Reflections on Contropolis, MA
Over the past weekend in Marlboro, Massachusetts LightDark Creative participated as a vendor where we had the opportunity to share our handmade creations, learn a little about focus and fusion with creative side-hustles, and meet a wonderful network of creators and small business owners of all types.
This event is in its infancy, having only been introduced this year by Altered Reality entertainment - who has a strong reputation as holding great fandom, comic con, and anime events. Having been familiar with RI Comic Con as a fan, and already holding a vendor booth registration for Terror Con later this year, I decided to try out this more generalist theme convention while trying to whittle down the ridiculously broad range of crafts I find myself practicing in my free-time-persuit-to-get-off-screen.
Location, location, location
Our booth was fortunate to be positioned at the end of a row by Forest Haunt Bleached, Paul Simic designs, and Jade & Geodes. I have to get on buying Paul Simic’s Gandalf shirt - his nerdy x music visual mashups are completely inspired.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ForestHaunt
https://www.paulsimic.com/
https://www.paulsimic.com/product-page/vintage-gandalf
https://jadeandgeodes.bigcartel.com/?fbclid=IwAR1MACs1VpnzZTuemhLdOtOn0iNzJzB0UDJS2DnNqNrr0cowJ4ZmzL0UiuI
https://www.facebook.com/JadeandGeodes/
The event on day one was slow moving, but that does leave ample time for vendors to walk around and get to know each other. The outpouring of support from creative peers this event was touching. Jasmine of Black Widow Oddities and the entire fabulous crew of Ghost Toad, as well as [FIDGET GLASS GROUP WHATS THE NAME]
https://www.instagram.com/black_widow_curiosities/
The vendor touchpoint investments of 2023 across pop culture, creative, and most-importantly local events is our effort to market to other businesses that we may be able to offer services to across the MA area, recoup small business operating costs, as well as activate an avenue for creative outlets to become networking and community outreach portals to connect with new audiences. A more personal mission, guided by my business and life partner Adam Ross, is to figure out a less scattered approach to making in effort of finding products that are more reproducible, satisfy my desire to make things, and find a balance of work that keeps me accessible and able to invite our daughter to engage in and participate in the craft activities as a whole.