A few reasons. I get very particular, but to sum it up it's the atmosphere, friendly, pertains to my main interests,
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Preference over artwork at a gaming con vs anime/comic book con
Coulee Con is a tabletop gaming convention held in La Crosse, WI held around the middle of August every year. I've gone as an attendee and as a vendor to showcase my artwork. I've been to many conventions within Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, but this show fits my favorite hobbies altogether.
For context, I've been tabling in artist alley for anime cons and comic/pop culture shows since 2013. While to some this may spark an interest into comic book characters, movies or anime in general it was never really my main interests as an artist. I don't particularly care to purchase fan art at conventions unless the style is truly unique in it's own right by the artist. Not to say I am innocent of this too, no matter how purest I might come off, I also dabble in fan-art time to time to sell on the side.
My issue is that if you attend enough of those shows, you'll notice that the artwork tends to blend together. The same Marvel Avengers fanart and anime illustrations begin to look the same amongst all the vendors. These artists aren't in the wrong. In reality most are seeking out what sells and need to make a profit and get their work out in the public.
For context, I've been tabling in artist alley for anime cons and comic/pop culture shows since 2013. While to some this may spark an interest into comic book characters, movies or anime in general it was never really my main interests as an artist. I don't particularly care to purchase fan art at conventions unless the style is truly unique in it's own right by the artist. Not to say I am innocent of this too, no matter how purest I might come off, I also dabble in fan-art time to time to sell on the side.
My issue is that if you attend enough of those shows, you'll notice that the artwork tends to blend together. The same Marvel Avengers fanart and anime illustrations begin to look the same amongst all the vendors. These artists aren't in the wrong. In reality most are seeking out what sells and need to make a profit and get their work out in the public.
Comradery & tabletop gaming
If you're in the Midwest and have experienced winter you understand the interest of board games and tabletop play. This is the area where Dungeons and Dragons was created. This is where guys in Minneapolis took their miniature wargames and made it into something more. We often spend a lot of time inside and besides the comfort of online streaming, board games are go to source for tangible entertainment.
I get more out of board games and miniature painting than any other type of gaming hobby. Video games for me is an empty shell of achievement upon completion. In D&D I am interacting with friends and creating a story in real time. We are using critical thinking and enjoying each other's company. When I paint miniatures, I am getting the same satisfaction out of reading a book. I can look at my finished work and see the time and effort I wouldn't see in a video game.
I get more out of board games and miniature painting than any other type of gaming hobby. Video games for me is an empty shell of achievement upon completion. In D&D I am interacting with friends and creating a story in real time. We are using critical thinking and enjoying each other's company. When I paint miniatures, I am getting the same satisfaction out of reading a book. I can look at my finished work and see the time and effort I wouldn't see in a video game.
I find that the crowds at table top conventions and even some video game shows tend to have a more accepting atmosphere. You'll find people willing to teach new gamers a board game for the first time and D&D parties willing to accept new members interested in figuring out what a D20 is.
Coulee Con is also where I can hang out with two of my best friends and be inundated with all of our common hobbies at the same time.
Coulee Con is also where I can hang out with two of my best friends and be inundated with all of our common hobbies at the same time.
Profit & fans
I've been fortunate with my full employment job and my work as an illustrator that I can attend these types of shows and come out on top. Coulee Con is one of those rare exceptions where I not only made back my investment, but earned a small followership of fans and friends that continue to support me and my work.
Thanks to this show, it was enough to convince me to cancel any other cons I had signed up for or had interest in selling at. I may check out other tabletop cons later on, but for now my focus every year will be Coulee Con for the time being.
Thanks to this show, it was enough to convince me to cancel any other cons I had signed up for or had interest in selling at. I may check out other tabletop cons later on, but for now my focus every year will be Coulee Con for the time being.
So. Board games, miniatures, artwork and friends? What's not to like?!
Until next time!
-Jordan
Until next time!
-Jordan
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