The In's and Out's of Con

Falling under the "Growing Pains of Art" banner; this is a topic that I've been wanting to write about for a while now. While I am hardly the most qualified person to write an article about the con experience, I have been to and seen enough to write about what I've observed, learned, and want to share.

Going to conventions adds a level and experience to fandom: you can meet the creators of your favorite series, actors that have portrayed your favorite characters, and meet fellow fans that share your obsessions. The flip side is the actual people behind the tables: it's a chance to meet fellow creators and network, meet adoring fans, promote yourself and work, and of course, make a bit of cash. I would like to share my thoughts and observations on how to make the most of your con experience. *WARNING* Following the forthcoming information will not guarantee success.

One of the most important things to do is properly plan your con experience. Get everything in order- art supplies, banners, merchandise, travel necessities, clothing, paperwork, etc. Here's a list of items that you should consider having for con:
- Art Supplies. BRING ONLY WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED. A pencil or two, sharpener, eraser, correction fluid, paper, a drawing board, and art box for storage. Markers are good too, but again, you don't need to bring all 312 Copics or 156 Prismacolor markers, maybe some grey tones, black, and red. Of course you can bring whatever you want, but remember: at a con, you want to be able to produce quality amount of work in a small window of time. Turn-around time is critical to con win.
- Cash Box and change. Start off with about $100 in change (singles and 5's mainly).
- Note pad. Keep track of what you sell and for how much. Also to make notes for what is working, not working, and can double as a sketch request list.
- Table cover. Most cons already have one, but just in case they don't- it's always nice to have one. Adds to the presentation of your space.
- Sign/banner. Have something that states who you are and shows off your best work. It should have your name on it (duh) be easy to read, and draw people in. Again- having a presence is very important at a con. You want people to see you, come by your space, spend some time and ultimately their money on you. Having something that draws them in from afar and from everyone else.
- Backdrop. You can go all fancy and buy the pre-made cages and what-not, or you can jimmy-rig your own with PVC pipe, curtains, portable clothing rack, and so forth. Whatever you have, be sure that it's portable and can travel easily. It adds presence to your space and you can place examples of your merchandise on there so that people can see what you're selling.
- Hand sanitizer. Nice thing to have after handling money and shaking hands. "Con sickness" is one of the worst things to have, and this is one step in keeping yourself healthy.
- Business cards/postcards. It seems like a no-brainer, but I've run into people- professionals- that had nothing of this sort. Vistaprint does a good job and is dirt cheap. It's about promotion and advertising, and it's one way of expanding your audience and possibly getting commissions or published work.
- Bags. If you're selling prints or sketches, have something that you can put the artwork in so that it's protected and people can carry. Plastic sleeves work just as well in this case. Once someone buys something, put your card in there as well.
- Extra pens. Never know when one will dry up on you.
- Portfolio case. Any original art/prints should go in one. It keeps your table space organized, frees up space, and generally looks better.
- Water/food. Some cons frown on outside food and beverages, but try to bring in a small water bottle and some dry food like candy bars. The hours can get very long, and you will get hungry and start to lose energy. It's one way to keep costs down and stay a tad healthier.
- Travel bag. I just recently bought one of those rolling suitcases and man- everyone should have one. It makes transportation a hell of a lot easier. Make sure you get one that suits your needs (no pun intended). The right bag will make everything easier. Believe me.
- Camera. Always great to document, get pics of people in costume, friends, art work you've done, and maybe even do some sight-seeing.

Things to be mindful of:
- No one likes a Grumpy Gus. Or a sad panda. Your attitude, overall demeanor, and attention (or lack thereof) does affect your bottom line. I've walked by people's tables and they're too involved with their iPods or PSPs or whatever that it ruined whatever opportunity they had in possibly making a sale. Being a grump, something yours truly was guilty of at several shows, spoils chances to sell anything. Greet people who come by your table, hand them a business card, and engage them in conversation. Smile. Kiss a baby. Take pics of all the cosplayers and cute girls. A smile goes a long way mates.
- Your bottom line. Yes, we would all would die to be Adam Hughes and have people line up at 5 am to get a sketch, but most people aren't Adam Hughes . Taken in your table cost, travel, printing, and other expenditures, most artists in the Artist Alley will be lucky to break even. That's the reality. Unless your space was free, you'll be operating in the red. BUT.....don't be discouraged from going. It will take some time to get your act together and get into a groove, but you can make profit. Have items that people will buy, reasonably priced, and can be replicated over and over. Again, $200 sketches would be great, but very few people will give that type of money to a "no-name". Find your niche and hit 'em where they ain't.
- Try to have someone with you. If you need to run to the bathroom, say hi to a friend, need to get the circulation back in your bum and legs; having someone watching your space is crucial. Plus, it'll make hours move quicker and have an ear to bend.
- What to sell. Be mindful of your audience. Comic Book cons generally go for prints, posters, original art, sketchbooks. Anime/manga cons gravitate towards buttons, stickers, bookmarks. That's not to say you can't have buttons and prints and sketches. But trying to sell an original painting, say, at a car show, is pretty off-target. If you're doing sketches, try to have some done already so that you can off-load them. If possible, have some dummy or template ones so that all you need to do is start with the rendering.
-Perception of Value. This is the most powerful lesson I've learned in my con experiences. All that talk earlier about the backdrop, business cards, and so forth- it's all Perception of Value. I sign my prints because it "adds" value- didn't do that until Scott Ambruson pointed that out to me. In a marker sketch, throw in a hint of color. Offer a free head sketch if they buy your sketchbook or other top-price high-end item. If people think they're getting their monies worth, then you've done your job.

I hope this has been helpful. If I left out anything, let me know.