A Beginner’s Guide to Comic Cons

This past weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending Savannah Con 2022 at the Savannah Convention Center. It was filled with all kinds of incredible guests, ranging from independent student artists to celebrity voice actors, all willing to share their industry experiences with the world. Every time I visit a comic con, I’m surprised by just how much you can collect and learn from being at them. I strongly feel that cons are some of the best ways for all kinds of artists; sequential artists, illustrators and animators alike, to get easy exposure into their desired industry. So, here’s a brief summary of what to expect and prepare for when going into these epic events! 

1. Bring a water bottle

I’m putting this one above all because I’ve found this to be the make or break at my first con. While concessions are provided, I have attended a con in which they ran out of plastic water bottles completely, and I couldn’t find a fountain to save my life. 98% of attending a con is walking around, so always having something to keep you hydrated is crucial!

2. Know who you want to see, know what you want to say

    Cons are FILLED to the brim with talent, and it really helps to make a list of people you’re interested in speaking to! When I went to MomoCon, a major comic con in Atlanta, I stood face to face with one of my biggest idols only to fall completely silent, realizing I had forgotten all of the questions I had as I got overwhelmed by finally having the privilege to speak to such a famous face. My best advice to any eager con goers is to bring a little booklet with you and write down a list of the Comic Con guests (which are often listed on the cons’ official websites) that you’d like to meet, and have a separate page dedicated to questions to ask them. That way if you’re as socially awkward as I am, you’ll have some speaking notes to get the most out of your interaction. A couple of my suggestions for questions to ask would be: 

• What are your biggest motivations?
• How do you approach the beginning of a new project?
• What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your career?
• What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be in the same career path?
• What were your biggest inspirations?

3. Don’t be afraid to wear what you want

And this goes for both those worried they’ll be overdressed and those who feel they’ll be underdressed. Comic conventions are some of the most welcoming places when it comes to costume and fashion. The more dressed up you get the more people will stop to take photos, compliment your outfit, and overall appreciate the effort you put into it rather than ridiculing you for being different. HOWEVER, as fun and flashy as the costumes are, do not feel a need to blow your allowance on it if you simply cannot afford it- if you just want to attend a con and leave the costume work to the professionals I promise that you will not be the only one, and once again, nobody will judge you for it.

4. Know your financial abilities

While cons are fun, they can add up to a lot in the end if you’re not careful. Know how much you’re willing to spend beforehand, and figure out how to compromise your budget to fit these plans. For example, if you’re looking to get a famous person’s autograph, which can easily be about fifty dollars, maybe it’s in your best interest not to buy a hundred dollar costume to wear and have the extra money to buy comics and or indie art instead! With every purchase you want to make, consider the other purchases you can make with the same amount to get the most of your money. And don’t undermine the free stuff too. Lots of guests will let you ask them questions toll-free, and their words of knowledge might be worth more than any signed paper you could possibly take home.

5. Be positive

Above all, remember that the main point of going to a con is to have fun. If you aren’t able to meet one of your favorite artists, meet one of the hundreds of new artists that are always looking for more interaction. If you don’t have enough money to buy a super cool trinket, ask the vendor if they have an online store you could get the same item from in a few months. Take breaks if you’re miserably tired, step outside if you’re overstimulated. Cons are diverse, impactful, and always at least a little chaotic. Don’t feel a need to drag yourself through anything you don’t want to as Comic Con is all about your personal happiness, and having something to smile about when you look back at it in the future. Be positive, and have fun!

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The HoneyDripper is the Savannah College of Art and Design’s juried comics and illustration blog, dedicated to publishing, promoting, and showcasing the finest in student work.​