The Convention Creatives: An Art And Fandom Podcast

Gilles Bone and Jay Eggman

Hosted by PB and Jay, we dive into the vibrant world of comic con conventions, fan art, and fandom culture. From the perspective of a full-time illustrator and a seasoned convention-going social-media personality, we explore the UK convention scene, share behind-the-scenes insights, and celebrate the creative community. With episodes featuring artists, cosplayers, photographers, and event organisers, our podcast brings a fresh and engaging look at the people and stories that make conventions magical. Think of it as your all-access pass Let’s dive in! 🚀 #comiccon #megaconlive #animecon

  1. LIVE at UKGE 2026

    9h ago

    LIVE at UKGE 2026

    Recorded live from the UK's biggest tabletop convention, PB and Jay take over the Printing Like Rabbits booth for a special UK Games Expo episode! We're ditching our full setup for a streamlined t-shirt wall and diving deep into what makes trading at this massive event so uniquely different from the rest of the convention circuit. Plus, we're sharing our ultimate convention hauls, reviewing some card games, and sitting down with fellow traders Hillman's Handmade and Fizzy Fuzzies to hear about their UKGE experiences!Your HostsPB (aka Gilles) – https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/J (aka Jay Bear) – https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/Our Guests & ContributorsPrinting Like Rabbits – https://www.instagram.com/printinglikerabbits/Hillman's Handmade – https://www.instagram.com/hillmanshandmade/Fizzy Fuzzies – https://www.instagram.com/fizzyfuzzies/Event UK Games Expo – https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/In This EpisodeGoing minimalist: Why we opted for just a t-shirt wall instead of our full convention setup.Insider tips and tricks for trading at UK Games Expo and what sets it apart from typical comic cons.The convention haul: Unpacking the coolest things we bought on the show floor.Special interviews with Hillman's Handmade and Fizzy Fuzzies on what it takes to trade at the UK's biggest tabletop event.Sponsored ByDecal Empire - Premium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)Support the ShowExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    46 min
  2. Inside MCM London 2026 Live

    May 29

    Inside MCM London 2026 Live

    Recorded live amidst the absolute wilderness of MCM London Sunday, PB is joined by StroberryCosplay (while Jay is stuck serving customers) for a massive event recap. From the overwhelming scale of the ExCeL center to the wild reality of finding a rogue craft scalpel on the convention floor, we cover all the highs and lows of the UK's biggest con. PB breaks down the business side of things, including a massive design merch drop, the incredible success of the convention Stamp Rallies, and why The Amazing Digital Circus is currently dominating the fandom scene. Plus, dodging a sprinting toddler and how the convention community has brought us all together!YOUR HOSTSPB (aka Gilles): https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/J (aka Jay Bear) off camera: https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/OUR GUEST COHOSTStroberry Cosplay: https://www.instagram.com/stroberrycosplay/EVENTMCM London: https://www.instagram.com/mcmcomiccon/IN THIS EPISODERecording live from the show floor at MCM London Sunday (and saying "Bonjour!")Stroberry’s first impressions of the massive ExCeL center and discovering a dangerous craft scalpel on the floorThe undeniable success of the MCM Stamp Rallies (Pokemon, Sonic, and Disability & Me)Wild con encounters: A sprinting toddler and the "exhibitor" vs "exhibitionist" badge jokeFandom Trends: The absolute dominance of The Amazing Digital Circus, the slow fade of Hazbin Hotel, and Arcane cosplaysWholesome moments: How PB met his partner Jamie and other close friends just by working a convention boothSPONSORED BYDecal EmpirePremium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)SUPPORT THE SHOWExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    37 min
  3. Duct Tape, Dancers Belts & DIY Cosplay Hacks

