This is the first time that we've attended the Phoenix convention, so we're really excited to come out and see everyone and we are both hoping to make some new friends in the process!
Samples of artwork for sale:
Friday, January 16, 2009
L.A.S.S. debut at Phoenix Comic Con
Come meet me at the Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society (LASS) table at the Phoenix Comic Con January 23-25, 2009! I will be sharing a table with Ryan Winn in the Artist's Gallery section of the convention hall. I'll be bringing some original artwork, jewelry, and greeting cards for sale (to benefit LASS) and Ryan will be handing out some freebies, courtesy of Top Cow, as well as signing autographs, doing sketches, and taking commissions.
This is the first time that we've attended the Phoenix convention, so we're really excited to come out and see everyone and we are both hoping to make some new friends in the process!
Samples of artwork for sale:
This is the first time that we've attended the Phoenix convention, so we're really excited to come out and see everyone and we are both hoping to make some new friends in the process!
Samples of artwork for sale:
Sunday, June 29, 2008
FAQs
Why the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
The comic book industry is thriving, and along with the increased number artists, writers, and other industry professionals, there are an ever-increasing number of spouses, girlfriends, and partners.
But why form an Auxiliary club?
Many of us, as spouses, are not part of the comic book industry but attend conventions, signings, and other professional activities to support our partners. This can cause a bit of restlessness for some people who feel excluded or otherwise unengaged.
Restlessness?
Boredom. There, I said it.
How will the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society combat boredom?
By providing a network of like-minded Ladies, the Auxiliary can bring together otherwise disparate spouses. Beginning with online social networking (this site) you can meet others just like you and find common interests, even if the #1 common interest is hating comic conventions. Additionally, the Auxiliary will expand to in-person and on-site meetups and activities for all Auxiliary members.
You said "spouses" - is this only open to married couples?
Absolutely not. Anyone who is connected to a comic industry professional may join: wives, girlfriends, partners, mothers, sisters, etc. We use the term 'spouse' for simplicity. If a better term applies, we will certainly update the materials.
Are men welcome to join?
Yes. We welcome anyone who cares to join the Auxiliary to attend any of the functions, online or in-person. But our anecdotal research shows that the majority of industry professionals are men and their spouses are female, which is why this is called a Ladies' Auxiliary. Gender is not as important as friendship!
Should children join the Auxiliary?
We don't recommend that the wee ones join online networks without close parental supervision. This is a friendly organization, but I cannot guarantee that the content will always be 100% appropriate for small children. Additionally, some of the in-person meetings may be age restricted, and we ask that only adults plan to attend, unless the event is promoted for Families and/or Children.
Will the name of the Auxiliary change to be more inclusive, since you let men in the club?
Possibly, but the crystal ball is still hazy. For now we will be the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society.
What if my spouse isn't a comic book professional, per se? For example, they produce a web comic or video games?
How exciting for you! To live life outside 22 pages is divine. We welcome members from all walks of life, but the in-person Auxiliary meetings and excursions will take place in and around comic book conventions. Keep this in mind if you're interested in the face-to-face activities.
I am an industry professional, can I still join?
Absolutely! And please pass along the Auxiliary info to your spouse as well!
What is the value of the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
The value of a new friend is immeasurable. Having something to do rather than stalk the long boxes in a sweaty convention center is worth its price in gold. Networking is also invaluable to your own interests - do you craft? Run an eBay store? Need exposure for your floundering garage band? The Auxiliary can help put you in touch with like-minded people and provide new audiences for your wares.
Is there a fee to join the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
NO! Not now, and not ever.
Will all of the events be free?
To whatever extent we can make the events free, yes. However, excursions may have a cost associated that would be self-paid. For example, an Auxiliary arranged trip to the local museum may have an entrance fee. Whenever possible, we will leverage the size of our group to negotiate a discount for our members.
What is required to join the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
To start with, we invite you to sign up for Ning and join our social network. This way, we will be sure that you're getting the latest and greatest information about our club. Joining this site is not required, but it's the best way for us to keep in touch. If you prefer, you can stay updated via RSS feeds and email newsletters [coming soon]. This blog site will also be maintained regularly, so you may find information here. [MySpace link is forthcoming]
Can I advertise my own site/blog/shop?
Yes! If you become a member of our social network, then you may create blog posts and add pictures and certainly you are welcome to add information about where other Members can find you online. We are very interested in Who You Are, so please share with us your passions, your hobbies, your etsy store link!
However, at this time we are not selling ad space on this site.
What if I don't have a blog or website?
If you want one, there are many free sources out there to get started that are very user-friendly (I recommend Blogger for blogs). But if you don't want a website, there is no need for one. Just simply pop in from time to time to catch up on the latest. And don't forget to sign up for newsletters (coming soon)!
Is the apostrophe after "Ladies" really necessary?
The thought process: "Ladies Auxiliary" means an auxiliary or ancillary organization for women. "Ladies' Auxiliary" means an auxiliary or ancillary organization owned by women. And since each member of this network is equally as valuable as the next, we are all part owners, and we want the apostrophe to convey that message. Additionally, this network was begun by Ladies, so technically yes, it is grammatically correct.
The comic book industry is thriving, and along with the increased number artists, writers, and other industry professionals, there are an ever-increasing number of spouses, girlfriends, and partners.
