Workshops

Workshops at SoonerCon are hands-on, interactive, and demonstrative courses with actionable takeaways. Learn a new skill, create a masterpiece, or get tips and tricks to grow your hobby. We bring in the experts to share their craft!

Due to limited space and materials, some workshops have an extra fee. Paid workshop registrations must be purchased at least one hour before event start time.

A SoonerCon membership is required to attend any workshop.

Friday, June 7, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Intro to Miniature Painting Workshop

This beginner-level workshop teaches the basic skill set necessary to paint most miniatures. Students will be taught how to inspect miniatures for flaws, correct them, and prime for paint. Techniques taught will include paint thinning, washes, and dry brushing. At the end of the workshop, students should feel confident in their ability to paint a miniature up to a tabletop quality level. (2 hours) Limit 15 participants, $5 materials fee.

Panelists: Matthew Cavanaugh

Tracks: Gaming

Friday, June 7, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Portrait Painting Demo

Portrait painting made easy, using an opaque projector technique. Join Oklahoma artist and teacher Terry Southard for this hands-on paint & take. Supplies provided, limit 11 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Terry Southard

Tracks: Art

Friday, June 7, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Drawing Sci-Fi/Fantasy Characters, for Fun!

Draw along as Mike (mikeyzart) shows you his approach to drawing your own science-fiction and fantasy characters in a relaxed and fun environment. For all skill levels – as long as you can operate a pencil, you'll have fun! Beginners will enjoy creating their own characters, and advanced artists will learn a few more tools and ideas to put into their maker kit. Participants will draw many characters within the hour, so come prepared to have a good time and leave with lots of new ideas. Supplies provided, limit 24 participants.

Panelists: Mike Kloepfer

Tracks: Art

Friday, June 7, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Workshop: Marketing for Writers, Level 1

This marketing session, led by best-selling author Rachel Caine, is open to all writers looking to market their work. Level one covers topics such as: Discovering and honing your marketing skills; a survey of marketing tools and approaches, marketing hooks – finding yours and how to use them; marketing (targeted) versus publicity (untargeted) and; marketing through premiums and swag, with how-tos for sourcing these items. Limit 24 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Rachel Caine

Tracks: Writing & Publication

Friday, June 7, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Introduction to Fiber Arts

Yarn matters! Join YouTubers and knitting nerdesses Gal and Kitten as they talk all things fiber in this interactive discussion on how yarns are made and graded, plus tips for selecting materials best suited for your next knitting, crocheting, or other fiber-art project. Limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Chelsea Haldane, Heather Johnson

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion

Friday, June 7, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Content Creation & You: Streaming Entertainment

How do streamers come up with what to say and what to do in real time to keep audiences engaged? How is live-streamed content monetized? What does it take to build an audience (and keep them) on platforms like Twitch and YouTube? Find out, and more, in this interactive presentation with podcaster and streamer Stevo the Gutter Nerd. Limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Stevo the Gutter Nerd

Tracks: Podcasting, Internet Life

Friday, June 7, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Introduction to Wearable Electronics

Wearable Electronics is a growing field with applications in costuming and prop-making. Join Julie Barrett for an overview of products available and how to find the right tech for your project. There will be time for Q&A.

Panelists: Julie Barrett

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay

Friday, June 7, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Filking 101

Borrow a tune and change the words using your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, and nerdy topics. Learn tips and techniques for writing your own filk songs, featuring favorite filk examples. Audience participation encouraged!

Panelists: Melinda LaFevers

Tracks: Music, Performing Arts

Friday, June 7, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Bernina OKC Makeshop: Super Fabulous Drawstring Bag

Come and make a multipurpose drawstring bag. It can hold anything from dice to cards to the shrunken heads of your enemies. See the BERNINA display in the Exhibitors Hall for examples. A kit with all the supplies needed is provided. The class is for beginner sewists. Limit 15 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Bernina OKC, Rachel Couch

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay, Maker

Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Superhero Creation Class

Learn quick-drawing techniques for sketching superheroes with Okie Comics Magazine's publisher and Equinox Comics artists. Kid-friendly. Limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Jeff Provine, Kent Clark, Johnnie Johnson

Tracks: Comics, Business & Marketing

Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Stuffed Animal Make & Take

Kids and adults decorate, stuff, and finish fun stuffed animals. You take your new friend with you! Ages 6+. Children should be accompanied by parent. Scissors and needles will be used at participants' own risk, instructor supervision provided. (Two 30-minute sessions. Limit 11 participants per session. $15 materials fee.)

Panelists: Brenna Deutchman

Tracks: Art, Maker

Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Boomer B

Costume Essentials for an Emergency

What should you pack in a "cosplay emergency kit"? Find out why you need more than a bit of thread and a needle.

