A full crowd came out for the first day of the Designer Con show. The event took place at the Pasadena Convention Center where over 300 vendors set up stands to display and sell their artwork.

For some artists, it was a first time experience; such was the case for Abraham Lopez. “Past few years I had just been an attendee,” said Lopez, “but this time I felt like it was the time to do it and be a part of all the other talented masses here.” Lopez is a freelance artist who has been creating art since he was in the second grade.

As for Audrey Miller, this was her third year participating in Designer Con. “I like drawing super cute stuff,” said Miller. Her “super cute stuff” included “kitties and Totoro.”

Just a few stands over, J. Salvador’s “Super Emo Friends” stand featured his own version of a Super Emo Totoro. A small, framed drawing of a forlorn Totoro with a caption underneath that read: “Just let me sleep.”

Over on the other side of the room, a few curious passersby stopped to admire the artwork of Valency Genis with her taxidermy animals. Genis explained that she had always liked this form of art, but that it always really made her sad. Her artwork, however, features “vegan taxidermy” animals. “There are no dead animal parts, no dead animal bones or anything,” explained Genis. Her animals are “faux taxidermy.” Her artwork included a taxidermy worm, a taxidermy bull, and according to Genis, “they are fun, happy animals. They are enjoying themselves on the wall.”

Designer Con is an event that takes place annually and combines collectible toys and designer goods with art. Some of the artwork on display included works by Jeff Soto (Owl Guardian), Mab Graves (The Feral Exodus) and Buff Monster (Self Portrait).

The event will continue Sunday from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information please visit their website at www.designercon.com.