2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/ Lussumo Vanilla & Feed Publisher http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285429#Comment_285429 2011-03-02T03:42:36-08:00 2011-03-02T08:30:38-08:00 used_bandaid http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1741

Hey guys, I'm running a stall at Armageddon, which is basically New Zealand's answer to comic con. I've been be doing it for a few years now, normally I only sell prints and sketches. So I ...

I'm running a stall at Armageddon, which is basically New Zealand's answer to comic con. I've been be doing it for a few years now, normally I only sell prints and sketches.
So I guess I'm trying to do a little research into what products to make and sell this year.

There seems to be a large amount of artists around here and I'd be very interested to hear what some of you provide for your stalls.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285461#Comment_285461 2011-03-02T11:59:46-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 PatrickBrown http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1800

I've done a few local cons and zine fairs with my own comics, and I also run a monthly stall selling a selection of Irish small press comics by various artists. In both cases I have a decent ...

Main thing I've learned is, if you, can, stand rather than sit behind your stall. Being on the same level as your potential customers is friendlier and makes it easier to make eye contact. If you're below the customer you're subliminally lower-status and easier to take no notice of. If you're sketching you probably won't be able to stand, so you might consider putting a chair in front of the stall so customers can sit down to talk to you.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285472#Comment_285472 2011-03-02T13:27:44-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 HEY APATHY! http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9019

here's my how to set up your display booth video ... but seriously I have mental problems, what you really need is a little checklist like this: 1) BUSINESS CARDS with WEB info 2) ...

but seriously I have mental problems, what you really need is a little checklist like this:

1) BUSINESS CARDS with WEB info
2) BUSINESS CARDS with WEB info
3) BUSINESS CARDS with WEB info
4) see above (I do an oversized business card with lot's of graphics, most people are surprised they are free and they are a great give away)

Merchandise $20 0r less
5) comics
6)t-shirts
7)prints/posters
8) pins
9)stickers

Gear
10) Table cloth (decorative?)
11) signage

PACK FOOD or at least be prepared for snacking NEVER LEAVE YOUR BOOTH. ( diapers are great you never know when stan lee might walk by)

Did this professionally (mostly in the fine art circuit though, not so much comic-cons) at a rate of 15 shows a year from 2001- 2009, they are lot's of fun but lot's of work. Good Luck!]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285480#Comment_285480 2011-03-02T14:33:02-08:00 2011-03-02T14:35:49-08:00 Paul Sizer http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=44

I've been setting up at shows since 1993, and in those many years, no matter the size of the shows, there's some constants that always bring business to me... A. Product standing up, not flat on ...

A. Product standing up, not flat on the table. Improves visibility for books.
B. Your name (or the name of your book), in big, easy to see letters.
C. Upright banners with simple, bold graphics.
D. Easy to see pricing for everything on the table, especially what's FREE.
E. Work in progress. I always have a "piece I'm working on", which is a clever ploy to have a drawing in progress solely for the purpose of having something that people can see me working on, encouraging them to hang out and browse the table.
F. I always bring my own cheap, color coordinated plastic table cloth that makes me stand out from all the white plastic tables, and can be thrown out at the end of the convention.

As far as engaging customers, I mix it up between sitting and standing. I take a laid back approach to engaging a customer, encouraging them to browse the table and let me know if they have any questions. Some people have the gift of being able to carnival bark effectively, but I've always made more sales when I let people browse and hang out. The longer they stay at the table, the more likely a sale will happen. Since I also do sketches, that also gives them something to personalize their visit to my table, so that's always a good hook if you're able to do quick sketches for folks.

And take-aways. Always have something small and free with your name and website on it that everyone can take. Business cards, postcards, anything free with info on it for them to check you out later.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285506#Comment_285506 2011-03-02T20:05:43-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 initiatezao http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9321

thanks, some great information in your replies.

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285507#Comment_285507 2011-03-02T20:34:01-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Brendan McGinley http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=93

Use all the vertical space you can because you won't have much horizontal. Additionally, as Sizer said, you make your work more visible. I taped my t-shirts to the front of the table, but if ...

I taped my t-shirts to the front of the table, but if there's a grid rack behind your table (some shows divide the rows with them) that's an even better place to hang them.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285556#Comment_285556 2011-03-03T10:14:12-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Paul Sizer is THE MAN when it comes to doing good booth. I've subtly stolen some tips from him since I began exhibiting about 3 years ago. Here's my table from a show last fall. It's a 6' table; I ...

Here's my table from a show last fall. It's a 6' table; I prefer 8' because I can spread out a bit more.


What we see:
*I use two plastic magazine stands to hold my "floppy" comics. One has three tiers, the other has four. The comics in the tiers are grouped by title. Prices are next to each title on the backs of business cards. The racks can be found at any office supply store.
*My trade paperbacks are stacked to the right of those. There's a tall stack lying flat and one copy of each title displayed vertically on folding book stands behind them. You can get these at any arts/crafts store, like Michaels.
*Next to those is a small binder filled with sketch cards for sale, and an 8x10 portfolio of original art and sketches. The sketches I generally will give away as incentives (buy $20 in comics, get a free sketch). The sketch cards sell pretty well at $5 each or 2 for $8.
*In front of the plastic racks is space for fliers, bookmarks or other giveaways.
*The tablecloth covering the table is, well, a tablecloth. THIS IS KEY. Always bring a cloth -- and a second one to cover your table overnight.
*In front of the table is a 6' wide, custom-made banner. I want to get a vertical one for behind the table, too, but I just haven't done that yet.
*Behind all of that, out of public view, is a cup to hold pens and pencils, a sketchbook, my notebook to register sales and hand sanitizer.
*Beneath the table is a crate with random supplies (tape, string, velcro tabs, thumbtacks, scissors, etc.) because you'll never know what you need.

As for my approach: I try to stand as much as possible, although I have a bad back and that becomes difficult at times. I'm there to sell, so I try to be genial and helpful and not overpowering. If you're standing in front of my booth, it means you want to buy comics. It's my job to put them into your hand and take your money. I've gotten good at sales pitches for my various titles, and I do well at cons.

Here's one more photo, of me at Wizard World Chicago last year. Like Paul, I try to stand out. One way I do this is by wearing this hockey jersey on Day One. It stands out, doesn't it?


Good luck at your show! Oh, I almost forgot: Other people who do great booth are David Mack, Jill Thomspon and Dirk Tiede. Dirk especially.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285575#Comment_285575 2011-03-03T13:35:36-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 used_bandaid http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1741

I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to write up this wonderful feed back. :) Cheers

:)

Cheers]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285616#Comment_285616 2011-03-03T23:16:36-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Brendan McGinley http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=93

Russell makes a point -- you can kind of suss out even casually dressed fans from like-garbed creators just because...most pros aren't wearing their gang colors. If everyone's sporting a Lantern ...

But when I'm not feeling so gimmicky I still try to arrive in a suit. I don't usually hit up editors for work at shows because most of them are local anyway and it's not like it's worked for me yet, but at the very least they'll remember me as someone who can cut a professional appearance. Now if only my work says the same.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285708#Comment_285708 2011-03-04T15:57:42-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Thanks, Brendan. Con attire is a topic that was raised at the Engine, and at P&P, too. Aside from the hockey-jersey day, I typically wear blue jeans and either a snazzy camp shirt (a Hawaiian ...

Aside from the hockey-jersey day, I typically wear blue jeans and either a snazzy camp shirt (a Hawaiian button-down, but without the hibiscus) or a dress shirt with a nice T-shirt beneath it. If I have scheduled a meeting with an editor, I may wear khakis.

Although I think I look good in a suit or blazer, and I own a few of both, it's typically too hot at cons for me to go that route. Sweaty is never a good luck when trying to impress someone.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285753#Comment_285753 2011-03-05T05:33:43-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Paul Sizer http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=44

Thanks for the nice words, Russel. And is it just me, or in your picture, you look 2-D, like you have a cut out of yourself to man the table. That's brilliant!

