As I prepare for this yr Lightbox exhibitionI’ve been commissioned to write down a brief preview piece. A brief article about what I hope to see on the present, what it means for the viewers and what it might ship You, as a reader.

That mentioned, I am not certified to really do that. I’ve attended each Lightbox Expo (LBX); I sat on the panels and talked to the artists. Over time I’ve purchased footage and books, and even a stuffed animal.

Nonetheless, Lightbox Expo will not be for me.

Overhead shot of the Lightbox Expo show floor, showing artist booths alongside a column of passing visitorsOverhead shot of the Lightbox Expo show floor, showing artist booths alongside a column of passing visitors

I say that with love. At its core, LBX is for artists. It is a spot the place established and aspiring artists can meet and commiserate about their very own experiences. A lot information is shared, and never simply within the panels.

Think about one of the best Artist’s Alley you will have ever seen. It may very well be from a serious conference like Anime Expo or Anime NYC. Or possibly it is from a smaller native scammer. The situation itself will not be essential; What’s essential is that LBX is the proverbial airplane constructed from the black field. It is a conference constructed by artists, for artists.

An overhead photo of the LIghtbox Expo location in Pasadena, CaliforniaAn overhead photo of the LIghtbox Expo location in Pasadena, California

Trying again, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to greater than a dozen artists over time, together with:

In case you are an aspiring artist and have the chance to go to Lightbox Expo, I extremely suggest it because the expertise is undoubtedly priceless.