But why form an Auxiliary club?
Many of us, as spouses, are not part of the comic book industry but attend conventions, signings, and other professional activities to support our partners. This can cause a bit of restlessness for some people who feel excluded or otherwise unengaged.
Restlessness?
Boredom. There, I said it.
How will the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society combat boredom?
By providing a network of like-minded Ladies, the Auxiliary can bring together otherwise disparate spouses. Beginning with online social networking (this site) you can meet others just like you and find common interests, even if the #1 common interest is hating comic conventions. Additionally, the Auxiliary will expand to in-person and on-site meetups and activities for all Auxiliary members.
You said "spouses" - is this only open to married couples?
Absolutely not. Anyone who is connected to a comic industry professional may join: wives, girlfriends, partners, mothers, sisters, etc. We use the term 'spouse' for simplicity. If a better term applies, we will certainly update the materials.
Are men welcome to join?
Yes. We welcome anyone who cares to join the Auxiliary to attend any of the functions, online or in-person. But our anecdotal research shows that the majority of industry professionals are men and their spouses are female, which is why this is called a Ladies' Auxiliary. Gender is not as important as friendship!
Should children join the Auxiliary?
We don't recommend that the wee ones join online networks without close parental supervision. This is a friendly organization, but I cannot guarantee that the content will always be 100% appropriate for small children. Additionally, some of the in-person meetings may be age restricted, and we ask that only adults plan to attend, unless the event is promoted for Families and/or Children.
Will the name of the Auxiliary change to be more inclusive, since you let men in the club?
Possibly, but the crystal ball is still hazy. For now we will be the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society.
What if my spouse isn't a comic book professional, per se? For example, they produce a web comic or video games?
How exciting for you! To live life outside 22 pages is divine. We welcome members from all walks of life, but the in-person Auxiliary meetings and excursions will take place in and around comic book conventions. Keep this in mind if you're interested in the face-to-face activities.
I am an industry professional, can I still join?
Absolutely! And please pass along the Auxiliary info to your spouse as well!
What is the value of the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
The value of a new friend is immeasurable. Having something to do rather than stalk the long boxes in a sweaty convention center is worth its price in gold. Networking is also invaluable to your own interests - do you craft? Run an eBay store? Need exposure for your floundering garage band? The Auxiliary can help put you in touch with like-minded people and provide new audiences for your wares.
Is there a fee to join the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
NO! Not now, and not ever.
Will all of the events be free?
To whatever extent we can make the events free, yes. However, excursions may have a cost associated that would be self-paid. For example, an Auxiliary arranged trip to the local museum may have an entrance fee. Whenever possible, we will leverage the size of our group to negotiate a discount for our members.
What is required to join the Comic Book Ladies' Auxiliary & Social Society?
To start with, we invite you to sign up for Ning and join our social network. This way, we will be sure that you're getting the latest and greatest information about our club. Joining this site is not required, but it's the best way for us to keep in touch. If you prefer, you can stay updated via RSS feeds and email newsletters [coming soon]. This blog site will also be maintained regularly, so you may find information here. [MySpace link is forthcoming]
Can I advertise my own site/blog/shop?
Yes! If you become a member of our social network, then you may create blog posts and add pictures and certainly you are welcome to add information about where other Members can find you online. We are very interested in Who You Are, so please share with us your passions, your hobbies, your etsy store link!
However, at this time we are not selling ad space on this site.
What if I don't have a blog or website?
If you want one, there are many free sources out there to get started that are very user-friendly (I recommend Blogger for blogs). But if you don't want a website, there is no need for one. Just simply pop in from time to time to catch up on the latest. And don't forget to sign up for newsletters (coming soon)!
Is the apostrophe after "Ladies" really necessary?
The thought process: "Ladies Auxiliary" means an auxiliary or ancillary organization for women. "Ladies' Auxiliary" means an auxiliary or ancillary organization owned by women. And since each member of this network is equally as valuable as the next, we are all part owners, and we want the apostrophe to convey that message. Additionally, this network was begun by Ladies, so technically yes, it is grammatically correct.
Friday, June 13, 2008
About Your Hostess
I am married to a comic book inker and penciler, who has worked at one time or another for all of the major comic book publishers (DC, Image, Marvel, Top Cow, etc.) as well as for a number of independent publishers and artists. He has wanted to work in comics his entire life, and I have wholly supported this choice for the past 11 years that we have been together. The road to his success was difficult and there were a lot of lessons that we learned along the way. I would like to share some of the realities of the profession, and tips for being successful, with as many spouses as possible. As the spouse of an artist, I have learned a lot of things about this industry and how it is unique among all others. It can be a lot of fun and it can also be terribly stressful. I have celebrated major accomplishments and fretted over how the bills will get paid. I have experienced the stress of overwork and the even more stressful lack of work. In short, I feel your pain.
My Personal Background
I am a blogger, a crafter, an avid reader (though mostly not comic books), and an everyday photographer (here's all my comic-related pics). My day-job is as a marketer for a major corporation, which I enjoy immensely. I also help to manage my husband's career and the day-to-day operation of our household.
I try to make my life as ridiculous as possible. I enjoy going to Disneyland on a regular basis (we're annual pass holders) and spend a lot of time with friends going to comedy shows and eating cookies for dinner and taking silly pictures. I guess you could call that immature.
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