[dc]A[/dc]bout a year ago, I decided 2014 would be my first year selling Clattertron comics at shows and conventions. I wanted to build up an archive of comics, and not worry about going to shows just yet—as conventions are a lot of work (but fun work).
Get in Front of People
2014 is here, and next month is my first appearance of the year: the MSU Comics Forum.
I set my convention sights beyond the MSU Comics Forum though, and applied to exhibit at SPACE in Columbus, Ohio this April.¹ I’m happy to say I applied before tables sold out, and I will be attending SPACE, which is the first time I’ll ever appear at an out-of-state convention (I sold The Magic of Eyri at Michigan cons over the years).
What is SPACE?
SPACE is the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo, and as the name implies, puts the focus on small press creators and comics. As the official website says:
[SPACE] is the midwest’s longest running exhibition of small press, creator owned and art comics. And Columbus’ only locally owned and operated COMICS show. Sponsored by Back Porch Comics.
As to the why behind SPACE, from the about page:
…All of the regular conventions became “Pop-Culture” conventions in an attempt to bring more people though the door. The net result is that the small press folks seemed to be selling less.
And here’s a quote from SPACE organizer, Bob Corby which further drives the mission statement home:
“SPACE is about the comics and the creators with no distractions. I’ve always felt a great creative buzz during the show.” – Bob Corby, SPACE organizer
I love events which focus on creators and the craft, which is why I always tried to attend the MSU Comics Forum over the years (and this year, I’ll be on the other side of the Artist Alley table). It is easy for creators to get lost in the sea of offerings at the large, pop-culture heavy cons,² and shows like SPACE and the MSU Comics Forum put creators in the spotlight a bit more.
I’m excited about attending SPACE!
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¹. I learned about SPACE through comic pals, and fellow attendees, Ryan Claytor and Jay Jacot. Look out, Columbus!
². Nothing against pop-culture heavy conventions at all. I spent many hours and dollars at them over the years and always have fun.
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