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285775#Comment_285775 2011-03-05T09:33:07-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 jesserubenfeld http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5858

I also set up much like Paul Sizer. I would like to add a do not forget list to this, because you will never know what you will need. Things to bring to a convention that you are set up at 1.Tape ...

Things to bring to a convention that you are set up at
1.Tape (packing, duct, scotch)
2. twine or string
3. scissors
4. painkillers (advil asprin etc)
5. a healthy snack with protein
6. something to hold your money (a wallet, envelope, etc) cashboxes can be bulky
7. layers of clothing (cons can get hot and cold depending on the amount of people and your location)
8. a record book (keep track of everything you sell and everything you buy)
9. scrap paper for last minute signs and notes
10. pens, pencils, etc (to make art, signs, autographs)
11. a phone (I have a smart phone so I can accept credit cards with Square, check the net for reference photos, and in case of emergency)

anybody else have stuff to add to the list?]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285810#Comment_285810 2011-03-05T14:09:22-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

You're not the first person to say that, Paul. In fact, Jimmie "Bomb Queen" Robinson dummied a photo featuring him and "Flat Russell" at SDCC. The optical effect was the result ...

The optical effect was the result of a wide angle lens, I believe.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285811#Comment_285811 2011-03-05T14:13:22-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Jesse: Your to-bring list is excellent. I'd add: -A water bottle and one-serving juice-mix packets, so you can stay hydrated all day. -Granola bars, especially the ones with fruits and nuts. They ...

Your to-bring list is excellent. I'd add:
-A water bottle and one-serving juice-mix packets, so you can stay hydrated all day.
-Granola bars, especially the ones with fruits and nuts. They provide great protein and sugars to get you through the day
-Hand sanitizer
-Tissues/paper towels
-Plastic bags, both for your trash and for customers' purchases
-Post-it Notes. I've contributed to a lot of anthologies, and having these stickers on my pages makes it easy to find them and show people my work. They're also good for pricing books.
-A sheet of paper (mine is framed) that lists all your prices, discounts, etc.
-A table-top name card or sign, identifying who you are. I generally face this off to the side, so people approaching the table can see it before they arrive.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285812#Comment_285812 2011-03-05T14:31:56-08:00 2011-03-05T14:32:47-08:00 Annie http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5276

Does anyone have specific suggestions as to how to handle banners/background things? I've seen some people with stands made of PVC pipe bits for easy assembly and portability... I've also seen easels ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285838#Comment_285838 2011-03-05T18:07:54-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Annie: I've avoided the PVC pipe route, as do most professionals. I think it looks amateurish for the most part. I have seen a few good homemade setups, though, including one that used C-clamps to ...

It's worth it, I think, to buy a banner that comes with a built-in stand. The banner is on a springloaded device and has a spine built in as well. You can find them very inexpensively on eBay if you don't mind the product coming from China and taking a while. Or you can get it domestically (if you're American, of course) but pay a bit more.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285847#Comment_285847 2011-03-05T21:47:20-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Brendan McGinley http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=93

A dish of candy never hurts, either. I often lug a box of Marvels and DCs with me to give away free. Most folks will consider your pitch with a more open mind if they're taking a comic from you ...

I often lug a box of Marvels and DCs with me to give away free. Most folks will consider your pitch with a more open mind if they're taking a comic from you which they already know they want. And it doesn't hurt to draw a crowd.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285868#Comment_285868 2011-03-06T08:05:06-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

I remember one year Erik Larsen wanted to give away Hostess Fruit Pies at his AA table -- and the con told him he couldn't, because the hall vendors had an exclusive contract for food service, or ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285869#Comment_285869 2011-03-06T08:24:14-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Paul Sizer http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=44

Annie: I would agree also; homemade PVC banner holders may have a kind of hipster/ironical appeal, but always seem kind of hokey and non-professional. If you go to a place like FastSigns or places ...

