Difference between revisions of "Conbadge"
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| − | [[ | + | [[File:Badgecomparisons.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A pair of '''conbadges''' shown for comparison. At left is an ''official badge'' issued to attendees at [http://www.awa-con.com Anime Weekend Atlanta 2007]. At right is a personal, commissioned ''fursona badge'' from [http://www.angeljules.com Angel Jules Studios] drawn for [[Jigsaw Forte]].]] |
| − | '''Con badges''' are personalized identification badges ( | + | '''Con badges''' are personalized identification badges (roughly but not exclusively 3" x 4" in size) that can be used to identify a fur. Con badges are called such because they are typically worn at a [[convention]] or gathering. |
| − | There are two main kinds of badges: ''official badges'', which are issued by convention hosts, and ''artist badges'', which are a specialized form of [[commission]]. | + | There are two main kinds of badges: ''membership'' or ''official badges'', which are issued by convention hosts, and ''artist badges'' or ''fursona badges'', which are a specialized form of [[commission]]. The terms are often used interchangeably. |
| − | ==Official | + | ==Membership / Official Convention badges== |
| − | Identification badges provided by the convention itself are issued to participants as they arrive and/or register with the convention, either on-site or several months before hand. They typically display a stock image of the convention's choice, perhaps drawn by a [[guest of honor]]. | + | Identification badges provided by the convention itself are issued to participants as they arrive and/or register with the convention, either on-site or several months before hand. They typically display a stock image of the convention's choice, perhaps drawn by a [[guest of honor]]. Con badge names are usually the fan name of the bearer, and is less likely to display the first and last name of the bearer. The name field may be used as space for an inside joke, while the artist badge is used for the bearer's identification. Most conventions number their badges in order of issuance, as badge names may be duplicated, withheld, or vary from the bearer's common name. In [[charity auction]]s, the badge number is generally used to identify the winner. |
| − | + | These badges are usually one of two types: a hard plastic badge similar to a credit card, or a label printed and stuck to a plastic badge pouch. The former can be made by directly printing the name of the bearer and graphic onto plastic card stock, or applying a unique label to a pre-printed plastic badge. Often, a hole for a standard badge clip is punched (usually 0.125" x 0.5625"). Rarely, wireless connectivity features such as [[WP:Near-field communication|NFC]] or [[RFID]] can be included to enhance security or functionality. | |
| − | + | Official badges are usually needed to get into certain areas of the convention (such as the [[dealer's room]], [[artist's alley]], and the [[art show]]), or to convention space in general. They are valuable, and subject to counterfeiting or badge swapping by [[ghost]]s, though those who do so risk convention and hotel bans if discovered. Typically each badge is only good for admission to a specific convention year, although attendees often collect them for sentimental value and/or bragging rights. | |
| − | ==Artist badges== | + | Some conventions will issue different styles of badges for varying attendance criteria, including: [[convention sponsorship|sponsors]], convention staff, dealers, [[artist]]s, minors, or one-day attendees. Conventions may also mark some of these types with a ribbon, text on a printed badge, or other identifying mark. At times ''black marks'' are given to badges when attendees are observed violating the convention's [[standards of conduct]]. |
| − | [[ | + | |
| − | Art commissions designed to be worn by their clients are ''artist badges''. These badges can be worn at many different conventions or meets. Primarily used for identifying furs known online in real life, they are intended to be easier to recognize than an official badge due to the use of a personal image. | + | ==Artist badges / Fursona badges== |
| + | [[File:Neccobadgedone.jpg|thumb|right|140px|[[Necco]]'s artist-type conbadge, by [[Reddie]]]] | ||
| + | Art commissions designed to be worn by their clients are ''artist badges'' or ''fursona badges''. These badges can be worn at many different conventions or meets. Primarily used for identifying furs known online in real life, they are intended to be easier to recognize than an official badge due to the use of a personal image. | ||
While standards for these badges are left up to the individual artist, a typical badge: | While standards for these badges are left up to the individual artist, a typical badge: | ||
* Is a flat, two-dimensional piece of artwork | * Is a flat, two-dimensional piece of artwork | ||
