Connie Faye at Fan Expo

I first met artist and illustrator Connie Faye many years ago at a convention. I was immediately drawn to her beautiful work. I was impressed by her use of light colors, flowing graphics, interesting images and more.

Based in the Chicago area, Connie has worked in the graphics and illustrations field for 20 years and for several companies, including the United States Marine Corps. She has also provided creations for trading cards.

After seeing her at a couple conventions, she seemed to disappear from them. Recently, I saw her at a couple conventions again. I was so happy to see her and her new illustrations.

Unfortunately, it appears she won't be at many (any?) conventions in the near future. The problem isn't her. It is the conventions. Prices for vendors have gone up a lot. In addition, prices for attendees are much higher. Attendees have o budget their money. They need to pick which ce,ebrities to meet and what merch to buy. Gone are the days when you could get all you want for a reasonable price.

It's really a shame. Fantastically talented folks like Connie Faye are often priced out. Smaller cons aren't the answer either. Smaller crowds mean less sales. Even with lower vendor prcies, it still is questionable for vendors. It's all relative.

I don't have an answer. As long as enough folks go to the conventions, prices will continue to rise. Smaller vendors will have a hard time making it worthwhile.

Connie Faye's website is in transition, too. Her website is still up, but the best place to see her work is Connie Faye on Instagram. For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Connie Faye and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Connie Faye at Flashback Weekend

I first met Connie Faye years ago at a comic con.  I was entranced by her artwork.  It seemed mystical or magical.  It was light and flowing.  I really loved her creations and actually bought a few.

The fact that I bought some of these creations is big.  No offense to Cnnie (or any other artist), I am not usually into this type of stuff.  I usually recognize the beauty, but leave it at that.  Connie's pieces really grabbed me and I had to have a few.

I saw Connie at a few shows after that, but then did not see her for a long while.  That streak ended at Flashback Weekend last year.  It was great seeing her again, catching up a bit and seeing all of her new creations.

Her work really is awesome.  You can check out some of her beautiful creations at ConnieFaye.com.  You can also get more info and updates there or on the Art By Connie Faye Facebook page.

Connie Faye and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

The Artist Known as Connie Persampieri (TAKACP)

I stumbled upon Connie Persampieri (for the second time) at the Motor City Comic Con. Persampieri is a self-employed artist, who works primarily with watercolor/gouache and graphite. Among her credits are designing the Marine Corps Marathon logo for 1990 and illustrating sketch cards for Topps: ‘Lord of the Rings Masterpieces’ Card Series.
I purchased a few of her smaller pieces and they now hang in my home. One piece is an intriguing mermaid, which fit in wonderfully with my aquatic theme in the bathroom. The others are mystical and whimsical and they simply make me smile.
I had originally seen Persampieri's work at a show in Carol Stream, a suburb west of Chicago. Unfortunately, time constraints made me leave the show early. When my planned next day return trip got derailed, I never had the chance to pick up any of her work, nor even find out who she was. Fortunately about a year later, there she was in Novi (MI). This time I made sure to get her info and her artwork.

Connie Persampieri and me in Novi, MI-May 2007.