FastSigns or places like that, for about $200 you can invest in a self contained roller banner that is its own stand, doesn't weight much, is pretty compact, and goes up in about 10 seconds. Its an investment, but you'll look clean, compact, won't trod on neighboring tables (my big gripe is huge banner self made contraptions that infringe upon my table area) and you can carry it on the plane. Highly recommended.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285880#Comment_285880 2011-03-06T11:14:04-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

I got my horizontal banner at vistaprint.com. It cost $35, including $10 shipping. Interestingly, they don't make banners with eyelets. Rather, You pay $4 for clear, plastic adhesive hangers that you ...

I recommend the service.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285928#Comment_285928 2011-03-06T19:36:07-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 jesserubenfeld http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5858

I tried the PVC thing years ago and finally bought a spring loaded sign from imphotographics. they go to a lot of the big shows in the u.s. and can hand deliver you your signs to save on shipping ...

imphotographics. they go to a lot of the big shows in the u.s. and can hand deliver you your signs to save on shipping
Russell, I love your additions to the list. I end up bringing most of them anyway, never thought of Post-its. great idea!
and yes, hand sanitizer is a must!]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285930#Comment_285930 2011-03-06T19:54:15-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Thanks, Jesse. In the "Think Vertical" department that Sizer mentioned, I have this to add. DISCLAIMER: The following photograph IS NOT A SALES PITCH. It was a photo I took earlier today ...

In the "Think Vertical" department that Sizer mentioned, I have this to add. DISCLAIMER: The following photograph IS NOT A SALES PITCH. It was a photo I took earlier today so I could share a new tabling tool with some of my friends. And now I'm sharing it with you guys. But again, I AM NOT TRYING TO SELL ANY OF YOU ANYTHING.

The tool in question is the cardboard sign that tops the paperback standing vertically here. It's a comics backing board that's been cut in half horizontally. In what remains, beneath the message, are two vertical cuts -- leaving three strips of cardboard. Putting the two outer strips behind the book and the middle strip over the back cover, I've created a really solid vertical sign that draws attention to the book being sold. The version here was just a template; I've since printed better-looking ones that don't rely on my crappy handwriting.

The price tag affixed to the front cover is made from some of that backing board, too. It's affixed to the cover with a folded piece of blue painters' tape, which doesn't ruin book covers or leave a mark.

Anyway, here it is:
]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285945#Comment_285945 2011-03-07T04:06:27-08:00 2011-03-07T04:07:12-08:00 Paul Duffield http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=6

For artists within the UK, a lot of people get their banners from this ebay seller. I recently got one from there, and they're very nice quality. Best advice I can give is just to be friendly, and ...

this ebay seller. I recently got one from there, and they're very nice quality.
Best advice I can give is just to be friendly, and don't be pushy. Guilting or pressuring people into buying can give you a sale, but it probably won't get you a fan or a repeat buyer. Make people feel comfortable at your stand, like they can just look and chat, and really don't have to buy anything.
There are also different types of browsers, some people get chased away when you talk to them, and others won't come all the way to the table unless you do. Being able to tell the difference and adapt is useful. I've noticed this varies quite a bit from UK to US conventions, probably because of different social norms, but it's worth bearing in mind.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=285972#Comment_285972 2011-03-07T10:54:04-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 HEY APATHY! http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9019

just wanted to say that jesserubenfelds list of odds & ends is really good. I don't know how many times my duct tape or sales book got misplaced. I have everything on jesse's list in a tool kit ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286106#Comment_286106 2011-03-08T15:27:10-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 jesserubenfeld http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5858

I used to carry a few plastic bins with everything in it and used a dolly to move it all...however it made getting around at the beginning and end a bit hard to do. So, I had a custom bag made to fit ...

Anybody else have any tricks on compacting their table set up for easy transport?]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286117#Comment_286117 2011-03-08T17:13:07-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

I use a dolly with bungee cords. One crate at the bottom has my supplies; 3-4 Diamond boxes of comics go on top of that; the long box that holds my banner slips in somewhere. If I have a good con, I ...

