Last weekend I exhibited at MNCBA FallCon 2025, and while it wasn’t a financial success, it gave me something far more valuable: a sense of belonging in Minnesota’s comic art community.
The Experience
I learned from previous shows that preparation matters. Driving down the day before to set up eliminated stress and let me focus on connecting with people. My screen mirroring setup, where I display my drawing process in real-time, became a conversation starter. Multiple vendors complimented the presentation, and attendees stopped to watch and talk. The turnout was intimate rather than massive and sales were modest. Some stickers and small prints found homes, but attendee’s budgets felt tight, meaning this wasn’t a money-maker and that’s okay. This show didn’t need to be about the sales.
The People Who Made It Matter
Reconnecting with Dennis Vogen was awesome and he even offered to edit my work, which is an incredible opportunity I’m grateful for. Meeting Adam Hoppus opened my eyes to new creative directions, particularly his design-styled approach, exaggerated shapes and action, bright colors, and minimal line work.
But the moment that stuck with me the most was meeting Zander Cannon and Shannon Wheeler. Zander’s professionalism, remembering my name minutes after meeting me and using it to introduce me to Shannon, made me feel genuinely welcomed. When Shannon asked about my book and I admitted I don’t have one finished yet, his response was simple and encouraging: “Get on it!” That kind of straightforward support is what makes this community special.
What I’m Taking Forward
This weekend taught me several lessons I’ll implement at future shows:
- Document the experience with photos of guests, customers, and the setup to help remember and share
- Create clearer signage to communicate what people are seeing at my table
- Find a way to network with other artists while stuck at the table, like Jeff Sorley of Asplenia Studios did wonderfully by handing out a small envelope of stickers and business card to other creators
- Practice better name memory techniques to make stronger connections (I’m awful at this)
Looking Ahead
The after hours conversations and relaxed atmosphere reminded me why I enjoy this work. MNCBA represents the heart of Minnesota’s comic art scene, and I want to be part of it.
I’m considering making one MNCBA event per year my anchor for staying connected to this community. With SpringCon coming in June and Twin Cities Con in November, I need to be strategic about which shows serve which goals. MNCBA may not be the highest-revenue opportunity, but it’s where I’m building relationships with artists I respect and learning what it means to be a working creator in this space.
The question Shannon’s encouragement left me with is clear: Can I have a book ready for SpringCon or next FallCon? A concrete deadline would give me a reason to push my work forward.
This weekend wasn’t about making money, it was about finding my place among artists who inspire me. While the financial piece stings a bit, the connections, inspiration, and sense of community made it worthwhile. Now it’s time to do the work and come back with something to share!
