics, Procreate... Come on, man. Just go back to your watercolors and do what you know best already.

[theweefolktreasures]

New pin 🧷 drop in my shop! From a watercolor painting of an ouroboros that I painted a while ago-

[theweefolktreasures]

First time using acrylics… brain crash! I'm so used to working with watercolors that I automatically used the same technique—super watered-down paint and layer after layer. But that doesn't really work with acrylics, so I really struggled here… Anyway, it can only get better from here!

[theweefolktreasures]

🐦‍⬛ An old, gruesome illustration I created after rewatching the first season of Game of Thrones one too many times….

After the fall of the Raven King’s war council, only whispers remain. The heads of the traitors now serve as grim warnings at the edge of the Shadowmoor—You rolled a 2 on Dexterity to flee… 🎲 now your head adorns the spikes on the hills. 🐦‍⬛

[theweefolktreasures]

My tribute to Treebeard.

[theweefolktreasures]

So, I’m working on some new bookmarks and currently painting the first illustration.

A is the color test I did over the sketch of the elf playing the harp. I was so stoked—I really felt like I nailed it right away. I couldn’t believe my luck and was ready to jump into the final painting.

Then I let it sit for a couple of days… and something started bugging me about the composition, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. And then—like lightning striking a tree—I saw it: the hand in the foreground was cut off! Dear pagan gods, what in the world?! Such a rookie mistake. I was so enamored with the composition that I completely missed it!

So, I had to rescale the elf and shift the figure to the right to include both hands. I mean, he’s playing the harp—the hands are everything! I also had to move the whole thing down a bit because suddenly the castle in the background felt too cramped against the decorative arch.

Now we have B, which is the actual painting in its current state—underpainting done, and the upper section partially painted.

[theweefolktreasures]

A while back, I painted a Frodo Baggins paper doll 😂. When I was a kid, I was totally fascinated by paper dolls. To me, they offered endless possibilities for play—I loved that you could change their clothes and accessories.

I couldn’t really play with them, though, since I was a boy. It sounds silly now, but back then there was so much pressure around what was considered "appropriate" for boys and girls to play with... Anyways, painting this paper doll was my way to satisfy that craving of playing with paper dolls.

And by the way, paper doll art should be brought back—it's such an artful blend of illustration, fashion design, and storytelling.

This was published in Amon Hen #301.

[theweefolktreasures]

Lurking in the shadows....

[theweefolktreasures]

Here's a video which I did a while ago of my painting process (🐈‍⬛ included)- underpainting and final color layers. This painting is called 'Sleeping Beauty' 😂

[theweefolktreasures]

Working on some ideas for bookmarks… I lose one with every book I read. I still read printed books—and I still use bookmarks.

[theweefolktreasures]

How a quick watercolor sketch in one of my sketchbooks became the cutest notepad for call notes, to-do lists, or even your very own RPG campaign stats….