APE 2010: Aftermath!

Another APE (Alternative Press Expo) has come and gone..... 

This was my 13th APE in a row as an exhibitor, and there was a bit of growth going on at the Concourse Convention Center this year. The exhibit hall was actually expanded for the first time in years. Last year there were 325 exhibitors, with this year the floor map shows just over 700 tables!!

I expanded my table's selection by debuting my brand-new book, COMIC POP, as well as a selection of Muerto Sketch Dolls. New product has always been key for me at APE, having practically debuted a new comic book or mini-comic at each and every show.

Another thing you want to have at these shows are decent table neighbors (or a reasonable facsimile thereof!). Fortunately I was sitting next to A.J. Herrera & Justin White:

They're the writer and artist behind ZOMBIE KILL SQUAD, which led to the naming of our corner set-up at APE the Zombie Kill Korner (I just wrote that, we never once called it that the whole weekend!).

Positioned directly in front of me was Audra Furuichi, artist of the NEMU*NEMU webcomic.

Audra came all the way from Hawaii, and even shared with me some genuine Hawaiin candies she brought! How's that for an overcast, drizzly weekend in San Francisco?

Me and long-time pal Rafael Navarro. (Notice Rafael and I are holding our favorite purchases from APE. Me with the brand-new issue of LOVE & ROCKETS by the Hernandez Bros., Raf with a copy of his sketchbook!!)

Raf and I actually scouted out our first APE together back in 1996, when we had both decided to try out this whole self-publishing thing. We drove up North to meet other artists and exhibitors, find out about table prices and printing costs, etc. Nowadays I guess you'd just Google 'self-publishing', but back in the old days...!! 

Jim Lujan, the founder of the whole Ghettomation cartoon art form that's sweeping the planet, was actually debuting as a first-time APE exhibitor!

My friend Ricardo Padilla (after I called him out for manufacturing and flagrantly wearing a bootleg El Muerto T-shirt!):

Ricardo's a great friend though (outside of his morally questionable act of piracy!), and was kind enough to host me at his home. He actually curated my solo art show earlier this year, "COMIC POP: Art by Javier Hernandez".  His whole family is very supportive of my work, and his wife and daughter are true gems. Plus they always take me to the most mouth-watering food places in the city! 

The always vivacious Bernyce Talley, comic book creator and illustrator:

Erik Arreaga, the infamous Phour Nyne Guy, who I've met a few years ago on the convention circuit:

Met up with several other artist friends on the floor, which always leads to some great talk about catching up with the latest goings on, as well as some neat discussions on art and craft. Nothing like talking to people in person, in this age of blogs, social networks and podcasting.


I actually expected that my sales would have reflected the growth in size of the show itself. But in retrospect, judging by the amount of actual visitors to my table, it seems that the audience may not have grown as quick as the number of new exhibitors. Mind you, I don't have the figures for attendance versus last year, so it could be that mysterious variable at play here, the one where sometimes you just do better or worse one year than the other. By the time I tallied up my sales for this weekend,  this definitely wasn't my weakest showing. I know I still have some room to improve in terms of making APE my most consistently profitable show year after year.


Sunday was slow for me the first part of the day, which picked up in the afternoon. There was a flurry of sales near the very end of the show (among them, artist Brent Anderson and his family actually stopped by and bought some comics!). Talking to some of the other exhibitors, there definitely seemed to be somewhat of a softening of sales this year. Seems that the more inexpensive items sold better, which considering the still flatlined economy, is expected.


I'll be curious to see at next year's APE if the amount of exhibitors increases or contracts (I'm guessing increases, judging by the number of conventions that are experiencing a growth in table sales). But I really want to see if overall there is a marked surge in attendees.


But I will be back. This is still my favorite show to do. There are always new fans buying the books, the friendships I reconnect with once a year are always rewarding, the meals and times outside the convention hall are memorable. And the challenge to make new work, find the right mix of products to carry, will always draw me to the show.


After a great meal at Taqueria El Farolito (where I had me a humoungous Shrimp burrito) we converged at Mitchell's Ice Cream, the only place for ice cream I wait outside in the cold, late night drizzle for, year after year.

