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Post by The Captain on Sept 14, 2014 16:03:30 GMT -5
I'm going to be going to Pittsburgh Comicon in two weeks, as I do every year, but this year, I will be able to stay the entire day on Friday (and possibly go on Sunday), as opposed to the 3 hours or so I usually have at the show. As such, I plan to do some shopping (OK, a lot of shopping), but I also am going to spend some time going to meet artists, which I have not done before.
As such, I have some specific questions based on your experiences, but beyond that, I would love any additional advice from the veterans around here as to how to interact with those folks.
My questions are: 1. What is an acceptable number of books to get signed per artist? I've seen people roll into a show with two or three short boxes, which I would feel is overkill, but what is reasonable? 2. Do I need to bring my own pens, specifically if I want a signature in a particular color, or will they have their own? 3. How do I go about requesting a sketch? Do I need to bring my own paper/book/etc.? How long does it take for them to finish it? I'm asking because the artist who draws My Little Pony will be there, and I wanted to get a unique sketch for each of my daughters if possible.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Richard |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 16:24:27 GMT -5
A lot will vary from creator to creator, but a few general answers...
1. Personally I try not to bring more than 2 books per creator, but some folks regularly bring more. I usually ask them to personalize it as well so they know am not trying to flip the book. When I met Howard Chaykin, I had a stack of 5-6 things and asked him which he liked best to sign, he chuckled and took the whole stack to sign for me instead, but only personalized one of them, so it varies.
2. They usually have their own pens, but if you want a specific color you may need to bring it. Most will use black or metallic colored sharpies.
3. Most creators will have sings about sketches, how much etc. How long depends on how many they have in cheque usually, whether they are headshots or full body, color or black and white, etc. etc. I would ask when you commission it, but most times it has been an hour or so when I have done it, and I usually shop around and visit other artists while they sketch. The full color Thanos sketch I got took a couple of hours though. A lot will depend on how busy their lines are too, so there are a lot of variables.
Others may have different input, but I hope that helps.
-M
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,419
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Post by shaxper on Sept 14, 2014 17:19:14 GMT -5
1. What is an acceptable number of books to get signed per artist? I've seen people roll into a show with two or three short boxes, which I would feel is overkill, but what is reasonable? Depends not only on the artist but also how busy they are and now much they're charging. Generally speaking, the more they charge and the less busy they are, the more okay it is to give them a giant stack. Many classic writers and artists charge next to nothing because they're doing it for the love and, in those cases, I would say five at max. Artists always have their own, but it never hurts to bring your own because different pens are right for signing different kinds of covers with different colors on them. I find silver or gold non-smear glitter pens always work the best because they will show up on any color background. Yes. Bring your own paper, as well as a secure place to store it once the sketch is complete. Depends. Most artists have two different drawing styles: a sketch style where they can get a pretty decent image down in a few minutes, and the more detailed style that made them famous, which takes a very long time to execute properly. If you're not commissioning a piece, they will most likely go sketch style and be done pretty quickly.
Chances are, Katie and Andy will be mobbed most of the time, but there's nothing stopping your daughters from asking.
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Post by Randle-El on Sept 14, 2014 22:06:43 GMT -5
My questions are: 1. What is an acceptable number of books to get signed per artist? I've seen people roll into a show with two or three short boxes, which I would feel is overkill, but what is reasonable? 2. Do I need to bring my own pens, specifically if I want a signature in a particular color, or will they have their own? 3. How do I go about requesting a sketch? Do I need to bring my own paper/book/etc.? How long does it take for them to finish it? I'm asking because the artist who draws My Little Pony will be there, and I wanted to get a unique sketch for each of my daughters if possible.
1) Personally, I'm not a big fan of bringing a whole big pile of books for one creator to sign -- especially if there's a line. I mean, do you really need every issue of a specific creator's run on a title signed? Personally, I just pick a few issues with covers that I particularly like, since the one of the main reasons I like to have books signed (besides the experience of meeting the creator) is to display them, so a nice cover plus a signature makes a great display piece. I'd say less than five books? Some creators put a hard limit on the number of books. There's also the consideration that you have to cart all the books you're getting signed around with you all day PLUS anything you purchase. 2) They all keep pens with them. Bring one only if you want a specific color. 3) Some people use sketchbooks for collecting sketches. And depending on the artist, you won't need to supply paper. As Shaxper mentioned, there are basically two types of sketches -- the quick and dirty sketch, and the finished sketch. The quick and dirty sketch you can often request and have completed in line. I got a quick and dirty Superman sketch by George Perez that he banged out in about 3-4 minutes after he signed my books. For the finished sketches, artists will usually accept the requests in advance until they hit their limit. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday, they may already be filled up by the time you get to them. Some artists use social media or e-mail to solicit sketch requests in advance of a con, and often will work on it ahead of time and have it ready for you there. Some artists, particularly the "rock stars" who will get mobbed, won't sketch at all, or very selectively. At Baltimore Comic Con, Greg Capullo wasn't sketching, and had a 3 book limit for signatures. His was by far the longest line I saw, with the possible exception of Jim Starlin or Dave Gibbons. Jim Lee rarely sketches, and when he does, it's always the quick and dirty. On the flip side, I heard he sketches for free, but he can afford to. Gene Ha will also do free sketches for kids. |
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Post by hondobrode on Sept 14, 2014 22:56:03 GMT -5
I was behind a teenage girl who had most of a short box being signed by Grant Morrison. I couldn't believe it ! I simply had a Vertigo print which he enthusiastic signed " To Hondo !!!!! Best Wishes, Grant Morrison". Unfortunately my ex-wife stole it and more.
I would say no more than 3 items is permissable and in good taste.
Bring your own sketchbook, but beware about letting it out of sight or overnight. Big Artist was doing a commission that took2 days and not until I was home later was my Jerry Robinson Joker commission gone. Furious, but still not sure it was him or someone next to him or at his room or what.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 23:10:38 GMT -5
One thing I will mention, if you are looking to get sketches and frame and display them, magazine size backing boards are a great medium-they are the right size for framing, archival quality stock and durable enough to carry around with you. All the con sketches I have are either blank cover variants or on mag size backing boards.
-M
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Post by Pharozonk on Sept 14, 2014 23:17:04 GMT -5
All I can say is that don't be that guy getting glares from everyone else because he brought a literal suitcase of books to get signed.
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Post by The Captain on Sept 16, 2014 19:42:24 GMT -5
Thanks for all the suggestions!
I've started looking at the guest list, then going through my collection on Comic Book Database to find what I own from each, then narrowing it down to which covers/work I like the most. I have no more than five for any artist (George Perez, but a couple are on the list because he worked with Rudy Nebres on them and he will be at the show as well, so I'll get both of them on the same book).
I've inquired at my LCS about the magazine-size backing boards, and they will hook me up with a handful of them (and bags) so I have something for the artists to draw on. As well, I've started thinking about exactly what I would like each to draw so I don't get to the front of the line and have to think about it.
Lastly, I sent an e-mail to Andy Price last night to discuss MLP sketches for my daughters, and I'm waiting to hear back from him. I thought that if I can connect with him early, maybe he could have them done ahead of time and ready for me to pick up at the show.
Really appreciate all your thoughts, and I can't wait to share what I come away with!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2014 20:32:38 GMT -5
I was at a local show last Sunday called the Red and White . They had about 20 artist there . I had a t-shirt from the event and went to each artist table and had them sign it . Some thought it a little strange and others loved the idea . Some even drew little sketches on it . I can't wait to frame and hang it . Good luck Richard have a great day at the comic con .
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