Conventions are (sort of) back.
This summer, I was lucky enough to get an artist alley table at Pittsburgh Anthrocon, the first convention I’ve attended in over three years.
Perhaps absence made the fans grow fonder, but this was my most profitable visit to any convention ever. In addition to selling my regular comics and merchandise, I managed to complete a whooping 18(!) ink-and-watercolor commissions before the weekend was through.
It wasn’t all about the money, though. It was wonderful to see old friends again and catch up, even briefly. A nice kind of interaction that I had rarely experienced before was having past year’s customers come to my table just to say hi and to let me know how much they still enjoyed something I had once made for them. It’s an experience that is both humbling and flattering.
I was also able to debut a new item this year: fuzzy art cards. These postcard-sized prints are textured with fuzzy wool felt so they actually feel like fur. I wanted to call them “the only art card you can pet,” but, technically, you can pet any art cards. These are just a little more satisfying.
If you wanted one, I’ve put a bunch up in my online store. Get ’em while they’re soft!
Finally, I know the real reason you’re reading this. Here’s a gallery of the 18 paintings I did on commission (17 badges and one sketchbook page). Some of the badges are designed to be paired up, so I have them pictured both as singles and as a set. Lots of photos to look through, so enjoy them.
Thank you Anthrocon and thank you everyone who visited my table. I hope to see you again next year.
