It's now been roughly two weeks since I exhibited at Surtex for the first time. While it's impossible to say what the long term results will be I am fairly optimistic given the feedback I received. I heard words like unique, cool and different. All good words, time will tell.
This was my first show where I was selling me as much as my art. Not always something I've been very comfortable with but after 10 years of exhibiting at comic-cons around the country I've gotten better. Although at cons I'm selling actual product the principle is the same. I explain what I love about design. How I learn news things every time I create something new. I don't talk about how great the art is (or isn't) or the mistakes I made with it along the way. Show your enthusiasm, keep positive, ask your own questions and listen.
Smiling doesn't hurt either.
I learned a lot from this first Surtex I'll use to make the next one even better. Things like... when in doubt, use more tape.
Exhibiting on my own I didn't get the chance to wander as much as I would have liked to but I did stretch my legs a little. So many really great artists and art represented, I look forward to reconnecting again next year!
Mark
