[ComiComi] First Circle Participation. Report on what I'll do next time

Introduction

Hello. I'm Puyoko Okazaki.
I was at space M-36 under the circle name Hyacinth Lands.
I sold my new fiction-mixed essay manga and two types of postcards.
My essay manga, 'Parallel Puyoko,' is being serialized on note.

I had participated in ComiComi before when it was held during the state of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the number of participants was quite low. However, this was my first time participating as a circle member in a bustling event like ComiComi 70!
I gained a lot of insights like 'So this is what I should have done...!' and 'I'm glad I did this!', so I'd like to summarize them in my own way.

I think these are all very basic, so I'm writing this for those who have never been to a doujinshi event and as a memo for myself.

<Part 1> I'm really glad I prepared business cards

This might go without saying, but...
Since I had business cards, I was able to hand them out to people who stopped by even if they were just a little bit interested, saying 'Please take one if you'd like!', and I really felt that it was a great way for people to get to know me. After packing up, I checked Twitter and found people who I think followed me because of the business card!

And above all, the power of 'free' might allow you to leave a trace for participants who were 'vaguely interested.'

If possible, it might be better to include a QR code on your business card. Of course, when printing, be sure to check that the link isn't broken.

Also, this is just my prejudice, but I feel like there are many Twitter and Instagram users who come to Comitia, so my reflection this time is that I should have included those IDs...

Also, it was easier for people to pick them up if I wrote 'TAKE FREE' next to the business cards.

<Part 1 Extra Edition> Free papers are also good

Among the circle participants I saw, some were distributing free papers with their recent activities, things they wanted to convey, and their SNS IDs. I thought this was a great idea because you can print and distribute them on cheaper paper than business cards. It might be a common culture, but I'm sharing it for those who didn't know, just like me.

<Part 2> I'm really glad I made merchandise

When it comes to Comitia, I think many people release booklets like illustration books and manga. However, the unit price of booklets tends to be high, and above all, they are larger than goods like postcards. If you aren't that confident in your circle participation experience or fame, I think it's a good strategy to start by making goods that are cheap to produce and easy for people to pick up.

The merchandise I distributed this time was postcards. I set the price at 100 yen. As expected, the postcards sold better than the booklets. I think of them as something like samples in cosmetics.

For those who don't wear makeup, let me explain samples: cosmetics are things you put on your skin, so depending on the person, sometimes 'it stings when I apply it...' can happen. Therefore, the larger the area of the product applied to the skin, the more important samples containing a small amount of the cosmetic can be. (There are also various other reasons, such as wanting to check the color.)

The analogy got long, but I inferred that a similar phenomenon might be happening at Comitia.

I want to be more thorough in making distribution items like cosmetic samples next time.

<Part 3> Make something that highlights your strengths

I had to watch the booth, so I couldn't walk around the venue very carefully, but...
Observing the displays, posters, and distributed items of circles that were attracting crowds, I think they excelled in either 'detailed drawing' or 'simple design.'
Well, in short, it means the quality of the work is good...


But just saying 'Let's make the work quality good!' leaves you wondering, 'So what should I work on and how?'


I'll explain it as simply as possible. Let's use me as an example.
If asked whether I'm better at 'detailed drawing' or 'simple design,' I'd answer the former in a second. I'm so bad at making simple, stylish graphics that I feel like I won't be able to do it in my next life either.

If you don't know what to work on, why not try dividing it into these two axes and thinking about which one you should focus on?

If you decide to focus on detailed drawing, I think it's fine to simply increase the amount of work you put in compared to usual. If you are good at sketching, drawing a realistic picture after carefully observing the motif might be enough to catch people's eyes.

If you decide to improve your design skills, I'm sorry I can't explain it well because it's my weakness... but for posters and covers, I think it would make a difference just to carefully select the fonts and text layout. (Sorry, to be honest, this is outside my expertise...)



What I want to say is to display a large work that fully highlights your strengths.



However, it's not limited to just 'detailed drawing' and 'design'; I think there are many other strengths that each person can utilize. Since this is a result of a very broad definition, please keep in mind that these two are not necessarily the only truth. This is just a starting point.

I realized once again that knowing your own good points is necessary to master your craft. If you don't know, I think there are things you can learn just by visiting Comitia as a general participant. That's how diverse Comitia is.

