STAPLE was a huge success!
This was my fifth year doing the Austin-based convention, and I initially didn’t want to attend in favor of the Dallas Comic and Pop Exp happening at the same time. However, thanks to some persuasion by a friend, I came back after a one year hiatus.
First of all, Moonlight Rrriot sold out on the first day. This made me happy since I put all of my chips on the zine rather than my prints, or even the Cantina Limbo book. Jamie Kiniosian, Jesse Jordan, and Jessica Madorran, who have all submitted to the book, helped out by having copies of MR at their tables to promote. We encourage people to get a copy and have it signed by the four of us. Jamel Jones, my brother from another mother and also contributor, was slated to attend but didn’t make it.
With the usual after party dinner and live art show, second day went slow, but steady. I was able to sell Cantina Limbo books. In fact, I sold more books at this show than any other convention. This is the type of show STAPLE is: a book fair.
While on my way back, I reflected on the weekend and my overall career as an artist to this point. I’ve come a long way since 6 or so years ago when doing convention and being a professional. My art is better, my books are better, and I realized of what I’m capable of in the seat of an editor/ringleader of an anthology.
This begs the question: where should I go from here? Wait, I have some comics to draw…