1. Pen Pouch

This pen pouch is just as important as my sketchbook. If I lost this, I don’t think I could draw anything until I found it again. It contains: 

• Pocket brush pen

• 2 brand-new sharpies

• Staedtler Non-photo Blue pencil

• Pentel Finito Ink pen

• Cool Grey markers 50%, 30%, 10%

• Plastic eraser

• Pencil sharpener

• 6 inch ruler

 

2. Lego Minifigure (or other small toy)

I like to pick up a little figure pretty early at some shows to have with me at the

table. Often it is a Lego man or a strange creature. That way, if things get really

bad, I can always play with some toys.

 

3. Square Reader

Every artist should have a Square or a card reader for credit payments! You are a goofball if you do not. No excuses. I think 50% of my sales are through plastic. And, if anyone says, “I’m out of cash,” you can reply, “No problem, I take cards.”

 

4. Sketchbook

If things get slow, I like to doodle out ideas for upcoming projects. Plus it keeps

me from looking like a slug just sitting at my booth.

 

5. Clipboard

Walking around with a metal clipboard that has all your sales info on it makes me

feel more official. Plus, there’s paper if you need to write someone’s info down or

make a sign that says, “I JUST MADE THIS SIGN!”

 

6. Bristol Pad for Commissions

One of the first shows I tabled at, someone asked if they could pay me to draw

something. I was not prepared and felt like such a rookie as I borrowed a sheet of

paper from someone else. Never again.

 

7. Emergency Blinker Reflector

I’ll put this on my backpack if I’m walking at night. Safety First!

 

8. Earbuds

For pre-con warm-up and post-con recouperation.

 

9. Spare Earbuds

Just in case!

 

10. Headphone Splitter

Just in case you want to watch a movie on your phone with a buddy after the

show.

 

11. Water Bottle

Why would you not bring a water bottle?

 

12. Mini Maglite

Another “just in case” item. (I’m starting to think I’m paranoid.)

 

13. Spare Phone Battery

I use my phone for taking cash and looking up reference images for doodles/ commissions. Power is key, and this gives me enough juice until I can recharge at the hotel.

 

14. Granola Bars

Sometimes it’s impossible to sneak away from the table and get some food, and

gum can only help so much.* On those days I eat about three granola bars and call it even.

*See Item 15.

 

15. Gum

Chewing a piece of gum can stave off hunger until you get a chance for a proper

break.

 

16. Ricola Cough Drops

Having a cough drop at the ready has saved my life multiple times. Tabling at

cons is an endurance sport. I did three shows back to back, and I was sucking

these down like there was no tomorrow.