Tips for Professional Artists attending a Comic Book Convention

I was asked to give a few tips to professional artists attending their first comic book convention:

• Signage is important. If you’re in artists alley, you should get a banner stand so people who are looking for you can spot you and people who don’t know who are will now be aware. Label the costs of your art and comics.
• Bring bags. Whether you are selling art, prints, and/or comics you should have something for your customers to place their items.
• If you are going to draw commissions, have your art supplies ready to go. I have a separate set of supplies I use at shows and at my studio. Not all studio supplies are suited for drawing at a convention.
• Have business cards with your website, social media, and contact information. I don’t have them out because people take free stuff regardless if they actually want it. I only give cards to people who specifically ask for one and people who buy stuff.
• If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider getting a credit card reader from places such as PayPal and Square.
• Properly display your work. If you have comics, affordable countertop displays can be bought that stand you books upright. If you have prints and/or original art, use a portfolio or if you have the space attach them to grid walls.
• If you are selling your own comic book, prepare a short pitch to tell your potential customer of what the book is about.
• Bring hand sanitizer. There’s a lot of germs floating around comic conventions. Don’t get sick.

Check out my San Diego Comic-Con 2017 video: