TwitchCon 2018 was an INCREDIBLE experience from start to finish. It was my first convention ever, my first time in California, my first time on a panel, and my first time being hired out to an event.
I’ve avoided making this post for a while, because I didn’t feel like I could really do the experience justice in just a blog post. I’ve gone in extensive detail about my experience on my stream, so I figured summarizing the two major standout events would suffice.
The Pioneering On Twitch Panel
I was invited to speak on my first panel at TwitchCon, titled “Pioneering on Twitch.” It was a panel full of streamers who provide unique non-gaming content on the platform. From cooking, to mental health, to ASMR, to fitness, to, you guessed it, tarot readings! We were to explain how we started, how we adapted our content around twitch’s model, and offer up advice to others wanting to do the same.
I was a tad anxious about this undertaking. I was definitely ready. Well, as ready as one can be for something they’re mostly walking in blind to. But nevertheless, I was slightly more prepared than my peers. See, I had manifested this. Live on my stream. Last year, for TwitchCon 2017, everyone was telling me to go. I felt rushed, and like it was too last minute. I told them, “I will go next year. And I hope to one day speak at a panel. I think I could provide a unique perspective that nobody else shares, and that many would benefit from hearing what I have to say.” A few months later, I had a dream that I was speaking on a panel. Afterwards, my guides sent me a huge “thumbs up” symbol. And then showed me traveling to multiple places, and speaking on multiple topics. I was told that I was their “front-line soldier” (something they refer to me as often), and that a huge part of my life purpose was to pave the way for others. I was built to handle the brunt of the work. My thick skin, cunning wit, and unapologetic demeanor suddenly makes a lot more sense now, doesn’t it? Life has a funny way of throwing us hardships that create the type of person we need to be. I ended up telling my stream this the next day, and low and behold, many months later, that’s exactly what happened.
Back to the panel. So right before we are about to go on, I looked into the audience and saw a ton of familiar faces. I was worried about where I should be looking, and then it dawned on me. This was literally just like my stream. There was no difference. Why am I anxious? This is easy. I can do this in my sleep. And just like that, when the camera turned on, any sort of nervousness or anxiety instantly disappeared. It was natural, and I felt COMPLETELY in my element. I had a blast. I was able to be precise and concise about my talking points, while also being my funny witty self. I was even able to intuitively crack quite a few jokes in-between turns! Comedic timing is something I was naturally gifted with. I even treat my stream like stand-up sometimes. (Trolls get treated like hecklers in the audience. The joke will be turned on you!) So to be able to show that off in this environment was very fulfilling to me. We closed out the hour with a Q&A, which was the best part for me. Getting to give direct advice or answers is one of the most rewarding things ever.
When the panel was over, I was greeted by many of you guys! And to my shock, I was informed that our panel had been over capacity. Many people had to be turned away! I was so proud of not only myself, but my fellow content creators on that panel. It’s a testament to our hard-work. Being told that my charisma and charm shined bright, and that my subs were spamming the livestream chat with love, made me want to cry tears of joy. I love you guys more than you’ll ever know. It was at this time, that I noticed a line was forming, and was a bit confused as to why all these people were lining up in front of me. Where they there to meet me? It never even dawned on me that post-panel, anyone would care enough to pick my brain further. But they were, and they did! I was so happy to engage with people in a more casual setting. I met people, took pictures, gave advice, and mingled with everyone for a good 45 minutes after the panel was over. As a Gemini, I can’t help but talk forever and about anything, so it ended up being an incredible experience. I hope to be able to do it all over again at next year’s TwitchCon! Who knows, maybe I’ll be on more than one!
Twitch’s Official TwitchCon Partner Mixer
I had to sit on this secret FOREVER. It was killing me to not be able to share it with you guys. It was a HUGE opportunity! And one that twitch had never done before. I was to be part of the entertainment for Twitch’s TwitchCon After-party. I had a booth with the Twitch logo on it, laminated instructions and information on how I operate (that they could read while waiting), a sign that said “Tarot Readings by Antphrodite”, and my name was even on the map!! It was so exciting. Not only was I finally being taken serious for what I do, but I was being valued and rewarded for it.
It was my first time ever giving readings at such a large event. I expected to work 2 of the 3 hours, while leaving the last hour for some time to mingle myself. Not THAT many people would be interested, right? WRONG. Oh my god was I so wrong. That was clearly just my own self-doubt plaguing me. Because not only was I not expecting how huge of a turnout it was, but Twitch wasn’t either! The venue was over-capacity VERY quickly, and they had to refuse people entrance 1 and a half hours in! It was INSANE.
Towards the end, people were in line for 40 minutes! The line for readings was wrapped around the whole room!!! I found myself screaming over the music and chatter, sweating, and very overwhelmed. However, I do my BEST under pressure. (Thanks Aries Moon!) And boy, did I deliver. I gave some of my best readings ever that night. I’m super proud. As it was mine and twitch’s first time doing this, there were many kinks to iron out. But it went fairly smooth otherwise, and I know exactly what to adjust to make the experience even smoother for next time.
Overall, I consider it a HUGE success. I know a lot of people were frustrated at all of the lines for this event, but I assure you I was going as fast as I could! In fact, my efficiency is something I pride myself on. However, one of the biggest reasons the line was so long, was actually a huge positive! Clients were so blown away by my accuracy that they sat stunned/in shock and had to take a minute to absorb the information! I was beyond flattered, and I can confidently say, 99.9% of my readings that night had that EXACT same reaction. I was trying my best to motion to them (politely!) to get up and allow the next person in line to come in, but it was no use. After all, the entire reason I do what I do is to help others. And seeing that impact first hand is just as much a part of tarot reading as the actual reading itself!
To everyone that came to say hello, and give me a hug, thank you! I love you guys. I didn’t have time to properly engage with anyone. Just know that I appreciate each and every single one of you, and If I could have, I would have spent time with you! There was just so many readings and so many people talking to me at once! And the constant “ANT HURRY UP!!!! GO FASTER!!” was ringing through my ears all night.
Special shout outs to Gina & Kelly for always believing in me, and for being the reason this even happened in the first place. (Also thanks for bringing me tons of food and drinks while I worked! I still dream of that amazing mac and cheese..) And of course, DobbyCryptids. Who I dragged with me through this entire experience. Thank you for being my little helper/assistant for the night. And most of all, for being my friend. I couldn’t have done it without you by my side that night. Also, thanks for putting up with me. Me under high pressure isn’t always the easiest to deal with. Love you guys!
Oh also, to the guy who waited in line for 40 minutes and didn’t end up getting his reading, check your DM’s on twitter!!! My offer for a free reading still stands! Maybe one day he’ll check messages from people he doesn’t follow. Haha. I actually did readings until we got literally kicked OUT of the venue. So trust and believe, my work ethic definitely spoke for itself!
I can’t wait to see what the future holds. The opportunities are endless. I know this is only the beginning of a long list of events I will be invited to. And I can’t wait. And for those of you that weren’t able to get a reading in person at this one, you never know! You may be seeing me very soon. 😉