Please look me up at C2E2! I'll be at the Reading With Pictures Booth, #821, next to DC. Where are you set up?]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286320#Comment_286320 2011-03-10T17:40:20-08:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 jesserubenfeld http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5858

I'll be in Artist Alley table M7, look forward to meeting you in person Russell!

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286682#Comment_286682 2011-03-13T16:36:34-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 warrenellis http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2

Any more for any more?

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286713#Comment_286713 2011-03-13T21:11:37-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 runcibleshaw http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2871

I love specific detailed advice like this. I don't know if anyone is still hanging around the thread (or if this is even the right thread to ask this) but what is the process of actually getting a ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286725#Comment_286725 2011-03-14T01:02:11-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Brendan McGinley http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=93

Pretty much, yeah. Don't expect to make your nut back, though. The only way to do that is to get some actual exhibitor space. The indie guys I know who have done that have made really good bank, but ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286730#Comment_286730 2011-03-14T01:55:52-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 PatrickBrown http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1800

Comic cons in the UK and Ireland usually have a special lower rate for small press exhibitors. You don't have to restrict yourself to comics shows, either. There's also local arts markets, zine ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286746#Comment_286746 2011-03-14T06:05:51-07:00 2011-03-14T06:09:00-07:00 Paul Sizer http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=44

The success of setting up in an Artist Alley of a con is really dependent on the con itself. For certain, there are cons where Artist Alley is THE focus of the show, and is placed accordingly, a ...

As Patrick said, don't limit yourself to just super-hero comic shows. As I've stated many times on these threads, my secret find has been anime/manga cons, as they have the excitement and enthusiasm for ALL genres of comic art that I have not seen at most capes and tights based shows in years. They don't exclude super-hero stuff, but they include an amazingly wide range of interest, so setting up in Artist Alleys at these shows has proven to be an incredibly smart move for three years running. The customer base is very open to trying new stuff, and in my experience, these people come to purchase, either with their own money or mom and dad's. One good anime/manga show gives me as much bang as 5 bad super-hero cons money-wise, and I come out much more happy about the future of the medium.

Also understand that different kinds of cons have different focuses. Indie cons like SPX and APE are more about trading the same money amongst everyone, in that you may sell a bunch of stuff, but there's so much good stuff to buy that it comes out even. Some comic artists try to sell the same at sci-fi cons, which I've found to be a mistake, as sci-fi cons are much less a commerce driven kind of convention and more about the social aspect for the attendees. I've also set up at library-based conventions/book shows, and while it's good exposure to a very fertile buying group, most attendees at library cons think its all about the free samples, and are like locusts with their huge swag bags, almost insulted when you have to tell them "ummm, those books are actually for sale".

Like any salesperson, your ability to sell your work to an audience is a mix of ingredients. The work has to be good, but you also have to be someone who can be approached and you have to be willing to adapt to a very wide range of how people like to be sold to. I've been to tons of conventions with sullen artists in Artist Alley with their arms folded, pissed that no one is stopping at their table. That just comes off as entitled, and virtually guarantees that no one will want to check out your stuff even more. I've had artists ask me "Hey, you're getting a lot of people at your table, tell them to come down to mine when they're done." Uh-uh, it doesn't work that way; I'll recommend someone, but it's all up to them, and if they come, they come. If your stuff isn't their bag, it isn't. Don't be a piss ant; customers don't owe you a thing; you have to earn that, one person at a time if need be. Make no mistake; I've sat at plenty of cons as a newbie at a table and have not sold one @#$% thing. That's your time in the trenches; if you don't want to stay there, you learn to adapt and evolve.

Part of the trick is that you need to accept that it may take a few cons to get your "swagger" for how it's best to sell your work, and you also may need to see if what you're selling really IS something up to scratch. I always tell younger artists to take the time to investigate Artist Alley and determine where they are in the "food chain", how many people have worse stuff than you, and how many are schooling you. It's not an ego thing; it's seeing where your strengths are, and what you need to work on, which is how you grow, how you mature as an artist, and how you determine what level of involvement you want to have in the industry. You may come away from a set of conventions with the assessment of "This is NOT for me", and that's a valid conclusion to work with. Some artists will come up with the exact opposite assessment, that cons are their bread and butter.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286779#Comment_286779 2011-03-14T08:38:37-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 geof http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4954

Nuts, got logged out while I was flitting between drawing and posting to this. Anyway, yeah, everything that I'd say is important has been covered: take advantage of the vertical space, be friendly, ...

