Shows
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastHow Sonic Helped Me Harness My CreativityThis week, the mic flips as PB interviews Jay for a deep dive into his lifelong love of Sonic the Hedgehog and how that fandom has shaped his creative journey. From early fan obsessions to hosting panels and podcasts, Jay shares the story of how a blue blur inspired an entire career of content creation, community building, and chaotic good energy.We cover:🦔 Jay’s origin story as a Sonic fan and how it all spiralled from there📺 The Sonic Show, launching the YouTube channel, animations, and skits that got serious traction🎙️ The Opinion Zone...2025-07-0430 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastHow Anime Shaped Us - Art, Influence & Convention CultureWe’re live again at AnimeCon UK, and this time it’s all about the power of anime, how it’s influenced art styles, careers, and the very culture of Artist Alley itself. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, PB and Jay sit down in front of a live audience to talk about the role anime has played in shaping their creativity and connection to the convention world.We discuss:🎨 PB’s anime origin story - From watching The Rose of Versailles and Saint Seiya to secretly drawing anime in fine art class in Malta2025-06-2740 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastOur Podcast: The Journey So FarRecorded live at  @AnimeConUK 2025, this special milestone episode celebrates how far we’ve come from chaotic beginnings to our biggest stage yet. PB & Jay take you behind the scenes of how The Convention Creatives Podcast started, what it’s become, and where it’s headed next.We cover:🎙️ How it all began – spontaneous episodes, web asset madness, and the encouragement that kicked it all off at MegaCon London🚀 Building our brand – working with awesome partners like Decal Empire UK, ShirtDisplaysUK, and even dipping our toes into influencer collabs🎨 A podcast for artists, by artists – why our audience of fellow creatives means everythin...2025-06-2030 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastOur AnimeConUK Action PlanWe’re heading to AnimeCon UK and this time, we’re going big! In this high-energy prep episode, PB & Jay go full tilt into planning for one of their biggest events yet. With six creators, a mega booth of guest artists, and plans to film podcast content live from the show floor, this is more than just a con… it’s a convention creatives cinematic universe crossover event.We break down:🎪 Our booth layout (T-shirt rails and badge button boxes!)📸 Our recording plans and hopes for making magic across the weekend🎨 Having Printing Like Rabbits, Pick A Plushie, Glazghouls and Rakku Events...2025-06-0658 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMore Wild Convention Reddit StoriesMore wild stories of convention traders and goers!2025-05-301h 41The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastGetting ready for UK Games Expo! | Episode 21PB & Jay are gearing up for their very first UK Games Expo, and it's a whole new world of tabletop gaming, D&D dice, and... absolutely no clue what they’re walking into. Recorded during a chaotic prep week, this episode dives into the back-to-back convention burnout, fresh product strategies, and the terrifying logistics of building an entire booth from scratch.We talk about:🎲 Adapting to a different crowd – how tabletop gamers differ from anime con-goers🧵 Designing new D&D-inspired merch – from owlbears to mind flayers📦 Restocking nightmares – PB’s frantic t-shirt reprint saga between MCM & UKGE🧱 Building a booth from floor space...2025-05-231h 11
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMCM London PreparationIt’s MCM London prep week and PB & Jay Bear are stressed, exhausted, and completely covered in spray paint but also super hyped for the biggest con of the year. In this milestone 20th episode, we take you behind the scenes of everything we’ve been planning, building, fixing, and (let’s be honest) panicking over.We unpack:🎨 30+ t-shirt designs (including brand new Sonic, D&D & FNAF drops)📦 Pins are here! Including the (maybe) iconic “Mouthless Silver”🧱 Upgraded displays with 3D printed badge holders, custom shelving, and the return of Shirt Hero🤝 New sponsorships with Decal Empire🛍️ Convention-exclusive mystery items, sweatshirts & print...2025-05-161h 12
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastRunning a creative business with chronic illness | Hillmans Handmade InterviewJay is flying solo this week, but he's not alone... he’s joined by the fantastic Hannah from Hillman’s Handmade for an episode filled with creativity, real talk, and a touch of unhinged dilemmas. From theatre training to polymer clay, Hannah shares the journey of how her unique handmade business came to life and what it's like to grow that business alongside a full-time job and chronic illness.We talk about:🎠The power of performance: how an acting degree helped Hannah find her voice as a business owner🎨 Handmade vs mass-produced: why every piece is personal, and why 100 items migh...2025-05-091h 13