| − | * Is approximately 3" by 4" in size | + | * Is approximately 3" by 4" in size (but not exclusively) |
* Is designed to either be clipped or pinned to an outfit or lanyard | * Is designed to either be clipped or pinned to an outfit or lanyard | ||
* Features a portrait of the fur's [[character]] or [[fursona]], typically a bust shot | * Features a portrait of the fur's [[character]] or [[fursona]], typically a bust shot | ||
* Features the character's/fursona's name (text clarity can sometimes be a problem) | * Features the character's/fursona's name (text clarity can sometimes be a problem) | ||
| − | + | Since they are intended to be worn, fursona badges commonly have the artwork either laminated, or placed in a clear badge pouch. This is to prevent casual damage or bending of the artwork. If a person is commonly represented by several characters, they may wear badges for each of them. | |
| + | |||
| + | ===Non-specific badges=== | ||
| + | Some badges are mass produced, cheaply available from vendors and are not meant to be specific to an individual. This trend was noted in the mid-2010s. Common themes for this are professing fandom of a media property, acknowledgement of a species, or LGBTQIA+ identity. [[Mary Mouse]]'s Certified series is a well-known example. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Consent badges=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Popularized by the [[brony]] community, consent badges display an indication as to the desired level of the bearer's interaction, self-identified disability status, or pronouns. The most common set is based on the "stoplight" model with red/yellow/green activity indicators. Green means interaction encouraged, yellow means interaction if asked first, and red means do not interact. They are usually designed for high visibility, durability, and ease of display. They are available from some artists or conventions. | ||
===Conbadge gimmicks=== | ===Conbadge gimmicks=== | ||
| − | [[ | + | [[File:GR MFF2005 fireeyes norn sculpture.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Sculpture]]s can also be worn as badges - this piece was done by [[fireEyes]] for [[GreenReaper]] at [[Midwest FurFest 2005|MFF 2005]]]] |
Many artists will deviate from the norm to accommodate the needs of certain clients - such as larger badges designed to be worn with an elaborate costume like a [[fursuit]] for higher visibility - or as a 'gimmick' to either make their badges stand out among others and drum up sales by offering a unique format. | Many artists will deviate from the norm to accommodate the needs of certain clients - such as larger badges designed to be worn with an elaborate costume like a [[fursuit]] for higher visibility - or as a 'gimmick' to either make their badges stand out among others and drum up sales by offering a unique format. | ||
Common gimmicks include: | Common gimmicks include: | ||
*Badges trimmed to the character's / name's outline | *Badges trimmed to the character's / name's outline | ||
| + | *Foil or shiny transparent plastic accents within the lamination | ||
*Oversized badges (designed to be worn with a costume or otherwise) | *Oversized badges (designed to be worn with a costume or otherwise) | ||
| − | *Sculpted badges | + | *Sculpted badges, including 3D printing and clay |
| + | *[[w:Near-field communication|NFC]] tags for transferring website URLs | ||
| + | *Circuit board badges with elaborate electronics, especially in relation to [[DEFCON Furs]] and [[W:Computer security conference|Hacker conventions]] <ref>https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-history-of-badgelife-def-cons-unlikely-obsession-with-artistic-circuit-boards/ "A History of Badgelife, Def Con’s Unlikely Obsession with Artistic Circuit Boards" on Vice </ref> | ||
*'Hanging' badges where the art (or portions of it) is dangling from an otherwise fixed segment of the badge | *'Hanging' badges where the art (or portions of it) is dangling from an otherwise fixed segment of the badge | ||
| + | *Screens or other devices displaying animated images worn in the same way a badge would | ||
| + | *Scrolling LED displays, often resold by vendors including [[Fuzzy Logic]] | ||
| + | *[[w:E-ink|E-ink displays]] | ||
*Customized jewelry charms, either as part of a larger badge or to be worn on other prominent accessories such as a collar | *Customized jewelry charms, either as part of a larger badge or to be worn on other prominent accessories such as a collar | ||
*Conbadges made for couples that fit together | *Conbadges made for couples that fit together | ||
| − | [[ | + | [[File:OrionConbadgesAC2006.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Orion]] displays his unusually large collection of badges]] |
| + | |||
===Obtaining badges=== | ===Obtaining badges=== | ||
