A Newbie’s Guide to a Comic Convention

I’ve never been to a comic book convention. I’ve read about it though, about the stories of fanboys all lined in a row just waiting to meet their favorite artist or writer. Adulations will be heaped upon, the brief interaction with creator and reader, and the lucky fan will skip away with their comic books or toys signed.

Then, last Saturday, I decided to attend a comic book convention, just to see what it felt like. More specifically, STAPLE ! Expo at Austin, Texas.

STAPLE! is all about independent creative media. You won’t likely see your Marvel or D.C. reps there any time soon but small press, counter cultured, indie creators are always welcomed.

Note: I’m not big on crowds. I’m awkward around new company. I’m somewhat of a social misfit. The very thought of meeting an artist or a writer, someone I hold in high esteem, reduces me into a bundle of nervous shakes. Waiting in a line, just exacerbates the gnawing unease. I run lines in my head, practicing what to say to an artist, just so I don’t look like a damn fool.

Did I mentioned on the day itself, I looked like a tomato due to a sunburn I got two days ago? This was going to be a tricky first impression.

I wanted to get sketches but I didn’t want it to be your average superhero doodle. No. I thought getting an artist to sketch themselves would be an unique concept. I mean, I’m sure they get enough requests for a buxom naked Catwoman… but a self-portrait. That would be different.

Plus, it would be interesting to see how said artist will see him or herself.

As I’ve mentioned before, this is my first comic book con and I’m sure there’s an etiquette in procuring a sketch. There are factors I needed to take into account. Stuart Immonen wrote about why he doesn’t do sketches at cons anymore, he even has a book, 50 Reasons to Stop Sketching at Conventions. What if the artist doesn’t sketch at cons like Immonen? Supposing an artist is willing to do a sketch, how much does it cost? I’m no leach, I’ll purchase something to support them but there’s only so much I get guy.

There were many artists I’ve met that treated me graciously. I got some self-sketches from them, I wish I could get more but a) I had work later in that day thus I needed to skedaddle b) I had reached my budget for the day. I’m sorry if I didn’t get everyone to contribute to my project. There’s always next year at STAPLE!
Anyway, this website chronicles the self-portrait of the artist. I hope to collect more in the future and I hope you enjoy them too.