Comic-Con tips?

[Chad]

I would love to hear any tips people have to get the most out of a comics convention. I'll be attending my first Comic-Con this July in San Diego. I'm excited, but also unsure about what to expect and how to make it the best possible experience. All ideas are welcome! Thank you...

[Alex]

Be ready to be really crowded :')

Buy tickets in advance, be on time to get in early and take full advantage of the open hours of the con. Carry water and snacks with you cause is too expensive to get anything from the booths.

Most important of all, focus on the writers/artists/panels you want to attend. The more famous the guy is, the more people will be to his table. If you want a commission (scetch on scetch book or a specific issue, maybe an autograph on an issue) get in line early so you can have some time to actually interact with the artist/writer and check if he takes money to draw. Many times I went to an artist and some random guy that thought it an opportunity went to someone and asked something for free. Big no-no. It's their work, they are entitled to ask money for it. If that amount is big or small depends on the artist and your wallet :)

Have fun!

[Chad]

Thanks guys, that's helpful information.

I wonder if you have any thoughts about this... I have a vague sense that I'd like to meet some of my favorite creators. But when I try to articulate what I would hope to get out it, I really can't think of anything specific. And then I imagine myself as the inept fanboy interviewer on the SNL skit "The Chris Farley Show" ("Remember that one time you drew Lying Cat saying 'LYING'... that was awesome...")

So anyway... I guess I'm wondering if it would be "worth it" to stand in a long line to score a few minutes with these folks. If you've had a chance to meet a favorite author or artist, did you like the experience?

[Janise]

I get easily starstruck too, and I find it very uncomfortable and hard to think of anything to say when I meet a creator I admire. It's easier if I can bring along a chatty friend to help me. Or if I have something specific I want to buy from them or ask them to sign.
If someone I like is appearing in a panel, I'll go to the panel and then ask a question if I feel brave enough. For panels at SDCC, plan to go to the panel that takes place right before it in the same room. (The exception is Hall H, which takes a lot more planning ahead.) That way, if there is a long line you can be toward the front. If the previous panel has open seats, you can sit in on it (maybe learn something new) and then move up for a better seat when your preferred panel starts. Good luck and enjoy! :)