Overall, I loved this show! Although this is my first blog post, this is I think my sixth show? I could be wrong.
I've been prepping for shows since around December, and made some new products including a new print, poster, and four new stickers!
I make quite a bit from my day-job, so I had been also been buying a bunch of branding-related things like business cards (made of recycled paper), and a banner, which came in handy for a make-shift tablecloth since my local Joann was temporarily closed because a heater broke or something.
Other things I bought were little acrylic stands for my stickers, since I knew I would be having more prints to display this time around, a long stapler so I can bind my comics easier, and a paper cutter so that I don't have to go to Staples and my campus to cut my comics and prints. I still have to use the one at school for posters though, because they're too big for the gadget. Lastly, I got some jewelry stands for some super secret surprise products that I'll have for the next show!
Despite me planning extensively, as the show got closer, I noticed that the weather was projected to be kind of bad, so, around 30 minutes before the show, I went to Walmart, and bought a small 4x6 canopy for $50. The only issue was however, is that it was red, and it didn't really match. I then went to the spray paint section and got a black can of paint, and ended up really spottily painting the canopy black. I'd like to apologize to the associate that had to open both cases for me, because I spammed the help button, and the poor lady said she had a migraine when she was scanning my stuff in.
The location itself is surprisingly roomy, so setting up was a breeze. And the traffic is really nice judging that it was right next to Central. When I got there, the host told me to set up wherever, and was super nice as well.
As I was setting up, my first customer came along; she was this sweet old lady, and she showed me her doodle design art, which was really sweet! She ended up buying a comic and a few stickers, which was really exciting because she showed genuine interest in my comic!
Around an hour in, I realized that I was hungry, and headed over to The Munchie Truck, which was parked near us. I've vended at events with them before, so I already knew the food was good, but since it was morning, I couldn't really eat anything too heavy or else I'd get nauseous. So, I asked if I could just have a grilled cheese and a soda, which they were happy to make! Whole meal costed me $7, and I kid you not, that was THE best grilled cheese I'd ever had. I'm autistic too, and while I'm not typically picky, grilled cheese is one of my comfort foods, so that was a really big deal for me.
After that, I had a few more people come by, and I ended up striking a conversation with someone about art activism! She told me about a protest that's happening, today actually, but since I'm still awake at like 02:00, I think I may have to pass. However, she did give me a social media of some sort where she posts about upcoming protests, and I'll definitely be checking it out! A passer-by overheard us, and also started talking about art activism, and the conversation ended up lasting around an hour, and as much as I usually hate doing that with strangers, I enjoyed every second. In the end, the first girl bought some stickers, and gave me some of her own, and the passer-by also gave me a sticker they designed.
I ended up keeping them slightly longer because next door, there was a coffee shop, and I wanted to try it, so they had to watch my booth, which I still feel slightly bad for, but they said it was okay. I got the Chai Latte, and a Lavender Italian Soda, which were both insanely good!
Slightly after they left, it started raining really bad, but not to worry, I had my canopy, which I was super thankful for at that point. I only really got a few droplets on my stickers, and that's about it. I sold one more copy of my comic, and some stickers to a couple who really enjoyed Pokémon, and some more stickers to a fellow vendor, who I've also vended with before!
After the rain died down, I moved over to the other side of the wall, where most of the other vendors were, and I talked to my friend Willow, who I'd also vended with before! My roommate also ended up also showing up, because they work as a security guard down the street, and they decided to come visit on their break. I got my sunglasses customized by another vendor, and bought some stuff from Willow, but suddenly, the wind started picking up. It ended up getting so bad, that shortly after my roommate left, we had to wrap it up.
There were some kids who helped me keep everything from blowing away, while I took things down, they were a great help, and I only ended up losing one sticker! After being all packed up and ready to go, I made one final purchase of a Godzilla print for the vendor I meantioned previously. He ended up not having it on hand, but I paid him for it with the promise of him dropping it off at New Game, where we usually vend together.
Again, overall an incredible show, even if it was cut short! I hope Satin Black hosts another show soon, because that was fun, and I made quite a bit considering the conditions!
Stay tuned for the next show! I have some new goodies coming out soon!
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