My Weekend at KinshokuCon 2025 😸✨
This past weekend (November 14–16), I spent three days vending at the very first KinshokuCon in Niagara Falls, NY, hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, and honestly, I’m still riding the high from how amazing it was. For a brand-new convention, it was shockingly well organized. Communication leading up to the event was clear and consistent, check-in was smooth, and every staff member and volunteer I interacted with was so kind, helpful, and on top of things. You could feel how much care went into making the con a great experience for both attendees and vendors.
A Truly Curated Artists Alley
The Merchants Market was one of the best parts of the whole weekend. It was genuinely curated, packed with actual artists, illustrators, painters, crocheters, and original creators. It felt like a true Artists Alley. (And yes… the glorious absence of endless 3D-printed dragon eggs did not go unnoticed 😂).
I spent the weekend sharing my drippy skull art, from my original pieces to my Pokémon-themed skulls, stickers, prints, and custom cards. Sales were fantastic, and I was so excited (and grateful!) to sell another one of my original canvas paintings. Every time someone chooses one of my originals, it hits different, knowing that something I spent hours pouring into is going to be hanging in someone’s home means the world to me.
Awesome People, Awesome Artists
One of my favorite things about conventions is meeting other artists, and KinshokuCon was packed with talent. I had so many great conversations, and I even picked up a few things for my own collection, including an amazing crochet Charmeleon from @BardicTrinkets on Instagram. I’m obsessed with him. He’s already claimed his new permanent home in my studio.
And of course, I got to reconnect with other vendors I’ve met at past shows, plus I made tons of new friends whose art I can’t wait to follow and support. The energy all weekend was creative, friendly, and super welcoming, the exact kind of artist community I love being a part of.
Looking Toward 2026
For their first ever year, KinshokuCon knocked it out of the park. I’m incredibly excited that it’s already returning next year, the dates are November 6–8, 2026, at the same venue. You’d better believe I’ll be there again with new art, new pieces, and probably some new spooky surprises.
Huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by my booth, said hi, grabbed art, or just shared a conversation. Weekends like this remind me why I love doing conventions so much.
Until next time, stay spooky 👻
-Illy