Panelists: Dara Fogel, Ph.D., James Dock, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Raiva, Melanie Unruh

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Sooner B

Live Figure-Drawing Studio

A beginner's guide to human anatomy for figure-drawing, with emphasis on proportion, scale, and symmetry. Bring your sketchbooks and tablets!

Panelists: Phillip Hollecker, Kent Clark, Mrs. Fae, Robert Mullens, Raiva, Allison Stein

Tracks: Art

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: University B

Artwork Matting Demo

Photographer Blair Bartlett offers this introductory demonstration on basic matting techniques for displaying your art-show finds. This method is usable for prints, photographs, and similar artworks. (90 minutes)

Panelists: Blair Bartlett

Tracks: Art

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Boomer B

Creating Vector Line Art

Learn tips and tricks on getting great line-art results for the vector format. This panel features digitally drawn line work in comics and similar art media. Creators offer simple methods to improve your line-work game for creating quality, impacting character and scenic images.

Panelists:

Tracks: Art

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Intro to Miniature Painting Workshop

This beginner-level workshop teaches the basic skill set necessary to paint most miniatures. Students will be taught how to inspect miniatures for flaws, correct them, and prime for paint. Techniques taught will include paint thinning, washes, and dry brushing. At the end of the workshop, students should feel confident in their ability to paint a miniature up to a tabletop quality level. (2 hours) Limit 15 participants, $5 materials fee.

Panelists: Matthew Cavanaugh

Tracks: Gaming

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Tabletop RPG Writing

Got a great idea for a tabletop role playing game, but not sure where to begin? D20 game writer Christina Stiles talks creating around gameplay mechanics, collective worldbuilding, establishing lore, play testing, publishing and more in this game writer's workshop. Limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Christina Stiles

Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publication

Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Bernina OKC Makeshop: Super Handy Zipper Bag

Come and make a small zipper bag. There will be 2 different possible configurations. One is a flat zipper pouch, which is excellent for carrying pencils, chopsticks, and magic wands. The other is a boxed zipper pouch with side handle, best suited for snacks, miniatures, or protecting your favorite crystal ball. See the BERNINA display in the exhibitor hall for examples. A kit with all the supplies needed is provided. The class is forbeginner sewists. Limit 15 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Bernina OKC, Rachel Couch

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay, Maker

Saturday, June 8, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Boomer B

Social Media Marketing for Creatives

Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Pinterest...why (or why not) all? Simple how-tos for creative businesses on selecting and using social media to increase brand visibility and profit. There IS a method to the madness of self-promotion online to help you gain followers and maximize engagement, plus net more website traffic and sales.

Panelists: Shayla Raquel, Amber Hanneken, Seth Skorkowsky, Haileigh Todd, Kim Ventrella

Tracks: Business & Marketing

Saturday, June 8, 2019 Noon | Location: Oklahoma H

Cosplay Photography for Cosplayers

Being a model is hard! Posing tricks, selecting settings, and lighting tips from cosplayers and photographers for getting the cosplay photos you'll really love.

Panelists: BeardedOkie Photography, Blair Bartlett, Divine Creations Cosplay, Ann Shelby, Squirrelly Jedi Photography

Tracks: Cosplay

Saturday, June 8, 2019 Noon | Location: Sooner B

Developing Fantasy and Sci-Fi Art Ideas

Quick tips for creating your own inspiration! Panelists provide dozens of ideas and starter prompts for artists to use, the next time they just can't think of anything to draw. Bring a notebook as we share these brainstorming ideas.

Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Hazel Conley, Chaz Kemp, Rachael Mayo, Melanie Unruh

Tracks: Art

Saturday, June 8, 2019 Noon | Location: Oklahoma A1

Polymer Clay Make & Take: Fairy Door Pendant

Participants will create their own miniature polymer clay fairy door pendant. After the workshop, the items will be baked and returned within two hours (pick up in the Art Show room). All tools and materials provided, including a handout for later reference. This workshop is geared for adults and teens. $10 materials fee, which include a handout reviewing the workshop and including tips on variations. Limit 12 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Mitzi Bartlett

Tracks: Art, Maker

Saturday, June 8, 2019 Noon | Location: Oklahoma A3

Basic Leather Care

In this class we will discuss what it means to be a bootblack and learn some beginner steps on working on leather. We will cover the basic shine process, and how to care for clothing. Learn what a basic kit includes, to be able to do almost any leather.

Panelists: Sir William Rothmeyer, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes

Tracks: Art, Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay

Saturday, June 8, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Hands-On Research for Cash-Strapped Writers

Yes, Google is great. Books are even better. But no amount of reading in the comfort of your own living room can substitute for the real thing: going to a new place – talking to real live human beings – smelling, touching, and even tasting the world you need your readers to believe in. In this one-hour class, we’re going to talk about how to do all that when money is tight, time is short, and you don’t already have an uncle who works for the CIA. Come discover just how much you can do right in your own backyard – and how to make your next expedition equal parts frugal, fruitful, and fun!

