[dc]I[/dc] appeared in artist alley at GRASP Comic Expo over the weekend. This was the first GRASP Comic Expo, and took place in the Deltaplex in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
My table at GRASP on Sunday.
GRASP Expectations
I really did not know what to expect with GRASP because it was a first year show, and a spin-off, of sorts, of the Grand Rapids Comic Con. The crowd at last year’s Grand Rapids Comic Con blew away expectations, and many artists, myself included, hoped lightning would strike twice at GRASP.
The attendance was nowhere near Grand Rapids Comic Con numbers, however.
Each show is different, even separate shows organized by the same folks. I wrote in the past on how not every comic convention is created equal. Many factors can influence the success of a show (the time of year, the weather, guests, proximity to other events, etc.).
Differences
GRASP had a different focus than Grand Rapids Comic Con. GRASP stayed away from media guests and wanted to showcase comic artists and writers (both indie and pro).
If you look at GRASP in a vacuum, and take away its connection to the larger Grand Rapids Comic Con, I felt it did well for a first year show of this kind.
I never fault a show for wanting to showcase indie creators, even if it means smaller attendance (see also Appleseed and SPACE).¹
GRASP By the Numbers
I took in $76 at GRASP, and my table cost $52. It was also an hour away, so counting money for gas I probably broke even, give or take. I spent Saturday night with friends, so I didn’t have to pay for a hotel (and I got to the Deltaplex early enough to avoid paying for parking).
But, what I can’t enter in a spreadsheet are the new connections I made, and the existing connections I strengthened while attending GRASP. Selling stuff at comic shows is great, but making connections, and seeing old friends, is even better.
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