Meet Ilana Hack at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Ilana Hack, Video Editor,
Film Writer, Artist
Ilana Hack is a freelance Video Editor and the writer of Bereaved, a short film. Ilana studied film and received a Bachelor's Degree in Cinema Studies from The University of Central Florida. She's also a painter and craft artist.

Bereaved will debut at the 15th annual "A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival" on October 5, 2014 and is described as follows:

"In an endless parade of funerals, one limo driver's life takes an unexpected turn the day Gloria Steinberg speaks to him from the back seat."

Since childhood, Ilana wanted to work in film, and she is currently living that dream-come-true. She's worked in television at the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC) and also wrote and edited the 2013-2014 season the SECC series Student DV.

In addition to her own film projects and client work, she has edited short films such as Off the Mark, which played at the 2013 Place Called Sacramento Film Festival, and Conversations with the Devil, which played at the May 2013 FilmSlam.

Not to be missed is her art. Her painting style delights the eyes and inspires the imagination.

We're excited to have with us such a talented artist at our second annual Creative Women Mini-Con on Saturday, September 20. Please join us and meet Ilana Hack.

Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.


The Ultimate Crocker-Con 2014 List

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Geek fun at Crocker Art Museum
At Crocker-Con 2013
Hey, get a load of this. This is everyone you'll meet 'when you're walking down the street' at this Thursday night's Crocker-Con. These are some amazing folks you need to know about in Sacramento. Check them out at the Con or online.

We're providing lots of links, so enjoy. Lastly, if you make it to the bottom of the list, there's a useful surprise in it for you.

Note: For any missing info, please email it to EmpiresCV@gmail.com and we'll update it.

10:02 PM UPDATE: Now you can follow the Crocker-Con 2014 Twitter List.

Sacramento's Geek Creatives



Crocker-Con Year 2 this Thursday, September 11

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Cosplay contest
Crocker-Con ArtMix 2013 November 14
This Thursday, September 11, we're headed back to Crocker-Con!

Get your tickets online or at the door. Cosplayers get in FREE; otherwise, it's $10 to get in, and students get $2 off. Crocker Members get in free.

For more information, check out the Crocker's FB Event for Crocker-Con. Did we mention drink specials under $5!?

Crocker-Con expands in 2014

This year Crocker-Con is also taking over the courtyard in order to make this festive event both indoors and out!

The Sleeprockers (video below | @sleeprockers on Twitter) will lay down some fresh beats with a special nerdcore set. The Crocker's FB event page adds that you'll enjoy "featured artists from DC Comics, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics; hero-inspired art talks; and a special appearance of those legendary bad guys who do good, The 501st Legion."



You've already heard that Empire's Mobile Lounge will be busting out the Jenga-thon, so all that's left is a Twitter list of attendees (coming soon). See you there.

Related articles

Empire's Mobile Lounge at Crocker-Con this Thursday

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Crocker-Con is once again going to be amazing. More exhibitors will exhibit. More cosplayers will cosplay. And you'll have that much more fun.

Not to mention we're transplanting Empire's Lounge to this year's Crocker-Con. "Empire's what..?", you ask.

This:

couches for relaxing and reading comics

So, really, this is a sneak peek at what we're doing at Crocker-Con. We think you need to be there. But wait. There's more.

"And what else?," you ask? Three things.

Three Reasons To Go to Crocker-Con


First, sign up to play Jenga one-on-one against Galactic Jenga Master Ben-jenga Schwartz. If you beat him, you'll be put on the list to select $10 in back issues. Make sure to swing by the shop within 30 days of Crocker-Con to collect the back issues of your choice.

Second, we've set up a mini-, super-easy treasure hunt of things for you to find and post at Crocker-Con. Find them, post them, tag them #EmpiresAtCrocker, and you're eligible for $10 in back issues at Empire's Comics Vault. Just visit the shop, show the pictures to Ben, and you're in. Once again, visit within 30 days of Crocker-Con in order to get those comics.

Third, you can do both! So, you could end up with $20 in comics. And wouldn't that be fantastic! Get your tickets online at CrockerArtMuseum.org. For more information and other updates, visit the Crocker-Con Facebook event page.

Let's Play flier showcasing fun at Crocker-Con


Meet Etta Jean at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Author Etta Jean
Etta Jean remembers loving words since she was a child. Not only was she an avid reader but also ardent storyteller.

She's the published author of fantasy and paranormal romance novels that have happy endings, but not happy endings without some pain. Etta writes the Chronicle Series and the 3rd District Series.

In the 3rd District Series' The Shaughnessy File, you'll follow the adventures of four siblings of the Shaughnessy family in "3rd District in New York City where pumpkins become limos and corporations are kingdoms."

As for influences, in an interview with WillWorkForCoffee.com, Etta cites "Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Kay Hooper, and Christine Feehan," and adds, "I will grab every book they write even if I don't know yet what it is about."

This author of modern day faery tales has never suffered from writer's block and makes it a habit to write daily.

We're pleased to have Etta Jean join us for her first Creative Women Mini-Con.

Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.


