Post: DanCon 2015

The third and final convention I had in the month of March was DanCon. With all the traveling I did the past two weeks, this was a nice one to end on because it's pretty much right in our backyard of Orland Park, IL!

The show was fantastic. There were a lot of comic creators this time around from Instant Press, The Sun Bros, and the lovely, Ali Cantarella. The crowds were also excited to be there and the comic trifecta of tables that included Victor, Miker, and myself were excited to draw and talk comics. You can check out some of the commissions I did over here. And even though the venue is smaller compared to other comic shows I do, the people kept coming in and STILL I was able to sneak an art drop: 

Since its a local show for me I had some family and friends visit and my former co-worker brought her adorable daughter. I stealth took this photo as it captured the essence of why I am behind the table and why I make my art:

I always look forward to this show. Dan and Amy have been really big supporters of my art career since the jump. I'm honored that he asked me to do the last two show posters and I'm always thankful when they throw some work my way.

Up next: C2E2!

DANCON Spring 2014 Poster

Hi all,

One of the first comic shows I will be attending at the start of 2014 is DAN CON in Orland Park, IL. The is put together by Decapitated Dan and his lovely wife, the Phoenix personified Amy Royer.

Dan asked me to put together the show's poster and with a little Photoshop effects assist from Dan, here's what we came up with. If you are a comic artist looking to book shows for your 2014 schedule, I suggest you click on the poster and register to be part of this great show!

Post: Dan Con 2013

On March 17 I attended Dan Con at the Orland Park Civic Center. Since we moved to Orland, the convention was literally down the street from our new apartment. This was only my second year attending the show but it felt like a show I've been a part of since it's beginnings. It's because Decapitated Dan and his lovely wife, Amy, make you feel so welcomed at their show. It's about the creators and the artists. You get a sense of comfortableness, like you belong there.

My only complaint really is that it's short, it being a one day con. Luckily Dan has divided the show into two seasons, Spring and Fall. And its not like the show takes a while to really get going, the numbers in attendance are pretty big. It's almost you wished it would go on for a bit longer just so you can interact more with the fellow creators and the crowd in attendance.

I had a great time this year and I debuted my new convention banner. Nic had to step out for the day to attend to some wedding stuff but overall I handled it pretty well. I didn't draw as much as I would have liked to but people were really into the WIWL prints and books, which I can't complain.

They had a raffle in which I offered up these horror movie sketch cards and an exclusive Dan Con print I did just for the show.

I had a great time and I got to visit with my friends Dave and Rene from INSTANT PRESS COMICS! It was a great start to my convention season and I look forward to next year's show!

Dan Con 2012

This Saturday I will be at Dan Con Comic Con at the Orland Park Civic Center from 10am-4pm! Click here for more info! I will be attending with friends, Dave and Rene of INSTANT PRESS COMICS and Lee O' Hanlon! See you Saturday!

Post: DanCon 2012

This past Sunday WIWL began it's 2012 Convention with Dan Con out in Orland Park, IL.  This has to be the closest convention I've ever had to attend and it was great. 

The convention was set up into individual rooms, a creator room and a dealer room.  Nic and I found our spot after a little confusion with the table arrangements.  By the time we got set up, the convention was ready to roll and I must admit it went by rather quick.

It got really packed by mid afternoon and people kept me busy with sketch requests.  Nic handled all the book/print transactions and the crowds were happy to stop at your table.  With the show being more affordable than some of the bigger cons, comic fans had no problem listening to you chat about your projects and talk comics, movies, and more.

I really liked the layout of the show and it's venue, The Orland Park Civic Center.  The multiple rooms made it easier to check out everything rather than piling it into one big open space.  If you were going to check out comics and toys you knew what room to be in and you didn't have far to look.  If you were going to check out Artist Alley you knew where to go.  It was great!

Also with the spacing of the aisles, it never felt crowded.  It never felt empty either.  Some times with these larger shows the aisles are so wide it's hard to grab anyone's attention from off in the distance.  People were constantly walking and stopping at this show and that is always a plus on the artists' end.  Even if they don't end up buying anything at least you got a chance to talk about your art and projects that you are so passionate about.  If they walk away with your business card that is a definite plus in my book.  The atmosphere of Dan Con provided all these great things.

My Ghost Rider print did well and I was excited to see that people were seeking it out once it was put up on the convention's home page.  It was also nice to see my TMNT print from last year's Fanfare go up in the raffle was well as a Krang sketch card I did for the show.

One thing I was upset about was my phone didn't charge all the way and I was really excited to use my new Square reader for the show.  I had a few people ask me if I took credit card and I felt like a dope for not checking to see if my phone charged all the way through that morning.  People were still nice about it.  Another thing was I was so busy (which isn't a complaint), I didn't snap that many photos of the show itself.  I took some pics of sketches which I will throw up on my other blog.  But I thought I'd share this photo of a hat I drew some TMNT on!

Since the show was local, a lot of my friends and family stopped by to show their support.  I don't get to see them at my shows because of the pricey ticket or I am out of state, so thanks to all those who came out to the show.  That meant a lot.

Dan Con was a great way to start my season and I hope the rest of my shows are just as successful and more importantly, fun!

The Rider is coming to DanCon 2012!

As the convention season starts for me I will be creating some new 8x10s over the year.  They will premiere at different conventions but I will carry them with me where ever I "con".  The older prints from 2009 and 2010 will eventually make its way on to my store as they sell out at conventions.  The idea behind that is so that I don't have the same 4 prints every time you pass by my table.

With that being said, the first print on my list is Ghost Rider.  In honor of the new flick that is coming out this February I will be debuting this at Dan Con in March.  This image will also be part of Mutant Cactus' 52 week release schedule so be on the look out for that!  Check out his sweet ride: