I had an opportunity to visit ComicCon in Seattle, Washington on March 27th. It was an incredible experience for me to meet and network with a very large group of cartoonists, publishing companies, illustrators, designers and business professionals. It was my first ComicCon experience and I have to say I will definitely go again. I think going for one day may not be enough time to see all of the talented work. I was extremely impressed with how accessible it was and devoted to fans worldwide. I witnessed many characters, Wonder Woman, Batman, Spiderman and many indie comic artists that owned their own work. It was an inspiring experience for the fact that I have always wanted to write and illustrate my own body of comics. I learned that this is a really great time to be a cartoonist because of the internet, social media platforms and how easy it is to network with other cartoonists that are ready and willing to help other aspiring artists. It is an incredibly supportive environment for both men and women. As I walked through each level inside the Washington Convention Center, I saw artists drawing on site, with their comics on display and you can go right up to them and communicate about their creative process. It is important to me to bring up this experience as I am starting my own research with Arts Management. I am interested in understanding how comic artists market their own work, how they protect their work through understanding the law of publishing comics, learn more about LLC’s and corporations. There were many panels on a variety of topics from learning how to draw the Marvel way or learning the Indie Creator’s Legal Tool Kit. Here is an example of one of the panels I attended. I found that attending on one day did not give me enough of the whole experience of ComicCon. It was a huge event with so much at your fingertips and so much to see. I look forward to preparing myself the next time I attend.

The Indie Creator’s Legal Tool Kit
Room: Hall G (TCC 305)
Date: Friday, March 27th
Time: 5:10PM – 6:00PM
Moderator: Katie Lane

Are you thinking of self-publishing your comic or game? Don’t miss this workshop! Katie Lane and Caitlin DiMotta, attorneys for independent comic/game creators, will show you the tools you need to protect yourself and your work. You’ll learn about what collaboration agreements are and how to use them, the legal implications of using pen names, the value of having your own business, and more. Due to ethical obligations, the panelists won’t be able to provide personal legal advice to attendees.