A Comic Convention Survival Guide for the Introverted Creator.

This summer I’ve made a real effort to attend as many conventions and signings as I can to promote the various books I’ve worked on.

By nature, I’m a bit of an introvert and historically I’ve never really been an ardent attendee of comic conventions. I think I’ve always reasoned that when it comes to work, a more productive use of my time would be to be at my desk writing and drawing new pages. To be honest, that line of thinking was probably just masking the intense imposter syndrome I feel when I need to showcase my work (a feeling I’m sure sure you many of you can relate with).

Lately I’ve been revising my stance on that. Perhaps I’m just a little more seasoned of a professional now, but making something cool for people to read only seems like half the job now. The other half is to let people know that I‘ve made something of value that they will hopefully enjoy. After all, if I’m not going to champion my work then who will?

After an intense summer of conventions and signings, here are a few things I’ve discovered that might prove helpful to those thinking about having their own table at a convention:

YOU DON’T NEED A LOT OF SPACE

The cost of a table at a convention can be quite expensive, but thankfully I don’t think you need to splurge on a huge table to have a good experience. For myself, I’ve always had a half table to showcase my books and have found that was totally fine for what I needed. Granted, I’m probably straining the limit of what should fit on a half-table and will probably look into getting a bigger table in the future but when you’re starting out, you can do a lot with very little if you’re willing to get creative with your setup.

PEOPLE ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU

Let me tell you, the imposter syndrome can run pretty rampant when you're sitting at your table wondering why anybody would be interested in your work when they have an entire convention centre of cool things to see. But chill out. It's going to be ok. People admire creativity and conventions are nothing if not a celebration of a medium they love. The fact that you're putting yourself out there and showing the world your work is already something that can inspire a lot of people that one day might want to do what you are doing.

ALL YOU CAN DO IS SHOW UP

I used to get quite nervous in the days before a convention or a signing. I'd stress about what I was going to say on a panel, or whether I brought too many books to sell, or too few books to sell. Did I bring enough sharpies? Is my Square reader working? What if nobody shows up.

I think my mindset is at a much healthier place now. I've realized that other than being prepared, the only other thing I can do is just show up, be myself and have a good time. I find it more gratifying to just enjoy my interaction with anyone that happens to stop by my table.

CONVENTIONS ARE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HANG OUT WITH OLD FRIENDS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

No great revelation here but it's just a nice reminder of some of the soulful, intangible benefits of doing conventions. Every industry has its ugly side, but I am lucky enough to work in one where almost everyone in it, fans and creators alike, are there because of a shared love of the medium.

Conventions and signings are also just an amazing excuse to sit around all day and hang out with old friends and make new ones while you're at it. I have a special place in my heart for every table-mate I ever had. By the end of the convention, I always feel like we've been through a major life experience together.

If you're thinking of tabling at a convention, I hope this newsletter was helpful. I have a couple other shows lined up later in the year. If you are attending Word on the Street or Mississauga Comic Expo, please come by and say hi!

Tri