    May 10

    Duct Tape, Dancers Belts & DIY Cosplay Hacks

    PB and Jay are officially on a "Jolly Holiday," which means the our favourite roaming reporters and "Ring Pop" performance duo, StroberryCosplay and FrootbatCosplay, have hijacked the podcast for a highly informative takeover episode. From explaining their weirdest inside jokes to dropping essential knowledge on wig styling, costume safety, and stage performances.YOUR HOSTS (In Spirit)PB (aka Gilles): https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/J (aka Jay Bear): https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/OUR GUEST HOSTS FOR TODAYStroberry Cosplay: https://www.instagram.com/stroberrycosplay/Frootbat Cosplay: https://www.instagram.com/frootbatcosplay/IN THIS EPISODEThe Catchphrase Challenge: Explaining our weirdest inside jokes, from "Lovely gowns" to "Hi Bowser, you porno king!".Cosplay tool essentials: Rotary cutter safety (don't slice your fingers!), good fabric scissors, and why you need a Velour wig band.Wig styling 101: Polystyrene heads, crimping for volume, and why you should always look to drag queens for styling tips.Costume safety and mishaps: The absolute necessity of dancers belts, and surviving rogue spiral boning with duct tape.Advice for convention performers: Pre-stage warmups by loud generators, checking your costume mobility, and bringing something unique to the stage.Our massive 2026 convention schedule: MCM London, UK Games Expo, RakuCon, Timeless, Epic Comic Con, and more!SPONSORED BYDecal EmpirePremium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)SUPPORT THE SHOWExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    1h 4m
  4. The "Absolution" Era: Bentley Jones on Sonic Music & Epic Collabs

    Apr 24

    The "Absolution" Era: Bentley Jones on Sonic Music & Epic Collabs

    PB and Jay sit down with the incredibly talented recording artist, composer, and creative producer Bentley Jones! We dive deep into Bentley's "Absolution" era, celebrating his amazing musical contributions to the Sonic the Hedgehog community. From collaborating with legends like TJ Davis to teaching himself Blender to animate his original character Ozkar, Bentley pulls back the curtain on the intense dedication it takes to be an independent creator. Plus, we talk about his gravity-defying pole dancing routines, the upcoming Absolution Tour, and a very special Sonic '06 stamp rally announcement!YOUR HOSTSPB (aka Gilles): https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/J (aka Jay Bear): https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/OUR GUESTBentley Jones: https://bentleyjones.com/IN THIS EPISODEIntroducing Bentley Jones: Reflecting on debuting as an artist in Japan at 17 and releasing his 15th-anniversary retrospective album.The "Absolution" Era: Reconnecting with the Sonic community, the healing power of the fandom, and launching the innovative Volume 3 "Album Pass".Epic Collaborations: Working with Pete (the voice of Silver) and TJ Davis (the Sonic R Dance Queen) on the incredible "Rave" cover and music video.Meet Ozkar: The deep lore behind Bentley’s Sonic OC, a time-traveling 1960s microphone, and dedicating months to learning 3D modeling in Blender to bring him to life.The Reality of an Indie Creator: A raw conversation about the isolation of the job, 16-hour workdays, and the extreme discipline it takes to succeed in the music industry.Bringing it to the Stage: Combining high-energy music with pole dancing, holding yourself to an impossible standard, and treating convention gigs like arena concerts.The Absolution Tour: What to expect at the London (Vauxhall Arches) and Birmingham (Mama Roux's) shows, including early access VIP soundchecks.Convention Updates: Announcing the Sonic '06 themed stamp rally for MCM, and turning RakuCon into a massive 40th birthday bash!SPONSORED BYDecal EmpirePremium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)SUPPORT THE SHOWExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    1h 42m
  5. Georgia Dyer’s Guide to Content Creation

    Apr 17

    Georgia Dyer’s Guide to Content Creation

    In the second half of our deep dive with the incredible Georgia Dyer, we are pulling back the curtain on the "crusty" reality of high-level cosplay and the business of being a creator. Georgia drops some major bombshells, including social media strategy, the dream of taking cosplay full-time, and a brilliant pitch for a "Cosplay Taskmaster" series that needs to happen immediately!YOUR HOSTSPB (aka Gilles): https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/J (aka Jay Bear): https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/OUR GUESTGeorgia Dyer: https://www.instagram.com/xgeorgiadyerx/IN THIS EPISODEThe Business of Cosplay: How a professional background in digital marketing helped Georgia navigate the TikTok algorithm.Monetization and Milestones: Breaking down the 10k follower barrier and the difference between TikTok and Instagram growth.Career Ambitions: Georgia’s dream of joining a cosplay agency and having her own booth at major conventions.Pitching "Cosplay Taskmaster": A new vision for a creator-led game show featuring the UK’s best cosplayers.Con Stories: Dealing with bizarre harassment and being told to "go back to California" while in Birmingham.SPONSORED BYDecal EmpirePremium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)SUPPORT THE SHOWExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    1h 20m
  6. How To Look Hand-Draw : Cell Shaded Cosplay with Georgia Dyer