Some furs collect multiple badges of their character and spend a great deal of time and money to obtain new and interesting badges, making badges an easy source of revenue for artists. | Some furs collect multiple badges of their character and spend a great deal of time and money to obtain new and interesting badges, making badges an easy source of revenue for artists. | ||
| − | If a person wants to commission a personalized badge from an artist, they can usually find willing artists available in the Artist's Alley at a convention, or through online commissions and auctions. Several artists have auctions in the months prior to a particular convention as a means of funding their trip, and then distribute the badges to their clients at the convention itself. | + | If a person wants to commission a personalized badge from an artist, they can usually find willing artists available in the Artist's Alley or Dealer's Room at a convention, or through online commissions and auctions. Several artists have auctions or commission openings in the months prior to a particular convention as a means of funding their trip, and then distribute the badges to their clients at the convention itself. |
There are also exchange communities where people can trade badges with each other, sometimes as often as once a month depending on each community. Most of these communities expect badges to be completed in a timely manner, and often don't give artists the chance to specify whose character they would like to draw (or vice versa). | There are also exchange communities where people can trade badges with each other, sometimes as often as once a month depending on each community. Most of these communities expect badges to be completed in a timely manner, and often don't give artists the chance to specify whose character they would like to draw (or vice versa). | ||
| + | |||
| + | == References == | ||
| + | {{reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*{{lj-comm|conbadges}} - monthly [[LiveJournal]] exchange | *{{lj-comm|conbadges}} - monthly [[LiveJournal]] exchange | ||
*{{lj-comm|badgeexchange}} - another monthly exchange (if enough people participate for a given month) | *{{lj-comm|badgeexchange}} - another monthly exchange (if enough people participate for a given month) | ||
| + | {{Convention terms}} | ||
[[Category:Badges]] | [[Category:Badges]] | ||
[[Category:Convention terms]] | [[Category:Convention terms]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[de:Conbadge]] | ||
| + | [[es:Conbadge]] | ||
| + | [[it:Conbadge]] | ||
| + | [[no:Conbadge]] | ||
| + | [[ru:Бэйдж]] | ||
| + | [[sv:Con badge]] | ||
| + | [[zh:胸卡]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:07, 19 January 2026
Con badges are personalized identification badges (roughly but not exclusively 3" x 4" in size) that can be used to identify a fur. Con badges are called such because they are typically worn at a convention or gathering.
There are two main kinds of badges: membership or official badges, which are issued by convention hosts, and artist badges or fursona badges, which are a specialized form of commission. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Contents
Membership / Official Convention badges[edit]
Identification badges provided by the convention itself are issued to participants as they arrive and/or register with the convention, either on-site or several months before hand. They typically display a stock image of the convention's choice, perhaps drawn by a guest of honor. Con badge names are usually the fan name of the bearer, and is less likely to display the first and last name of the bearer. The name field may be used as space for an inside joke, while the artist badge is used for the bearer's identification. Most conventions number their badges in order of issuance, as badge names may be duplicated, withheld, or vary from the bearer's common name. In charity auctions, the badge number is generally used to identify the winner.
These badges are usually one of two types: a hard plastic badge similar to a credit card, or a label printed and stuck to a plastic badge pouch. The former can be made by directly printing the name of the bearer and graphic onto plastic card stock, or applying a unique label to a pre-printed plastic badge. Often, a hole for a standard badge clip is punched (usually 0.125" x 0.5625"). Rarely, wireless connectivity features such as NFC or RFID can be included to enhance security or functionality.
Official badges are usually needed to get into certain areas of the convention (such as the dealer's room, artist's alley, and the art show), or to convention space in general. They are valuable, and subject to counterfeiting or badge swapping by ghosts, though those who do so risk convention and hotel bans if discovered. Typically each badge is only good for admission to a specific convention year, although attendees often collect them for sentimental value and/or bragging rights.
