"CUSTOMS FOR THE KID" VISITS HALCY-CON 2024

Back in March, I received an email that would change the course of my year.  I was asked to create Gaya, Captain Keevan, and Ouannii as Vintage Collection action figures for Halcy-Con, a Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser superfan event.  At the time of creating the figures, I felt very honored that my work would be on display at this event. Shortly after finishing Gaya, my client asked me if I would be interested in going to Halcy-Con myself and speaking in a panel about my work, and I couldn’t resist!

On Wednesday, October 2nd, my father and I landed in Orlando, Florida.  Our first stop was to get some lunch at a sushi restaurant called Wave, and after that we stopped at a lovely comic shop, Blackbird Comics & Coffee House.  While unaffiliated with Halcy-Con, it was nice to connect with some local Star Wars fans before speaking at the convention.  

Sushi by Wave Sushi Maitland.

We spent our next day in Orlando at Disney's Galaxy’s Edge because the convention center was conveniently located 10 minutes away from  Hollywood Studios.  While I visited Galaxy’s Edge once in 2021, Darth Daddy had never been to a Disney Park before.  Dad enjoyed the rides very much as well as the in-universe food. We took almost a hundred photos while we were there. 

After visiting the park, we returned to the convention center where the organizers were hosting a Day-Zero social event.  This lively soirée set the tone for the following days of exciting programming with insightful panels, more socials, and charity events. Attending Halcy-Con, a few things really stood out to me.  Darth Daddy and I were very surprised by how many other attendees at the convention were crafters like us.  The creativity of the community that attended was as boundless as their love for Star Wars.  I personally was very happy to discover how inclusive this convention was. The diverse crowd all enjoyed the welcoming environment the hosts created. 

The event had a virtual experince that recreated the spaces from the Galactic Starcruiser you could walk through. It was cool for me because I never got to go.

So many people were in costume so when you went in the Sabacc Room it felt like you were in Star Wars.

There was so much to do. Lightsaber training, live music with bands singing in Huttese, droids throughout. Enough for children and adults alike.

Dad said he really enjoyed the "Coaxium! How Star Wars and the Galactic Starcruiser Injected Hyperfuel Into The Maker Community" Panel with Adam McLearen of JunkTraderOutpost, Keith Page of AmrodsArmory. Mike & Emily Hyperspace Props, and Ryan Street of IAmGeekShop. I was able to join Dad for the "Dressing Like The Stars" Panel given by 501st Costume Resources member Brian Anderson, Ceit Ryder, Jaye Wicks, and Kasey Myers and the "Customizing Your Droids From Mubo's" Panel given by Doug Conley. These panels were packed full of great information for people who like to get busy with their hands and want to make some Star Wars related items at home.

 

Friday, I spoke at the "How I Became a Better Crafter" panel alongside talented artisans Beth FitzGibbon of Saja Records, June Swords of SwordsandStitches, and Joyce Clark. All of the panelists are exceptional crafters with diverse crafting backgrounds, and I feel extremely privileged to have spoken alongside them sharing our knowledge of crafting with the community.

On Saturday, I spoke at "The Unmade Toys of Galactic Starcruiser" panel that brought me to the convention.  Bobb Collins of Cardboard Galaxy, Max Frey of Regal Robot and myself shared our Halcyon themed custom creations with the help of moderator Martin Smith, who organized the convention. It was a real honor to be able to discuss how I brought Ouannii, Captain Keevan and Gaya to life. Being able to speak about my craft and my process with the fans was so gratifying.  I appreciated the chance to share what goes on behind the scenes, and I hope that doing so inspired some people to try crafting themselves.

Captain Keevan, Gaya, and Ouannii action figures created by Elias of "Customs for the Kid".

Nothing cooler than getting greeted by an actor who played the character of one of the action figures that I had featured in the Exhibition Room at Halcy-Con.

CARDBOARD GALAXY PLAYSETS

Starcruiser Bridge playset by Bobb Collins of Cardboard Galaxy.

Darth Daddy interviewed Bobb Collins of Cardboard Galaxy while at Halcy-Con.

Galactic Starcruiser Lounge playset by Bobb Collins of Cardboard Galaxy.

Raithe Kole. Saja, and SK-620 created by Max Frey of Last Max Studios.

Cosplays were on point!

The droids were just incredible.

The Sabacc Room at the event was one of the most visually impressive parts of Halcy-Con!

 

Greg from the Hasbro design team showed Darth Daddy and Cardboard Galaxy's Bobb Collins the inside of the Gonk Droid he designed when he first started at Hasbro as an intern.

It isn't a Star Wars convention without a Mandalorian present.

Galactic Starcruiser custom action figures created by Lego Master Builder Elizabeth Baker. These were her first ever custom figures. Elizabeth scanned already existing action figures then manipilated the sculpts in a modeling program where she took away what she didn't need then digitally added her own sculpt onto the scans to customize them into some of our favorite Halcyon characters. Most impressive!

We were so impressed with all the Makers at this convention. The swag that so generously circulated throughout this event was just so impressive! Love the crocheted droid made by Nicole Wessels and her husband for the event.

I want to sincerely thank Martin and Kristine Smith for inviting me to speak at this convention, and I want to thank their team for organizing this event.  The fans truly appreciate what you have gone through to create these spaces for our community to thrive in.  Ta'bu E-Tay!

We all received this surprise gift at the event!