Eternal Con 2015 – Thank You
It’s been a good run of successful conventions this year, so it was bound to happen that one would prove a disappointment. While Eternal Con wasn’t an unsuccessful show by any means, it wasn’t quite as successful as the last few shows. Again, I’ve heard a lot of great things about Eternal Con over the past two years, so perhaps this year was just a fluke. After all, the word is the layout was changed this year and artist alley was scattered throughout the Cradle of Aviation Museum, making the artists extremely difficult to find.
Saturday was rough; there’s no other way to put it. There was maddeningly little traffic coming through the little room where my table was positioned. In fact, I felt as though I were going stir-crazy for a few hours there. Unfortunately, sometimes this happens at shows, especially when the convention tries something new.
Thankfully, Sunday made up for it, especially thanks to one happy couple who purchased the original art for the Lovecraft and Nosferatu bookmarks I’ve had on my convention table in years past (I really do have to print up a new batch for the free bookmark sets I give out–they were always very popular). It was hard for me to sell that piece because I really loved it. Though, I’m glad it went to two people who I could tell were as happy with the piece as I am.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have any requests for commissions at this show, so I can’t say how successfully the “Fine Art” convention sketches will be. On the other hand, the prints in my “Fine Art” style sold well, as did the new 4” x 6” prints. That said, I took some time over the weekend to consider some new ways of setting up my table. I’m going to highlight commissions again at future shows, as my prints are starting to take over. I also have to consider that Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows issue 1 releases (tentatively) on July 13th (about a month from now), and so advertising the graphic novel (again) is going to have to be a focus. So expect some changes come the Garden State Comic Con next month.
That all said, it was good to see my old friends Eric Hutchison and Ryan Browne, both of whom had tables at the show. A shout out to Bob Sodaro, as well, who stopped by to talk shop for a bit. Also, I spent a good deal of time chatting with my neighbor, Brendan Shaw of Fat Guy Inc. He’s fairly new to the convention scene, but I’m hoping to see a lot more of this guy. He’s got some good work and a good head on his shoulders.
That’s all for now. It’s back to the studio for me for a month or so, and with the forthcoming release of issue 1 of Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows, it’s going to be an exciting month.
See you next week. Cheers!
Comments:
Thank you for the kind words and thanks again for all the great advice. I can wait for the next show to try some new stuff out.
You’re welcome, Brendan, on both counts. I hope the next few shows go well for you, and don’t hesitate to ask me (or anyone else, for that matter) for advice. Asking for convention advice is a great ice-breaker for networking–and you learn something new. Keep pushing and developing. I’m sure we’ll talk before it, but I’ll see you in New York in October.
Best,
J. M.