How do you do it?

[Joey Cruz]

So, in my entire life I've been to two conventions. The first was in the basement of a church in Manhatten. It was pretty small and I pretty much went there to get my issues of Clerks and Daredevil #1 signed by Kevin Smith. It was fun. The second was Wizard World LA this past March, just a couple weeks before I got married. It was fun, but hectic... and more than a little intimidating.

See... if I'm going to one of these things as a spectator, then hey! Piece of cake! I wander around, look for back-issues I can't find anywhere else, stare pityingly at the has-been TV actors waiting for people to notice their tables, and try to get a few of my books signed. Being a consumer is *easy*.

But this last time, I was going as a creator. Not a creator with his own table or booth... nonono... that would be simple. I was just a guy wandering with a folder filled with copies of a series pitch to hand to any artist I could find. See, I'd been nursing a few ideas that had lain dormant in the back of my head for a while, and I'd read everywhere that "If you are trying to break into comics, you MUST attend the conventions!"

Problem is... they never really tell you where to go from there.

So, I went to the Con... and stared Puss-in-Boots-like at the sheer magnitude of STUFF before me. I didn't know where to go first... I didn't have any sort of plan laid out... So, for the first hour or two, I pretended to be a consumer, wandering from place to place, staring blankly at various and sundry shit, and whenever I did suck up the courage enough to try to speak to somebody -- ANYBODY -- about the stuff I was really there for -- making connections, finding an artist -- I stuttered and rambled and left long, awkward silences in between. In the end, I didn't get a whole lot accomplished (aside from finding out about ComicSpace, which has served me nicely over time).

So, I present these questions to you fine people:

What do YOU go to conventions for?

How do YOU schedule your time (if at all)?

How do YOU meet people?

Does it help to go with friends/family, or does that tend to weigh you down/make you feel more nervous?

Basically... Just how the hell do you do this goddamn convention thing???



...help?

~ Joey

[Derrick Fish]

This is a tricky one. Are you going to the shows looking for artist to colaborate with or are you looking for a writing gig?

If you're looking for artists, I imagine it would serve you to put together a little package to leave with people you meet. Something with some writing samples perhaps (But not the pitch for your idea, as you don't want to hand out material to potential thieves. Keep that part of your presentation vauge and verbal between you and any artists you talk to.)

Just a few pages that show your writing style with contact information to leave with any artists you meet that seem interested should be good. This will, of course, cost you a little bit to make some copies at a local Kinkos or something, but could be well worth it.

Another thought is to hold back from attending until you have something to really show. Maybe hit up sites that have connections to artists like DIGITAL WEBBING and try and find an aritst there so you can put together a small presentation ashcan. A short, 8 page story printed up on the cheep at Kinkos with your name and contact info as a leave behind.

Also remember that when you go to an artists alley at a con to talk to an artist, they're there with their own agenda, so don't be too pushy. They want to sell their stuff too. :)

[Joey Cruz]

Umm... both? Heh... I'd love to pick up a writing gig, but I wouldn't even know where to start looking (at a convention, that it). (any tips?)

I was mainly there to find an artist, but I never really felt like I was going about it the right way. I wandered up and down artists alley, looking at styles, and when I found someone who interested me, I'd try to inquire about projects they were working on. I think my big problem was that I didn't come in with a plan other than "Find artists, hand them pitch ideas, hope for call-backs." It was... awkward.

I really appreciate the advice you put up here! It helps me get an idea of what to do next.

Here's another question... How to people go about approaching publishers at conventions?

What experiences, if any, have you had with regard to that?
I've since met an artist on comicspace, so we're working on something together and I'm very excited about that.

[Joey Cruz]

For some reason my reply got all mis-formatted... either that or I had a brain-fart trying to reply before my lunch hour was up. =P

Either way, the last line belonged somewhere in the middle.

[Philip Clark]

What do YOU go to conventions for?

I used to go to make connections, now I'm too busy trying to sell my book.

How do YOU schedule your time (if at all)?


That's a tough one. If I were just attending a convention, the first thing I'd do is check the program and see if there were any panels that I absoultely had to be at. I also try to pencil in time to walk through small press and artist alley to scout talent. And then of course, there's scheduling time after the show for boozing.

How do YOU meet people?

See above about the boozing. Seriously though, most of the better connections I've made have been in the bar after. Sometimes it's easier to hook up a gig when you're not even talking about the business. It really is who you know sometimes. Even if you don't drink (better if you don't), the after-con drinkups are crucial.

Does it help to go with friends/family, or does that tend to weigh you down/make you feel more nervous?

I find that family and friends tend to weigh me down. I made the mistake of taking my wife to my first San Diego Comicon, and I've regretted it to this day. I was so focused on being "on" and schmoozing that I was a comlete dick to her. That said, if you have a friend that's interested in the biz sometimes it's better to travel as a goup. Sometimes there is strength in numbers.

Basically... Just how the hell do you do this goddamn convention thing???

Like the other reply, it's always best to be prepared. If it's a big con, they ususally have the schedule posted online weeks before the show. Think about your personal and professional goals for the show and prepare accordingly. When I first started out, I literally went just to speak to writers to gain knowledge. I prepared a little kit with my work and asked for critiques (obviously, written samples need to be followed up on a week or two after the show. Don't expect anyone to read your stuff on the spot). Later, I'd go strictly to recruit talent. Focus on what you want to accomplish and maximize your con experience that way.

And, at some point, try to have some fun.

If there is a CAG (Comicbook Artists Guild) chapter in your area, I encourage you to hook up with them. Their whole deal is networking at conventions with up-and-comers.

[Joey Cruz]

Another very helpful reply.

I'm gonna print this page out like a study guide the next time I consider attending a con. =P

[Shannon Chenoweth]

I go to conventions to sell my books. :)

That, and I love meeting my fellow creators. It's a great place to network (not just during the con, but post events as well), and get to know people. Thus far, I haven't gone seeking work outright. I do however look for artists to collaborate with.

[Martin T. Pierro]

That's just the thing I went to MegaCon in Orlando this year to find people to collaborate with (and to promote my upcoming book), but every time I tried, I got tongue-tied and ended up throwing my card at them and left thinking that I blew it. I went to talk to Josh from Devil's Due and I mutter and stumbled through my words, I was only able to get off how much I enjoyed his work and that his "how to book" was my bible, I felt like such a tool that I didn't even give him a card. I feel for Joey - I think my question is - How do you work through the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time?