I've waited for the #CebuLitFest for a whole month now since I heard it from Trish, and since then, all my queued purchases from other local artists are put on hold. 

Without further ado, I proudly present my happy haul. Let's begin. ♥︎

(Disclaimer: I am unfamiliar of the pronouns these artists prefer [unless I see those on their IG account or elsewhere], so I will just stick with him/her for now. But please feel free to correct me in the comments or on IG anytime.)

HENCHMAN DRAWS

I would've honestly bought more from the Henchman Draws hadn't it been too early in the game. But even though I only have four of his stickers, I still am happy I got them. 

I like his art style because it's monochrome and, for some reasons, it reminds me of illustrations from newspaper comic strips⏤not sure if that was what he was going for, but amazeballs nonetheless.

When I was showing off my purchases, these were the ones Bap liked and wanted to ask from me. Obviously, I said no. :) 

Please follow him on Instagram: @henchmadraws 

SSKAIT 

This is a brand I follow on Instagram because their humor is so my style. I read somewhere that the brand name Sskait actually stands for "siya, sila, kayo, ako, ikaw, tayo," which is a point up for promoting inclusivity. 

I originally bought ten stickers because they have a 4+1 promo for their 25-peso stickers. But when we checked my loot, I noticed I got the "Tangina nyong lahat" stickers in duplicate, so I gave one copy to Trish.  

Please follow the brand on Instagram: @sskaitcomics  (Strongly encourage this as they make one of the funniest strips. My favorite series is the 7-Eleven budding love story between a ghost and the cashier.)

STUDIO MIKEE

I love her stuff⏤I'm a fan of everything that promotes self love and gentleness. Clyde and I bought a lot of stickers from her, and the sweet surprise is, she gives a free postcard for every purchase (and she let us choose which one we liked best). 🥹

Just recently found out that Studio Mikee is formerly The Positive Cure, which makes total sense why her content are the way they are. I'm happy she kept the branding and presented it in such a loving, creative manner. 

Please follow Studio Mikee on Instagram: @studiomikee 

MINTCHIPSU

Min is one of the most adorable people we met at the fair. I also saw her reel prior to seeing her at Ayala, so I immediately told her and she got red. Sorry, Min!

We were really impressed that out of everyone we bought from, she was the first one to be so prepared with loose change. Super appreciated that. Lastly, I like her art style a lot; they were the first ones I used on my journal. And for the record, the Artsy Fartsy sticker is the absolute cutest one I bought in the whole fair. 

Follow Mintchipsu on Instagram: @mintchipsu

PAOLA PAPERIE 

She doesn't know this yet, but the reason I bought so much from her at the con is because I already have her products in my Shopee cart for a long while now. So I was just really trying to save up on the shipping fee last week. 😅 

In the next few days, you will see my Tiktok video of my shopping experience with Paola Paperie, and I may or may not have "directed" her handing me my goody bag for timing. She was so game, and I really enjoyed talking to her.

I love everything I got from her. The quality is just as I expected. Also, my sister is afraid of frogs in real life, but I think her froggy series will pass exemption. So from an endearing sister to another, thank you so much, Ms. Paola!  

Please follow Paola Paperie on Instagram: @paolapaperie

THE STORY MACHINE 

When we first visited the alley, Trish, Clyde, and I agreed that we will go around the booths first before purchasing, but I couldn't keep my word on that when I passed by The Story Machine and learned that they are a brand from Cagayan de Oro, the little city I spent 15 beautiful years at. 

I picked two art cards and three stickers but now honestly wished I picked more of the art cards because they have easily become one of my favorites. I think their art style are one of the prettiest I've seen my whole life and their color combos are totally impressive.

Please follow the The Story Machine on Instagram: @thestorymachineph  

CHELSI DRAWS

The most memorable thing about Chelsi Draws is, she had the prettiest and neatest packaging from my experience. She packed my purchase in a translucent plastic envelope, which was very helpful for me because my hands were already sweaty at the con and had to find ways to keep the stickers in their pristine shape for as long as I could. 

 Her art is very simple yet nostalgic, reminds me of doodles secretly drawn at the back pages of notebooks in grade school. I love her art style, and I love the message behind them. 

Follow Chelsi Draws on Instagram: @chelsidraws

ARCHIBALD ART 

When you see glittered Disney princesses all lined up for show, you cannot not stop by and check them out. With my visit, I found myself leaving with three new stickers in my hand. 

Just also found out that Archibald Art is from Iligan City, so I'm happy I get to support an artist from Mindanao. Reprezent! 🫶🏻

These are the three I picked out: Mulan because she's my favorite Disney character, a soldier and a warrior; Luisa from Encanto because I think I related to her storyline somehow, crying heaps when I first heard "Surface Pressure"; and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas to pay homage to my emo era in the olden days. 

Please follow Archibald Art on Instagram: @archibald.art

ELECTROMILK

Pop off, ate, I finally have my first #DragRacePH merch! 👏

When I first browsed Electromilk's booth, I didn't notice the Drag Race–related stickers because the no0ds art from Electromilk are what caught my attention. So I give thanks to Trish and Clyde for discovering these for me. I'm so happy that all my favorites are here: Marina Summers (my bet!), Minty Fresh (my bias wrecker), Eva La Queen (my mother), and Xilhouete (the dark horse).

Please follow Electromilk on Instagram: @electromilk

JUMJUM / DREAMRIVER STUDIOS

What really caught my attention was the super fit Darna drinking milk tea on a hot summer day, then I saw the other art cards that I think are also looking very cool. These are from Jumjum and the rest of the art cards on the left side. 

On the right side are stickers from Dreanriver Studios. They are a collaborative arts + crafts brand by Dawn Dawn and Steven Sonnet. The sun and sea and the galaxy stickers are created by the talented Dawn Dawn, and it was Steven Sonnet who entertained me at the con.

Follow them on Instagram: Dreamriver Studios (@dreamriver. studios) / Jumjum (@justtearithere)

That's it, pancit. Iccan say that without a shadow of a doubt, not a peso was spent in regret in this event, and I am looking forward to the next one. Thank you, Cebu Lit Fest. Thank you, Komiket. Thank you, artists and exhibitors. Thank you, Lord, that I am born in an age where these cons happen. 

See you again on the blog next week, Tuesday? Alright, alright. Take care. ♡

⚘ jls