    Apr 10

    How To Look Hand-Draw : Cell Shaded Cosplay with Georgia Dyer

    PB and Jay sit down with the incredibly talented Georgia Dyer to uncover the secrets behind her viral, cell-shaded cosplay style! From surviving wild protests at professional promo gigs to the chaotic reality of painting clothes (and her face....) with acrylics, Georgia shares her journey from a self-proclaimed "newbie" to an online sensation. Plus, we talk body positivity, reading hate comments in a Northern accent, and why we're splitting this hilarious chat into a surprise two-part special! YOUR HOSTS PB (aka Gilles): https://www.instagram.com/gillesbone/ J (aka Jay Bear): https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/ OUR GUEST Georgia Dyer: https://www.instagram.com/xgeorgiadyerx/ IN THIS EPISODE • Reflecting on her first cosplay suit in 2018 and the evolution to her signature cell-shaded art style • Securing a paid Borderlands promo gig in London and accidentally navigating a massive protest • Cosplay confessions: The magic of hot glue, using un-washable acrylic paint on fabric, and the nightmare of foam wigs • A hilarious early-days mistake: using actual acrylic paint as lipstick and makeup • The "Jinx wearing Rumi's jacket" mashup and why you shouldn't let internet "canon police" stop your creativity • Dealing with negativity by turning hate comments into a viral, million-view TikTok video • Body positivity in the cosplay space and being your own worst critic SPONSORED BY Decal Empire Premium custom stickers, prints and more. https://decalempire.co.uk/ (Their support helps make this show possible.) SUPPORT THE SHOW Explore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.com Leave a five star review to help support the show Get behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    1h 6m
  7. Reporting From Inside Megacon Live Birmingham

    Apr 3

    Reporting From Inside Megacon Live Birmingham

    Recorded live from the show floor at Megacon Live Birmingham, Jay Bear goes rogue alongside our roaming reporter StroberryCosplay for a completely impromptu episode. From the smoothest setup day ever to dodging the terrifying gaze of a giant inflatable minion, we recap what makes this event's layout and atmosphere so special. With surprise drop ins from cosplay queen  @XGeorgiaDyerX  and Youtube legend  @TomSka  plus a rundown of our best selling merchandise, we dive deep into the weekend's highlights. Oh, and we debate whether Iron Bru glazed ham belongs on a pizza.Your HostsJ (aka Jay Bear): https://www.instagram.com/ohheyitsjaybear/Stroberry Cosplay: https://www.instagram.com/stroberrycosplay/Our Guests & ContributorsGeorgie Dyer: https://www.instagram.com/xgeorgiadyerx/Tomska: https://www.youtube.com/TomSkaEvent PartnerMegacon Live: https://www.instagram.com/megaconlive/In This EpisodeStroberry's first time at the NEC and impressions of the event's color coded carpet layoutThe looming threat of the giant inflatable minion watching over the stallsA surprise catch up with Georgie Dyer about the chill convention vibesStroberry's Performance Square debut and duetting with Project AozoraCosplay meetups: The Amazing Digital Circus vs. Sonic the HedgehogA cameo interview with Tomska (and his sold out Mined Turtle game!)The great pizza debate: thin crust, deep pan, and the crime of Iron Bru toppingsA post con merchandise update: Abstracted Jax, Pombon stickers for exampleThe return of the chant: "We listen… And we don't judge!"Sponsored ByDecal EmpirePremium custom stickers, prints and more.https://decalempire.co.uk/(Their support helps make this show possible.)Support the ShowExplore all our socials and more at https://theconcreatives.comLeave a five star review to help support the showGet behind the scenes content and extras at https://patreon.com/theconcreatives

    34 min

About

Hosted by PB and Jay, we dive into the vibrant world of comic con conventions, fan art, and fandom culture. From the perspective of a full-time illustrator and a seasoned convention-going social-media personality, we explore the UK convention scene, share behind-the-scenes insights, and celebrate the creative community. With episodes featuring artists, cosplayers, photographers, and event organisers, our podcast brings a fresh and engaging look at the people and stories that make conventions magical. Think of it as your all-access pass Let’s dive in! 🚀 #comiccon #megaconlive #animecon