Michael Aushenker, Raul Aguirre and me. Raul, cartoonist and host of the MAN VS. ART podcast, was attending his first APE as an exhibitor. Michael was actually my carpool buddy for this trip. I think I've probably shared more rides with him to APE than anyone else. It's always a non-stop gab fest on the ride to and from LA, and the great times we have at the show always produce great memories, and great blog material!


Time to slowly be getting ready for APE 2011....

Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco this weekend

I will be at the APE this weekend in San Francisco on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16 & 17. This is my 13th APE in a row as an exhibitor, having originally attended my first one back in 1996, when I went up on a fact-finding mission to learn about exhibiting at conventions, and eventually begin publishing my own comics.

 

As has usually been my custom, I'll be debuting a brand-new book, COMIC POP. It's an anthology of short stories I've created or collaborated on over the last 14 years. There are several stories that are being printed in a standard sized comic book format for the first time ever, as well as guest pin-ups from several artists. I've even included pin-ups I've done for other books, going all the way back to 2001. It's a nice collection of stories and artwork, so if you're attending APE please come by my table and buy a copy! I'll be at table # 634

I will, of course, have all my other comics there, as well as my El Muerto Sketch Dolls, buttons, DVD and even a special print of 'Catrina'....

Audio recap of COMIC POP and EVERYDAY PEOPLE art shows!

Well, you've most likely read my two blog posts about the Opening Reception to my art show, COMIC POP. If not, PT 1 is here, and PT 2 is here.


My show opened April 3, and one week later in Whittier, CA, my good friend, JIM LUJAN, had the opening for his art show, EVERYDAY PEOPLE, at GEEKS Comics. I was glad to attend, and it was quite the event. Tons of everyday people showed up to see, and buy, Jim's great paintings of real-life sport stars as well as characters from his awesome animated films.

Besides meeting some of Jim's family and friends, there were several of the Cartoonistas in attendance, showing support and having a great time. Jim and I co-founded the Cartoonistas a few years back, and it's been great to see the group grow with a rich diversity of artists enhancing the whole group.

But I'm actually more pleased when I see the individual artists grow, because in reality that's what makes an artist better. And of course, as each artist evolves and expands their talents, it only makes the Cartoonistas as a whole an even stronger group.

Congrats to Jimmy on his first solo art show, and I expect to see a whole new career for this amazingly talented and unique artist. As long as he remains one of my best friends, I don't care how rich and famous he gets!

Here's the most recent episode of CARTOONISTA RADIO, where Jim and I interview one another about each other's art shows!

Memories of COMIC POP art show opening: Part #2

For PT 1, click here

"COMIC POP: Art by Javier Hernandez" opened on Saturday, April 3. After a whirlwind couple of days in San Francisco, touring comic shops, enjoying the great food in the company of my host/curator Ricardo Padilla, and a return to Wondercon, it was time to get ready for the art show.

After a great breakfast of chorizo and rice and beans at a great little 'hole in the wall' Mexican restaurant in the Mission District (courtesy of the Padilla Family), I took this photo by the giant map that was painted on the wall.

Planning out my tour/invasion of Mexico. With comics, not Conquistadores!! 

Later in the afternoon, we arrived at the Gallery, ready for showtime. Here's the front window display:

On the left of the table are 3 tiny paintings, complete with easels. On the right is the famous painting of Choco.

Hanging on the left side of the window is my EL MUERTO screenprint I made while an artist-in-residence of Self Help Graphics in Los Angeles.

Mia Gonzalez, the owner of the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts. Mia's store/gallery is filled with great art, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to exhibit there.

Among the friends who showed up that evening were Dale Berry and Miguel Delgadillo. Dale is a cartoonist who I met years ago while doing conventions in the Bay Area. His graphic novel series, TALES OF THE MOONLIGHT CUTTER, is now up to 4 volumes. He's always been an extremely amicable person, and I really enjoy catching up with him in the Bay Area. Dale did an EL MUERTO pin-up for me, which was published in EL MUERTO:MISH MASH. Miguel I've also known for some years. He actually worked with me on a project I came up with back in 2005, MEXICAN INDEPENDENT COMIC BOOK DAY. A tour I conceived to coincide with Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16), featuring myself, Rafael Navarro (SONAMBULO) and Rhode Montijo (PABLO'S INFERNO). As Miguel lived in San Jose, he was able to approach a couple of bookstores in the Bay Area to host us for the two-day tour. I suggested to him that we should perhaps try another one, 5 years after the first one.

