Comic Conventions
The best way to promote your cartooning is to target areas in which cartoon fans congregate. Your local comic shop is one such place. But to expose your work to a large amount of cartoon fans in a short time, go to a comic convention.
To find a comic convention near you, pick up a copy of Wizard magazine. Published monthly, Wizard covers the comic book industry. Near the back of every issue is a state-by-state listing of comic conventions.
Attending a Convention
If you've never been to a convention — colloquially referred to as a con — your first trip should be as an attendee rather than as an exhibitor. If it's possible to preregister, do so. Often the lines for registration get very long and, depending on the size of the con, you can waste hours waiting to get registered.
Once you're registered, roam around the convention floor. You'll probably notice that the majority of the exhibitors are involved in the comic book industry. However, you can usually find the entire spectrum of cartooning represented at an average con.
Most of the exhibition areas are set up as booths. Artists and writers sit at the booths and try to expose their comics to as many people as possible. Comic-related merchandise is available — often signed on the spot by the cartoonist. Pay attention to which booths draw the largest crowds and why.
Finally, look at the schedule you received when you registered. Many cons have programs that run throughout the convention. These programs discuss comics-related topics and issues. Often, comic creators whose work fits the theme of a certain program will be in front, discussing the topic and answering questions. If your experience would qualify you to be involved in one of these programs, contact the convention officials next year.
Exhibiting at a Convention
Having familiarized yourself with comic conventions, you're ready to exhibit your work. Most conventions will offer several levels of booths. The most expensive booths, obviously, have the best exposure to con traffic.
Usually, conventions set aside space for an “Artists Alley.” This is a place for individual artists to promote their comics and sell their merchandise. The space is small — sometimes as little as half a table — but the price is right. Artists Alley tables get very good traffic. More importantly, they offer great opportunities to meet other cartoonists.
If you buy booth space, you will often get a table and a significant amount of space behind the table to sit and store your merchandise. This is preferable if you have a large amount of products to sell. If you're planning on bringing a computer or any other electrical appliance, make prior arrangements. Access to an electrical hook-up often costs extra.
If you do decide to sell merchandise, you may be required to charge sales tax. Be prepared to fill out the necessary forms with information such as your vendor number. Bring enough money to make change. You'll need plenty of one-dollar bills and several rolls of coins. Also bring a lockbox to store your money.
The long registration lines at a comic convention present an excellent marketing opportunity. You have access to a group of people with plenty of time on their hands. Print up some promo booklets that feature your best work and distribute them to the bored masses. If you're exhibiting, don't forget to add your booth number.
Freebies
Your primary goal as an exhibitor is to make people remember you when they go home. Unfortunately, a comic convention can often cause sensory overload in just a few minutes. It's a good idea to have a giveaway. Here are some ideas:
Print a small booklet of your best work at the photocopy center.
Use special ink-jet paper to produce magnets with your characters printed on them.
Use special ink-jet paper to produce temporary tattoos featuring your character.
Offer to draw sketches incorporating the conventioneer into a cartoon.
Remember, when they register, conventioneers are given a plastic sack to hold all of their freebies. Yours needs to stand out from the other freebies in the sack. No matter how you choose to promote, be sure the promotion works for you. If you're a Webcartoonist, your Web address must appear legibly on the freebie. If you self-publish a comic book, make sure the title and purchasing information are readable.
Spend a little extra on making your booth look good. Many small printers and photocopy centers can print vinyl banners. Ask them about printing a banner that will fit in your booth space. Never attempt to hang these yourself without asking a convention director — the convention center may have union labor with that responsibility.
