Convention Schedule 2013!
Hey guys, here is a list of the places I’ll be in 2013. Check the convention websites for details on panels I’ll be participating in. Guest means I won’t have a table to sell books (but there should be books for sale through vendors/publishers), exhibitor means I’ll have a table to sell my stuff.
Teen Book Con, Houston, Texas, April 20th (Guest)
Stumptown Comics Fest, Portland, Oregon, April 27-28 (Guest & Exhibitor)
Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Toronto, Ontario, May 10-11 (Exhibitor. My new graphic novel, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong will be debuting there!)
Rochester Teen Book Festival, Rochester, New York, May 18 (Guest)
Book Expo America, New York, New York, May 30th (Guest. At this point, I’m just invited down for 1 panel at this show, don’t yet know if I’ll be doing anything else.)
San Diego Comic Con, San Diego, California, July 18-21 (Guest. I KNOW RIGHT?????!!! This trip is going to make a hell of a journal comic.)
Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 18 (Exhibitor)
Unconfirmed: I’m going to try and go to the ALA Annual in June, but as of right now that’s not yet confirmed. Also, if you’re local to Halifax, Nova Scotia, there will be a book release party for Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong at my local comic store, Strange Adventures, on May 8th, 5-7pm.
Art and Convention Etiquette: Requests and Quick Sketches
First off, be sure that they are willing to actually do requests or are currently doing them.
Not all artists take requests or are willing to do quick sketches at cons. In fact, only a small number of artists are willing to do requests for free.
Do not say “I want you to draw something.” Ask if they are taking requests before you give any information, do it firmly but politely.
Understand that this is something they are doing on their own free time, at their leisure, and that often enough you are not entitled to get art from them every and any time you ask, just because you follow them, or just because you frequently favorite their art.
Understand what the artist is and is not comfortable with.
Do not make any extreme requests.
Do not expect the artist to know what character you are talking about immediately. Supply references.
Do not hound the artist every day with “where is my sketch” but it doesn’t hurt to be a little persistent depending on the time between the request and the sketch itself.
If the artist is having problems it never hurts to take the time to talk about what is bothering them. It’s the least you can do, and it’s what any decent human being should do regardless if you’re expecting something from them.
An artist is not someone who churns out artwork like sausages on a daily basis.
If an artist is not taking requests that does not entitle you to throw a hissy fit and treat them like garbage just because they aren’t willing to draw you your original character having sex with Nightwing for free.
At conventions, it’s more common courtesy to buy something from the artist first instead of just expecting a free sketch and that’s it. They are there to meet fans, friends, and earn money. They are not just there to cater to your every whim.
You cannot get two head sketches from an artist at a con just by getting back on line after they’ve done the first one. THAT IS NOT HOW THAT WORKS.
If an artists says “I’m not taking requests” or “I’m not doing quick sketches” that is it. You politely say “Okay. Just thought I’d ask and thank you for your response.” And that is IT.
