Where to even begin?!?!?! This event was AMAZING, in so many ways. I was so nervous leading up to ECCC. From “Do I have enough merch?” “Where do I park?” “Where is load in/out?” “Am I going to be able to do this 4 day event all by myself?” I just kept telling myself that I can do hard things and I can only do what I can do. This was going to be my largest event ever, and I wasn’t going to let parking logistics get in my way.

Luckily, all those fears turned out to be moot. Load In/Out was super easy, parking was a breeze, if not a bit costly each day, and everyone was so nice. I turns out I did have enough merch, in general, but missing some items that I now know will be needed for next year.

It took me a good 5 hours to set up m y table, and it was the first time I felt confident and happy with my set up. I put my stickers on cubes, so they were at eye level, added my t-shirts, and went one grid panel higher in the front to display my art. let me tell you, it paid off! It looked full, clean, and very shoppable.

Side view of my booth at ECCC. Stickers are higher and look at those shirts!

This Comic Con is 4 days, spanning Thursday-Sunday. My family was coming up on Saturday, to help a bit in order for me to meet Kristen Schaal…..more on that in a minute. I didn’t know what to expect on Thursday, it’s usually slow, a lot of lookers, scouting out what they want to purchase throughout the weekend. To my surprise, I did more in sales than my busy Saturday at Fan Expo! I knew I was in for a record breaking weekend after that.

These events are not all about the sales, there were so many amazing Cos Play artists, supportive people, and even people that knew me from Bend!

Friday was more of the same, only about twice as busy as Thursday. I changed some things up at my booth….Made shirts self serve, took cards off the table, and moved Mystery Bags to the front of the table. I also sold both of my Coke in the Bathroom pieces, so I know to bring more of those next year!

Saturday was bananas! I got to the event about 8:15 am, and there were people already lined up outside. The event didn’t open until 10! This was also the day I was going to meet Kristen Schaal (What We Do in the Shadows, Bob’s Burgers, Gravity Falls) and I was soooooo excited! I was going to have her sign my What We Drink in the Shadows book and give her a copy as well. The Guide has her very own cocktail and I am glad I put aside 2 copies, since I sold 14 books this weekend! My husband and son came up to help this day, and after they got settled, I ran over to the autograph area.

I got in line and stood there, and stood there, and stood there, until they told us they were leaving the table for their photos. We could either stay or lose our spot and come back later. After checking in with the husband, I decided to stay. So, I waited, and waited, and waited some more. After 2.5 hours of waiting in line, we were told they were leaving for the day and we could get a “golden ticket” that would be good for front of the line privileges on Sunday. A lot of people in line were only there Saturday, had already paid, and also had been waiting for hours. There was even a girl that started crying. 😢 I felt bad, but understood how things get backed up, and was luckily able to come back the next day. My husband had held down the fort for hours and I think we were both glad to be back.

Because I had to go back on Sunday to meet Kristen, my son came with me to help throughout the day, while the husband went home. He can only handle so much at these events. First thing, I went over to the autograph area with my “first in line” proof and thought it would only take 30-45 minutes. Nope, they were already backed up and it ended up taking 1.5-2 hours. I had to give up the control and just trust that my 12 yo would be ok at my booth by himself.

When it was my turn, Kristen was so impressed with my book and flipped though it to read the other recipes. She talked with me for a bit, and was very excited when I gave her her own copy! She was the best and it was worth the 4 hours total in line! Also, my son did great!

At the end of the weekend, I ended up selling $7750, gaining 80 new followers, and getting 57 new emails! It was by far my best event ever. I am super proud of myself for making it into the event, doing the event, and then doing so well. I broke a financial ceiling and it is so good to know that it’s possible for future events.

Best Sellers:

RFK Shirts (sold out!)
Mystery Bags (22)
WWDITS Books (14)
Kits (49)
Stickers (400-500)

Thank you again for all the support, and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

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Portland Pride Experience