This is a continuation from last month’s post.
May was booked. CAKE was great for my first event at a big venue (or at lest my first event when I see over 500 people throughout the weekend), and DZF is still a home for me. They’re vastly different shows but man, I’m glad I was able to experience both. As much I like to go out in public and interact with crowds, I’m very much a reserved person. Events such like these take planning, sometimes within months. Still, here are some learning moments and insights from these recent shows.
CAKE’s venue at the Irish American Hall was vast. I remember how suprised I was entering to the third floor and geting everything set up, and adjusting much as the show goes on. I had fun interacting and connecting with folks in the Chicago area, but also folks who were out of state. I wasn’t able to move about from my table since I drove alone from home, but I enjoyed the folks who came by and chat, and spending time with my friends before and after the show.
At least a thousand came through the building but wow… really big. Though I found out quickly that folks who venture in these halls were searching more about technique and application. spectifcally in hobbies or mediums such as watercolor, for my case. I sold out a lot of those and had to make reprints but it’s a thing to consider in the future.
Detriot Zine Fest is show I’ve been frequenting since its first show, and this year is no different. Great shows, great folks. I sold out my watercolor zine again. Not a bad thing but I’m surprised how fast it flew out of my hands. What I enjoy in zine fests is generally seeing some familar faces and updating folks what’s been happening with my recent work. That is a good sign. The end goal is building connections to your audiences. If you can do that with a conversation, then you could build off with anything.
So what can go from here? Summer is fast approaching and I have some local events coming up in June. I may not have any more appearances later this year, but as I return slowly to my studio chair I want to continue creating more. Not for myself, but for folks who also like to see my work and cheering me on. That’s what matters.