Convention panel question...

[ellenmillion]

Dragon*Con is calling for more art show programming...

So. I could do a panel, probably, if they wanted me to. I've got a few articles topics to pick from, though they're mostly the business end of art. They might get some interest.

Now, I hate speaking in public. I mean, blech. I can do it, and I can do it fairly well, but it will be stressful and cause much mild panicking on my end.

So, how much exposure does doing a panel get you? Seriously, it's got to be a pretty sweet amount of press before I'm willing to go through with that effort and stress. Would it be worth it? Timing isn't too important - Jennie can cover the Dealer's room table for the time I'd be gone.

Whatcha think?

Comments

[pearl-verde.livejournal.com]

Whatcha think?

Hmmm....I think that not only would it be a great oppurtunity for yourself, but it would be fantastic press for the artists that work with EMG. You have been a pillar in the world of fantasy art ever since I personally have been around, which admittedly isn't very long. People look to you for advice, guidance, know-how, you are a respected persona in your chosen industry, to NOT do this would be....ignoring what it seems you have worked hard for.... And seriously...what could it hurt???

[marina-bonomi.livejournal.com]

Just two words : *do it*!

Said by another reluctant public speaker, so I really sympathize with your feelings :-), but, as Pearl Verde said: you have the know-how,are a known and respected figure, more exposure won't hurt a little bit...so breathe deeply and take the plunge, Ellen.
And if you need somebody to virtually hold your hand the day before... I'm here. :-)

[pseudopagan.livejournal.com]

DC panels can be very hit or miss. That is to say, it's difficult to tell ahead of time how much attention it's going to garner, specifically because you won't always know what's going to be running at the same time as your panel. I've been attending D*C for the past 7 years or so, and I've seen empty panels that plenty of people were interested in, and ones that were packed so full it was ridiculous.

All of that said, given the number of artists I know in person, who already knew who you were when I pointed out your site? I think it'd stand a pretty good chance of being a great hit. If you let me know when and where the panel will be, I'll be certain to direct each and every one of them to it, before they can start pre-planning their days. ;)

It's so excellent that you'll be at the Con. If you do the panel, I'll try and drop by (my own D*C schedule is a bit crazy in terms of when I'm active and when I'm unconscious), and if not (or if I miss the panel) I'll definately try to swing past your booth to see you. It's been a loooooong time, yeh? I realize you're there for business so won't take up too much of your time, but it'd be nice to say hello again. Maybe I'll even drag my wife by to say hello. She's been curious ever since I was all 'OMG!' after I found your site. ;)

[ursulav.livejournal.com]

Doing a panel at most cons I've been to, "exposure" doesn't even enter into it--half the time, you're lucky if the panelists don't outnumber the audience.

However, at a big honkin' thing like DragonCon--hmm, hard to say, it could be jammed. I don't know.

On the other hand, it's easy for me to say "do it!", since I'm a wing-it-and-blather type, and there's minimal stress and very little prep involved for me.

I'd say that you probably have nothing to lose by trying it, and potentially some gain. It'd be worth doing once--if nobody shows up, and you panic, then you can say "Never again!" and if it's wildly successful, you can add it to the usual run.

[hippiechic567.livejournal.com]

I think you should do it. Thomas and I will attend if possible. What could it hurt?

[jayelgibson.livejournal.com]

Hmmmmm, well we all know I am no artist - but, at book related events the speaking engagements are always tied to a book signing for the speaker. If the 'artist panel' discussions provide an extra opportunity to offer your work to your target audience, then it may well be worth it. If not most people would be better off in their own vendor stall; however, you are not 'most people' - you are already a respected member of the art community and representative of many artists. It could very well be a worthwhile endeavor, both for you and those you represent.

Just a humble author's con-based experience.

[uminomamori.livejournal.com]

Trick is to do it on something that creates intrest in you like how to get starting producing prints and stuff (YOU obviously). :)