Convention Workshop

I realize alot of folks aren't able to physically make it to a Philly or New York meeting for our workshops, so what I want to do is start posting some of the info here on the blog.  Today's topic: "How To Prepare For a Comic Book Convention". While I'm no expert, I hope what I'm able to share is of some help. Also, small disclaimer, these are personal tips. In no way am I saying you will make a million at a show, these are just a few things that have worked for me. In addition, in light of the whole convention sketches/copyright thing, you will have todecide for yourself what you feel is right. Ok, enough babble, let's get into it.

How To Prepare For a Comic Book Convention

The first thing you have to decide is in what capacity will you be doing the show: As a vendor, a fan-boy, a showcaser, or a bit of all. It's best not to go as all 3, and for the purpose of this workshop I'll be discussing just from a Vendor's P.O.V.

There are 3 things you need to do:

1) BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If you're not ready to be behind a table selling stuff, you're not ready.

2) THINK OF THIS AS A BUSINESS! Treat it as such and be professional.

3) THINK OF THIS AS A COMPETITION! There are hundreds of other artists at shows, so be creative.

Herre are the other things:

A) Choose the right convention for yourself. This can mean a lot of different things to different people. You have to consider distance, your product, cost of table, travel, accommodations, how many days is the show, etc. You can find the right con by going to http://www.conventionscene.com/ and http://www.animecons.com/

B) Once you pick the right convention, make sure you know what you're offering. Are you doing commissions, prints, a sketchbook, all? One of the most important components you have to consider is whether you have a creator owned book or you're selling mainstream stuff.

C) Once you know what you're offering, make sure you have it. Figure out who's going to be printing your stuff.

D) Once you have that, it's time to think about table display. I recommend doing a demo display at your home first so you know how everything's going to look and fit.

E) As you think about THAT, think about what might separate you from other artists. Come up with some a fancy display; or do a raffle; or a buy one get one sale; etc.

F) Now that you have your stuff, figure out how much it costs and how much you're worth. You can base this off of how much your prints and books cost, how much you think you should pay yourself, how much other artists charge for the same thing, etc.

G) After that, it's a matter of filling in the blanks with a handy-dandy checkoff list. (See below)

1. Tape
2. Extra pens
3. Sharpies for autographs
4. Plenty of change and a cashbok/cash bag
5. Receipt book
6. Note book
7. Inventory sales sheet
8. Business cards
9. Bags for your stuff
10. Freebies(buttons, candy, etc)
11. Sign with your name and prices
12. Poly bags and boards(to sketch on or for your comic
13. Snacks(I recommend fruit, water, granola)
14. Gum
15. Mirror
16. Extra cash for spending
17. Camera or video
18. Charger for phone
19. Tablecloth
20. Sketchbook and drawing tools
21. Coloring tools
22. Comfy shoes
23. Contact sheet
24. Rubberbands
25. Reference
26. Clips
27. Batteries
28. Square
29. Misc- whatever pertains to you

H) Once you're at the convention, how you handle yourself behind the table is going to be just as important as what you have on the table.
-Make sure you make eye contact
-Make sure your hygiene is up to task
-Make sure you're friendly(try connecting with the person through shared interests, a joke, etc)
-Make sure you know your material and prices(put an extra sign behind your table)
-Make a deal, people love deals
-Make sure to greet everyone

-Make sure you scope out your neighbours. They might have great advice and you can make great friends. Also, you can compare product, prices, etc.

I) This is what is going to separate the business person from the fan-boy. If you're there to sell stuff, SELL STUFF. Don't go wandering off, or taking a whole bunch of pics, or get so wrapped up in your witty dialouge that you forget you're there to make money. There're ways to do it-- for example, Sunday is typically the slowest day of a con, so get there early and look around. Or have a friend come with you to hold down the fort.
This also what's going to separate the showcaser. If you want to present a portfolio, time it well. Read about portfolio submission, which is a whole another workshop. Remember, having your stuff at a show is already a submission. This also allows you to get feedback.

J) After the con is just as important. Make sure to contact everyone on your contact sheet list.

K) And most importantly, take every loss as a win. Learn from your mistakes and see what you need to do better next time--book the show earlier; get more product; stay at a different hotel, etc.

And that concludes my little advice column. I hope it helps. If you have any questions, let me know.

Shawn Alleyne

Xion Founder and President