It's a special episode because we have our first-ever podcast interview! This week, PB & J sit down with Jake and Kay, the masterminds behind Sonic Con UK to talk about how a thought turned into a massive fan convention, the wild success of their Kickstarter, and what’s next for Raku Events.

We dive into:

🎤 The unexpected origins of SonicCon UK

🏆 The big wins and biggest challenges of running a convention

📣 How the Sonic community helped make the event a reality

📍 Moving the con from Manchester to London and how fans reacted

💰 Behind-the-scenes of crowdfunding a convention and why £15K was just the beginning!

And because it wouldn’t be a Convention Creatives episode without some surprises… we discuss unexpected furry convention feedback, and the mysterious big guest(s) yet to be announced!

💙Shoutout to Little Japanese Corner for the Digimon set!

🔵 Find their store at https://www.littlejapanesecorner.co.uk/

💙 Find Jake & Kay and SonicCon UK!

🔵 Follow SonicCon UK and see their kickstarter: https://www.sonicconuk.com

💙 Find Us and Support the Podcast!

🔵 Visit theconcreatives.com for all our socials and more!

⭐ Love what you’re hearing? Leave us a 5-star review to help keep the podcast growing!

Love is supposedly in the air, but we have more important things to think about, such as which Harbin Hotel characters do we ship! In this special Valentine’s episode, PB & J dive into the world of seasonal products. Are they a profitable hit or a creative headache? From holiday-themed merch that flies off the shelves to designs that gather dust the moment the season ends, we break down the pros and cons of time-sensitive art for creatives.But let’s be real… you’re here for the romance-fueled nonsense! The duo plays a variety of cheeky mini-games, including the ultimate F***, Marry, Kill—featuring pop culture icons handpicked by the audience! Heated debates, unexpected choices, and at least one deeply regrettable answer are on their way.And that’s not all! Our mailbag segment introduces a brand-new addition to the Cubiverse! Who (or what) has joined PB’s ever-growing collection? Tune in to find out!Find Us and Support the Podcast!Visit theconcreatives.com for all our socials and more!Love what you’re hearing? Leave us a 5-star review to help keep the podcast growing!

Thinking of launching your own Kickstarter? PB & Jay are here to walk (or stumble) you through the entire process! From setting realistic funding goals and crafting a killer campaign page to dealing with backers, marketing strategies, and the chaos of stretch goals—this episode is packed with tips, real-life experiences, and cautionary tales. PB spills the tea on his 17 successfully funded Kickstarter campaigns, while Jay contemplates launching an actually real campaign for his "Curvy Stickman" pin (you’ll have to listen to believe it).

But what happens after a Kickstarter is funded? The duo dives into the challenges of manufacturing, delays, and backer expectations—including PB’s horror story about a manufacturer sending 150 pins with “pepper glitter” instead of the intended design (yikes). Plus, they discuss the crucial final steps of fulfilling rewards, handling unexpected hurdles, and why impulse purchases in the BackerKit add-on shop can make or break a campaign!

And because no episode is complete without some delightful chaos, PB & Jay wrap things up by sharing their latest hyper-fixations, from unexpected obsessions to guilty pleasures. Then, it’s time for Choose It or Lose It, where they’re forced to make some truly painful creative choices—expect drama, debate, and at least one existential crisis.

If you’re an artist or creative looking to crowdfund your next big project (or just enjoy PB slowly losing his mind over Kickstarter logistics), this episode is a must-listen!

Find Us and Support the Podcast!

• Visit theconcreatives.com for all our socials and more!
• Love what you’re hearing? Leave us a 5-star review to help keep the podcast growing!

MegaCon London 2025 has come and gone, and PB & Jay are here to spill all the details! In this episode, we break down our first convention of the year—what went well, what we learned, and, of course, the incredible traders and tables we checked out. We also unwrap some of the amazing gifts we received (you all are the best), and to top it all off, we’re launching something HUGE... our brand new Pin Kickstarter! Tune in to hear all about it and get the inside scoop on life behind the artist alley table.

