Vincent Brown’s Journal and Photography

Planning My Trip to Los Angeles

If you aren’t aware, deviantART, the largest online community to host all forms of art from photography and digital art to traditional art and writing/poetry is hosting their first summit, or convention. From August 2000 to March 2003, I have volunteered a lot of my time at deviantART, Inc., as the Assistant Marketing Director and also doing various website admin type duties as well as being heavily involved in the community aspect of the site, working with the people that make up this mammoth of a website.

Anyway, starting last week, I’ve been saving money from my paychecks so I can attend this once in a lifetime event. By going, I’ll have the opportunity to meet, in person, a lot of the people who I have been in contact with, via the internet and phone calls, for almost 5 years. It will be quite an experience to meet and network with these people in person. Some of them, including guys like Angelo Sotira, who is the CEO of deviantART, Inc. I have a strong connection with because we used to work together on the website and have a unique connection through the site because we’ve often disagreed and have come to agreements on a lot of sensitive issues regarding the website (and other things). To meet him will probably be the highlight of my trip. Also, because I admire all that he’s done with his life and I would like to tell him that in person.

I’m also excited to meet, Scott Jarkoff, who’s been a great colleague during my time at deviantART, Inc. I’m sure we’ll have a lot to talk about, if he is able to come to the Summit, which is being held in Santa Monica, CA, a long distance from his home in Japan.

Myself, I’m coming from Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 3,000 miles from the venue. I’ve created a pretty snazzy itenerary on Expedia.com outlining my trip. This is how it goes:

Flight Summary + Car Rental: $283.41 + $84.40 [car rental]

Thu. 16-Jun-05
United Airlines, Economy/Coach Class, Breakfast.
Philadelphia (PHL) to Los Angeles (LAX) - 2395 miles
Depart: 8:55am | Arrive: 11:36am
Duration: 5hr, 41mn

Sun. 19-Jun-05
United Airlines, Economy/Coach Class, Breakfast.
Los Angeles (LAX) to Philadelphia (PHL) - 2395 miles
Depart: 1:00pm | Arrive: 8:53pm
Duration: 4hr, 53mn

Hotel Summary: Total $267.97

Thu. 16-Jun-05 (3 days)
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
Check in: Thu Jun-16-2005
Check out: Sun Jun-19-2005

That’s all I have for now, all in all, the complete package will be like $710.75 (from Expedia.com), of course, a lot of that is in taxes and additional booking fees, but I think it’s a great deal for a trans continental flight, round-trip, 3 day lodging in a nice hotel and a rental car. I think it would be great if I had someone to go with, but I can’t think of anyone else that can either afford to go or has the time to go. If you’re going and want to save money, we might be able to pool our resources and save money. Use this contact form to get in touch with me.

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02/16/2005 | General, Life, deviantART | Comments

5 Responses to “Planning My Trip to Los Angeles”

Posted by: Scott - 02/16/2005

I want to go but am not certain that I will be able to come up with the necessary funds in order to pay for 3 round-trip tickets from Japan to Los Angeles. :’( We’ll see though.
Posted by: Mark - 02/17/2005

Hey guy… I wish I was gonna be available then so we could finally meet and what not. Sounds like it’s gonna be a blast. Take lots of pictures!
Posted by: J - 02/19/2005

Wish I could go too man, it’d be nice to meet the crew and all. Maybe we’ll meet up some other time, Florida is a known vacation spot
Posted by: kriegs - 02/20/2005

hopefully see ya there man
Posted by: michaeltoe - 02/20/2005

cold