For years, I’ve wanted to make miniature cereal boxes as merch—ads, really—for Two Gargoyles Comics. I was advised repeatedly that it would “be a distraction from my comics.”
And hey, I bought that—after all, one’s primary focus should be on the most important work ie. one’s comics, but then I realized it shouldn’t be one’s only focus.
For Calgary Expo 2025 I decided to do what I love, and honour my friend’s suggestion that I finally “go for it” and included them.
WOW. They sold well! Not flying off the table like hotcakes well, but definitely non-zero well, which in today’s economy, I was grateful for.
Also, hey, coincidentally, I also sold some comics. More comics, I think though I cannot prove, than I would have sold without the fun boxes of nostalgia that Wheaty Wings Cereal represents.
So I’m calling it a “win!” And what this has taught me is that if anything brings you joy, anything at all, you can include that as part of your presence, your brand, anywhere and everywhere you go. Convention tables, party nights, meetings; feel free to express yourself and your brand with joy. Because joy matters. Emotions matter. That’s what makes sales and forges connections and builds networks. A whole network based on joy—isn’t that something we all should strive for?
(Contents of a Wheaty Wings box: A mini-comic, 2 stickers, a button, a business card, and a piece of candy!)
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