Conventions: Sketch Etiquette

[Samhaine]

So, I'm looking at the guest list for Pittsburgh Comicon for this year, and there are definitely some people I'd like to have a sketch from (and this is funny, because I was just thinking earlier today about this convention coming up, and I get home and the pamphlet came in the mail).

My question being, what is the proper way to get a sketch from an artist? Is it okay to just up and ask point blankly while people are in line behind you? How do you know who's willing to do a sketch versus who would outright refuse? (I could list the creators I'm eyeing up if that helps at all, as this would be only my second con and the first where I would really end up talking to anybody).

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, as I'm really looking forward to perhaps getting some sketches and framing them for the toy room!

[Conekiller]

If there's a HUGE line to see said artist, try to avoid it as it's really unfair to the people who are back there (and then there's the "no more sketches" cutoff point :shrug:)

If not, do your best to get buddy buddy with the artist as long as possible befor epolitely asking "hey would you mind if I could get a sketch?"

Some might charge >_>

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


My question being, what is the proper way to get a sketch from an artist? Is it okay to just up and ask point blankly while people are in line behind you? How do you know who's willing to do a sketch versus who would outright refuse? (I could list the creators I'm eyeing up if that helps at all, as this would be only my second con and the first where I would really end up talking to anybody).

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, as I'm really looking forward to perhaps getting some sketches and framing them for the toy room!

What Conekiller said pretty much sums up how to do this. Be polite, ask the artist nicely, don't make a fuss if the answer's "no," don't ask for something ridiculous ("Can I have the JLA fighting the Avengers?"), and remember that all the guys and gals in line behind you are thinking mostly the same things you are. Most artists will have a sign up if they charge a fee, but it doesn't hurt to ask anyway before they start sketching.

Most artists will be happy to sketch something if they're not busy. The nicer ones will do it even if they are.

There was a funny little cartoon by Stuart Immonen called "50 Reasons to Stop Sketching at Conventions," which was a pretty complete list of all the things NOT to do. Unfortunately, it's not on-line anywhere any more and I can't get to any of the webcache sites to get it. However, if you're determined, you can probably find it on your own. It's worth the trouble to get it.

-- Ed/Ace

[screw on head]

Yeah, what Ace and Conekiller said. Politeness is key.

Don't be shy to walk up and ask for a sketch if you see an artist just walking around the convention floor. That's happened to work for me a few times... just carry a sketchbook and a pen with you wherever you go if you can manage.

Also, ask around to find out where your particular artist might be seated, convention attendants/information booths and such... sometimes artists will do "stealth signings", where they'll just sit at a table unannounced as to avoid large crowds.

[Reed Richards]

good advice thusfar:

in one case I became friends with a writer AND an artist who were regulars at a convention I attend annually. One time John Cassady was sitting next to the writer I was showing my newest sketch to, and the line was dead so he leaned over and asked what i Had. I showed him the character (green hornet) and he on the spot said "MAN I've always wanted to draw him", explained that he was something of a fan as well, whipped out his pad and threw down a GREAT sketch for me.

In another case I was chatting with my artist fan (who actually was very close friends with my father in grade/high school, so I kind of had an "in" with him anyway) at length and, again, the lines were very slow at the end of the day. Sitting next to him? the Immortal, Greg Rucka. The four of us talked comics for I bet two hours (my dad wanted to come to to see his friend). If youve never talked at length with a great writer about comics, do so. Its a real treat.

so in short, the advice previously given is GREAT. Be nice, be courteous, dont ask for something just too demanding (I watched a guy ask for Bart Simpson fighting Marvin the Martian drawn in Manga style once from one of the Simpsons artists. You should have seen the look of disgust on his face, but he said yes. I think it took about 25 minutes to complete...) and you might actually come away with a friend, provided you arent overbearing and know your stuff...