Some conventions will issue different styles of badges for varying attendance criteria, including: sponsors, convention staff, dealers, artists, minors, or one-day attendees. Conventions may also mark some of these types with a ribbon, text on a printed badge, or other identifying mark. At times black marks are given to badges when attendees are observed violating the convention's standards of conduct.
Artist badges / Fursona badges[edit]
Art commissions designed to be worn by their clients are artist badges or fursona badges. These badges can be worn at many different conventions or meets. Primarily used for identifying furs known online in real life, they are intended to be easier to recognize than an official badge due to the use of a personal image.
While standards for these badges are left up to the individual artist, a typical badge:
- Is a flat, two-dimensional piece of artwork
- Is approximately 3" by 4" in size (but not exclusively)
- Is designed to either be clipped or pinned to an outfit or lanyard
- Features a portrait of the fur's character or fursona, typically a bust shot
- Features the character's/fursona's name (text clarity can sometimes be a problem)
Since they are intended to be worn, fursona badges commonly have the artwork either laminated, or placed in a clear badge pouch. This is to prevent casual damage or bending of the artwork. If a person is commonly represented by several characters, they may wear badges for each of them.
Non-specific badges[edit]
Some badges are mass produced, cheaply available from vendors and are not meant to be specific to an individual. This trend was noted in the mid-2010s. Common themes for this are professing fandom of a media property, acknowledgement of a species, or LGBTQIA+ identity. Mary Mouse's Certified series is a well-known example.
Consent badges[edit]
Popularized by the brony community, consent badges display an indication as to the desired level of the bearer's interaction, self-identified disability status, or pronouns. The most common set is based on the "stoplight" model with red/yellow/green activity indicators. Green means interaction encouraged, yellow means interaction if asked first, and red means do not interact. They are usually designed for high visibility, durability, and ease of display. They are available from some artists or conventions.
Conbadge gimmicks[edit]
Many artists will deviate from the norm to accommodate the needs of certain clients - such as larger badges designed to be worn with an elaborate costume like a fursuit for higher visibility - or as a 'gimmick' to either make their badges stand out among others and drum up sales by offering a unique format.
Common gimmicks include:
- Badges trimmed to the character's / name's outline
- Foil or shiny transparent plastic accents within the lamination
- Oversized badges (designed to be worn with a costume or otherwise)
- Sculpted badges, including 3D printing and clay
- NFC tags for transferring website URLs
- Circuit board badges with elaborate electronics, especially in relation to DEFCON Furs and Hacker conventions [1]
- 'Hanging' badges where the art (or portions of it) is dangling from an otherwise fixed segment of the badge
- Screens or other devices displaying animated images worn in the same way a badge would
- Scrolling LED displays, often resold by vendors including Fuzzy Logic
- E-ink displays
- Customized jewelry charms, either as part of a larger badge or to be worn on other prominent accessories such as a collar
- Conbadges made for couples that fit together
Obtaining badges[edit]
Some furs collect multiple badges of their character and spend a great deal of time and money to obtain new and interesting badges, making badges an easy source of revenue for artists.
If a person wants to commission a personalized badge from an artist, they can usually find willing artists available in the Artist's Alley or Dealer's Room at a convention, or through online commissions and auctions. Several artists have auctions or commission openings in the months prior to a particular convention as a means of funding their trip, and then distribute the badges to their clients at the convention itself.
There are also exchange communities where people can trade badges with each other, sometimes as often as once a month depending on each community. Most of these communities expect badges to be completed in a timely manner, and often don't give artists the chance to specify whose character they would like to draw (or vice versa).
References[edit]
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-history-of-badgelife-def-cons-unlikely-obsession-with-artistic-circuit-boards/ "A History of Badgelife, Def Con’s Unlikely Obsession with Artistic Circuit Boards" on Vice
External links[edit]
- conbadges - monthly LiveJournal exchange
- badgeexchange - another monthly exchange (if enough people participate for a given month)