MONSTERPALOOZA RECAP TIME! Kat Von D (yes, THAT one) bought some artwork and gave me a nice tip.I like her.

What else can I say, except tons of monsters plus tons of sales equals tons of awesomeness?  Even if it’s not specifically a comic convention there were still plenty of opportunities for flexible artists who are willing to engage with the attendees, and I think that’s what matters most.

I haven’t been a theme park caricaturist for a very long time, but it wasn’t until I started working at conventions that I learned how much of that experience really paid off.  Although the drawing mileage from that line of work was certainly useful, the most important thing I got out of being a caricature artist was learning how to make sales and getting people interested in buying what you have to offer.

One of the most important things in being successful at conventions is not being afraid to talk to the people who visit your table; even simple interactions like asking what they’re into is beneficial (especially if you can offer to draw them something they would be interested in buying, HINT HINT).  Being entertaining and engaging (or at least pleasant, for you shy folks) is always going to give you a step up over the vendors/artists with bad attitudes and egos.  The key to having a good time as a convention artist is to just have a good time; customers would rather interact with artists, even ones that aren’t giving them a sales pitch, who give off a good vibe.

While being a good salesman isn’t the absolute top priority for being a cartoonist it nevertheless is a great skill to have (I say that because you should still be a good cartoonist as well…still, I’ve seen worse artists than myself who still manage to be marvelous at selling their work!).

In closing, the main lessons I impart to you are: 1) be pleasant, approachable, and confident. 2) be considerate to your visitors/customers but don’t be afraid to pitch them your wares. 3) don’t take it personally if some people aren’t interested (the time spent fuming is time you could spend finding another customer!). 4) have fun. 5) don’t be a dickhead. 6) don’t sweat it. If you believe what you have is worth buying, and are willing to back that up, you’ll make the sales.

…and remember to wear pants. Man, I’ve got a crazy convention story to tell you someday…