Rose City Comic Con 2023 | Tales of a Con Artist

I went to my first ever comic con! It was wild. Let's discuss.
Get the art from this video on my store! thestarfishface.com/products/...
As well as the Critical Role stickers from the stamp rally! thestarfishface.com/products/...
More artist alley videos: • Tales of a Con Artist
Check out What's Left of Us! • What's Left of Us Seas...
(Also if I sound a little off in this video it's because I was greeted with a wave of really bad allergies when I returned home from this trip and had to record with a scratchy, messed-up throat. 0/10 do not recommend. Hopefully it's not too noticeable!)
★★★
"HOW TO WEBCOMIC" BOOK ★ thestarfishface.com/products/...
D&D SHOW ★ • What's Left of Us Seas...
UPCOMING EVENTS ★ thestarfishface.carrd.co/#events
STORE ★ thestarfishface.com/
FANART SUBMISSIONS ★ forms.gle/se9beG35Qes2crvE8
WEBCOMIC ★ castoff-comic.com/
TWITTER ★ / thestarfishface
BLUESKY ★ bsky.app/profile/thestarfishf...
TIKTOK ★ / thestarfishface
TUMBLR ★ / thestarfishface
PORTFOLIO ★ thestarfishface.carrd.co/
D&D SHOW ★ • What's Left of Us Seas...
PODCAST ★ / @idoldayspod
2ND CHANNEL ★ / @thestarfishface-etc

[@bewarebugbear]

honestly stickers in france is Not what i expected in this video but it did give us a good laugh

[@candacegonzales4577]

Fr!

[@pocketslushy]

"I check the tracking information" Me thinking its gonna still gonna be in the same state: oh boy... "THEY WERE IN FRANCE" And so the cry laughing began.

[@shhinysilver1720]

Don't judge them! they wanted to see the eiffel tower for a bit before they were doomed to be stuck to a laptop/water bottle for all eternity.

[@Scrambles_Deathdealer]

I tabled at RCCC twice! We covered the cost of the trip, but otherwise didn't do great. HOWEVER! My wife does Star Wars prints, specifically Princess Leia, and on the last day of the Con we got a visit from Carrey Fisher! We gave her a print and got to meet Gary, her bulldog! We live in Utah, so we prioritize Fan-X since they are usually the same weekend, but we'd love to do the show again.

[@DystopianOverture]

Awwwhhh! Carrie is the best

[@Quyntarious]

Please do a series on Artist Alley tips and tricks. I’m looking into doing both webcomics and artist alley’s in my long term future and your videos are so informative concerning the pitfalls of both! Thank you so much for your content!

[@EmpressCirce]

Bump to this, I really want to get into it but I feel scared of losing too much money ;-;

[@Jess-dm8hl]

I’m so happy to hear Castoff is getting more popular! Hooray! Glad sales were good for you too

[@RestofBraves]

The cackle I made when the France national anthem started playing.

[@user-km7ww8fu8i]

I got completely caught off guard at the Castoff cosplayers- that must've been so awesome to see just at random, especially as the creator of those characters! This was a great video! :D

[@imonly1man_]

this is probably your funniest Tales of a Con Artist video so far

[@AlyGhostface]

Seeing my city from the perspective of a visitor is so strange 😂 glad PDX treated you well!

[@Lillurkingboy]

Oh god I know right, I’ve never seen it from that perspective-

[@drewo.127]

The second I saw “good vibes overload” I was like “AW HECK YEAH!” and mere seconds into the vid, I can safely say…I don’t regret a thing!💖💖💖

[@drewo.127]

Almost done with the video and my gosh… I’M OVERLY PROUD OF YOU BEYOND COMPREHENSION!!! Also, believe it or not, I don’t think I’ve ever been to any convention in my life! (Or, maybe I have and I don’t remember, or am misremembering, or something like that!) But whether I have or haven’t, (or if the events I do know I went to were/are technically conventions in a way, or whatever,) I still plan on going to at least SOME KIND OF CONVENTION in my lifetime! Obviously, I’m not gonna just go to literally any con, but if something like this or comic-con, or even conventions for specific interests of mine like Invader ZIM, (InvaderCon, DoomCon, etc.) or especially a con for stuff like indie animation, indie creators, or anything either focusing on or featuring independent artists are coming to a venue either in my home state, or nearby state, I will drop everything and research and plan the heck out of everything to at least TRY to buy a ticket to finally cross “attend a convention that I know is a convention” off my bucket list!

