APE Extravaganza!!!

Whoo, boy, APE has come and passed! It was quite the planning and work getting there, but my first time as an exhibitor at Alternative Press Expo was well worth the lack of sleep, eye strain, and busy September. I shared a table with three amazing artists and friends: Annie Wong, Andy Malpica, and Allentine Tanujaya. Although I didn't get everything I wanted to finish done in time to sell at APE (still working on my comic about Catholic school), I did get a lot of things made. I had 8.5 x 11 prints, postcards (printed at Moo - as well as my business cards), and made my first keychains and necklaces.

My pretties....

Since I couldn't make buttons (couldn't afford a good button maker), I decided to try and make some keychains and necklaces. After searching on Etsy, I got a trial DIY package from Sun and Moon Craft Kits.

The first six.

I was hooked. So I ordered some more and (lightly) crafted my hands away.

Many a late night...

My tablemates and I also collaborated on a zine/comic called The Cadence of Dreams: A Door to Another World. We each interpreted the title how we saw fit. I knew I wanted to make a comic. Then I decided I wanted it to be Sci-Fi. The story came quick from there and I got to sketching, planning, and inking. 

Day 1

Day 2: The Sunday of INK

We printed and bound it all up and voila!

Annie created the great cover. I really loved collaborating with those awesome ladies. It was inspiring to work on a project with other artists. 

I packed everything up Friday night, checked it twice then three more times in the morning, and was on my way! 

My part of our table

Table full of awesome! Unfortunately, I didn't get Annie's banner name in the shot. Fail.

Peek-a-boo, art! Annie and Andy - watchers on the table

The four of us and our sweet table.

I really enjoyed exhibiting at APE and will definitely be doing so next year (hopefully the exhibition changes don't alter my plans). Now it's time to keep drawing, but also look for more exhibiting options in the future. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know! Right now the only one I'm planning for is CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo). Plenty of time to make more comics!

In the next two weeks, I'll be updating my Etsy shop with prints, keychains, and necklaces leftover from APE.

Now, lastly, here is my submission for our collaborative zine The Cadence of Dreams: A Door to Another World: