A CLOSER LOOK:

CONTENT CREATORS

Project: Comic-Con @ Home, 2020 & 2021

ROLE: Digital Platform SpecialistPROJECT LENGTH: 3 virtual conventions- SDCC@Home 2020, SDCC@Home 2021 & Wondercon@Home 2021PROJECT TYPE: virtual events managementMISSION: produce a static virtual cosplay competition PRIMARY PLATFORMS: Tumblr, SDCC website, TwitterPRIMARY TOOLS: Discord, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace

BACKGROUND

When the Covid pandemic hit, it completely changed how we interact with our world. In-person was impossible- and left mega events in limbo. Comic-Con International, the parent non-profit of San Diego Comic-Con & Wondercon (Anaheim) saw the need for uplifting at home experiences... if it could be pulled off in time.
And an opportunity to share Comic-Con International with the world, and give people of all nationalities, backgrounds and languages access to engaging and participating with the conventions.

CONVENTION PLANNING

Partnering with Tumblr, a custom platform was created specifically for Comic-Con International.This required a sudden approach shift for every department- especially the Masquerade department, who produces the live stage show production for the convention's cosplay competition. As a long time Masquerade staff member, with both Tumblr experience and a background in digital events, I assumed lead for the department's digital management.
Digital Platform Specialist

  • Coordinate platform with Tumblr product leads

  • Back-end platform operation

  • Contribute to event rules, requirements & policies

  • Write staff & contestant onboarding manuals

  • Edit/modify contestant content

  • Schedule event stages for "go live"

Special Event Staff -Point

  • Contestant community management

  • Acquire translators for international contestants

  • Appliclant submission & vetting

  • Coordinate content & press releases with PR dept

  • Write internal and public content copy

  • Judge the amateur @home community cosplay event

THE MAIN EVENT

How do you plan a unique, massive digital event without any precedent?
Contraints

  • Untested digital platform

  • Staff & contestants with varying technological ability

  • International time zone & language barriers

  • Migrating live-production mindsets into digital space

Supplementals

  • Initial contestant applications unchanged (email, etc)

  • Event 1:Public introduction of cosplay submissions & judges

  • Event 2: Public introduction of winners, event masters & awards

  • Public content: cosplay event & organization promotion

CONTENT SAMPLES

Content production, writing & image editing; San Diego Comic-Con (Comic-Con International)
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Content production, writing & image editing; San Diego Comic-Con (Comic-Con International)
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Content production, writing & image editing; Wondercon (Comic-Con International)
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PLATFORM ARCHIVES

While the custom Tumblr event platform was only for the duration of 2021, you can view archives of the digital events!

SDCC cosplay event

Masquerade@Home

Welcome to the Comic-Con@Home cosplay Masquerade 2021!

Wondercon cosplay event

Masquerade@Home

Welcome to the Wondercon@Home cosplay Masquerade 2021!

View entire event

Join us for Wondercon@Home

Mar 26-28, 2021!

THANK YOU, COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

It was an honor to contribute to Comic-Con International's digital conventions. During a transformative time, I'll be forever grateful for:
  • Reuniting with my "con family" of supportive staff and friends
  • Interacting with the amazing international cosplay community
  • Inspiring the general public to "cosplay at home" (using their household materials) and share with Comic-Con International's fans
  • Sharing my love for fandom events with the global community
  • Bringing levity, lightheartedness & silly joy into the world during a time it was most-needed

That's the power of community.

Creative masking!

the power of pop culture

Comic-Con Int'l love

The power of community. The power of pop culture to do GOOD. The power of loving what you do.