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Meet Dez Demise at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Dez Demise, Author
Dez Demise is the first-time comic book creator of The Creation, published by Pronto Comics.

In an interview with The California Journal of Women Writers, she describes her story this way:
"The Creation is a story about becoming alive when one was never really born and every part of you is someone else with their own stories and memories. It’s a story about love, death, happiness, and tragedy. It’s a metaphor for life in a way, I guess."
Dez draws inspiration from the works of Neil Gaiman, Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, and Tom Waits, as well the stuff of every day life, red wine, Ukelele-strumming, and her children.

In the works are more issues of The Creation, some other fantasy stories she'd like to tell, and possibly an all-ages title.

This is Dez' first Creative Women Mini-Con. We're pleased to have her with us on Saturday, September 20, 2014.


Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.

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Meet Heather McCray at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Heather Lynn McCray believes in the beauty of detail. Just take one look at her work, and it's obvious.

Heather works in oils and pencils and delights in interesting, repetitive patterns. She finds them mesmerizing. In many of her pieces she incorporates hidden meanings and literary allusion. Thus, her art may inspire deep thought in the mind of the viewer or ignite the imagination.

Sacred Wish
by Heather McCray
Heather has just recently fallen in love with her current medium, “inktense” pencils.  These pencils are applied to a paper like normal colored pencils, but then, when brushed lightly with water, they turn to bright, bold-colored ink.  With light application, they can have the look and feel of watercolor, but heavily applied, the color is as bold and intense as ink pens.

Heather owns and operates her own art firm, PencilJuice.com, and is an experienced artist in multiple mediums. She lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband and two children.

Baby Knight and Dragon
by Heather McCray
We're honored to have Heather McCray with us for her first Creative Women Mini-Con on Saturday, September 20, 2014.

Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production
(map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.



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Meet Kristine Wendt at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Kristine Wendt is a freelance illustrator, fine artist, and the storyteller behind the comic book Caravaggio’s Darkness which debuted at 2014's Big Wow Comicfest in San Jose.

Kristine has run a successful art studio for more than a decade, taught at the collegiate level, and developing a new line of Comic Book stories. This year she founded Sumantra Comix.

From illustrating scientific publications to children's books, Kristine has an impressive portfolio and a wide range of experience.


Now Kristine adds storytelling via sequential art to her wealth of experience. This September 20, visit Empire's Comics Vault's Creative Women Mini-Con to meet the author and artist of this original comics anthology, Caravaggio’s Darkness.


Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.



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Meet Jasmine Ellis at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Writer/Artist Jasmine Ellis
Jasmine Ellis is a promising young writer and artist who is sure to bring many great stories to life in the years to come.

Jasmine starting crafting stories when she was only eight years old. She would tell her stories to her older brother, Calvin. In 2012, she collaborated with her brother, an artist, to bring to life one of those stories as a comic book. That story is Sworn.

Sworn is the story of a teenaged boy stuck between two worlds and the fight between good and evil. Sworn was first published in 2012 under her original comic book label Echo ComX. Watch for more issues of Sworn from Jasmine's new publisher, Scattered Comics.

Jasmine's ultimate dream is for the comic to become an action packed cartoon.

Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.



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Meet Mandi Tremblay at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Comic book creator at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014
Artist Mandi Tremblay
Mandi Tremblay's dreamy art will make you fall in love.

With the art. Not a person, well, I mean, anything is possible, right?

Onward...

Mandi is a N. California-based freelance sequential artist and indie publisher. She's well known for her Peachy Keen graphic novels about a lesbian couple in the 1950's. Mandi is currently working on a funny animal western webcomic, Lucky August Carson. Mandi has also worked as a guest artist on IDW's My Little Pony.

Mandi lives with her cat Mr. President. It's rumored that she makes a Mac and Cheese so good it'll make a grown man weep tears of unadulterated joy.

Fox shepherd
Shepherd by Mandi Tremblay

Mandi's is inspired by animals, people, music and life around her. She's often held captive by her inspiration and must act no matter where she is -- even on a plane, where she drew Shepherd.

Art by Mandi Tremblay
Sea Bass by Mandi Tremblay

When it comes to storytelling through sequential art, Mandi impresses as you'll soon find out. Mandi Tremblay joins us for her Creative Women Mini-Con debut on September 20, 2014. 


Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.




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Meet Melissa Pagluica at Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Melissa Pagluica is the gifted storyteller and artist behind Above the Clouds, a "'silent comic' about a girl, a broken heart, and an unfinished story" (Source: A StoryforgeProductions.com interview).

Melissa has worked the comic conventions circuit, including San Diego Comic-Con, Stocktoncon, Big Wow ComicFest, and Wizard World Sacramento. She's been featured on Comic Book Resources, Comics Bulletin, Bleeding Cool, Capital Public Radio (article | interview), Geek Life (podcast at Pandamanga), and Sacramento's own Junior & Leo Show.

Melissa is 'primarily a digital artist but has a background working with mix media.' She's worked with musicians, video game developers, and comic book studios.


