Vancouver Comicon Nov 2008
11-17-08
Yesterday was the Vancouver Comicon held at the Heritage Hall on Main Street which is organized by Leonard Wong. He has done a great job keeping this event drawing audiences by bringing in international professionals from the entertainment and comic industries. There have been so many excellent artists, writers, editors and publishers, including independent creators, that I look forward to finding out who will be there every time.
I have always enjoyed exhibiting at trade shows like the San Diego Comicon, American Toy Fair and the smaller ones too. Sure, standing for hours on end can get to you but it’s worth it, as meeting the people is what it’s all about.
A good friend of mine owned a comic store in the Okanagan (where I first met him) and he now wholesales Marvel, DC, Image, Darkhorse and a plethora of graphic novels, comics, toys and merchandise at trade shows across Canada. He even sells my Galactic Gladiators comic series and licensed products. You would be surprised at the kind of revenue these events can generate.
Every now and then I help him with sales and end up signing a few autographs for customers. I chat with customers and ask what they think of this or that comic, artist, writer or story, but then I ask if they have read Galactic Gladiators. Some have, others don’t know about my endeavour into the entertainment industry. Either way, being involved at trade shows helps me realize why I am in this industry. The fans.
Self Promotion may seem egotistical to some folks but every one in the entertainment industry lives or dies by it. Unless you are paying a Public Relations firm thousands of dollars a month, you are your own publicist. Even if you have an Advertising Agency behind you, it is necessary to continue to promote your project as often as possible to get the message out. That’s one of the reasons these international celebrities come to the Comicons and to meet their readers.
Due to my efforts yesterday, sales of Galactic Gladiators issues sold out, plus an Archeologist wanted the GG poster on the window – which I signed and gave away happily. Who knows who these people will talk to? Word of mouth is still the most powerful form of marketing.
Another thing that surprises me, is every once in a while an independent creator will approach me and ask me questions on copyright, trademarks, licensing and marketing. These are questions I usually charge a consulting fee to provide but in the moment of the Comicon, I try to help. The thanks I receive is well worth my time. Hopefully they will use the tip or two and move their projects forward.
So if you haven’t been to a Comicon lately, GO! Support your local creators. Our world will be better for it!
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