Posted in: Comics, NYCC | Tagged: conventions, NYCC

New York Comic Con: What I'm Bringing

Published Thu, 06 Oct 2016 07:07:30 -0500

Tomorrow, I will be attending New York Comic Con for the eleventh straight year. NYCC has come a long way from the freezing first edition of 2006, when it got shut down for a spell due to an excess of fans. This year, I will be covering the show for Bleeding Cool I've noticed that some writers post pictures of what they got after hitting a convention. I'm going to write about what I'll be bringing with me over the next four days.

iPad Mini

Won this at a raffle a few years ago. Didn't start using it on a regular basis until I was on a temporary assignment, and I found myself with lots of downtime. Camera and word apps will be helpful on site, a good Wi-Fi signal will connect me to the outside world, and the calendar will keep my schedule handy. Also, the camera function will come in handy, like it has with this picture. I have also downloaded apps for DC Comics All Access and NYCC itself. The carrying case is on the left. I'll need to make sure that I don't lose this.

Sketchbook

Everybody needs a hobby, and one of mine is collecting sketches. While I worked for four-and-a-half months, I don't think I earned enough money to break triple digits on a commission for the first time. If I don't post my daily hauls on my Comic Art Fans account, I'll probably wait until after the show to do that.

Sketch References

This might be the only thing I get anal about. For the most part, I scan images and use Google Images, then print them out via Paint. While artists can access material through their devices, I'd like to be helpful.

Food

On the job, I took crackers, apple slices and snack packs with me. Since food can be pricy in and near any convention, I'll be taking stuff with me. The tuna/cracker packs should serve for lunch on at least one day. Also: Hot Pockets.

Blank-Covered Comics

Getting sketches is not like a drug addiction. With that said, blanks can be very addictive. I can leave my sketchbook with one artist, and have another work on a cover. The comics are bagged, boarded, and come with their own references.

Camera

This is a Bloggie. It doesn't have a flash feature, so taking shots in the dark is out of the question. It connects to my laptop at home for easy uploading. If I don't get to share pictures in my stories, they'll more than likely turn up on my Flickr account.

Metrocard

A must-have for everybody, from tourists and commuters. I put $40 on it before my temp assignment was finished, because I see myself taking the more expensive express bus back home to Staten Island.

Lightweight Reading Material

I get collections from the library all the time, and I don't get around to reading them. Also, this week's Sports Illustrated came in the mail today, and that should make for light reading while I'm on line . . . or "queue" if you like to be fancy.

Writing Material

This is a working gig for me, so I'll be prepared. I'll have a notebook, notepad and index cards with questions for interview purposes. While I'll depend on my new phone to record the subjects (with permission; I never learned shorthand), I'll take an older digital recorder with me as backup.

Liquids (Not Shown)

Water isn't going to be as pricey as in a Mad Max movie, but there will be gouging (see "Food"). I'm thinking of taking at least three bottles with me, with one of those being frozen overnight. Also, I'll have 5 Hour Energy with me, because I don't trust myself in not conking out. To be honest, I don't know if the stuff works for me, but I've found it cheap in some places, and I will be walking a lot. Which reminds me . . .

Fitbit (Not Shown)

I got the Charge model as a Christmas present. So far, it's been replaced twice due to the module peeling off the band. Because there was a shortage of Charges, I wound up with an Alta. It doesn't measure floors climbed and it buzzes me when I'm inactive, but it manages to keep up with my daily step count.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!