A little help from my friends...

What's up? I'm back for a quick post. I wasn't going to post anything related to AVN AEE until next week, but I had an amazing experience this past Thursday. My plan was (and still is) to go and roam around AVN AEE on Saturday. However, I stopped by the Hard Rock on Thursday to: 1) Meet in person with beautiful Natalie Star to deliver a print of a new image based on her (patience, you will see it soon). And 2) To also meet in person with JT, an amazing client, patron and fan, but more than that, a great friend who really supports my work.

We met at the Hard Rock Casino here in Las Vegas, just outside AVN AEE to talk about art, business and life. He introduced me to Natori, a friend of his... who quickly became a friend of mine as well. We all went to a restaurant inside the casino and had a long chat, while enjoying a few drinks and some food. Time just flew by, as it is normal when you are having a great time. The conversation revolved around my artwork and my immediate and medium term plans for my art. I personally enjoyed the conversation a lot. It is so refreshing and energizing to meet people that care about what you do, and that appreciates it. I got a lot of pointers regarding the promotion of my artwork, new ideas and perspectives, that will surely help me in this never ending journey of leaving my legacy as an artist.

The evening could have ended right there, after we finished our drinks, and honestly, just the chat would have sufficed for a great day. But, it turns out that the drinks and food were just the beginning. Before I go on, let me tell you a little background story: JT and Natori are part of Miss Jae Lee's team, a model and performer in the adult industry, who I drew as a pin-up, commissioned by JT last year. Anyway, while we were still chatting at the restaurant, Natori found out that Miss Jae Lee was inside AVN AEE, meeting with fans at that same moment. As I mentioned, I had planned to attend on Saturday, and meet with many models, including Miss Jae Lee. However, Natori and JT decided that it would be better to go in that same day (in addition to attending on Saturday as well), instead of waiting. They ended up getting me a V.I.P. pass so I could get in. How cool is that? No, seriously, how cool is that? I mean, those tickets are not cheap at all, and here I am, getting treated like a king by this pair. :)

No, that's not the whole story. The three of us go in and immediately meet with Miss Jae Lee. I had brought a print of the pin-up I did of her, as a gift, just in case I would get to see her outside the event (I had no idea I was getting in that day).It was a true pleasure to finally meet her in person. There is such a surreal sensation and feeling, when I get to meet in person a model whose image I used as a reference and inspiration. This wasn't the exception, it was a true honor meeting with her. We took photos together, showing off the artwork... and that's when Natori really stepped in. She not only took photos, but she made sure to get  photographer of the press that walked close by, to take photos of us as well.

But, Natori wasn't done yet. She, along with JT, took me around the halls of AVN AEE, to introduce me to people that they met the day before. AVN AEE is not only a fan event, but also a business event, where adult oriented companies, small and large, meet for business opportunities. Natori worked as my agent, literally, while walking through the halls. It was a lot of fun, and also very productive, I definitely had a blast, which made the experience more enjoyable. I ended up meeting with many prospective clients and models. I'm still attending on Saturday to follow up my plans, but this past Thursday with Natori and JT was definitely an experience that I will not forget, and for which I will always be grateful.

I wanted to share this story, because it's not only cool and fun to have people that support and help you. But, it is ultimately humbling experience, because it helps you realize how much one can be appreciated without even knowing it. My eternal gratitude to all those persons that have helped me along the road, in absolutely any way or form.

OK, I better go and get some rest, I am supposed to go to AVN AEE in just a few hours from now. Round two of this great event! See you next time!
~Pops.

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