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMegaConLive Artist Interview SpecialThis week, Jay takes the mic solo for a special on-the-ground episode recorded live at MegaConLive Birmingham! 🎙️Join us for a whirlwind tour of the Artist Alley as Jay chats with five incredible creators about their art, con experiences, and what it’s like to hustle behind the table. Expect laughs, insights, and a few surprises from the heart of the UK’s convention scene.🎨 Featured Artists: •  @ChaoIllustrations : Monster girl expert and Twitch partner bringing vibrant, kawaii chaos to every canvas.   •  @sophiralou : Digital artist with a flair for 2D/3D animation and D&D-inspired creations.   •  @SaiyanHajime : Convention artist known for iconic Sonic music pins and...2025-05-0228 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastArtist Alley AITA Reddit Stories!PB & Jay are back in session as judge, jury, and moral compass in this chaotic episode of Artist Alley AITA! We’re diving into the internet’s messiest convention stories from awkward customers to friendship-ending booth drama, and giving our very honest takes.This week’s gallery of drama includes:🧍 A dad who gaslighted his daughter out of buying a t-shirt she loved (cue rage)🪙 A table partner who might be ditching their friend for solo glory🤝 A “helper” demanding 20% profit after the event’s already over🧸 A plush thief (and their parent) who didn't expect to be asked t...2025-04-251h 20
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastDo American Tariffs Hurt UK Artist Businesses?We’re getting serious this week—because sometimes, global politics really do mess with your art hustle. In this episode, PB & Jay dive into the real-life impacts of Brexit, EU trading laws, and international tariffs on small creative businesses.We unpack:📦 The IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) – what it means, who needs it, and how Etsy might already be handling it for you⚠️ The GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation) – what it requires, why it’s extra painful for indie artists, and the nightmare of needing an EU-based “responsible person”📉 Why so many artists have stopped shipping to the EU entirel...2025-04-181h 37
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastCrazy Cosplay Reddit Stories w/ Realise_CosplayWith PB away this week, Jay is joined by the hilarious and fabulous @realise_cosplay for a special guest-hosted episode where things get a little wild. Together, they dive headfirst into some of the most unhinged, dramatic, and outrageous Reddit stories about cosplay and trust us, it’s a rollercoaster.We get into:đźŽÂ Washing cosplay at 50°C? The horror!🚪 Dad interruptions, dresses held hostage, and Reddit’s worst takes🎀 The tale of a wedding dress turned Labyrinth ballgown cosplayđźš© And a particularly spicy discussion on cosplay, scars, and consent—this one gets deepBetween chaotic anecdote...2025-04-111h 07
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMegaConLive Birmingham & Bentley Jones Concert ReviewThis edit of our 3 hour live episode record is bursting with real-time energy as we recap our wild weekend at MegaCon Live Birmingham 2025 and our trip straight after to Bentley Jones’ Absolution gig. From setting up our table to dealing with last-minute drama, it’s a full rundown of the highs, lows, and chaotic in-betweens of one of the UK’s biggest fan events....We cover:🎤 Absolution – the pop concert meets drag show, with some unforgettable (and not always for the right reasons) moments🛍️ MegaConLive madness – what sold, what didn’t, and why the crowds felt different this yearđź§...2025-04-061h 55The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastWhere is Episode 14?!Just a little update on where it is!2025-04-0501 minThe Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastAccessibility at Conventions - Interview with StriblobThis week, Jay is joined by none other than Striblob, Cosplayer, content creator, and the ultimate Jim Carrey Eggman enthusiast, for an important and insightful chat about accessibility at conventions. From the challenges disabled attendees face to how events can do better, we dive into what needs to change to make conventions more inclusive for everyone.We also cover:🎠Breaking into the Sonic fandom – why the movies were the gateway for Striblob📸 The evolution of confidence through cosplay – from stage fright to full-on Eggman chaos🎮 Balancing cosplay & content creation – the reality behind making viral TikToksAnd yes, there’s plenty of Sonic shenanig...2025-03-281h 21The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMegaConLive Birmingham & Bentley Jones Absolution PreparationMegaCon Birmingham is almost here, and PB & Jay are in full-on convention prep mode! In this episode, we break down everything that’s happening behind the scenes... from booth layouts and merch experiments to last-minute hotel booking regrets (oops).We cover:🛍️ Booth setup evolution – how we’re displaying t-shirts differently this time🦔 Hedgehog statues on the move – from MegaCon to Bentley Jones’ gig!