When do you know you're ready to table at Con?

miseryhunting 2016-09-11 04:09:00 UTC #1

Hey there! So this have been on my mind a lot...
I know lots of you guys go and table at conventions and it's wonderful! I love going to Cons and this is exactly the type of thing I love seeing - new, unique artists with original creations and style.
I guess my question really is - when do you know you're ready? As in emotionally believe you can go and present at a professional level?
I know you'd have to have a specific number of prints/books/merch you can sell, etc, but what else do you consider when you think of doing this?

(Also, there is a fairly sized convention in the city I'm living at and I was thinking at giving it a go next year, but I'm still undecided, ergo the question )

AnnaLandin 2016-09-11 05:42:14 UTC #2

It's honestly a matter of taking a leap of faith. Do you WANT to go to a con? Do you have some comics or zines or prints done? Then you're ready to go. The rest of the con experience is mostly you practising your sales-pitch and preparing to be positive and social for a couple of 8-hour shifts.

And if you don't sell well, please don't let it get you down. You can come back next year with new things, and people who remembered you from last year will go "Oh hey, you're here again!" and buy more stuff! They will have told their friends, and they'll come buy stuff too. You gotta get the ball rolling.

Let's see, basic con prep-kit once the merch and prints are squared away....

If it's your first year(s), see if you can share a table with someone! You'll share the hard work, which will make it easier on both of you, and with someone else to watch your table, you can take bathroom breaks when you need them!
Bring water and something to snack on. Gotta keep your energy up throughout the con! And take, like, sandwiches or a lunchbox, not just candy. Your body will thank you for it afterwards.
Wear comfortable shoes you don't mind standing around in a lot.
Stand up as much as possible during the con; this puts you on eye-level with the con-goers, and makes it easier to catch their attention and do your sales-pitch.
Network with other artists! Even if you don't sell much, you might make new friends, find interesting projects, and that will fill up your time between cons.

Potoh 2016-09-11 08:01:34 UTC #3

In about 3 weeks I'm going to table for the first time ever. I've been wanting to do this for like... 10 years now? But it never happened because I was to chicken to go alone and don't have friends who go to cons. But I found some guys from my school who table regularly and I luckily got a spot at their table.

I keep my expectations as low as possible, to be honest. Of course I'd love to at least break even with my expenses for prints and stuff, but I mainly go there for the experience and to meet new people.
I'll bring prints of the first chapter of my comic, buttons, prints, but also a little bit of fan art, like self cut Pokemon stickers and keychains. I also plan on offering commissions on the spot, I'm curious how that'll go.
Also I'll print a lot of business cards and something fun people can grab for free, don't know what exactley yet. Maybe miniprints or bookmarks or something like that.

So... I don't know if I'm "ready" ready, because I'm bad at selling myself and my art. I just know that I really want to do this and finally took action.

Delphonse 2016-09-11 08:43:36 UTC #4

I am planing to submit a vending table request at my local Con in 2017. I was excited for that since day 1 but that was cause I love this con and worked it for years. I think it all depends on what you goal is at the con. I would assume selling the book but I see vendor tables at cons especually the first time or two you sell there as more advertisment. I do not expect to make back the money I put into the table my first time. But I do get the feeling I will be able to promote my series to local comic book readers and anime fans ^.^

So in terms of emotionally ready I would say prepare yourself to advertise more than sell. Or get to know other creators at the booths. Having a web of local creator friends can help you learn things you did not know.

There is a group that has been at the con every year for the last 3 years and whenever their comic is brough up most people in the area know it as the comic that is sold at the con. Since I believe that is the only con they sell it at and they always release the new stuff there.

sarrowsmith10 2016-09-11 16:53:51 UTC #5

I shared a table with a friend the first time, and I only had some original sketches on little cards.I didn't have prints or books or anything. Some hand made flyers for my webcomic. That's it! And you know what? It was a blast. I think I made back just what I needed to pay my friend for the spot on her table. And maybe enough money for a candy bar. Haha.. And as time went on and the more conventions I go to and vend, I've improved and done much better. Every year better than the last.

