Throughout the course of my twenty year career in webcomics I’ve done a lot of conventions. I was maintaining a decent schedule of shows until the Covid-19 pandemic ground everything to a halt. As things slowly reopened so did my convention schedule, albeit at a highly reduced schedule. Now, a few years out of the pandemic quarantine, I find myself wanting to branch out again. I’ve begun the process of applying to new shows and returning to some old favorites for 2025.
It is, however, a very different world out there now. Back in the old days, where I was constantly traveling for conventions, I was invited to over half of them as a Guest of the show! Conventions would offer to reimburse travel, hotel, or both, so there was no risk for me to head out to new shows! Like all things, those days have come to an end, so now I must pay my way out to whatever show I want to exhibit at, if my application is accepted at all. It’s the way of things.
On top of all that, everything is just so expensive these days! I’m not talking about the cost of convention tables or weekend badges, either. I mean the cost of travel. Hotel costs alone have skyrocketed over the years and anyone traveling far for a convention better have a host of roommates to help split the bill. Then there’s the cost of food, the cost of travel (whether it’s flights or gas for your vehicle), and the cost of time. The latter will sneak up on you if you’re not managing your schedule.
Despite all these difficulties and changes, I still want to see how many new shows and old favorites I can make it out to for 2025. I thrive at conventions. I love meeting folks and chatting about comics, the creative process, or any other nerd stuff that has captured my attention. I’m in the process of trying to build my 2025 schedule, so keep an eye out here or on Bluesky for announcements of where I’ll be next year.
Speaking of convention appearances, I’ll be at my last show of 2024 in just two weeks at Rhode Island Comic Con! Come by and say hi if you’re in the area! Maybe suggest a show or three for me to try attending for 2025! I’m on the lookout for new experiences!