[@curiousorigins]

You should see if there's any indie press cons/shows in your state. Libraries often do those kind of events and there's usually free admission and the vibes are great. They're also smaller than SDCC, NYCC and RCCC. Which is good because those are so big they're overwhelming.

[@drewo.127]

@@curiousorigins that sounds perfect! Thanks!

[@petfriendamy]

Running into cosplayers from your own comic is so wholesome, I think I would cry haha. Congrats on the successful con!

[@Hattemanen]

When I hear about stuff like this I get sad that I live in Norway, but then I remember healthcare and realize I'm the lucky one

[@40Kfrog]

As a long time convention attendee and staffer but never an exhibitor, I would love to hear more about doing Artist Alley in general. And I just enjoy your stories 😁

[@Lillurkingboy]

Glad Oregon treated you well! When I saw you at Rose City I told you I was planning on reading Castoff and you said you hoped I would like it, anyway, I absolutely LOVE IT! It’s wonderful in so many ways, definitely helped me enjoy my currently rather slow life, and it’s a huge part of the reason I’m working on my own webcomic now. the only thing I wish I’d done differently was read it sooner. If you ever come back to Portland I know there will be plenty of people excited to see you, including me. Thank you for what you do

[@SnowFox-gv2rn]

I honestly feel like the stars purposefully unaligned for Galaxy Con so that way they could align perfectly for Rose City 😂 I’m glad you had a fun time in Portland! I’m not from there, but I’m a fellow Pacific Northwesterner and I think Portland is a really nice place. That’s also amazing that you not only got great sales, but that you got so many fans and cosplayers as well! The stars truly did align for this con, this was the most wholesome artist alley video so far I’d also really love those “how to get started on artist alley” videos, as well as any other tutorials or tips videos!

[@KatelynMcCaigue]

Ah dang you were at Rose City and I missed you! I was boothing there too and was crazy swamped for most of the con. Rose City is my favorite convention to booth at and is just the most pleasant community! And that's awesome that your mom also came to help! My husband twisted his ankle a few days before we had to fly so my mom came in clutch with the last minute help! I am also a D&D merch creator and man Critical Role for sure boosted my sales like crazy! I feel I need to just travel to whatever cons they are at hahaha If you do Rose City again, I super recommend coming to the Artist Alley pre show party! Its fun to chat with some of the other artists, get your badges early, and get some good food! haha

[@hannahdawg6829]

I have a feeling the "majority print media" rule may have been part of earlier cons which then slowly got less enforced when things like keychains and acrylic standees became kind of the norm for a lot of artists who sell at cons so they may have just forgetten to change that rule

[@silverscorpio24]

I'm just glad this Con went so much better than GalaxyCon ❤

[@TheMankrikscow]

man im so happy to hear this went well! you truly emulate happy vibes and you've inspired to once again try and do something with my art again :D and man, it must be so friggin' awesome to see cosplayerd of characters you designed! that must be the dream! :D

[@Cryingcrystalhaven]

I saw you at comic con, to be honest it was one of the best parts of the day :)

[@chordsy]

Hey Star! Just wanted to say I have really enjoyed all your videos. I'm an old comic book person and I have shown at all of those big shows and have to say -- KEEP APPLYING. You know you're good enough and eventually, you'll kick those doors down, too. Meanwhile, I have enjoyed the sensible chuckles your stories give me as I work on comics. So relatable. Keep up the great work!

