Doujin Market (Doujima if you’re cool) – one of Singapore’s largest exhibitions focussed on independent creators, returns this weekend with a bigger hall and more content for 2018. This year’s show, takes place on 5 to 6 May at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 406, from 12pm to 8pm daily. Admission is free! Which makes this weekend, with Star Wars Day, Free Comic Book Day, the launch of Board Games at Basecamp’s new digs, possibly the geekiest one for 2018.
The show this year will feature fan and original art from talent from around the world, including Singapore, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam. You’ll be able to check out a total of 212 artist groups.
If you’re a budding artist yourself, Doujin Market 2018 will have seminars and portfolio reviews. There will be 4 different sessions over the weekend and a total of 10 different seminars by industry players such as Wacom, 3dsense Media School and Collateral Damage Studios.
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There’s also the big star: Stanley “Artgerm” Lau will hold a 2-hour panel titled, “Building your fanbase and finding your style”, and he will also be conducting the portfolio reviews. Limited-edition numbered art prints featuring Stanley’s depiction of the show’s mascot Doujima Haru will also be on sale at the organiser’s booth.
“I’ve been keeping my eye on Doujima over the past years, and I see great passion and commitment from the show organisers who aim to support and nurture the growth of local art talents,” said Lau. “Singapore needs such events that are not primarily driven by commercial gain, but motivated by the love of art. I am delighted to be a part of Doujin Market 2018!”
The InkInk Collectibles booth will also feature comic and concept artists such as Muju Monster, Daniel Kamarudin (thedurrrrian), Rian Gonzales (Rianbowart), Trivia Goh (Trivialities), Koi, Serafleur and Frany, where you can get your stuff signed or get art commissions.
Pentel will also crown the winner of its Colour Brush Manga Contest at the event, and exhibit the work of 10 shortlisted participants at their booth. Singapore’s biggest gaming convention GameStart Asia will also be there to launch their mascot redesign contest for 2018 at Doujin Market. This year’s theme for Elyse is a fantasy theme: Fire and Ice.
GAME ON AT DOUJIMA
GameStart won’t be the only gaming presence. Afterthought Studios, the studio behind Singapore’s first Kickstarted visual novel, will be premiere Lunaniere, a new studio branch that focuses on games for the female demographic. You’ll be able to check out concept art from their latest game “Wishes in Pen: Chrysanthemums in August” at the show.
Original games by independent developers such as the Purrballs: Catventure Card Game, mecha skirmish game Eisenfront and the Codex Fantasia role-playing game will also be on show. Joining them is Pentopia, a collaboration between CGlas and Doujin Market convention producer Jason Koh. An original fantasy world designed to be compatible with D&D’s 5th edition, Pentopia will be on show ahead of its Kickstarter launch.
And last but not least – a slew of artists and creators will also be debuting their personal projects at Doujin Market 2018, including artbooks, original tabletop games and game supplements, webcomics and visual novels.
“Doujin Market isn’t about selling artists and their creations as a spectacle,” said Koh. “It’s about giving them the platform to put themselves out there and make the industry connections to elevate their work. We’re grateful that so many are willing to support us in our bid to create opportunities for fresh talent rather than promoting insularity.”
“After all, it is our duty as industry pioneers to pave the way and make it possible for others to follow in our footsteps,” added Lunaniere director Darren Kwok.
Doujin Market 2018 takes place from 12pm to 8pm daily on 5-6 May at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 406. Admission is free.