 Dale (L), myself (in a beatified moment of artistic bliss) and Miguel.

 Michael Aushenker was actually celebrating his birthday, right in the middle of my art show! And on my right: curator, patron of the arts and good friend, Ricardo Padilla.

Ricardo's wonderful daughter (and Executive Assistant Curator!), Sophia. Sophia was exceptionally helpful in promoting the show, and she's a great El Muerto fangirl!

 Sophia's brother Andy even performed during the show, playing guitar and singing Beatles and Los Lobos songs (what a great mix!). If we ever make EL MUERTO 2, perhaps we should have Andy take the lead role??

 Me and a sea of ladies! To my immediate right (in the glasses) is Rosalinda, the lovely wife of Ricardo. A true benevolent spirit, that woman.

I have to note that the lettering was personally hand-cut by Ms. Sophia Padilla. A real nice touch, very DIY. 

To cap off the evening, Miguel joined me and the Padillas for a cross town drive to Toto's Pizzaria, what Rosalinda calls 'the best pizza in San Francisco'. Who am I to argue with a gracious host? And actually, that pizza was damn delicious!!  I'm going to ask, insist, that the next time I'm in San Francisco, we partake of that pizza again...!

The next morning was Easter. Kinda weird not spending it with family, but then again, the Padilla's couldn't be nicer people to spend time with.  Early morning, I went for a walk in the nearby Golden Gate Park with Rosalinda. The park, smack dab in the middle of the city, was such a relaxing breather from all the comics and art and frenetic city escapades. It felt good walking some of that pizza off. Course, later, for breakfast, we all went to Chinatown where I was introduced to a mouth-watering breakfast of Dim Sum! Geez were those beef/shrimp filled dumplings heavenly!


Later that afternoon, as the rains came, we returned to the Gallery, as I was scheduled to conduct a cartooning workshop. With the heavy rains, and the fact that it was Easter, we had way less people than we hoped for. But then again, what can you expect on Easter? 

My cousin Monica came out to visit that Sunday, and she helped us finish off the sangria from the night before!

After closing up the gallery that afternoon, we once again met up with Michael Aushenker. He was at Wondercon, appearing on a 'Jews in Comics' panel that day. Mikey joined me, my cousin and the Padillas for dinner at a great hamburger joint called Nations. After that, we topped off the day, the weekend really, with a San Francisco tradition, Mitchells' ice cream. Mike and I try to go to Mitchell's every year when we go to APE (Alternative Press Expo). We've been there late nights, in the rain, and there will be tons of people in line! The homemade ice cream is just that exquisite!


Monday morning was time for me and Michael to head back to Los Angeles. To say the weekend was a great time would be an understatement. Before we left that morning, Ricardo joined me and Mike for one last meal, this time in Oakland, at a favorite breakfast haunt of mine and Mike's: Ahn's.

What better way to start a road trip home than with a classic American breakfast?

I certainly could never thank Ricardo enough for putting together my solo art show. And as for the hospitality he and his family had shown me all week...Well, let's say I am forever in their debt. Knowing them though, friendship is more than enough to pay that bill!

Interstate 5, about an hour or so North of San Francisco, heading home.


I've been driving up and down the 5 Freeway since 1998, when I packed up my car and drove up to San Jose to sell my first black & white, photocopied copies of my first EL MUERTO comic book.  Since then, every year I've been going back and forth between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Mostly for comic conventions, but once to attend a film festival where my movie played, a couple of art shows and signings. Once or twice just to visit  friends and vacation. But mostly 'work'.

It's hard to think of these trips as work though. Sure, I'm selling my art, promoting my brand, networking with others. But really, all this has, for me, been a real privilege. To be doing what I love, making my comics and art, sharing it, selling it, has been wonderful.  And at the same time to have been so fortunate to have done so alongside some of the best friends I've ever had, and met so many great fans and made so many new friends, well, I have to thank God for the honor.

The hard work, the hang-ups, the pain in the neck moments. They've been such a meager price to pay for the full package. 


I'm ready to jump back on the freeway and drive off into more opportunities. Even at $3-$4 a gallon!

