Saturday, June 14, 2025

TCAF answers! from Richmond's C. A. P. Ward

by Mike Rhode

A few local cartoonists were selected to attend TCAF in Canada this year - it's a curated show, and not a lottery like SPX is. I think it has both invited guests and people who apply to exhibit. I reached out to ask about their experiences and C. A. P. Ward (they/them) of Richmond was suggested by Angela Hsieh as a fellow tabler. They can be reached at artcward.com or @cevarra (Instagram, Bluesky & Twitter)

How did you get selected for this show? Did you have to apply?

I applied earlier this year. The application is similar to other tabling events at this scale, they ask for name/publisher, best contact, if you have debut work, etc. From what I've heard, TCAF accepts independent cartoonists on alternating years to keep fresh work at the show.

Was this your first time?

No, this is my second TCAF, I'd tabled in 2023 as well.

How was the experience? How does it compare to SPX or other local cons?

From my two experiences it's an amazing time. There's a love for comics by participants and attendees that's hard to find in day-to-day life. On the creative side of things, TCAF is a great place to find an audience, collaborators, publishers, and reconnect with other cartoonists. I had multiple people say that they remembered me from a previous TCAF which was very sweet.

There were logistics hiccups (and a water leak), that are likely due to the new venue, but the show staff were very responsive.

I can't speak very well to SPX as I haven't tabled there outside of representing a publisher. The local shows in Richmond, VA have solid attendance considering the smaller metro population but TCAF's size and depth of programming reflects its longer history.

How were your sales? Did you reach a new audience?

My sales were slower than 2023, but absolutely still worth the trip north. Something I appreciate about TCAF's show curation is the mix of self-published, small press, and traditionally published work. Most of my table is self-published comics, but this was my first time with a small-press anthology for sale and people were interested in everything on offer.

How did Canadians react to Americans in light of the current administration's misbehavior to our ally?

It wasn't mentioned often. When it did come up there was a joint commiserating and sense of solidarity. The current border & trade situation just creates difficulties for everyday people.

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