[@Kiatome]

(38:24) AAAAA- it’s my first time seeing my name in the Patreon credits in a video! Love all the work you put into everything you do Star! You are amazing! ♥️♥️

[@jayw9619]

Omg I was at this con too! A few people came up to my table asking if I was part of your stamp rally HAHA. I also had the same issue with the display and the weird little 4 foot table … I relate so much to the con prep chaos - I learned critical role was going to be there just 4 days before the con. I speedran a Vox Machina drawing in two days, sent it off to my friend to have it printed and picked up on Friday, sold out of it 4 hours into Friday, panicked and went to FedEx and made a bunch of extras. My audience is an anime audience so I didn’t do well at this one, and my singular VM print carried me the entire con. I traveled from Florida and I’m definitely not doing this con again but the people were so nice! I was sat next to a critter on the plane! (And learned that’s what the name of fans are!) I also got to give one of the vox machina VA’s my print (he sent his handler to find it). WE ALSO SAW THE LLAMA and half thought we were hallucinating it

[@Lexithepoptart]

I’d be really interested in seeing an Artist Alley series!

[@batc7660]

this was my first time vending rose city and it was so fun!! so glad i got to meet you irl there too!

[@priceyindividual2995]

That standing banner was so cool

[@skarpenske]

It was such a fun surprise running into you at RCC this year! I haven’t actually watched much of your videos HOWEVER I did watch your video with the Witch Hat Atelier speed paint and randomly finding you selling the art on a keychain was one of the highlights of my day at the con :) especially since I brought my brush bug along with me that day! I would love to see you at the con again in the future :D

[@haveninahat9048]

Thank you for coming! Getting to meet you was one the highlights of the con for me!

[@grayprince7]

I bought one of your books!!! I started reading it as soon as got home Sunday evening and I'm already learning SO MUCH for my collaborative webcomic with my friends!! Thank you for making this book and it was a joy meeting you!!!!

[@Viasom]

Glad you liked Oregon.

[@doitsumania660]

I SAW YOU THERE! Aaahhhh!!!! Omg how insane I found your channel right before this! Your booth was amazing! I hope you are able to come back next year!

[@SosaKahn]

I love watching your videos star, they help me draw while also hearing a nice story :0

[@Lexithepoptart]

Love this series! It’s really fun to hear about your con experiences :) Cosplayers!

[@Archive_7802]

21:47 PRIMUS, ALMIGHTY; that line is HUGE!!! 🤯

[@McCroskeySisters]

Holy crap I've been binging your videos all day and I JUST realized I have two of your stickers on the laptop I'm using to watch this (got them from Holiday Matsuri)! Really happy to discover your channel!

[@goldirocks5153]

So as a retired artist alley artist this is fantastic to listen to and watch - I love your art, and your stories bring me back to the late 00s when I was doing shows 💕Without all the work, which I appreciate lol

[@TourqeGlare]

That's me at 25:27! In the tan shorts!

[@ColleenCosplay]

You got to see Ceasar the no drama llama! He is quite popular around here! I'm a pacific northwest local but I couldn't make it out to Rose City. I'm so happy to hear you had a good time!

[@augustawickmanart]

Thanks for making this video! In the video you asked if we would be interested in videos on topics such as how to get started in artist alley, artist alley tips and tricks, etc... I would be interested in those videos. ^___^

[@meadowofstars]

STAR VIDEO STAR VIDEO :D!!

[@P1Ckl31]

WEEEEWOOOWEEWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@personadamel1]

Hey star I’m a new fan of your work. I bought the how to web comic. Is so entertaining and I’m learning so much. Can’t wait for the day you guys get to see my work in the while 😊

[@gonzalotrasancos]

Hi there Star! Im gonna start publishing my webcomic, and partially is because of you and your videos! (Im breaking two of your rules though...hehe) I just wanted to thank you for your inspiration, your work encouraging other artists is great! Cheers!

[@MultiKwolf]

haha Sorry for asking that question about the cost of making them / stocks , also i think that you're here now after all the crap you've been through is incredible.. i'm glad i found your youtube channel

[@hahstudios2753]

I really gotta get lucky and go to the same con as you again

[@dogsp1t]

i would LOOOVE to see videos about your tips, tricks, + just helpful knowledge in general about artist alley!!!!! im an aspiring creator + your videos on this stuff are my favorite cus youre so thourough but also hilarious + entertaining. please keep doing what ur doing!!! i appreciate your content so much! 💙💙

[@extremercheese]

i went to your booth bc of my friend and only watched your videos after then so it's nice to see your content now!

