Help
The overwhelming response I got from folks was "the indier the better," making the show a real celebration of comics that are made with one's heart and hands. That big names are exciting, but not as interesting as smaller creators. And that the show should be both financially feasible and enlightening/energizing for attendees and exhibitors.
I'm not sure about when to host it, I was thinking sometime in 2010, and the two months that stood out to me were late February (after Valentines Day), and July. But I honestly have no good idea as to what the most convenient time would be. I don't want to step on Windy City Comicon's toes at all, but I wouldn't care (might even enjoy) if it were scheduled on the same weekend as Wizard World, because that show is dumb.
So here are my current logistical thoughts:
I want to coordinate housing for out-of-towners, so as to cut back on travelers' expenses. As long as people are cool with sleeping on couches, I can find them a place to sleep.
I'm debating whether exhibiting and/or attending should be free, or cost a tiny amount of money. Some people have suggested that a free event suggests a lack of worth. And that even a tiny fee, $10 for half a table, and $5 to get in would make the show seem "worth it" to attend, and could easily be waved for tons of reasons (which then makes attendees feel special).
Friday night: Opening party at a bar or gallery or comics shop with entertaining talks, presentations & readings. I'd really like the presenters to be folks who can captivate an audience through a dynamic presentation, excited talks or amazing performance. This event would be free, as it would be a great way to get the public interested in the show the next day.
Saturday: Exhibition at a VFW or Art Museum/Gallery or Library or Something like that, the space should be big enough to accommodate Chicago's pool of amazing comics folks, as well as out-of-towners. Meanwhile, hosting workshops on how to make comics throughout the day, as a means to both celebrate the populist qualities of minicomics, as well as making the day as more of an event, keeping attendees there all day.
Saturday night: a casual closing party at a comics shop or bar, with no programming really, just a winding down event, maybe the ubiquitous karaoke.
Sunday: I've got three ideas:
1. Drier traditional lectures, try to get Chris Ware and Ivan Brunetti out of hiding to meekly speek into microphones at the library.
2. Workshops, working meetings, and other events designed to facilitate an exchange of ideas between creators (and I guess readers), on comics, how to make, produce and market them, or maybe just a big room in which folks could draw together.
3. Nothing, let folks spend some time running around Chicago before they have to jump back on a plane or Amtrak.
Of course I'll need to advertise the CRAP out of the show, I'd feel terrible if folks committed their time to exhibit, and then nobody showed up.
And now the most fun part of the discussion, the name. Also, the part that's giving me one of the biggest headaches, here are some (terrible) ideas:
ExCITE: The Exposition of Comics In Tiny Editions
The Sequential Art and Story Show (SASS?)
The Minicomics Show
Hearts and Stars Minicomics Show(Chicago's flag has red stars on it)
Hearts and Hands Comics Show
Selfpublished Comics Conference
XOXO Minicomics Festival
The Best Comics Show Ever
Masturbating Storm
I know this post is frickin' long as a merf, but any advice would be greater than great. I'm seeking advice from a bunch of folks, but would love advice from any of y'all.
This post has been edited by neil-brideau: 23 June 2009 - 03:02 AM
