A few months ago, my compadre in comics Zara Slattery suggested to me that we apply for a stall at a comic festival or two.
“Hm”, I said, “Maybe we should start off with something local and low-risk.” Seemed to make perfect sense for two creators just dipping their toes into the world of self-published comics.
So I’m not quite sure how we’ve ended up with a schedule that takes in FOUR festivals, from our hometown in Brighton (safe, sensible) to the far away Lake District (reckless, budget-blitzing).
The good news for YOU is that there are four opportunities to buy our comics in person, to get them signed, or just to hang out and have a wee chat. And the good news for Zara and I is that we get to put our friendship to the test by sharing transport, accommodation, and festival tables for several days. Ehh, I’m sure we’ll be fine.
So, come and see us at…
Comica, London
14 May
House of Illustration, Granary Square, near King’s Cross station
Comica coincides with the penultimate day of the Comix Creatrix exhibition showcasing 100 great female comic artists, so there’s potential for a really excellent day out.
Central to the Comica festival is the Comiket, a market of delicious coooomiiiics. Bring lots of cash and a big bag to put your treasures in – not least, Two Birds, the Salon of Rejects and my Clovember comic.
Brighton Illustration Fair
29 May
One Church, Gloucester Place
Well, actually, only Zara will be at the Brighton Illustration Fair, because I foolishly booked our family holiday before the dates were announced.
She’ll be selling Two Birds, her own work (and, if I manage to impose on her good nature) Salon of Rejects and my Clovember comic.
She’s there for the Sunday only — however, BiF is such a good event (and this year features amazing guests like Luke Pearson of Hilda fame) that I highly recommend getting the two-day ticket.
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival
14-16 October
Kendal, Cumbria
We’ve watched with envy in previous years, as all our Twitter comics heroes take the long road to the Lakes — well, now it’s our turn to join them.
This is Zara’s home turf as well, so expect her to slip seamlessly into the local accent, while I run around cooing at the beauty of our surroundings.
Thought Bubble
5-6 November
Leeds
Last year I hoofed it up to Thought Bubble at short notice, because I’d been lucky enough to win a prize in the comic art competition. This year, my winning strip will be in the official festival anthology, so you might like to get your mitts on one of those, as well as swinging by our stall to buy all our other comics.. and see how Zara and I are holding up, friendship-wise.
Or get in early
That’s it! Busy schedule! Hope to see you at one or more of these events… and if you want to make sure you get one of our comics before we sell out, remember you can buy them online here.
I am actually looking at them now and wondering, in the light of all the above, whether we should have done bigger print runs…
