Alakotila
Alakotila makes queer fantasy comics and art with a fair bit of sweet romance. They have a background in fashion design, and it's become a bit of a running joke with some readers regarding their characters as being well-dressed disaster queers with pretty hair, so you can expect that. Alakotila's work is mainly about hope, even if they are writing about thief rivalries or space battles. Fantasy is their favorite genre, and they wanted to see LGBTQIA+ folks in it, just having adventures and falling in love like any other fantasy hero whether that's in Alakotila's comics (Spidersilk and Fell Swoop) as well as their coloring books (Enchantment and Guardian). When Alakotila was closeted they drew what they needed to see: fierce love and acceptance, and even after coming out and finding those people, they still write about it. They love chosen family themes. Alakotila has been making webcomics for 20 years, though they didn't begin self publishing them until 2016. They love webcomics, and they are so thankful they can be this invested in them lately with their own comics and with their work as an assistant, proofreader, or editor for several other webcomics and Webtoon creators. The booth that looks like a flower shop exploded on it is where you will find Alakotila at GeekU.P. Socials: instagram.com/alakotila.art/ , tiktok.com/@aleksigray
Alakotila makes queer fantasy comics and art with a fair bit of sweet romance. They have a background in fashion design, and it's become a bit of a running joke with some readers regarding their characters as being well-dressed disaster queers with pretty hair, so you can expect that. Alakotila's work is mainly about hope, even if they are writing about thief rivalries or space battles. Fantasy is their favorite genre, and they wanted to see LGBTQIA+ folks in it, just having adventures and falling in love like any other fantasy hero whether that's in Alakotila's comics (Spidersilk and Fell Swoop) as well as their coloring books (Enchantment and Guardian). When Alakotila was closeted they drew what they needed to see: fierce love and acceptance, and even after coming out and finding those people, they still write about it. They love chosen family themes. Alakotila has been making webcomics for 20 years, though they didn't begin self publishing them until 2016. They love webcomics, and they are so thankful they can be this invested in them lately with their own comics and with their work as an assistant, proofreader, or editor for several other webcomics and Webtoon creators. The booth that looks like a flower shop exploded on it is where you will find Alakotila at GeekU.P. Socials: instagram.com/alakotila.art/ , tiktok.com/@aleksigray
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Acacia Copley
Acadia Copley is a crafter who really likes to crochet Pride-themed items, as well as geeky designs and characters. They learned how to sew from one grandma and how to crochet from another. Copley has been crocheting since six years old, though it wasn't until they were a senior in high school that they started the plushies. The first item crocheted was a little teddy bear for a friend's baby. Acacia went to college for aquatic ecology and has a fascination with water. They really enjoy photographing pieces outside surrounded by nature. Most of their childhood was spent out in the woods or exploring bodies of water, so bringing their items into nature brings a large connection between the two. Copley makes their own patterns for crocheting and tutorials for others.
Copley reflects how crocheting brings a sense of calm, and helps to cope with mental illnesses; having ADHD, as well as other things, they do have the stereotypical characteristic of constantly trying new hobbies. In the last few years they've tried woodworking, machine knitting, machine sewing, wire wrapping beach glass, and macrame! Lately, they've been taking medication for mental illnesses and sometimes they feel creativity gets zapped. They find it much easier to work with other people's patterns during those times to get the calming effect even if they're not feeling particularly creative. Acacia really admires Megan Lapp of Crafty Intentions, and finds her creativity inspiring, making a lot of her crochet dragons which are incredibly detailed and well written patterns. You can expect to see a variety of these dragons at GeekU.P. this year!
Acadia Copley is a crafter who really likes to crochet Pride-themed items, as well as geeky designs and characters. They learned how to sew from one grandma and how to crochet from another. Copley has been crocheting since six years old, though it wasn't until they were a senior in high school that they started the plushies. The first item crocheted was a little teddy bear for a friend's baby. Acacia went to college for aquatic ecology and has a fascination with water. They really enjoy photographing pieces outside surrounded by nature. Most of their childhood was spent out in the woods or exploring bodies of water, so bringing their items into nature brings a large connection between the two. Copley makes their own patterns for crocheting and tutorials for others.
