This past weekend I was lucky enough to have a day off and SPACE (Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo) in Columbus, Ohio was only 6 hours away. So I spent every waking hour outside of work printing, folding and stapling. After a late night drive and 2 hours of sleep, I was a first time exhibitor at my first expo. It was very exciting seeing all the exhibitors setting up. Without many people filling the space, it is all about a sea of books.
I had a great time, and met many wonderful, interesting people. And boy, was it a learning experience. It starts with my table. My set up was kind of improvised.
My original thought was that the little baskets would hold books and add a splash of color, to distract the eye from how little I had to show. But in hindsight I think it was too much color, and made things look cluttered.
Next time I will try the tricks of the pros. Like the simple clean table of Bob Corby and Back Porch Comics.
The simple black table cloth makes the books stand out. Easy to do and travel. And they had some really nice books and great art.
Or this great set up from Pam Bliss. Striking banner overhead, and great clear plastic display case, that lets the books shine. Pam shined too, just off camera.
Another learning point, don’t rush the book construction. I discovered after I got home, that in my sleepy stupor, I had some copies of Short North with the first page in backwards. I apologize to anyone who got stuck with one of these. Just take off the cover, and flip over the first page, and it will make a lot more sense.
The most exciting part was meeting all the mini comic people. I have entered this world just recently and I am constantly amazed at the creativity, variation, and dedication of these amazing authors and artists. And where else can newbies like me trade comics with the big names like Matt Feazell and John Porcellino. What a thrill.
Special thanks to Bob Corby and the staff of SPACE for helping me become involved in SPACE 2011, even though it happened at the very last minute. And big thanks to my next door table mate Ken Glanc of the Elyria Comic Book Initiative. Ken is a very nice guy who is doing great things creating a curriculum to introduce the craft of comic book making and graphic story telling into the schools. Check them out, and contact Ken if you have extra comics, money or time to donate.
I am glad I had my SPACE experience, and I hope I can come back again, soon.