 

Memories of COMIC POP art show opening: PT 1 Redux

Folks, in what is the stupidest mistake I've ever made on this blog, I deleted my Pt. 1 report of my trip to San Francisco for the opening of my art show. Yes, I'm exceedingly pissed off about it. But, here's my attempt to recreate the post. So very sorry about that.... PT. 2 continues afterwards.

The opening for my solo art show, "COMIC POP: Art by Javier Hernandez" was on Saturday, April 3. Of course, as luck would have it, there was plenty happening that weekend that turned this not only in a cross-platform promotional event, but an amazingly exciting vacation as well.

Not only was my art show opening that weekend, but Wondercon was also happening at the same time. Plus the fact that it was Easter only added to all the hoopla.

This show came about rather fortuitously. My friend Ricardo Padilla, who I first met when I was exhibiting at APE (Alternative Press Expo) about 6 years ago, came to my table at APE back in the Fall of '09. He told he needed to curate a show as part of his final for his Master's degree, so I boldly told him to pick me as his subject! He was going to ask me anyway, but this should demonstrate to all artists that one should never hesitate to nudge fate whenever needed.


Ricardo picked the location, the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts, and thus started the months of prep for the show. By a great coincidence, my friend and fellow cartoonist Michael Aushenker was also planning to visit San Francisco that same weekend, so we decided to carpool and save on gas and double up on the fun factor. Michael and I have been traveling together to conventions for about 10 years, and each time has been a memorable experience. You can read about Mikey's work, and his blog post about this trip, over at his blog, CARTOON FLOPHOUSE.

Michael Aushenker, me and a load of bull about an hour outside of San Francisco.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, I checked into my hotel, while Michael went across the Golden Gate Bridge to stay at his friend's home for the duration. The hotel, provided courtesy of my wonderful curator Ricardo Padilla, was a quaint little place, complete with a shared kitchen serving continental breakfast. 

My cozy little room...


The following day, Thursday, brought a full day of work. Ricardo picked me up that morning and drove me over to the Encantada Gallery to meet the owner, Mia Gonzalez, and drop off all my artwork. While Mia hung the show, Ricardo took me for some sightseeing and artist/curator talk. He also took me to several of the comic shops, bookstores and cafes where he had left our show postcards. One of the place that he talked to about promoting our show was the Cartoon Art Museum, the West Coast's premiere institution for the preservation and exhibitions of the comic and cartoon arts.

 Me, proud as a poppa, with my COMIC POP artwork hanging in the lobby of the Cartoon Art Museum.


One of the great things about Ricardo networking with the CAM was bringing my work to their attention. They liked what they saw and invited me to join them at their booth at Wondercon on Friday if I was available. I hadn't actually been to Wondercon in about 10 years, so I was more than happy to return, and especially at the beckoning of the Museum!

Friday came quickly, and after being dropped off at the Moscone Center, I made my way to the Cartoon Art Museum booth. For a two hour period, I drew sketches on behalf of the Museum for people who donated money, and also sold my comics, including my brand new sketchbook, THE COMIC POP SKETCHBOOK.

A long-time fan of mine, Alejandro, posing with a drawing I made of Rom, SpaceKnight! 

Me, in my natural state, selling comics! (And, I might add, DVDs and sketchbooks!)

While at the booth, I got to meet the acting director of the Cartoon Art Museum, Summerlea Kashar, a most gracious host.

Among the people I ran into at the Con was Jason Martin, my great friend from Portland.


Jason is the creator and publisher of SUPER REAL and PULP GIRLS, and he's a pretty well-traveled conventioneer. We met years ago while we were both exhibiting at San Diego Comic Con and he and his wife are kind enough to host me when I travel up to the lovely town of Portland. As a way of showing thanks, I sent them a painting last Christmas I made of their cute little chihuahua Choco. Jason actually suggested I put the painting in my art show so he brought it down with him and gave it to me at the show.

Now ain't that Choco a cute little pup? The painting ain't too shabby either!


Another highlight for me was meeting Blair Kitchen of THE POSSUM. Blair's the writer and artist of the book, and we have known each other for a few years now. I even interviewed once on a podcast I used to host, but this was the first time we met. Blair's brother Mike also makes his own comics, SPY GUY.  After the show, I had dinner with the Bros. Kitchen at a nearby Whole Foods. I didn't know they had a deli in there, and boy, they make some great sandwiches there!