🎨 New merch drops! From Werehog to Metal Sonic, what’s making its debut?🚧 Convention logistics – how we secured a last-minute 9x3 booth with Printing Like Rabbits🎤  @BentleyJones Absolution gig – how it ties into the Sonic community & why we’re running straight from Meg...2025-03-211h 17The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastHow To Deal With Unwieldily Kids!? - Power & Gaming Comic Con Glasgow ReviewPB took a nine-hour road trip to Glasgow for Power & Gaming Comic Con... but was it worth the journey? In this episode, we break down everything from the convention rebrand drama(?!) to the trader experience, sales, and unexpected encounters!We dive into:🛍️ How PowerCon compared to previous events – was it truly a "new" convention?📦 Artist & trader experiences – booth layouts, sales trends & whether vendors actually made money🤬 Handling unruly con-goers – including kids attacking Sonic & Shadow statues with swords!🔥 Meeting the team behind Inferno Fest – the first Hazbin Hotel / Helluva Boss convention in the UK!From walkthrough filming adventures to figuring out what actually sell...2025-03-141h 24
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastFree Passes, Fair Play? The Creator Pass DebateWe’ve hit double digits! Episode 10 is here, and PB is back after his whirlwind travels! In this jam-packed episode, we catch up on everything we’ve missed, including:🎤 Jay’s solo adventure at AniMangaPop – what went down, how it compared to MegaCon, and why Beyblades left a lasting impression.📦 The reality of Creator Passes – are influencers actually pulling their weight when given free entry to cons?🎨 Upcoming conventions – PB preps for PowerCon, bringing Sonic & Shadow statues, Hasbin Hotel merch, and all-new designs to Glasgow.💰 Our Kickstarter is DONE! We break down the results, what happens next, and h...2025-03-071h 25
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastInterview with Squishi KittiThis week, Jay sits down with the one and only  @squishikitti (aka Nandi) for an unfiltered, hilarious, and insightful chat about turning creativity into a full-time business. From going viral on TikTok and Facebook to navigating the world of parasocial relationships and online communities, Nandi shares her journey from art kid to thriving brand owner.We dive into:🛍️ The rapid rise of the Squishi Kitti brand🎥 How a sassy packing video turned into a audience hit💡 The reality of building an online community (the good, the bad and everything in between)📦 Selling at conventions vs. online: what really works?🤯 Balancing neurodive...2025-02-281h 29
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastSonic Con UK Interview /w Jake & KayIt's a special episode because we have our first-ever podcast interview! This week, PB & J sit down with Jake and Kay, the masterminds behind Sonic Con UK to talk about how a thought turned into a massive fan convention, the wild success of their Kickstarter, and what’s next for Raku Events.We dive into:🎤 The unexpected origins of SonicCon UK🏆 The big wins and biggest challenges of running a convention📣 How the Sonic community helped make the event a reality📍 Moving the con from Manchester to London and...2025-02-211h 01The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastF***, Marry Kill?! Valentines SpecialLove is supposedly in the air, but we have more important things to think about, such as which Harbin Hotel characters do we ship! In this special Valentine’s episode, PB & J dive into the world of seasonal products. Are they a profitable hit or a creative headache? From holiday-themed merch that flies off the shelves to designs that gather dust the moment the season ends, we break down the pros and cons of time-sensitive art for creatives.But let’s be real… you’re here for the romance-fueled nonsense! The duo plays a variety of cheeky mini-games, including the ulti...2025-02-141h 07
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastHow To Make A Kickstarter CampaignThinking of launching your own Kickstarter? PB & Jay are here to walk (or stumble) you through the entire process! From setting realistic funding goals and crafting a killer campaign page to dealing with backers, marketing strategies, and the chaos of stretch goals—this episode is packed with tips, real-life experiences, and cautionary tales. PB spills the tea on his 17 successfully funded Kickstarter campaigns, while Jay contemplates launching an actually real campaign for his "Curvy Stickman" pin (you’ll have to listen to believe it).But what happens after a Kickstarter is funded? The duo dives into the challenge...2025-02-071h 28