[@starberry5405]

definitely want videos on getting into artist alley! I'm an artist, but studying science full time at uni - although I think my art is good enough to get into a con I haven't had the time to build a portfolio or a social media presence. I will have 3 to 4 months to work on art pretty soon (I'm australian and our summer is during christmas so the holidays are longgg) and I think I can get a decent amount done, but not enough to get into next years' cons. so my main questions are: - what kind of portfolio art/photos are cons interested in? (specifically anime cons, but comic cons too) - how important is having a social media presence (like not just having an account but a popular one)? is it required? does it vary from con to con? - and for me specifically, how long do you think it would take for me to be ready for a con, assuming my info is accurate and things go well? (don't worry about answering this one if it's too difficult, I know it's a big ask!) (and in general don't stress about the details for these questions because being from a different country probably changes some things) thank you for taking the time to read this! I love your videos, and am very excited to know you like zero escape as well - it's such an underrated game :'). as always your art is adorable and so pretty!!

[@taylorwright2289]

As an artist starting to navigate the awesome craziness of markets and conventions, thank you so much for sharing your personal experience! It is SO helpful and I love seeing you succeed!

[@rileypie-ps6lz]

So happy to hear you had such a successful weekend!!

[@Ulv2.0]

I just started watching this channel, cool stuff 👍

[@irritatedlibrarian9057]

999 fan art?!! Be still my beating heart! I absolutely adore that game!

[@winrycarver7701]

Please make an Artist Alley series! Tabling at conventions is something that has always interested me. I'm probably never going to get the opportunity to, but I still find learning about it really interesting!

[@vocalalchemist6758]

I read Castoff the other day! It's great!! I love Vector and Arianna!! They're all so good!

[@matthewcraver9917]

Note for the future: Alaska Airlines has a daily Austin-Bergstrom to Portland Int'l at about 9:30am.

[@MadisonKeller80]

I've lived in Portland, OR close to 10 years and I'm baffled about the Llama. What?

[@strawberisprite]

i am so glad rccc treated you so well!!!! i was the popuri that visited on saturday and bought some rf4 and 5 stickers!!! it was amazing getting to meet you, and i very much hope you get to come back in the future!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@ezla1663]

Glad you enjoyed Portland!

[@andreathomas6294]

i'm also a reader of Castoff from Oregon and i just want to say, you got very lucky with the weather.🤣😂

[@jeaniegirlover5335]

I am close to tears. I'm starting work on my own comic and I just realized that this could be me one day. I'm so happy. I know it wouldn't happen on its own and it would take years of work but just knowing this is POSSIBLE makes me so fucking happy

[@JaceDraccus]

This was awesome to listen to. Just such a feel good story overall. I was just thinking, "wouldn't it be cool to cosplay as Frankie or someone to one of those things", and then A WILD FRANKIE APPEARED.

[@Spygirl812]

Why am I most happy by the background Tarry Town remix?

[@Storming_edits]

I love when you talk about your con experiences it’s so interesting for some reason lol

[@rotdogz]

Hey! Thats my city haha! Rose City is always fun. But- yes, it is generally a lot slower. Even though it still always makes traffic HELL lol... I used to go when I was younger, with my older step brother, so it's very nostalgic to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Owlfury]

Yes, please make videos about artist alleys, if you have the time. Learning about behind the scenes stuff like this is so helpful. I've never been to a con so before watching your videos I didn't even know artists sold stuff at them. Your videos are awesome and so helpful! You're awesome and really fun to listen to!

[@Starfallfantasy]

I literally just discovered your channel the day after the Con ended. I went Sunday with some co-workers, was one of the guys wandering around with the bright orange Kame shirt and had a Tardis cosplayer with me too. Saw your booth but didn't get much time to check it out, now i wish I had stopped by :'(

[@jakuri03_]

aa im so glad you had a great time at RCCC! i honestly didnt expect you to be there and i was so happy when you were omg (glad you liked my fanart too wink wink nudge)

[@RS-ux2kq]

Oh the lama! I saw the CR post with it! 😂😂❤

[@kerosenetheblazing]

Im so happy you had an amazing time!! Watching the last Tales of a Con Artist video actually hurt 😭

[@Ashley-SG]

Its a little late to comment but I would love videos on artist alleys!