Her recent variant cover portfolio includes 2014's Adventure Time: Banana Guard Academy, and Adventure Time: Flip Side #5 Variants for Boom! Studios. Recently, in collaboration with Sacramento's 916 Ink, Melissa drew a comic book story written by grade-schooler Araya Hamilton.

"I draw a lot of inspiration from fairy tales, Norse mythology, and as a kid growing up... magical girl power," says Pagluica.

And the fact is, her works have inspired us. We're excited and proud to have her return to Creative Women Mini-Con.

Creative Women Mini-Con
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.
An Empire's Comics Vault production (map)

View Creative Women Mini-Con's complete line up.

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Meet the Stars of Creative Women Mini-Con 2014

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Our second annual Creative Women Mini-Con celebrating the creative women of Sacramento and the surrounding area is just around the corner. We have comic book writers, painters, novelists, video editors, comics artists and more who will join us for this not-to-be-missed event.

If you tweet about our event, please use our official hashtag for this year's event: #CreativeWomen14. UPDATE 9/9: Now you can follow the Creative Women Mini-Con Twitter List. Check it out.

Our 2014 Creative Women Mini-Con Guests

Here are our guests for Empire's 2014 Creative Women Mini-Con (CWMC). There are more to be announced, so keep an eye on this post.

In the days leading up to the mini-con, each guest will be featured in an individual blog post here at EmpiresComics.com, so please check back regularly for more information about any artist you're particularly interested in. In the meantime, here's a brief introduction.

Artist, Transformers: Windblade
Sarah Stone, Artist,
Transformers: Windblade
Sarah Stone: Last week we announced Sarah Stone, artist on IDW's new Transformers: Windblade mini-series, will join us for this year's CWMC. Connect with her on Twitter at @fayren or MonsterBoysAndRobots.com (Tumblr), and give her a shoutout to let her know you're looking forward to meeting her. UPDATE: Meet Sarah Stone.

Dez Demise: This writer has some stories to tell. Follow her at @MsDezDemise on Twitter and watch here for more information about Dez. UPDATE: Meet Dez Demise.

Heather Lynn McCray: Your eyes will thank you for feasting on the works of Heather Lynn McCray. Get a sneak peek at her website, PencilJuice.com. Watch here for the blog post highlighting Heather. UPDATE: Meet Heather McCray.

Jen Monson: You've seen Jen Monson's work featured in Empire's Art Gallery. Now you'll get to meet her in person. Get more Jen Monson on Facebook, at @jenuoneart on Instagram, or at @JenMonson on Twitter. UPDATE: Meet Jen Monson.

Melissa Pagluica: We're pleased to welcome back Melissa Pagluica, who attended our first Creative Women Mini-Con in 2013. Find Melissa online at her website, Above the Clouds, on Tumblr, and on Twitter at @darksunrose. UPDATE: Meet Melissa Pagluica.

Krysten Reis: Krysten joined us for our first CWMC and is one of three creatives returning again this year. Follow Krysten on Facebook or at her website, KrystenReis.com. UPDATE: Meet Krysten Reis.

Sarah René Straub: Returning artist, Sarah René Straub, will join us for CWMC 2014. Preview her art on her DeviantArt site and connect with her at @SarahRStraub on Twitter  or at Tumblr or her Facebook page, Art by Sarah R. Straub. UPDATE: Meet Sara Straub.

PotLuckArt.com
Mandi Tremblay, Artist
Mandi Tremblay: We're excited to have Mandi Tremblay join us this year. Mandi's work can be seen on her website, PotLuckArt.com, on Tumblr, and YouTube. Connect with Mandi at @MittyMandi on Twitter or Google+ at +Mandi Tremblay. UPDATE: Meet Mandi Tremblay.

Ilana Hack: Ilana brings an impressive creative resume to our event, from freelance video editor and short film writer to painter and crafter. Get a sneak preview at her website. Tweet her at @IlanaHack to let her know you look forward to seeing her at the Creative Women Mini-Con (Hashtag: #CreativeWomen14). UPDATE: Meet Ilana Hack.

Etta Jean: Etta is a Sacramento-born fantasy writer and author of  The Chronicle Series and The Shaughnessy File. Find out more about Etta at EttaJeanFantasy.com. Connect with Etta on Twitter at @EttaJeanFantasy. UPDATE: Meet Etta Jean.

Alexis Villanueva, Artist
Alexis Villanueva: Artist and illustrator Alexis Villanueva brings the House of Doodle, her creative company, to Empire's Comics Vault for Creative Women Mini-Con. Find Alexis on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. UPDATE: Meet Alexis Villanueva.

Kristine Wendt: Kristine is an artist and the founder of Sumantra Comix. She released Caravaggio's Darkness, her original graphic novel, this year. Get ready to meet Kristine Wendt by tweeting her at @KristineArt to say hello. UPDATE: Meet Kristine Wendt.

Jasmine Ellis: This young storyteller has been crafting stories since she was an 8-year-old and recently collaborated with artist Calvin Ellis, her brother, to self-publish her own comic book, Sworn. UPDATE: Meet Jasmine Ellis.

Updated: 09/04/2014