Hey guys!
Well this was our very first Fanime event. We thought we knew a little of what to expect but honestly we had no idea what were getting into. As soon as we started getting into the heart of San Jose on San Carlos, we could begin to see the crowds. The description “crowds” in itself is totally norm but these were crowds of die hard fans in some of the coolest costumes I’ve ever seen. Yes, we all know there are some dorky ones or some that I’m sure have caused car accidents but one thing I couldn’t help but notice that there is a certain aura of Fanime. Fans will laugh and giggle but not once did I see them make fun or mock another fan. This (besides the art) is why I enjoyed the convention so much. A place were people can come as one and ejoy the same things and cheer each other on in fanime geekyness. I loved it.
On to the Artists! Here are just a few of the artists that we ran into. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I did and please follow them on their journeys.
Sarah R. Straub
For those that know Sarah’s work, she has some outstanding pictures of art. I overheard one fan saying “I live for Sarah Straub”. Do we even need to say more? Her art captivated us and I’m sure it will do the same for you.
You can find her work here and email her at sarah.k.straub@gmail.com and follow her on her Facebook
Yuumei
Wow… When I first encountered Yuumei, I knew something was up, a powerful aura around her. Even after I left to take pictures of other artists, her and her work was still rattling my brain. We obviously loved what we saw when we took a look at her awesome art on display but only until now as I did my research did I realize how big she is. Her art is phenomenal which makes it no suprize why she has such a large and friendly fan base. If you haven’t checked her out then please do. You wont regret it.
Her work can be found here. Twitter and Facebook
DJ Wech Dark Kenjie
Cooler than cool was my impression of DJ. He truly had the Fanime spirit and was totally cool with having his picture taken (cause not everyone was). As you can tell by the picture, his work consists of strong contrasts and dynamic colors all put into a tasteful and creative way which reminded me of the anime that I grew up with. Please check him out 
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You can find his work here. Facebook
Ray Chan
Yeah let this one sink in. Still need more time? OK. I spotted this particular piece from 3 isles away. “Dang Gina!” is what came out of my mouth first. I love, love, love this print and of course I love his others. My non anime friends loved his work and even my mom popped a “wow!”. His work was unexpected but very welcome. Thank you again for letting s take your picture and we look forward to seeing more of your work.
You can find his work here. Facebook
Sarah Stone
This print that she is holding is such a stunning illustration of Full Metal Alchemist. I knew from the second I saw it that I couldn’t pass it up and I’m sure you can agree. She was very kind and totally modest about her stunning art. Kudos for meeting fun and down to earth artists.
Her work can be found here. and follow her blog.
Alexa Lo Akira Kirai
Hair. Dragon. Girl. We told Alexa to pose with a print of her choice and this is what she pulled out of the bag. So captivating, it’s a style like this that I wish I could produce with my own photography and editing. Thanks again for letting us take your picture and keep up the amazing work.
You can fine her work here.
aurAsprirality
Vivid and Vibrant, Unique and Uncanny, aurAspirality had some of the most intense work of the show. First look and you see pictures with cross tones and a dynamic feel, second look and you will notice so much more. Take time to check out her work, she deserves it.
You can find her work here
Theresa Chen Kami Kumo
The work of Theresa Chen can be described as elegant, dreamy and artistically simplistic but in no way is her work simple. Her work is beautifully airbrushed and intentionally detailed so much that you can get lost in her prints. Her and her work was absolutely worth noticing and we cant wait to see more of her work.
You can see more of her work here and on her site
Yang Shan.
Lotus Moon is the stunning work that Yang is displaying for all of us. We were so taken back that we were so tempted to purchase this print ourselves (still planning on ordering). From a look on her page she said she took around 3 days for this piece to be completed, which that time was well spent as the community has responded in swarms to the picture with comments as “this lovely, and haunting” and “I love it!!! Its sooo beautiful… i can draw but not that good… >.> ur awesome ^^” Thanks for letting us take your picture!
You can see her work here
Toilet Genie
Yes we did indeed get a little confused with the name. Which worked in Toilet Genie’s favor as we stopped to also check out her work. Purely fantastic, so new and fresh. My mother may call it demented and freakish but i’d say eternally possessive. I couldn’t get enough of the edgy style and boundary-pushing schemes. Toilet Genie was absolutely one of my favorites.
Check out her work here and “like” her Facebook
Vice Versa
This is the Artist Vice Versa holding her dreamy print In Another Life. This print, along with her other work, is incredible but she also has many cute things like buttons and stickers for sale too! Vice Versa’s art reminded me of Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke” . I wanted to get lost in her world and float away with her art. Please check her out 
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You can view her work here and see her tumblr 
t.zolotareva
We were finishing up our rounds in the artists hall and our expectations were already blown. Surely we were not going to see anything we haven’t already seen. We were very wrong. Tucked away in the corner was Zolatereva, hanging out with her devilishly delicious art. She was a woman of little words but her work really spoke for itself. I hope you take the time to see her work as they will certainly leave an impression.
You can see her work here and her tumblr
We also have a special mention. If anyone knows who this artist is, please message us.
Thanks again everyone and please follow us so you can see the high end edits coming in the future! Thanks!
-Brian Elm
