So if you’ve never been to Comic Convention but you want to talk to creators up close I can recommend the next INDYpendent Show (in December). On Sunday I was fortunate enough to table at the first INDYpendent Show, a comic show with the mission to help those people who love comics and want to create their own, but either don’t know what steps to take or need a kick in the butt to get started. I ended up the show being not only a wise sage giving advice, but also getting kicked a couple times.
I arrived as prepared as I could be (which means I forgot stuff). I came in and fumbled around setting up my banner, laying out a progression of original strips, and a print of Cecil riding Bernice (a story I need to tell). I made a quick sign that said “Prints $5” and sat back, calm and confident… OK maybe nervous and scared is a better description. I was fortunate enough to be next to Jim McClain creator of Solution Squad, a friend and fellow teacher who has done this a few times. I started to make a list of what I forgot or needed. #1 was business cards. While I had made business cards when I first started the comic, and around year two made another batch, I had either forgotten them or ran out. Everyone who made it to my table had nothing with the website on it! doh! Next thing on the list was some way to take credit cards… While I thought having cash to make change was good enough, and for this show it wasn’t a problem, but the next one, who knows?
After setting up I helped Chris Ludden of Chris & Gin, The Brothers Grant, and Indy Webcomics Group with an educational session on “Bringing Your Character to Life” which, for the first session, was well attended. We talked about some of the basics of drawing and expressions. Chris and I agreed that we did more talking than we had intended, but when we asked the group to draw, they seemed to look like they were deer caught in the headlights.
After that I was at my table for the 5 hours. I happily sold my first print to a boy named Elliot and spoke to friends who stopped by and kids who were interested in how I created this comic. I talked about Micron pens, and non-photo blue pencils the different between regular and Verithin Prismacolors (Verithin are harder and easier to work with IMHO). Scanning as Line Art and the simplicity of Photoshop Elements for the beginner. I chatted about hand lettering and the transition to digital lettering. I just went on, and on, and on. I talked about how and why character designs changed over time. I played teacher, something I’ve been doing since at least 1983. So I was in comfort zone. Then I got my butt kicked.
As a member of the Indy Webcomics Group I get to meet up with other local creators and we encourage each other with projects offer advice and criticism when needed. Like I said I was next to Jim McClain someone who over the past year has become a close friend. Jim knew me mostly as a teacher who admires his work, not as much as a comic creator. He played the role of big brother sharing with me tips and tricks for conventions that he has picked up. “Can I have one of your business cards?” was one of his first questions. As we talked throughout the day during breaks in the crowd he asked me having a book… I made my typical excuses about not being ready, needing more time to polish little things like story and art. A little bit later I noticed he was looking at the comic from day one. He turned to me and just stated- “Next time you’re at a convention you need to have a book. You’re more than ready.” I jokingly replied, “You aren’t the first person to tell me that.” He bluntly said, “I hope I’m the last.” He wasn’t, a kid who admired my monkey drawings asked if I had a book he could buy… doh!
I had a wonderful time, learning about how to table at a small convention and I’m really looking forward to the next INDYpendent Show, but before then I have the monster that is the Indy Pop Con and putting together a book, even a small one of Cecil’s greatest hits… wish me luck and I’ll keep you all updated as to the progress.