Writing and Artist Alley are not always the best mix. After all, it is called “Artist Alley” and exists as a way for fans to meet and get sketches from their favorite artists. Sometimes you’ll find small publishers and self publishers, but writers…it can be tough to decide which shows you can afford to make versus the ones you can’t afford to miss.
The cranking up of the convention schedule really has me
dealing with this. This month is the debut of Wizard World’s St. Louis Comicon.
Next month is C2E2 in Chicago.
May is Houston’s
Comicpalooza. Of these three, I will for sure be setting up at Houston and it boils down
to the table fees.
Let me start by saying this isn’t a complaint. I have
promoted events so I realize there are expenses involved. Artist Alley fees are
a bargain compared to the full 10’ x 10’ booth space, which is why you’ll find
a lot of the small press people there. Artists have it best as they can do
sketches at the show, sell original art and work up prints ahead of time to sell.
Why does it seem an artist is at every convention sometimes? Because they can
make a decent amount of cash over a 2 to 3 day period. Not to mention that’s “CA$H”
cash which can hold things together while waiting for a publisher to process
your invoice and pay you for your work. A $300 table can be covered by the end
of day one for some artists. Small press publishers and realistic
self-publishers are often happy if they break even at a show because they are
there for the exposure and are working the long game to build an audience for
future titles. Writers (and a few of the newbie self-publishers)…
You’ve seen them. Usually out of the corner of your eye
because you’re leery of making eye contact and being guilted in going over to
the table. For some, you can almost smell the desperation as they try to at
least make back their table fee. They are the self-publishers on a shoestring
and the non-established writers who decided to try to do a full table solo.
They have their rap down and rarely deviate from the script – much to the
chagrin of their neighbors. Don’t hate the players. Just feel bad that they are
still learning how to play the game.
It is the first year for Wizard St. Louis. I was very close
to committing to a table because it isn’t that far for me, but $300 is a chunk,
especially when you will be looking at having to stay downtown for at least two
nights. (Thank goodness the Cardinals will still be in Spring Training and
starting the regular season on the road or the hotel rates would be higher.)
Wizard made the decision a few years back to no longer offer a half-table
option, so to make the show profitable I would have to move a BUNCH of books.
Another option would’ve been to split a table, but unfortunately my usual table
buddies couldn’t commit to those days. The major publishers no longer embracing
the Wizard shows with floor set ups, portfolio reviews and multiple editors has
also taken the luster off the shows to where “getting my name out there” as
justification doesn’t track. I’ve not
ruled out setting up with a friend at the show, but I’m more likely to go over
for one of the days and check out the vibe to decide if 2014 will be worth it.
C2E2 is a different beast. I set up there last year with a
half-table and might have this year if I had more new material ready for the show.
Made the table fee back by Saturday morning and did slow but steady business.
Stayed most nights with a buddy and did one night at a hotel. Made some decent
contacts and talked to a few people I already knew who have moved around. This
is the show where you justify the expense. Most likely with go up for a couple
of days.
Comicpalooza. Price was right on the half-table and I have
friends down there to stay with. New market where the old Dreah and F. Stein
books might move along with the 51 DELTA trades. Sam Kinison started doing
stand-up so I can do some advance work with area retailers for the LEVITY COMICS
issue telling his story. Ace pal Tony is being brought over as a guest for the
show, so I get to see him and meet his bride. Good chance I’ll take a loss on
the travel, but to open a new market for my work while seeing old friends –
comics and otherwise – it will be worth it.
My mission this year is to try and network with some more
Midwest-based creators that I can try to team up with on these cons with the
higher priced tables. Quite a few shows post-San Diego I would love to hit if I
can find a table partner.
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