<Part 4> You should order sample paper from the printing company

I really liked the color, size, and paper type of the work I printed this time, but the only thing I thought was a 'mistake!!' was the thickness of the paper...

When I saw the finished product, I immediately regretted not ordering sample paper.

Even if you don't order sample paper, it's better to have the paper thickness be on the 'is it too thick?' side. You'll have fewer regrets saying 'it's too thick' than 'it's too flimsy.'
Flimsy paper gives the impression that 'Oh, this person skimped on printing costs.' If you want many people to buy it, it's better to use proper paper rather than skimping in a weird way. I think it will definitely sell better that way.

Especially when using a printing company or printing material for the first time!
My lesson this time is to order sample paper.

<Part 5> Buy a poster stand if you expect to participate in the future

I worried a lot until the very last minute about whether or not to buy a poster stand taller than myself. Setting aside tabletop stands, poster stands that can display A1 or A2 posters cost over 5,000 yen. I skimped and didn't get one this time.

However, once I participated, I felt that more than half of the circles were using large poster stands. Everyone has such good equipment...
Even more people were using tabletop stands.


As in this case, events with a large number of participants tend to make booths get buried in the crowd, so if you want to create a booth that catches the eye even when people gather, a poster stand is essential. As I mentioned earlier, if you put up a large poster of a work that fully highlights your strengths, that alone will make the booth look gorgeous.

However, since they are expensive, I think it's fine to buy one after participating once and thinking, 'I'm going to work hard from now on!' rather than buying one with enthusiasm from the first time.

Tabletop stands are super convenient to have from the first time. If you have one, the tabletop will be neat and tidy, and it will look gorgeous by displaying your menu or posters.

<Part 6> Create your booth according to eye level

This is what I would do if I were to set up a booth next time...
If you simply want to set up a booth that is easy for people to notice, it might be effective to use fixtures to place your items at a higher position instead of just placing them on the desk. The height from the ground is probably about 110 to 130 centimeters.

This is from my experience working in retail, but products at a height that is easy for people to pick up sold out faster from the display shelves, even if they were the same products as others. So, I would intentionally place products I wanted to sell out quickly in positions that were easy to reach.

Also, there is the advantage that you can display more products if you build a tall display shelf. It's easy to pick up and kills two birds with one stone.

Regarding display shelves that add height, although it depends on the type of items, many people were using wire nets that can be purchased at 100-yen shops. Also, folding racks, etc.

For those new to circle participation, 100-yen shops are highly recommended! If you search, many sites introduce substitute fixtures from 100-yen shops. Once you get used to it and can raise funds, you might want to buy fixtures from places like MonotaRO.

Of course, even if your display fixtures are inexpensive, make sure they are sturdy and not prone to tipping over. There have been cases in the past where fixtures fell and hit people in other booths, so please be careful.

Also, just to mention table covers: unless you are confident in your name recognition or ability to attract a crowd, a cover is essential. Almost everyone I saw had brought one.

Additionally, if you want to display your work easily and effectively, and if space permits, I feel that displaying books in an open state leads to more people picking them up compared to when they are closed.

<Part 7> Make price displays easy to understand

My circle only listed prices on the menu, but I think it would have been kinder to the attendees to have the prices visible at a glance. (I was asked several times.)

You could even stick the price on a sample copy using masking tape or stickers. When I was walking around the booths myself, I felt that the booths of circles that did this were easier to look at.

If you have a strong desire to keep things looking simple, there is no need to force yourself to make price tags. However, if you don't have a specific preference, it might be better to place or stick price tags on your items.

In conclusion

That's about it.
I might add more if I remember anything else.

I will omit other tools and supplies needed on the day, as there are many sites where predecessors have introduced them if you search for them.
Please understand that what I have written here is just one individual's impression, as it also serves as a personal memo of things I thought, 'I didn't know that! I must remember this!'



I only participated in Kankomi 70, but Comitia 148 is coming up soon, isn't it? Depending on your deadlines, those participating might be in the final push. Good luck!

I hope to make a trip to Tokyo for an event someday too.

There is a saying that because event staff, volunteers, circles, companies, and general attendees all participate in doujinshi conventions with such passion, no one can participate simply as a 'customer.' (I learned this from 'Lucky Star' when I was in elementary school.)
I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked so hard for the event I participated in this time. Doujinshi conventions are truly a wonderful culture.


I look forward to the day I can participate in an event again and meet everyone!
Time to work hard on production!