WHITHER CONVENTIONS?
Or is that...WITHER Conventions?!?
I was a guest at the Kelowna Comic Con this past weekend, in Kelowna, British Columbia. And what a lovely show: ample space, decent attendance, a good vibe with a moderate focus on actual comic books (as opposed to Celebrity Photo Ops, LOOKING AT YOU, FanExpo!)…all in all, it should have been a great show!
Operative phrase: “should have been.”
I sold 18 books. In two days. EIGHT. TEEN. Now before people start thinking I’m a poor salesman, let me say that I’ve been attending and selling at conventions for 30+ years. I flatter myself that I know a bit about what works (and keep myself open for further learning).
But folks just weren’t buying.
And this wasn’t the only convention this year that has had “depressed” sales. There are always multiple factors to consider when trying to analyze sales— but the upshot is that, this year at least, conventions have not been worth my while.
It’s caused a shift in my perceptions of how to run Two Gargoyles Comics. I’m going to concentrate more on the online audience— on digital vs. print— and tighten my belt where printing is concerned; former formulas of expenditures are simply no longer sustainable.
As an example, I have up until now printed 100 copies of each title to tide me over through my three- or four- show convention season. That in itself is a tragically small number.
How much more tragic, then, that I can’t even sell those! Comparing notes with other creators has yielded similar answers; low sales, low interest, despite good crowds and complimentary-vibe shows.
What’s going on?
It was suggested to me that North America is holding its breath re. the economy to see if a certain assclown gets elected President of the USA. Sure, I’m sure that creates unsure futures where money is concerned. Maybe folks are just being careful with their money? They certainly are where comics are concerned.
I don’t know the solution, but I do know that for Two Gargoyles, I’m going to “consolidate and consider.” There’s no question that I will continue to make comics. I’m just going to be smarter about how I sell them, and that means being smarter about how I make and pay for them.
Nil desperandum, as the saying goes. Do not despair.
“When fishermen can’t fish,” says a very talented and experienced friend of mine, “they mend nets.”
So I’m going to tend to my net-mending; you’ll be seeing more posts by me here on Substack, as I redouble my efforts to keep the conversation going—and to keep Two Gargoyles Comics in it!