Vanessa is a self-taught creative, who coins herself a "scavenger cosplayer." She visualizes unique versions of characters, and finds items from various sources to create elaborate, one-of-a-kind costumes, using minimal sewing and crafting techniques on a budget. She loves many fandoms, and finds a special joy in cosplay and staging as a way to connect with others to share their love of the same fandoms. She celebrates the many levels of creation and unique styles and problem-solving of others. She is a firm believer in body positivity and self-care creating a better quality of life for oneself and the others around them. She believes that expressing herself through fashion and decor soothes her soul and encourages others to find positive ways to express themselves. As a professional event planner, stager, and wedding officiant, she has delved into the many ways of incorporating fandoms into clients' celebrations.
Giving and receiving feedback is a skill that can make or break creativity. This panel explores the essentials of constructive critique: what works, what doesn't, and how to refine your approach to help artists, writers, and creators grow.
Want to look high seas but low on funds? Putting together a pirate cosplay or ren-faire garb is easier than you think! Plundering pieces from your own closet or treasure hunting at the thrift store can get you far. Plus add a bit of eyeliner and tousled locks, you'll be a buccaneer in no time! We'll show you how.
Social media can help creators connect with audiences, promote their work, and build communities. At the same time, constant posting and engagement can drain time, focus, and creative energy. This panel explores the complicated relationship between creativity and online platforms. Does social media fuel creative work, or slowly deplete your creativity?
Inspired by the famous subreddit. Panelists will each tell a story from the perspective of a famous character from seafaring film, TV, comics, or literature and ask the audience to guess who they are, then decide if they are indeed the a**hole.
This is a "Safe Space for Strange Tastes." Whether it’s your most obscure fanfic trope, a crush on a deeply problematic villain, or a fetish for sentient nebula clouds, we’re here to hear it. This is an open-mic-style session for sharing your "trashiest" fandom secrets and kinks in a supportive, judgment-free, and highly adult environment. What happens at Soonercon After Dark, stays at Soonercon After Dark.
In this chaotic After Dark game, panelists draw completely un-sexy prompts from a hat and must somehow turn them into seductive readings. Prompts might include technical manuals, product reviews, awkward dialogue, or other deeply unromantic material. Creativity, improvisation, and a straight face are strongly encouraged. The results will be cursed, hilarious, and possibly impressive.