The second time as it turns out is even better than the
first. I don't have the official numbers, and I didn't do any kind of survey to
support this claim, but I'd say the attendance numbers were at least double
last years show, though the consensus among the exhibiting artists did seem to
echo this sentiment.
It was a lot of fun to see all the usual suspects, and to
meet a few new ones. The awards ceremony was even better then last year, and to
see so many of my friends get the big awards was a lot of fun. Many great
booths, and from what I hear the panels and demos were also pretty excellent.
So as tradeshows go, or as art shows go, or as shows go, it certainly went. As in, it went well. Which is a
combination of factors mind you. For example, the attendance numbers at most
shows are a huge indicator of its success, that and the accompanying sales they
bring with them.
At this show, this is not necessarily the case.
The new reality we face at a show like this is that we
aren't there to make money. In many cases we actually lose money by exhibiting.
We are there for the immersion it offers in the world of fantasy art at its
best, and to be surrounded by the people that create it, which may sound a
little strange, but when it is the thing you do, all day, week after week, and
year after year, it becomes an unusual and isolated life we live in this
business.
And to be surrounded by it, and those who live it with you, for
even a few days, would seem like more of the same to some people. But it offers
such a concentrated dose of inspiration, and other people so inspired, that it
is a rare thing indeed for those with a love for the work this business is
built around.
Its a show that is growing, and hopefully will keep growing
for years to come. As much as I like tradeshows about comics, and shows about
games, in all their forms, and even shows about books and movies, this is the
one that's about art.