THE OPINION ZONE : A Sonic The Hedgehog PodcastAnnouncement : Sonic themed Pin Kickstarter Launched!Sonic Cage Dome (owner of The Opinion Zone) is collabing with Gilles Bone for a new exciting project. This Kickstarter will fund a collection of hard enamel pins, t-shirts, and a beanie hat inspired by our favourite hedgehog and his friends. Designed with love and attention to detail, these pieces celebrate the iconic gaming universe that so many of us hold dear.Visit the kickstarter here :http://kck.st/4hGWndLAt launch, the campaign will fund a set of 9 enamel pins and a beanie hat, with backers able to pledge for these, as well as sticker...2025-02-0700 min
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMegaConLive London 2025 ReviewMegaCon London 2025 has come and gone, and PB & Jay are here to spill all the details! In this episode, we break down our first convention of the year—what went well, what we learned, and, of course, the incredible traders and tables we checked out. We also unwrap some of the amazing gifts we received (you all are the best), and to top it all off, we’re launching something HUGE... our brand new Pin Kickstarter! Tune in to hear all about it and get the inside scoop on life behind the artist alley table.Find Us and Sup...2025-01-311h 48
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastHow To Make Enamel Pins (From Design to Collectibles)Coming to you while we are at MegaCon Live London! In this episode, PB and Jay unravel the glittering world of enamel pins! From creating designs that pop to navigating the complexities of manufacturing, shipping, and even dealing with grading (you’ll get it when you listen!), it’s a masterclass in pin-making. Whether you’re an artist looking to start your own collection or just a fan of all things shiny, this episode spills the tea on the entire process—from design to dazzling display. Tune in to hear PB’s expert insights and Jay’s hilarious attempts to design a...2025-01-241h 29
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastMegaCon London 2025 Prep and Surviving Tax SeasonIn this jam-packed episode, PB and Jay celebrate their podcast's incredible chart success, breaking into the top 10 in their category! They dive into the whirlwind of prepping for MegaConLive London, from designing new merch to navigating taxes (ugh, but necessary). The duo also shares their excitement about meeting con family and introducing Jay as the ultimate “Convention Noob.”Spoiler: there’s a selfie frame involved, and it’s epic. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a sneak peek at what it takes to tackle the UK convention scene like a pro.Find Us and Support the Podcast!Visit https://theconcr...2025-01-171h 02
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastLooking Back, Moving ForwardIn this episode of The Convention Creatives, PB and Jay dive into the highs and lows of 2024. From the challenges of balancing mental health to the creative resurgence inspired by Sonic Con, they share personal stories and reflect on the lessons they’ve learned.The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, community, and the vibrant energy conventions bring to the creative process. PB and Jay also share their first impressions of each other, recount surreal moments like attending a movie premiere, and discuss how these experiences have shaped their plans for 2025....2025-01-101h 11
The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastWelcome to The Convention CreativesIn the inaugural episode of The Convention Creatives, hosts PB and Jay introduce themselves and share their excitement about launching this podcast. Together, they dive into the vibrant world of conventions, fan art, and the creative community, exploring what makes these events so meaningful to artists and fans alike.
PB reflects on his journey as a full-time illustrator, while Jay brings his unique perspective as a passionate convention-goer. They discuss the evolution of conventions, the distinctive dynamics of the UK scene, and the challenges artists face, from misconceptions about their work to the emotional...2025-01-101h 00The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom PodcastThe Convention Creatives : Teaser🎨 Convention Creatives 🎤
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of UK conventions? Meet PB, the artistic mastermind, and Jay, the curious convention explorer, as they navigate the whirlwind of fandoms, cosplay, and fan art.
Expect laughs, chaos, and candid conversations as they unpack creative journeys, share insider tips, and celebrate the magic of conventions. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or just curious, there's something here for everyone.
Meet your hosts:
PB (aka Gilles Bone) is a full-time illustrator and convention veteran with over 20 years...2025-01-0800 min