All work and no play may make Jack a dull boy and R2 D2 builder Tony Dyson strongly believes that one’s creativity depends on how playful one is.

R2 D2 builder Tony Dyson in a favourite stock picture.

In his urge to encourage upcoming artists to get involved in film and creativity, Mr Dyson lays stress on creativity. “How do you do that? Be playful. Never stop playing. If you look at life the way it really should be – enjoyed – then you become very creative,” he said.

The man who had been charged with building the short tube-like robot R2-D2 for Star Wars was among the guests for this weekend’s Malta Comic Con.

Started by a group of five friends seven years ago, the convention this year had to move from its former home in St James Cavalier, Valletta, to the larger Magazino Hall, at Valletta Waterfront because of its growing popularity. In fact, more than 1,500 people had visited the event by noon yesterday.

Be playful. Never stop playing. If you look at life the way it really should be – enjoyed – then you become very creative

Known as Wicked Comics, the group organises the two-day event to celebrate comic books, films, TV series, table top games, video games, cosplaying and virtually anything that is related to the comic culture. Debuting and established writers and artists – both local and international – also set up stalls with their work and engage in live sketching.

Daniela Attard, one of the very first participants of the Malta Comic Con. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Magazino Hall and the interconnected Old Power House were yesterday buzzing with activity as one of the organisers, Fabio Agius, told the newspaper this year’s turnout had exceeded Wicked Comics’s expectations.

Among those attending the weekend activity was Daniela Attard, one of the very first participants of the Malta Comic Con who is now based in London where she works for Cartoon Network.

When she attended the first convention held in Malta, Ms Attard was 18 and still unsure about her career. She liked videogames and comics and used to produce “weird drawings”. She eventually pursued her studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in illustration and moved to London.

After spending eight long months without a job in the British capital, Ms Attard managed to get an internship with Cartoon Network and eventually was engaged as a junior designer for the international network.