Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Spiegelman Tribute Project
In late 2008/early 2009 I started developing a tribute project to Art Spiegelman's Maus. A professor of mine suggested I pursue the project with an intention of getting it published as a homage to Spiegelman's work. Not for any other reason then showing my appreciation for one of the artists that inspired me.
Finally, after sitting on the project for quite a time, and only really finishing one page, I have picked the project up again with a more serious intention. So! For all my blog readers, you get a sneak peak at some of my concept art and various musings.
Finally, after sitting on the project for quite a time, and only really finishing one page, I have picked the project up again with a more serious intention. So! For all my blog readers, you get a sneak peak at some of my concept art and various musings.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Advice for First-Time Artist Alley Artists
So there I am, sitting at a half-empty table at M.A.C. [that is, the Minneapolis Anime Convention] when I wonder: What the heck am I even DOING here? I don't know anyone, I hardly have much merchandise, and God, I don't even know if I can make back what I spent on registration and the like!
This being my second con [ever], I finally decide that this will be a learning experience; if anything at all. That said, I have very certainly learned my fair share of things attending my first con alone.
1. If you have prints, paper, art supplies--etc, always bring your stuff in a suitcase with wheels. It may FEEL like you're overdoing it, but trust me on this. I have the bruises to prove that wheeled-suitcases would've been the best plan here.
2. If sharing a table with someone, and a few people I spoke to learned this the hard way, be absolutely SURE that you have a solid plan as to who you'll share with. Make a time of where you'll meet, and when, so that no one gets lost in the process!
3. A little embarrassing but, if you are bogged down by commission work, or are the only one running your table and can't get up--try offering art in exchange for food. I did this at M.A.C., posting a "Bring Me Food and I Will Draw You FREE Art!" sign, and got quite a bit. It is a good way to stay at least moderately healthy while manning a eight+ hour table shift.
4. Make sure you have change! Many people will pay with larger bills--20$, 10$. If you're a good person, you'll have change. I recommend at least 100$ in 1$.
5. The above stated, DO NOT take bills larger than 20$. If someone gives you a 50$ or 100$ bill for something that costs 1$, ask them [politely] to break it in the dealer's room.
6. Pace yourself! If you're doing commissions, find out what your limit is and don't exceed it unless you are willing to pay postage for commissions completed after the con. Mark down which commissions need to be done before what day [because some people don't stay the whole weekend] and get them done. If you need to, take a break and stretch your legs.
7. Pay attention to what sells! An investment in a button maker, for instance, may not be good if you don't know what kind of buttons to make. Even if you don't watch X-Y-Z series, find out what is popular.
I may add more to this list later, but at the moment, I have several more commissions to finish up before Con-End! I hope you all are having a good time, whatever you're doing!
This being my second con [ever], I finally decide that this will be a learning experience; if anything at all. That said, I have very certainly learned my fair share of things attending my first con alone.
1. If you have prints, paper, art supplies--etc, always bring your stuff in a suitcase with wheels. It may FEEL like you're overdoing it, but trust me on this. I have the bruises to prove that wheeled-suitcases would've been the best plan here.
2. If sharing a table with someone, and a few people I spoke to learned this the hard way, be absolutely SURE that you have a solid plan as to who you'll share with. Make a time of where you'll meet, and when, so that no one gets lost in the process!
3. A little embarrassing but, if you are bogged down by commission work, or are the only one running your table and can't get up--try offering art in exchange for food. I did this at M.A.C., posting a "Bring Me Food and I Will Draw You FREE Art!" sign, and got quite a bit. It is a good way to stay at least moderately healthy while manning a eight+ hour table shift.
4. Make sure you have change! Many people will pay with larger bills--20$, 10$. If you're a good person, you'll have change. I recommend at least 100$ in 1$.
5. The above stated, DO NOT take bills larger than 20$. If someone gives you a 50$ or 100$ bill for something that costs 1$, ask them [politely] to break it in the dealer's room.
6. Pace yourself! If you're doing commissions, find out what your limit is and don't exceed it unless you are willing to pay postage for commissions completed after the con. Mark down which commissions need to be done before what day [because some people don't stay the whole weekend] and get them done. If you need to, take a break and stretch your legs.
7. Pay attention to what sells! An investment in a button maker, for instance, may not be good if you don't know what kind of buttons to make. Even if you don't watch X-Y-Z series, find out what is popular.
I may add more to this list later, but at the moment, I have several more commissions to finish up before Con-End! I hope you all are having a good time, whatever you're doing!
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