Panelists: Tex Thompson

Tracks: Writing & Publication

Saturday, June 8, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Workshop: Marketing for Writers, Level 2

This marketing session, led by best-selling author Rachel Caine, is open to all writers looking to market their work. Level two covers topics such as: marketing at conventions and bookfairs; finding and utilizing cross-promotion opportunities; advantages and drawbacks of appearances, internet blogging and marketing, bookstores, libraries, or other venues; publicists or press releases: when and how to use them; and media training and interview techniques. Limit 24 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Rachel Caine

Tracks: Writing & Publication

Saturday, June 8, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Crimson Meeting Room

Advanced Miniature Painting Workshop

This advanced-level workshop focuses on teaching skills for more experienced painters. Students will develop and improve their brush techniques such as glazing, wet blending, edge highlighting, and two-brush blending. Expert painters teach basic color theory, lighting, and shading, and also instruct students in the usage of a wet palette as a tool for miniature painting. (2 hours) Limit 15 participants, $10 materials fee.

Panelists: Michael Kirk, Matthew Cavanaugh

Tracks: Gaming

Saturday, June 8, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Podcasting 101 with Red Six Podcast

Interactive workshop on recording and publishing a podcast. Learn which mics best suit your needs, what hosting services to use, and how to post it online. BYO equipment for usage tips and tricks, too. The ultimate beginner's guide to podcasting! Limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Nick Johnson

Tracks: Podcasting

Saturday, June 8, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Basic Prop and Costume Lighting

How to use off-the-shelf lighting (such as fairy lights and other battery-powered lights) for those who prefer not to dig into the technical aspects.

Panelists: Julie Barrett, Paul Barrett

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay

Saturday, June 8, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner B

Brand Development for Artists

Even the best artists need a "brand." Get tips from others and learn how best to brand yourself for fun and profit, while remaining true to your style.

Panelists: Peri Charlifu, Jerry Bennett, Brenna Deutchman, Teddy Harvia, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Melanie Unruh

Tracks: Art, Business & Marketing

Saturday, June 8, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Drawing Dynamic Figures for Comics

Time to show your comic's characters to the world. This demo by artist Eric Osborn will show figure-drawing techniques for comic books.

Panelists: Eric Osborn

Tracks: Art, Comics

Saturday, June 8, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Bernina OKC Makeshop: Super Fabulous Drawstring Bag

Come and make a multipurpose drawstring bag. It can hold anything from dice to cards to the shrunken heads of your enemies. See the BERNINA display in the Exhibitors Hall for examples. A kit with all the supplies needed is provided. The class is for beginner sewists. Limit 15 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Bernina OKC, Rachel Couch

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay, Maker

Saturday, June 8, 2019 4:30 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Legos, Creativity, Building, and Writing

This writing exercise starts by playing with Legos. Professional Development certificate available for teachers on request. Supplies provided, limit 11 participants. (90 minutes)

Panelists: Melinda LaFevers

Tracks: Writing & Publication

Saturday, June 8, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

How to Make Comics Workshop

A workshop for creators interested in making comics! Okie Comics Magazine publisher and author Jeff Provine leads this hands-on how-to for creating comics. Supplies provided, limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Jeff Provine

Tracks: Comics

Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Crimson Meeting Room

Bias-Cut Draping (or "Why Do Those 1930s Dresses Always Fit So Well?")

The 1930s are renowned for bias-cut garment construction. Creating a pattern for a bias-cut outfit requires allowing for the drape of the fabric along the bias when drawing the shape of the pattern pieces. Dresses constructed using bias-cut techniques adjust to the shape of the wearer and are great for non-standard sizes or shapes. Vintage dresses and a modern interpretation will be on display. The presentation will include steps to create patterns for yourself.

Panelists: Kathleen M. O'Brien

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion

Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Intro to Miniature Painting Workshop

This beginner-level workshop teaches the basic skill set necessary to paint most miniatures. Students will be taught how to inspect miniatures for flaws, correct them, and prime for paint. Techniques taught will include paint thinning, washes, and dry brushing. At the end of the workshop, students should feel confident in their ability to paint a miniature up to a tabletop quality level. (2 hours) Limit 15 participants, $5 materials fee.

Panelists: Michael Kirk

Tracks: Gaming

Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Writing Magical Realism Workshop

How can you craft powerful stories for middle-grade readers using magical realism? Learn more in this presentation by Skeleton Tree author Kim Ventrella. Limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Kim Ventrella

Tracks: Writing & Publication

Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

How Heavy is that Sword, Anyway?