You dont need to have a huge display and thousands of items to sell. Everyone starts small. Have a few things on your table. Do some sketch commissions. Make friends with your neighbors. Go to panels. Have fun. That's the best way to start!

storytimebiondi 2016-09-11 17:03:06 UTC #6

This is pretty inspiring, for someone who wants to table next year.

Michelle 2016-09-11 19:51:28 UTC #7

Here's some of my thoughts on tabling, having done conventions as a craft artist and a print/comic artist for about 4 years now:

First of all, consider starting at smaller conventions and art shows. There are often local events where you can get a table for under $50, and you won't have to account for all the extra costs like travel and hotel. That right there will take a lot of stress out of your first tabling experience!

Also, you probably won't make a lot of money at your first con. If you can break even, awesome! But you might not, hence why it's good to start small. If you do make profit, huzzah! You can put that toward your next show.

There's a lot of variables at a con that you can't control, so focus on what you can: Your product, your presentation, and your salesmanship. Ideally you want to have your stuff in the ballpark of other AA artists in terms of quality, and a presentation that stands out to passerbys (so ideally a vertical display people can see from afar-- avoiding flat table syndrome.) But I think the biggest component of this is gonna be you.

I've seen people with fantastic artwork but crappy sales because they kept their head down all weekend and didn't engage with people (I've even seen artists sleep under their tables @_@;). Even if your artwork doesn't measure up to others, even if you couldn't afford a nice display... if you're friendly and engaging, and you greet everyone who approaches your table, you'll do all right. At the very least, people will remember you for talking to them.

And unique to comic artists: Develop a compelling pitch! If you're selling comics, people are going to ask you what your comic is about. You need to be able to tell them in like... 10 seconds tops. Develop a logline/elevator pitch, and save the more detailed one for if they seem interested and want to know more. Many times, I've asked a person what their comic is about, and they launch into a long complex retelling of the plot... and I'm totally lost.
I have pretty bad anxiety, so I hate getting this question--- which is why I developed a short go-to pitch for when people ask what my comic's about. That way I can use it somewhat reflexively instead of letting my brain go into panic mode, resulting in the aforementioned rambling plot retelling. That said, this is probably the hardest part about selling a comic to someone who isn't familiar with your work, but if you can nail it down, you're gonna have a much easier time.

scullpanda 2016-09-11 20:08:25 UTC #8

Ok so this is super helpful as I want to get a table at a con super bad ~~Its like my dream ---I do have a question about what to bring for your table though regarding baskets, shelves, tablecloths and other things what do you bring to spruce up your table ?

sarrowsmith10 2016-09-11 22:35:09 UTC #9

I always bring a black table cloth (actually its a twin bed size black sheet, because it was cheaper than a real table cloth). I have a magazine rack that holds my comics and sketch covers. Then I have a photographers banner stand that holds all my prints up behind me. It was very expensive to buy, but its made of aluminum so its light weight and easy to carry. I've seen many artists to the same thing with PVC pipe and just spray paint it black. It's heavy and you have to rebuild everything for every con, but its really really inexpensive. (I did PVC for many cons for this reason) I also sometimes use black cardboard and pin/tape charms, pins, keychains, stickers and other junk I've sold over the years, and stand it up using a little table easel thing (Dollar General sells them, $1/ea, or Michaels also sells them for $4/ea or so).

I have a black photo box I use to put mini prints out that folks can finger through (the thought is if they touch it they will want to buy it). I have a big 11x17 portfolio I also put out on the table that has prints and originals in it that people can flip through while they stand at my table.

Here is a great collection of pictures and ideas of other people's tables:

Shanny8 2016-09-12 03:34:49 UTC #10

Almost 2 decades ago I had just started my creator owned comic...I only had one book, and me and a couple of friends got together and got a table at a con- that's how soon I ran out and did a con.

