With the lifting of most pandemic restrictions comes the return of physical events, which means the art conventions are back as well.
The last time Shalla joined one was just before the lockdowns began. People were, by then, starting to wear masks. Some, not all. I didn't have one. We didn't have a dispenser of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol on our table, either. In hindsight, maybe we took it lightly, but nobody really knew the changing rules back then. Just a couple of weeks more and we'd be forced to grapple with it.
A couple of weekends back, Shalla was back at it. She was at the Cosplay Carnival. She arguably had two years to prepare: new characters, new merchandise, new branding. But she was sharing a table with a friend, and with restrictions on how many people were allowed in a space at a given time - not all restrictions have been lifted, after all - I wasn't able to go. That weekend, my duty was to drive, and in at least two instances, produce new prints, because apparently those visiting the event liked frogs.
It turned out well, and it certainly brought back a spark or something. Now Shalla's lined up for two more events. There's one at Megamall in June, and there's one at Luneta in a couple of weeks' time. At least the preparation's easier, since she's figured out how to set up the table, and has printed out most of the collateral (which I've had a kick in helping design), and everything else in between. In supply chain terms, we're just doing replenishment, and since we've got the rhythm down, it should be easier.
The problem is, the first day of the Luneta event could fall on a company lunch Shalla's going to. We're not sure if it's happening, but considering she's working at a new place now and she hasn't really seen most of her colleagues in person, it's safe to say she's compelled to go. So, for one day at least, I'll be the one doing the selling at Luneta. I'm kind of looking forward to it, if only to see how people react to seeing a guy selling prints with obviously girly illustrations. It happened at Komiket Cavite two years ago, and I had to explain a few times that the actual artist is out and about and I'm just sitting in. Also, that set-up means less driving for me.
Again, it isn't final, but already I've been thinking of what to wear. If the time I watched over her table at Komiket was any indication, I'd be wearing shirts with cartoon characters, or at least one that's on the pop illustration side. One time I was wearing a pink Sadaharu shirt, which made sense because it's an anime character, although from a show I haven't watched a lot of. Actually, I haven't watched Gintama when I bought the shirt. Shalla knew of it, and convinced me to get it. Also, she said, I'd look good in pink. I agree. I've worn that shirt many times since, to the point that I forgot about the whole "men aren't supposed to wear pink" thing.
"'Yung Sadaharu 'yung suotin mo," she told me.
"Maybe I shouldn't," I answered. "Considering the circumstances."
At this rate, I don't think I'll be wearing that shirt in public any more.
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