“Con stench deserves it’s own badge”
Even though Bob Gandy is a relative newcomer to the scene, he managed to hit the con scene at a good clip. Attending his first con last weekend, he got a fairly unique view of it- as an adult yet not one being dragged there by offspring. So, Bob, what DID you think of the con scene?
As an emerging artist, I’ve been told that going to cons is a must-do, not only to get an insider’s look at what is fresh off the boat for anime, comics, and manga, but meeting the artists, writers and publisher/producers behind it all. I got a chance to check out one of the DC area’s finest: Katsucon - open for their 14th year.
Before I could have any fun with the many costumed attendees, panels and videos, 7 1/2 trucks needed unloading. Speakers, pallets, and a small moon’s worth of grey bins are what build the con… but this was no small moon. It was Move Team. 24 hours in ahead of Opening Ceremonies, and 24hrs out afterwards.
Josh Elder, writer of Mail Order Ninja agrees with me that “The Industry” is very hard to break in to. He gave a panel with James Peay (Artist of the same comic) about pitching book and comic ideas to other artists, writers and publishers. They advised getting a foot in the door by looking out for story submission contests and trying to find internships in publishing houses you want to work with. In addition to being flexible with your style and subjects, they also advised getting submission packages together. Like a demo reel for an emerging band, Josh suggested a bundle of 5-6 pieces of sequential art, and James emphasized the importance of clarity of story, especially in short pieces. I was blown away by their professionalism, and that they treated everyone - even those just thinking about starting out - like they were well respected fellow industry professionals.
The Kaja and Phil Foglio of Girl Genius, gave a pair of panels on the art and science of Self Publishing. They were as delightfully entertaining as they were informative. For those that can’t (or won’t) deal with restrictions, manipulations and hassles of publishing through another company may find success in starting their own. They have been self-publishing Girl Genious for years, and had a number of works done before that. In addition to tips and tricks for getting ISBN numbers and barcodes for your work, they had advice on marketing, distribution - even finding the best printers for your money! Like Josh Elder and James Peay, I was again amazed by the Foglio’s professionalism, respect and encouragement of emerging artists and writers.
Con wasn’t all work, however. I got to learn more in 1 hour about Transformers than I had ever known. I watched (and occasionally heckled) some anime including Ghost In The Shell : Individual Eleven and Tales from Earthsea. There was even a sweet chance to take some kids back to school in the video game room.
I can’t thank the other staffers, guests and attendees enough for making Katsu a wonderful learning experience. I feel like my art career has found some secret power up!
First con, for teh Win!
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