Copley reflects how crocheting brings a sense of calm, and helps to cope with mental illnesses; having ADHD, as well as other things, they do have the stereotypical characteristic of constantly trying new hobbies. In the last few years they've tried woodworking, machine knitting, machine sewing, wire wrapping beach glass, and macrame! Lately, they've been taking medication for mental illnesses and sometimes they feel creativity gets zapped. They find it much easier to work with other people's patterns during those times to get the calming effect even if they're not feeling particularly creative. Acacia really admires Megan Lapp of Crafty Intentions, and finds her creativity inspiring, making a lot of her crochet dragons which are incredibly detailed and well written patterns. You can expect to see a variety of these dragons at GeekU.P. this year!
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Stephanie and Isaac Flint
Stephanie and Isaac Flint, co-founders of Infinitas Publishing, welcome you to their story-filled journey. With a passion for crafting captivating young adult fantasy and science fiction tales, their focus has always been on crafting intricate and immersive worlds. They complement storytelling with the creation of visually stunning artwork.
Over the years, they've offered an array of literary treasures, and this year marks a special milestone with the print release of "Starless Night," the third installment in their beloved Distant Horizon series. Additionally, they're thrilled to introduce a collection of stickers, a project close to their hearts.
Furthermore, they're excited to engage with their fellow enthusiasts through another interactive booth experience, where you can uncover the magic from the Wishing Blade series and discover your own unique connection. Join them in this adventure! The Flints eagerly anticipate reuniting with fellow enthusiasts and admiring the incredible cosplay at Geek UP. Until then, see you there!
Stephanie and Isaac Flint, co-founders of Infinitas Publishing, welcome you to their story-filled journey. With a passion for crafting captivating young adult fantasy and science fiction tales, their focus has always been on crafting intricate and immersive worlds. They complement storytelling with the creation of visually stunning artwork.
Over the years, they've offered an array of literary treasures, and this year marks a special milestone with the print release of "Starless Night," the third installment in their beloved Distant Horizon series. Additionally, they're thrilled to introduce a collection of stickers, a project close to their hearts.
Furthermore, they're excited to engage with their fellow enthusiasts through another interactive booth experience, where you can uncover the magic from the Wishing Blade series and discover your own unique connection. Join them in this adventure! The Flints eagerly anticipate reuniting with fellow enthusiasts and admiring the incredible cosplay at Geek UP. Until then, see you there!
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Ashlee Kranz
Ashlee Kranz makes everything from Chainmaille/scalemaille accessories, perler bead pieces, polymer clay sculptures, enamel pins, right on up to digital arts and online content creating. Kranz has been a multi-skilled artist for their whole life, and began selling at Artist Alley gigs at anime/pop culture media conventions in 2018.
Why do they do this? They love to bring creative inspiration and nerdiness to any and all who’s curious enough to stop by. It brings them immense joy and fulfillment to see others inspired by my passion for the arts in all its forms! Also, the idea of progressive thinking and acceptance of difference in people and the reflection that casts. They pride themselves on creating quality work and a safe space for those who need a small retreat from the world’s burdens.
You can find them and their work on Instagram at Derby Dragon Arts and on Twitch at twitch.tv/Ashltorn
Ashlee Kranz makes everything from Chainmaille/scalemaille accessories, perler bead pieces, polymer clay sculptures, enamel pins, right on up to digital arts and online content creating. Kranz has been a multi-skilled artist for their whole life, and began selling at Artist Alley gigs at anime/pop culture media conventions in 2018.
Why do they do this? They love to bring creative inspiration and nerdiness to any and all who’s curious enough to stop by. It brings them immense joy and fulfillment to see others inspired by my passion for the arts in all its forms! Also, the idea of progressive thinking and acceptance of difference in people and the reflection that casts. They pride themselves on creating quality work and a safe space for those who need a small retreat from the world’s burdens.