[@momob4276]

So glad you had a good convention! With many more to come once you come back from hiatus.

[@objection6719]

omg! i hope you do the artist alley tips and tricks bc one day i want to sell my art at cons and your displays always look amazing!

[@Sin_Ligereep]

There was a new Oktoberfest going on in Portland's square on Saturday, so that's probably where congoers were going lol

[@Moonleii]

So happy the convention when well for you! I hope someday I’ll be able to come to one :D

[@Dynamite1313]

Im so glad you were here! i actually designed a pin there, and it was on the trading pin sheets. Very exited!

[@ramenncat]

I love watching these videos! Ive kind of known you since before castoff (I'm local to central/south texas) so it is kind of cool to see what you're doing now :> but with all the support you talked about receiving it makes me wanna go read your comic! Good luck with your future endeavors!

[@disodosid]

Yes plz! I would love to watch a video about how to get into artist alley and what do!

[@bigdonkeyfart]

My friend who got me reading Castoff went to RCC and saw Star there! He said it was really fun lol

[@royalespade3981]

i'd absolutly love to hear you talk about how to get started on doing artist alley and other information about it!

[@testoftimegaming5219]

Right thats enough i need to do it now! If i dobt get my comic started properly this year im throwing my pc out the window ....

[@Chocibunny]

General artist alley videos,especially how to start would be so cool to see ❤

[@forestfairy114]

Yes! I'm early! I Sadly will not be able to see it right away, since I have school. (Again...) But anyways! I love your art, and I literally binged Castoff. Go Star! Congrats on 100k!

[@chocogibby8261]

Would love to see a tips and tricks on art cons!!! And maybe u could celebrate 100k with a dtiy?!?! I would love to enter!!!

[@Aniowien]

The moment I start watching this vid I immediatly fangirl because I freaking love 999 and the Zero's Escape trilogy! XD So gonna bookmark your shop and buy that print when I can. :)

[@whoopsie-daisy]

It was super cool getting to see you at RCCC! I didn't know you where going to be there so it was a fun surprise

[@changelingwizardjrayg]

Happy to hear this Con went great. Love seeing these videos, hope to one day sell at cons too. Comic first.

[@risingtide7244]

I'd just like to say that your titling is genius

[@mariatorres-by6du]

First, your videos are lovely and I'm glad to have found you. Second as someone who is looking going to conventions future videos on the topic would be great.

[@xoderota]

yooo 999 fanart!!! You really do know all my favorite games hhh

[@MissShembre]

As someone who just made and handcut 100 stickers, yes, ordering is usually the answer! And I've had some issues with shipping this month, too. Especially with DHL. I'm going to Halloween XSPO tomorrow and I have items that will be sidelined for future events. -__-

[@harperdean203]

I saw you and your booth there!

[@HeliaSanto]

You're living my dream 😂

[@Lovebugs368]

I wish I could've come out! I live up in Vancouver, and I def would've come if id known 😭 also, please come back :). Im planning to cosplay as Gregory from over the garden wall, soooooooooo.

[@starkittsy]

So glad you had a great con! I just discovered you recently, and I’m also going to AWA. I’m excited to visit you there! :D

[@brandishespistols]

now im REALLY sad i didnt have the money to buy a ticket this year ;-; hopefully you come back soon!!!

[@morijin6903]

God really just yeeted your stickers to a whole other country 😂 how the heck-

[@Chocibunny]

The whole CR cast attending plus the France nat1 were amazing plot twists!

[@Madamoizillion]

I was born in Portland and have lived here for the past 10 years and have never been to RCCC.... 😶 My friend went but I forgot to ask her about it lol. Edit: oh cool!! You saw the party llama!

[@matthewjohnson3656]

Would love a beginners guide to vending at conventions! I may be doing my first one next year

[@deyanirarosales5777]

I'd love to hear your tips for setting up at cons! As someone intrested in setting up at one it would be great to have them be demystified!

[@XanquaTheWatcher]

OMG LLAMA