Find Us and Support the Podcast!

Coming to you while we are at MegaCon Live London! In this episode, PB and Jay unravel the glittering world of enamel pins! From creating designs that pop to navigating the complexities of manufacturing, shipping, and even dealing with grading (you’ll get it when you listen!), it’s a masterclass in pin-making. Whether you’re an artist looking to start your own collection or just a fan of all things shiny, this episode spills the tea on the entire process—from design to dazzling display. Tune in to hear PB’s expert insights and Jay’s hilarious attempts to design a pin-worthy “Circular Man.”

Find Us and Support the Podcast!

• Visit theconcreatives.com for all our socials and more!
• Love what you’re hearing? Leave us a 5-star review to keep the creativity coming.

In this jam-packed episode, PB and Jay celebrate their podcast's incredible chart success, breaking into the top 10 in their category! They dive into the whirlwind of prepping for MegaConLive London, from designing new merch to navigating taxes (ugh, but necessary). The duo also shares their excitement about meeting con family and introducing Jay as the ultimate “Convention Noob.”Spoiler: there’s a selfie frame involved, and it’s epic. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a sneak peek at what it takes to tackle the UK convention scene like a pro.Find Us and Support the Podcast!Visit https://theconcreatives.com for all our socials and more!Love what you’re hearing? Leave us a 5-star review to keep this creative train rolling.

In this episode of The Convention Creatives, PB and Jay dive into the highs and lows of 2024. From the challenges of balancing mental health to the creative resurgence inspired by Sonic Con, they share personal stories and reflect on the lessons they’ve learned.

The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, community, and the vibrant energy conventions bring to the creative process. PB and Jay also share their first impressions of each other, recount surreal moments like attending a movie premiere, and discuss how these experiences have shaped their plans for 2025.

Looking ahead, they explore exciting projects, including their involvement with Sonic Con UK, an upcoming Kickstarter campaign, and their aspirations for growth within the creative community. They also touch on current creative inspirations and personal hyperfixations, bringing their unique perspectives to the table.

The episode wraps up with a fun “Choose It or Lose It” dilemma, where PB faces a tough decision between his Sonic and Hazbin Hotel creations.

In the inaugural episode of The Convention Creatives, hosts PB and Jay introduce themselves and share their excitement about launching this podcast. Together, they dive into the vibrant world of conventions, fan art, and the creative community, exploring what makes these events so meaningful to artists and fans alike.

PB reflects on his journey as a full-time illustrator, while Jay brings his unique perspective as a passionate convention-goer. They discuss the evolution of conventions, the distinctive dynamics of the UK scene, and the challenges artists face, from misconceptions about their work to the emotional toll of navigating trading standards.

The conversation highlights the importance of supporting independent creators, fostering community, and embracing the joy of connecting with fellow artists and fans. PB and Jay also share behind-the-scenes stories about the extensive work that goes into preparing for conventions and the creative choices artists must make.

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted look at their future plans, teasing what’s to come for The Convention Creatives.

🎨 Convention Creatives 🎤

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of UK conventions? Meet PB, the artistic mastermind, and Jay, the curious convention explorer, as they navigate the whirlwind of fandoms, cosplay, and fan art.

Expect laughs, chaos, and candid conversations as they unpack creative journeys, share insider tips, and celebrate the magic of conventions. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or just curious, there's something here for everyone.

Meet your hosts:

PB (aka Gilles Bone) is a full-time illustrator and convention veteran with over 20 years of experience, sharing wisdom from their colorful career and love for building creative communities. Check out their work at www.gillesbone.com.

Jay (aka Jay Eggman) is a self-proclaimed newbie (but no stranger to fandom), crowned "Europe's Biggest Sonic Fan" and host of The Opinion Zone: A Sonic the Hedgehog Podcast. Jay brings curiosity, humor, and energy to every episode while representing the passionate Sonic community.

Think of it as your all-access pass to the world of creativity, community, and (sometimes) utter mayhem. Let’s dive in! 🚀🎨🎭