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Comic Convention Advice?
Zeromus
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I was sort of asking about this in a thread in Graphic Violence, but I figured I might get some more direct words of wisdom if I made a delicious post roast in H/A instead. In two weeks, I'll be attending New York Comic Con, and I've never really done the whole convention thing before. While I'm sure I'll be able to, you know, figure most of the stuff out for myself, I'm wondering about a few things; how early will I have to get to panels if I want a seat? Should I be on the lookout for certain things to spend my money on? And so forth. Basically, any advice would be appreciated. This is a strange new world for me.
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Also remember that there'll be tradeoffs between panels you want to visit, signings you want to get to, and other things. You can't see everything, and trying to will just be a headache.
Oh, and be sure to hit up the artist's alley (if they have one), I'm always surprised by the artists I find in there (for example, the 93 or 94 Chicagocon, where Geof Darrow, Mike Allred, and Tony Harris where just sitting around, doing sketches with no lines).
Also, bathe.
EDIT:
Furthermore. It will be worthwhile to look over the schedule and look at events/panels that you want to go to. Locate them on the show map and try to figure out a schedule. Nothing real strict, just write the times and locations of the panels you want to see, and try to show up early.
It depends - most artists these days charge, because they see the stuff show up on ebay, and it pisses them off.
Personally, I was always fond of finding (what were then) little known artists that were favorites, and getting work done by them (Darrow, or Chris Sprouse, for example). Typically, you'll find that the artist's alleys look a little run down - it's usually just chairs and lunch tables. Just don't be afraid to browse, you might find something really neat that you otherwise wouldn't have.
If she's game for it, do it - you'll get to spend time with her, she's seeing something that you're obviously interested in, and, in my experience, artists are more likely to sketch for eye candy.
If you do want to get a sketch, though. I'd recommend talking to the artist as early as you can. I was going to get a Tony Harris Starman at NYCC last year, but he was booked up when I finally got around to asking.
Also, if you see someone you like at a publishers booth, definitely ask them. I got a David Peterson sketch and a Fone Bone and Ted sketch from Jeff Smith free of charge (they're obviously just quick little pen and ink sketches, but it's still awesome).