5 posts tagged “comix”

Hey there,
I Really should have posted earlier, but I went straight into work on Tues and then had to run the Cloudscape meeting.

I know my last post made things sound pretty bleak, but in the end it all worked out, and then some!

Stumptown 2009 was at the time of writing this, my BEST CON EVER!

Everything worked out just exactly right!

Where to begin? Well we stayed at the super cheesey Jupiter hotel which was an experience. Camilla D'Errico recommended it and was also staying there, so I got to share a burger with her and pick her brain about sales techniques. She's a great role model for marketing and business savy, as well as a great person to share table space with. Cloudscape was right next door, so we got to banter and joke throughout the con.

Once again Cloudscape outdid themselves for set-up and display. I was very happy with our table this year.

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I also got to pick up Erika Moens book which had almost not been printed. And grab her super neat collaborative project with Lucy Kinsley. Which was really neat, those are two talented women.

I also got to touch base with all the great Vancouver regulars including the Jobnik crew and Steve Rolston. As well I got to speak with Ed Brisson, and it looks like we will be launching Funday Sunnies alongside his group in May. Expect more details soon.

I also got to meet Jeff Smith and get a nice sketch done. As well as pick up a beautiful limited run print of a new Pop Gun War by Farel Dalrymple.

I also got to get caught up with the one and only, Blue! Musician, Comics activist, and all around awesome girl! Not to mention one of Cloudscapes first fans! She was a huge help, and a great tour guide throughout the trip.

Sales were really good, and I think it helped that I had nominated Historyonics for two Trophy Awards. That night at Cosmic Monkey we even took home an award! I was super thrilled to take the stage, it was definitely a highlight!

Check it out!

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At the party I met Brendan, one of the editors at Dark Horse. He was a really nice guy, and he even bought a book from us :)

The following day I met Craig Thompson who is one of my heroes in comics. He blew me away when I was getting my book signed when he said "Oh yeah I know you, you did that Historyonics book, you guys are doing good stuff".
I was reduced to such a jittery fanboy at that point I had to make a hasty retreat. He'd been to table and liked my books! Woo Hoo!

I think those are the broad strokes. I'm sure I am forgetting countless talented artists I rubbed elbows with. I am definitely coming back to Stumptown 2010, and I will probably go to the Portland Zine Symposium this Summer because I am totally in love with the city of Portland.

Tomorrow morning I am off to Stumptown in Portland Oregon.

I feel like the right thing to do here would be to put a bright shiny face on and talk about how great Cloudscape is and how happy we are to be going to Stumptown, but right now that feels a bit insincere.

A few days ago I would have said I was excited to be going. Now I am not so sure.

I mean I'm still excited to meet Jeff Smith, and Craig Thompson. I'm still excited to speak to Camilla D'Errico and Erika Moen and Ed Brisson again. I'm even excited to attend the Trophy Awards (We are nominated).

I am also excited to see how people like our news books (We've produced two since the last Stumptown). I really feel we've made a great book and I think this could be the con we actually make some profit at.

But due to unforseen complications that I don't feel I should get into in detail here. Everyone seems to be going into this with a chip on their shoulder. They have their nose out of joint, or are stressed out or both. This makes me worried about the future of the collective and I really feel like I haven't done a good job as it's leader.

I am hopeful that we can pull together as a group and move forward, hopefully the good vibes of Portland and the greatest comic con on earth can soothe us all.

Wish me luck!

Woot!

I got the new books and was almost immediately off to Emerald City. The con was decent enough. I think I had the advantage of going in with low expectations. Sales were low, but not bad. Networking went really well.

Ultimately I think I touched base with several cool artists. Notably, Erika Moen, Keith Knight, Camilla D'Ericco, David Mack, Steve Rolston, Ed Brisson, and many others.

It also gave me a chance to employ some more more merchandising techniques, which I was pretty happy with.

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So I came home today to see my latest publication!

Funday Sunnies!

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Cloudscapes full-colour salute to the newspaper strips of old! And it looks great!

I am very proud of this accomplishment, and am eager to see how it is received at Seattles Emerald City Comicon this weekend!

Wish me luck!

Life has been motoring along at it's usual break neck pace. I've been musing at how much and how quickly my life has changed. I am now on my second year at DeSerres and living with a roommate.

I'm feeling more comfortable with things so far. The dull ache of being single is becoming easier to handle.

More importantly though, I have a new book coming out!

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