Recap and ramblings on my SDCC 2012…
Disclaimer: This is about my experience exhibiting in Artist Alley for the first time in San Diego.
Where to start… I had an amazing time and can describe it as nothing short of that. This years trip has probably been the best one, if not the most uplifting and inspiring. Day 1 was Thursday for me, and I sold more in that day than an entire weekend at any other convention. Im not trying to brag. My purpose there was to sell my artwork and get my work noticed and I can’t begin to describe how overwhelmingly wonderful it feels to have that kind of support. So a giant THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by, said hello, grabbed sketch, print, or sketchbook or just wanted a card. Thank you!
I started off doing free head sketches for anyone who wanted one and I did a lot. At one point on Saturday I had a huge crowd of people wanting one and by Sunday I needed to focus on my remaining commissions so I had to take the sign down (it was a funny and crude sign, I’ll post a pic later). I hope the sketches were decent, some felt rushed but I was extremely tired a couple of the days. What with the long days, long nights filled with all sorts of fun and alcohol, early mornings and all. Sorry if I looked like a zombie at all. I got several comments on Friday that I looked whipped out. This is never a compliment haha so, apologies.
I had editors from almost every comic company (minus the big two) stop by my table inquiring about my work. If you know anything about the comic book industry then you know that editors are very often times much akin to talent scouts. That’s not what being an editor is, they edit comics, but they are constantly searching for new talent. Being relatively new to the industry, it is my job to not only prove myself but to stand out in an incredibly over saturated market run by the sales of popular artist. Im the new guy so I have to bring something fresh to the table and not only live up to the standards my peers set but also push the bar. So, having an editor come to your table, who’s genuinely interested in your work and schedule, only to find out that he or she is editing your favorite book on the shelves is like…. Exploding. In a good way.
OK. Now onto what else happened at the booth! I sat next to the one and only Christina Strain, you may know her as CeeCeeLuvins on DeviantART and from all her work with Chris Sanders. She is one of the best colorists in the industry and branching out into writing with her online comic Fox Sister which was also one of the most beautiful books at the convention. Christina is by far the best booth buddy/neighbor I’ve ever had, we told filthy jokes and bonded over the beauty of Dad Butts. Im her spirit animal. It’s true.
I also got a chance to meet up with the legendary Chris Copeland and Jeff Wamester. Two gentlemen who I’ve been stalking since I first joined DA. We had some drinks and yelled about our mutual hatred of Olivier Coipel for being so disgustingly talented. And of course I had the pleasure of kickin it with the fathomless talent that is Eliza Frye. We went to Trickster after the con one day, they had great books and great models. And even when drinking and drawing some poses she is at the top of her game. That lady rocks, go check out her work!
I also got to wash my hands next to Patton Oswalt in the restroom but didn’t want to bother him so I didn’t say hi. Besides, who wants to meet fans in the room where people pee and poop? Not me. And I shook Blake Anderson, from Workaholics’ hand outside of the Hyatt, though he will probably never remember, he was incredibly inebriated. There’s no other way I would’ve had it.
On top of meeting all these incredibly talented people I got to sign at the Archaia booth with some of my best buddies in the biz (who believe it or not are also insanely talented, what’s with all this talent?!)! Heather Nuhfer, Jake Myler, Nichol Ashworth, Sam Humphries, Paul Morrissey, and Tim Beedle. Each of them beauties in their own right. I know there are a ton of people Im leaving out but this post is long enough. Sincerest apologies to those who I left out!
This is my post con post as of now. Pics will come and so will art! But now I must catch up on emails, sleep, and draw my ass off!
