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Thought I would toss together a brief synopsis of the shows I attended this year- I'm always asking artists what shows they recommend attending and why, so thought I would put together my list.
Please let me know if there is an amazing show I'm missing! and I'll try for 2014 
Vancouver Fan expo.
Newer show, sales are pretty steady for a 2yr old con, definitely worth getting a table, especially now that it has some momentum. Highlight: The city. Vancouver is a beautiful place to visit
Calgary Expo
This show has exploded in size and scope recently. For an artist, this beast BY FAR trumps any other convention for sale numbers (including New York, a show twice its size) Every artist I talk to, 9 times outa 10- Calgary is the biggest money maker. The attendees are hungry for art. lots of it. Come well stoked and expect to go home empty handed.
Ottawa Comicon
Newer show, so a bit of a slower one, but I imagine it will be growing steadily.
the main drawback was how far from awesome downtown Ottawa this convention is held, its a bit of a trek to get into the city, (but close to the airport). Ottawa has such a fun downtown scene to explore.
Also had to deal with some especially rude and condescending volunteers at this con (something I'm not used to as an exhibitor) keep your distance.
Winnipeg Ai-kon
My hometown Anime con- its a bit smaller to justify a flight and hotel for anyone out of town- but the attendees are very dedicated fans, everyone there is having a blast, and willing to spend on artwork. I'm always pleasantly surprised by how well I do at this show.
Chicago Wizard Con
This show has a very different feel to it- the main focus in Celebrities and oldschool comics. Which means if you've got a different style, you'll stand out in a good way. There is enough traffic to ensure a busy weekend.
They made the mistake of splitting the show into 2 floors this year, and Immediately promised not to do it next year. Very strong attendance and everyone is very stoked to buy artwork.
Toronto Fan Expo
One of my favorite shows and biggest Canadian Con - this show brings in over 100 000 attendees (3rd largest in North America, just below New York and San Diego). This expo has a huge range of art styles and levels, so you are competing with a lot of varied talent, but there is enough traffic to keep everyone more than busy.
Toronto is amazing for downtown exploring, always a fun post-con trip
Montreal Comicon
Ubisofts backyard, a lot of gaming presence
Fairly new show as well, but its grown considerably in the last 2 years, recommended con.
Speaking English only is not hindrance (as I had initially feared) almost everyone is bi-lingual, and even those whom are 100% french can usually get a passerby to translate. Very friendly attendees.
Montreal is an amazing city, my favorite part of this show is the adventures we go on after the con.
(note: same company that runs Ottawa, and again I had to deal with very rude volunteers, these two shows have been my only run-in with unprofessional con staff. hope this changes)
New York Comic Con
Incredibly professional convention, PlayStation, X-box, DC, Marvel, Darkhorse, Etc, Etc, are making their presence known. The red carpets are out.
Heavy competition here, the big guys are out in force, whatever your product, you'll soon run into 4 other guys who have been doing it longer and better. Bring your A game.
This show also has a substantial amount of scouting clients- big name brands are among the crowd and on the lookout for fresh talent. Noticeably more-so than most shows. Expect decent sales, and a lot of potential clients coming home from this one. Also, be sure to apply early, this show is a tad tricky for locking down a spot.
Edmonton Expo
New con, smaller, but pretty busy and a lot of fun. The good thing about new, smaller shows is that you don't have nearly the competition that comes with a bigger con.
Also, this con sported the best food selection I've ever seen... an full food court in the building, food trucks everywhere outside and even food booths on the floor. it was noticeably awesome.
Winnipeg C4
My hometown show (so I may be biased) but this show was well established years before most cities held conventions, and has been growing strong yearly. Its now at the point that its well worth the trip for artists out of town. Good attendance, and everyone appreciates the art.
(and I know all the best places to grab a bite and a drink afterwards 
)
)and that's it! fire me any questions you may have, and hit me with your artist alley experiences
cheers!
MY SPEEDRUN OF INKTOBER 2020
Official Prompt list: Fish Wisp Bulky Radio Blade Rodent Fancy Teeth Throw Hope Disgusting Slippery Dune Armor Outpost Rocket Storm Trap Dizzy Coral Sleep Chef Rip Dig Buddy Hide Music Float Shoes Ominous Crawl I needed to prep a bunch of my older books to go along with orders of my upcoming “Dragon Nanny”. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonnanny/dragon-nanny I did a quick sketch of everything in a 10% grey first, just to figure out my idea for the word, and get the basic compositions for the word prompt, then finished with Pentel brush pen. Kinda excited that my first completed Inktober will be spread over the next 31 orders, and will be shipped around the world to new homes.
My next book is up on Kickstarter
It’s been a surreal ride getting here. COVID-19 suspended all comic cons and book touring, but it has allowed me to really lean into this project and spend a couple uninterrupted months with these characters and this world. I’m honestly going to miss this project once it’s done. Dragon Nanny is a 104 page graphic novel set on an alien world once bustling with life and populated by dragons. But something has happened: the eggs have stopped hatching, and with no new generation of baby dragons to replace the old, the cycle of life on the planet has screeched to a halt. Now it’s up to a lone determined little robot to find and hatch as many eggs as possible, and kickstart life back onto the sleeping planet. It's “The Land Before Time” meets “Wall-E” Check it out here!
Foil Printing is the best
My "Exclusives/Foil Store" is now OPEN! These are the limited edition foil prints that we're normally ONLY sold at comic cons. https://www.chasingartwork.com/store This is usually the week I'm in San Diego, being a big ball of stress, setting up my booth, sorting prints, revealing new pieces and getting ready for a crazy whirlwind of a weekend. It's very sad that cons had to be put on hold for the year, but I hope things become safe enough that next year we can all get together and nerd out The convention exclusive pieces will be online for the week of July 22-26. all orders are shipped flat, signed, and usually come with extra goodies from the studio.
Chasing Artwork 2014 Con Schedule
Been busy getting my ducks in a row for the 2014 con season :) lots of shows lined up, and I'm pumped!!
slowly but surely making more time for US shows, and hopefully I'll be making a jump across the pond for a Europe show before too long. Australia was on the list for this year, but my selfish best friends getting married haha, so that's on hold for now.
I'm going to be at the 2015 San Diego show, as well. For sure for sure. tired of missing out on that.
Winnipeg AiKon Winterfest February 8
Smaller Local anime con to start the year off! tiny show, but great attendees and a fun atmosphere :)
Winnipeg Wonderland Anime Festival March 1,2
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I'm trying to decide whether I want to try going to out-of-province cons next year. About how much does it cost you to stay in Calgary during the con, if you don't mind my asking?