 Blair (L), me and Mike. FYI: The Kitchen Bros. have a teeny, tiny cameo in the spoof SUPERHERO MOVIE! 


As much fun as I had at Wondercon, the real dance was yet to come on Saturday! Showtime at the Encantada Gallery. All the details in PT. 2!

Preview my COMIC POP solo art show!

Here are a couple of pics of some of the paintings I'll have on display this weekend at my COMIC POP art show in San Francisco. Opening Reception is on Saturday, April 3 from 5pm-8pm at the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts. Check my previous post for more all the details.

"Hijo de La Muerte", 2005, acrylic.

"I wish I wasn't an Oscar Mayer Weinermobile", 2010, acrylic.

These little bite-size paintings are done in acrylic and the canvases are about 2"x2". The El Muerto custom figure is there to show scale, it ain't gonna be for sale! A former girlfriend of mine made it for me, it's one of a kind...and it's all mine!

If you can make it to Opening on Saturday night, I'd love to see you there. FYI: On Friday, April 2, I'll be at Wondercon drawing at The Cartoon Art Museum's booth (#721).

COMIC POP solo art show in San Francisco, Saturday, April 3!

As mentioned in a previous post, I'll be in San Francisco this coming weekend for the opening of my solo art show at the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts. Also, I'll be at Wondercon, courtesy of the Cartoon Art Museum.

Friday, April 2: I'll be at the Cartoon Art Museum's booth, # 721, on Friday at Wondercon. Not sure of my exact hours, but they asked me to get there in the morning so they could assign me a schedule for the day. I'll be doing free sketches on behalf of the museum, and will also be selling my comics, DVD and buttons.

Saturday, April 3: The Opening Reception for my art show, COMIC POP, will be from 5pm-8pm at the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts, in the Mission District. I'll be exhibiting new work, as well as a few pieces I made last year. I'll also have some orginal comic book pages available for purchase, as well. Debuting at the show will be my first sketchbook, THE COMIC POP SKETCHBOOK (I received an email from the printer that they have indeed shipped it!). Here's a peak at the cover and some pages:

Exclusive to the exhibit will be this snazzy little 2.25" button, featuring the art from the show postcard:

(When I get back from San Francisco the following weeek,  I'll post info here on how to order the button and sketchbook.)

Sunday, April 4: I'll be conducting a Cartoonist Workshop at the Gallery from 2-3:30pm. Kids of all ages are welcome.

In addition to these events, I'm planning on visiting an event Thursday evening at the Contemporary Jewish Museum of San Francisco. My good friend Michael Aushenker will be speaking on the panel " A discussion on Jews in Comics". Legendary comic creator Joe Kubert is also scheduled to appear on the panel!


While at WonderCon, which I haven't been to in over 10 years, I'll try to catch up with as many of my out-of-town cartoonist friends as possible. Including Portlander Jason Martin of SUPER REAL fame, and, hailing all the way from Canada, Blair Kitchen of THE POSSUM.


That's in addition to catching the "ED HANNIGAN: COVERED" exhibit at the Cartoon Art Museum and lots of other things. This is one seriously jam-packed weekend for me. Hope to see some of you JAVZILLA readers out there!

COMIC POP solo art show opens APRIL 3 in San Francisco

This April in San Francisco I'll be having a solo art show at the Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts.

The above image is being used on our postcards and posters to promote the show. Here's the back of the postcard:

I'll be up in San Francisco for the Opening Reception on April 3, and on Sunday the 4th I'll be conducting a Cartoonist Workshop for  kids. Here's the flyer they're circulating around town for that:

I'll be displaying new paintings along with some recent work. And some of my original comic pages will be there, as well as sketches and of course my comics and buttons. It's exciting for me to be doing an out of town show, and I thank the Encantada Gallery for hosting. I also want to thank Ricardo Padilla, the curator for COMIC POP, for the great job he's done. He's even gotten his children to help out, so thumbs up to the whole Padilla clan!

WONDER CON is taking place during the same weekend, so if you're attending the convention, stop on over at the Encantada Gallery and check out the show. I'll be posting a couple of preview images here as we get closer to the show opening.

Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts
904 Valencia Street
(between 20th St & Liberty St)
San Francisco, CA 94110