How To Table at Comics Conventions—And Make Friends!
In this episode we talk about some of the most social fun one can have as a cartoonist: TABLING!
Read on for tips about navigating comics conventions, zine fairs, and press expos of all seasons and sizes. Learn about attending conventions to share your work, expand your network, have fun, and see what's out there in the world of comics!
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There's lot of different types of festivals, big, small, and in-between. Tom noted part of the reason new ones crop up all the time is that many shows are juried, by lottery, or invite-only (to exhibit or 'table'), and cartoonists will often band together and make their own convention if it's too competitive to get in.
But there are lots of ways to enjoy a comic book convention:
As a volunteer—You’ll usually get a free bag or tee and a badge to check out panel programming and tables in your down time, sometimes even free breakfast
As an attendee—Some conventions are free and open to the public! Some cartoonists will bring their work around with them (rather than being at a table) and connect that way. You aren't tethered to your table and can check out more paneling and workshops this way, too
An exhibitor—You can join a table sponsored by a school or collective or organization or publishing house with whom you might be affiliated, or you can split a table (or half-table) with several people/friends to lower costs
A Panelist or Guest—Sometimes you can propose a workshop or programming at smaller to mid-sized festivals and have your own panel discussion, or get invited to chime in on a panel discussion
A programmer—Make your own convention!
SOME TIPS FOR TABLING:
GETTING YOUR STUFF TOGETHER
Prepare in advance.
Tom recommends having a "go bag" packed if you want to exhibit at several comic festivals in a year (or even just one, especially if it’s your first): a checklist, some printed materials, your business card or promotional materials, a tablecloth, all ready to go in a bag so packing for these festivals is way easier. Try setting up your table beforehand, too, so you know how you want to arrange things and aren’t scrambling in the 30 minutes before opening.
The organizers of the fest should send you info on parking, where to go, what’s allowed at the fest, etc. Read it! Be a courteous guest! And ask for help whenever you need.
Shop around for places to print.
Look around for local print shops or community spaces that offer printing services. Staples and FedEx often have coupons and deals going as well. LIBRARIES are a great place to go—public libraries and even some university ones usually offer some amount of free printing per day!
The costs of printing add up quick so pinch a penny wherever you can. Save money by stapling yourself—long-arm and booklet staplers are great for minis and zines. Color printing costs a lot, but often stands out to the crowd; color covers (and black-and-white insides) are a great way to grab attention without burning a hole through your wallet!
The earlier you can print, the better—printers can smell fear!
Make sure your contact info is included in your work.
ALWAYS include your name and some way for people to contact you on your zines and minis. It’s tragic to find a comic you love and not know how to reach out!
MONEY MATTERS
Have a variety of price points.
Sometimes getting the pricing right is trial-and-error, but having a few different options often helps, especially for kids and those on fixed income. Even freebies and mailing lists are a great way to connect! Sliding scale options are another great way to offer flexibility to people of different income levels who still want to support your work.
Accept different forms of payment as much as you can.
If you have money transfer apps like Venmo and Cashapp, it’s often handy to print out your QR code and make it clearly visible. It’s always great to take cash too. If you can get a card reader, even better. Some attendees might offer you trades as well, which is highly encouraged!
It can also be helpful to make an inventory of your work beforehand so you can keep track of what you’ve sold.
Trade trade trade!
Trading zines and comics with other exhibitors (and attendees!) is a fun way to connect with others and get lots of new art without breaking the bank!
Meg’s (mostly) trade haul from the Chapelboro Zine Fest!
BEHIND THE TABLE
When you can, don't sit—stand. This attracts energy! You’ll probably get tired and breaks are a-okay (and important!). But standing or making yourself more physically present invites people over.
Stand OUT.
Add some extra touches to your display to draw people’s attention your way. For example, Keith Knight made a paper mache head he wore! Space is often limited at fests, so going VERTICAL is a great way to catch the eye—think little shelves and stands. There’s lots of DIY ways to liven up your table, so have fun and experiment!
Welcome people, give breathing room, ask them about themselves, etc.
Don’t come on too strong to passersby, but be friendly and ready to tell them a little about what you do. If you get nervous talking to strangers, you can write a little script for yourself, like an elevator pitch for your comics in general or the specific items you’re displaying.
Let people touch things!
Jess had to make a sign that said PLEASE TOUCH ALL THE THINGS so shy comic convention-goers would feel welcome!
Tom at CXC 2023!
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Don’t compare yourself to the popular kids!
Especially at fests like SPX and MOCCA, there’s so many exhibitors that it can be hard to compete. Don’t get discouraged! Sometimes you’re a small fish in a big sea and that’s okay, just have fun swimming around :)
Tom also notes that there are often mini-festivals happening within giant fests like SPX. You don’t have to win over everyone or compete with the world at-large; you can find your microcosm network!
Share your work with cartoonists you admire!
Don’t be scared to go up to cartoonists you love. Introduce yourself! Give them a mini! They’ll probably appreciate it!
Take breaks!
Cons, especially big ones, can be stressful and overstimulating. If it gets to be too tiring or overwhelming, take breaks—go outside, take a nap, whatever you need to refresh. Having a buddy to switch off with can help, but your neighbors will likely be happy to watch over your table too.
HAVE FUN!
Fests should be a good time! While they can be stressful, they’re hopefully exciting and inspiring too. Take advantage of the opportunity to be around so many cool cartoonists and zinesters and creators—make friends! There’s often an after-party following fests too, which is a fun way to socialize with people outside of the bustling con setting.
There's EVEN more ON THE CALL, so check out the full episode!
Happy tabling!
WANT TO MAKE AND READ MORE COMICS?
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