Hands-on sword experience for the historical/medieval fantasy writer.

Panelists: Melinda LaFevers

Tracks: Writing & Publication, History

Sunday, June 9, 2019 Noon | Location: Oklahoma A2

Basic Buckram Blocking

Buckram is a versatile material used in hats and utility fashion applications. The workshop will show you how to block buckram for a fascinator using a Styrofoam wig "head." The instructor will supply the buckram and other materials, and instructions (or links to instructions) for how to finish the hat. Make & Take, limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Julie Barrett

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay

Sunday, June 9, 2019 Noon | Location: Oklahoma A3

Podcasting 102 with Red Six Podcast

The guys go harder in this level-two intensive with Red Six podcasters, Nick and Caleb, giving the what-for to improve your mad podcast skills. This session includes topics on developing content and narrative, managing audio quality, the right tools for the job, and much, much more. Limit 24 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Nick Johnson

Tracks: Podcasting

Sunday, June 9, 2019 Noon | Location: Sooner B

A Gentle Suggestion: Peer Review and Critique Session for New Artists

Artist attendees may bring one or two pieces for critique. Our pro artists will give you feedback on your work. This is a safe zone, and all critique will be gentle and useful!

Panelists: Peri Charlifu, Julie Dillon, W. J. Hodgson, Angela Lowry, Rachael Mayo, Melanie Unruh

Tracks: Art, Business & Marketing

Sunday, June 9, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Making a Film in 48 Hours

Learn protips and easy tricks for making a 48-Hour Film Festival film submission. Limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Matthew Price, Rachel Price

Tracks: Film & TV

Sunday, June 9, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Crimson Meeting Room

What is Twitch?

What is this thing called Twitch? What's it for and how can you use it for your own needs, be they personal or professional?

Panelists: Stevo the Gutter Nerd

Tracks: Podcasting, Internet Life

Sunday, June 9, 2019 1:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Basics of Body Art Workshop

Costumer and artist Vanessa Green demonstates how to apply body paint by hand or by airbrushing, including blending, contouring and shading, applying evenly, making it last, using different types adhesives for prosthetics, makeup removal, plus what products to get and where to buy them. Live demo with presentation. Limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Vanessa Green

Tracks: Art, Cosplay

Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Crimson Meeting Room

Advanced Miniature Painting Workshop

This advanced-level workshop focuses on teaching skills for more experienced painters. Students will develop and improve their brush techniques such as glazing, wet blending, edge highlighting, and two-brush blending. Expert painters teach basic color theory, lighting, and shading, and also instruct students in the usage of a wet palette as a tool for miniature painting. (2 hours) Limit 15 participants, $10 materials fee.

Panelists: Matthew Cavanaugh, Michael Kirk

Tracks: Gaming

Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

Concept Art in Motion

Chaz Kemp prompts attendees with ideas to draw, getting 15 minutes to draw whatever comes to mind. "I make sure to point out that there is no judging from me and they don't even have to show the art to anyone. It's for the pure pleasure of drawing in a judgement free environment. Once the 15 minutes is up, I give them a different concept to draw."

Panelists: Chaz Kemp

Tracks: Art

Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2

Spinning Wheel Tutorial

Okay, so how does wool become yarn, and what all can you make from it? Join fiber-arts experts for this interactive demonstration and resource share for beginners on using a spinning wheel. Limit 11 participants.

Panelists: Chelsea Haldane, Guthrie Art Center Spinners

Tracks: Maker, Art

Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A3

Bernina OKC Makeshop: Super Handy Zipper Bag

Come and make a small zipper bag. There will be 2 different possible configurations. One is a flat zipper pouch, which is excellent for carrying pencils, chopsticks, and magic wands. The other is a boxed zipper pouch with side handle, best suited for snacks, miniatures, or protecting your favorite crystal ball. See the BERNINA display in the exhibitor hall for examples. A kit with all the supplies needed is provided. The class is forbeginner sewists. Limit 15 participants. (2 hours)

Panelists: Bernina OKC, Rachel Couch

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay, Maker

Sunday, June 9, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma B1

Build Your Own "Choose Your Ending" Story

Our panelists discuss the nefarious and often emotional media that is the Choose-Your-Own Adventure, while writing one!

Panelists: David "Oak" Rice, vickey malone kennedy, Julia S. Mandala, Kim Ventrella

Tracks: Writing & Publication, Gaming

Sunday, June 9, 2019 3:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A1

DIY Armature for Clay Sculpting

Scupltor and painter Harold Neal demonstrates his unique method for low-cost armature builds to make your clay creations come to life! Supplies provided, limit 15 participants.

Panelists: Harold Neal

Tracks: Art, Maker

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