You can find them and their work on Instagram at Derby Dragon Arts and on Twitch at twitch.tv/Ashltorn
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mj durocher
mj durocher is a musician and writer of queer normative science fiction and fantasy. Stories have always helped them make sense of things, and as a musician, they like the idea of seeing musicians in a story unrelated to becoming a musician. Yet, amidst all their adventures, music still happens. mj loves mashing influences, and take inspiration from nearly anything, from the vast diversity of fascinating creatures in the ocean to the spectacular worlds and characters created in books, comics, film, video games, and more.
Themes that come through in durocher's work are acceptance and hope. It's about finding the small moments that make all the difference in the world, regardless of how silly it might seem, like playing Mass Effect for the sixth time so you can experience the Thane romance. At the booth you'll find their space fantasy adventure novel, Big Noise in Spaceland. The story takes place two-hundred years in the future where humanity can traverse the stars. Follow the crew of the Vanadis as they drop to Corporate Planet 021 and make first contact with aliens in an automated theme park called Spaceland.
Socials: instagram.com/mjdurocherbooks/
mj durocher is a musician and writer of queer normative science fiction and fantasy. Stories have always helped them make sense of things, and as a musician, they like the idea of seeing musicians in a story unrelated to becoming a musician. Yet, amidst all their adventures, music still happens. mj loves mashing influences, and take inspiration from nearly anything, from the vast diversity of fascinating creatures in the ocean to the spectacular worlds and characters created in books, comics, film, video games, and more.
Themes that come through in durocher's work are acceptance and hope. It's about finding the small moments that make all the difference in the world, regardless of how silly it might seem, like playing Mass Effect for the sixth time so you can experience the Thane romance. At the booth you'll find their space fantasy adventure novel, Big Noise in Spaceland. The story takes place two-hundred years in the future where humanity can traverse the stars. Follow the crew of the Vanadis as they drop to Corporate Planet 021 and make first contact with aliens in an automated theme park called Spaceland.
Socials: instagram.com/mjdurocherbooks/
Lillie Rae
Lillie Rae, the founder of LillieRaeArt, is a versatile artist who crafts various items and travels extensively throughout the Upper Peninsula, Northern Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota to showcase her creations at craft shows. Their repertoire includes Perler bead, clay, shrink plastic, and resin earrings, as well as earrings, pins, keychains, and stickers. Lillie Rae's artwork draws inspiration from chronic illness, the LGBTQ+ community, and pop culture. Lillie Rae's enduring passion for art has led her to share their creations with audiences in Upper Michigan and online through their Etsy store.
Lillie Rae, the founder of LillieRaeArt, is a versatile artist who crafts various items and travels extensively throughout the Upper Peninsula, Northern Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota to showcase her creations at craft shows. Their repertoire includes Perler bead, clay, shrink plastic, and resin earrings, as well as earrings, pins, keychains, and stickers. Lillie Rae's artwork draws inspiration from chronic illness, the LGBTQ+ community, and pop culture. Lillie Rae's enduring passion for art has led her to share their creations with audiences in Upper Michigan and online through their Etsy store.
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Rachel Walls
Rachel Walls has been doing Henna art for nearly 15 years. She started doing Henna as a hobby and began doing it professionally in 2010 through By Nature's Design. She loves to bring a smile to people's faces with a wearable piece of art. Rachel started to put Henna designs to canvas and glass five years ago and hopes those who can't wear it can enjoy it in other forms instead.
You can select from a wide variety of patterns available or whatever your heart's desire. Henna body art is a temporary tattoo, lasting 7 to 10 days. All natural and done free hand. Prices start at $5.
Rachel Walls has been doing Henna art for nearly 15 years. She started doing Henna as a hobby and began doing it professionally in 2010 through By Nature's Design. She loves to bring a smile to people's faces with a wearable piece of art. Rachel started to put Henna designs to canvas and glass five years ago and hopes those who can't wear it can enjoy it in other forms instead.
You can select from a wide variety of patterns available or whatever your heart's desire. Henna body art is a temporary tattoo, lasting 7 to 10 days. All natural and done free hand. Prices start at $5.
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