In truth I quite enjoy re-designing my stall. I'm UK based and I take my comics and stuff round comic cons as well as fetish fairs and goth and steampunk events. The guys who trade at those mostly make good use of all their space: making sure there's stuff at eye level, having it easily accessible, making it a bit eye catching. Unlike them I don't usually have a vehicle so my current set up is two old-looking suitcases and a rucksack. And a portable trolley, because whilst I can carry the cases it's nicer not to. I fitted out one of the suitcases with shelves so that it doubles up as a display stand. I can't find a good photo quickly, but it's on the left of this facebook photo with the mugs on it.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286784#Comment_286784 2011-03-14T08:58:05-07:00 2011-03-14T13:22:35-07:00 jesserubenfeld http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5858

Yeah, a show's success can be pretty much a crap shoot. I always go in trying to break even, anything above that and I leave a show happy. As for getting into a show, most of the conventions websites ...

I also wrote an article about setting up at conventions on Comic Related

Geof, love the idea of something that serves as both display and transport.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286898#Comment_286898 2011-03-14T21:52:08-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Once again, Mr. Sizer speaks the truth. When it comes to setting up in AA, you need to do it a few times to get your sea legs, to see what pitches work and which don't, and to figure out if your ...

Like Paul, I've given up on sci-fi cons as well as general collectible cons. I tested the waters, figuring I'd be a rare find at such shows, but I didn't sell very well at either type. But here's the thing: Nobody did. At these shows, the cosplayers are there to have fun with each other (and that's great) and the few shoppers generally are looking for bargains.

Like Paul, my best show typically is an anime/manga show called ACen, in the Chicago area. The attendees are having so much fun, and they're open to new things and meeting creators of all shapes and sizes. They don't care that I don't write manga -- they care that I write good comics, and that I'm personable. That I write Batman helps a lot. In fact, the "Writing Batman" panel I led at last year's Acen was a standing-room-only crowd of at least 150 people. It was tremendous.

Knowing your target audience is key when selling. You have to be active and pitch to the right people, otherwise you'll be depressed and have a sore throat the first day. At superhero cons, my target audience are parents with young kids, because I've written Batman for younger audiences and I have other kids books. But my indie books are noir, horror and historical fiction -- so I have to try to spot people who'd be into good black and white comics and not just capes and cowls -- and then give them a different pitch than the first bunch.

You have to watch how people are walking through Artist Alley, too. Someone rushing through who's looking off into the distance doesn't want to shop, they're headed somewhere. But if someone is walking slowly, glancing at stuff on the tables as they go, they want to hear about your comic. That's why they're there. Sullen and cross-armed doesn't sell comics. Smiling and friendly and a good handshake do. Not to mention being well groomed, having a good table layout and offering nice deals, like buy three books and I'll give you a free sketch.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=286899#Comment_286899 2011-03-14T21:53:16-07:00 2013-05-25T05:34:55-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Jesse: I can't believe I've never thought to wrap a towel around my bag's shoulder strap. GREAT idea.

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9600&Focus=287823#Comment_287823 2011-03-23T18:00:54-07:00 2011-03-23T18:19:44-07:00 Russell Lissau http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9201

Here's a photo of the READING WITH PICTURES table at c2e2. We did as much vertical as possible, and it caught a lot of people's attention. The books all are on folding book stands, behind big piles ...

Whoops, I selected the wrong photo at first. Here's the good one.

As you can see, we kept it pretty simple. T-shirts on one side (and eventually an art portfolio over there, too), books on the other. The RWP SC's and HC's were dead-center and eye-catching; my indie books (which were there to raise some extra coin for the group and myself) were off to one side. Free bookmarks are scattered in between.]]>