2 years ago, I decided to pick up the pencil again and start back making comics. I gave myself at least a couple of years to get my stuff done before I want to a con; my first con was in February...since then I've done at least 2 more shows. It really depends on how you feel- if you feel you're ready to do it, then give it a shot. The worst that could happen is that you lose money in print costs & table fees; you could end up selling a lot and meet some awesome people.

I just go, try to have fun, sell books/prints, & meet people.

@scullpanda I have a tablecloth that fits most 6 ft tables, a banner with my studio logo & main feature comic on it. Just recently for MomoCon I bought some plastic/acrylic magazine stands that I could put my books in, and I have a portfolio book that I showcase my prints that I sell. Technically, you dont have to have the stands; I started out spacing my comics on the table itself. I got my banner done through Vistaprint- they had a sale on printing banners, but if you're starting out you can go to a print store(like Staples or Fedex office) and see if you can get an oversized print on paper to use as a banner(beforehand you wanna look at the con's table policies in regards to banners). Also post your prices, and invest in a cell phone card reader(DEF will need one! You can get one through Paypal; minimum cost- $15). Oh yeah- BUSINESS CARDS with your contact info(website address and/or an e-mail address).

I just keep my setup simple- this is a pic of my setup at MomoCon...

jennula 2016-09-12 08:32:36 UTC #11

I can pretty much second what @AnnaLandin and @Michelle has already told you, those are some ace advice!

Start off with a cheap table, or share it with a buddy. If it's your first con, it's awesome with a table buddy, you can help each other when the other needs to go to the bathroom etc =)

Practise on your sale pitch. I'm still practising and adding/subtracting to my own pitch. It's okay to be nervous and don't get it right at first, there are more chances to make that perfect pitch <3

Bring a table cloth that makes your stuff stand out. Black/white is always a good and safe choice though, and usually better than just the table. I have a turquoise table cloth for my books that are pink =)

This is a matter of personal taste, and if you can't that's fine, but I find it's easier to start talking to customers if I stand up rather than sit down (I'm kind of short, so it's easier to get in some kind of eye level if I stand up). You can always alternate between standing and sitting too.

Bring water and some snacks. Water is awesome.

As people has said, if it's your first con and you're not well-known, you might not sell awesomely, but eventually people will recognize you if you go to more cons =)

And something I had to learn last weekend, it's okay to be disappointed! I went for the second time to a convention and I did a lot worse than last year - I barely covered my table, which felt really really crappy and I was really down and started comparing myself to people that sold better etc. I felt horrible for feeling like that, but it's ok! As long as I come back, turn it around and try to get better, it's okay to feel a little crappy! =)

Shanny8 2016-09-12 11:25:16 UTC #12

@jennula It's cool. I havent done "ooh, ahh" jaw-dropping numbers; for the most I've made my table fees back and then maybe some of the print fees, but it does let me know that there are people out there who like and want my book and art.

Aside from my books I'm still trying to learn what sells, and how to better prepare myself mentally for each con. I just try to stay positive & keep an open mind going into each show. I kinda felt bummed that I didnt do bigger numbers than I did at MomoCon(it was almost 30,000 people), but I had to take into account that this was my 1st year there and most of the people werent familiar with me or my work. So if the table fees stay the same, I may sign up to do MomoCon next year( I REALLY had a great time there!). I guess I could open things up a bit and take on commissions as well...

Michelle 2016-09-12 17:54:14 UTC #13

This is really important to keep in mind too. When asking the general "How were sales?", one person's "great!" is another person's "meh" and vice versa.
When I table as my fashion accessory shop, my partner and I make more profit than we do when we're just selling comics and original prints, so the idea of "good sales" can fluctuate depending on the kind of stuff you're offering and how your price it. Unless you were to break down and seriously analyze other people's sales, comparing your sales to theirs isn't an accurate measure.

scullpanda 2016-09-12 17:56:20 UTC #14

Im tabling with my mom who is a print maker and bookbinder she also makes ornate boxes and paper