Just as American Idol is getting a scary looking reboot, a real talent contest took place yesterday, an event on the tension and triumph/tragedy spectrum somewhere between San Diego’s Hoteloween and getting into the state finals.
Exhibitor applications for TCAF (Toronto Comics Arts Festival) went out yesterday, and just like in American Idol, there were three rooms: the one where you got to go on, the one where you didn’t and the one that was a waitlist. And the twitter reactions were just as jubilant or deflated.
TCAF is one of the world’s best comics shows, and space is at a premium, so many more crators apply than are accepted – plus because of the size limitations, many individual cartoonists are rotated in and out each year. Just because you were chosen last year is no guarantee of getting in again, in fact it may weigh against you.
Exactly what formula the TCAF staff uses to pick exhibitors is unknown but before we meet the contestants, here’s a reminder: You can still apply for VANCAF, the west coast sibling show.
We know folks are hearing about their #TCAF status today, which seems like a good time to remind everyone that VanCAF exhibitor applications are still open! https://t.co/npD64t469N
— VanCAF (@VancouverComics) January 9, 2018
And now some of the jubilant winners, some familiar but many first timers. I had barely heard of many of these artists so consider this your early guide to TCAF debuts.
Mindgator 2 #sketches
Looks like I’ll be tabling #tcaf2018 this is essentially the my first con outside of Japan. Good things are coming with me and will be available for the first time at tcaf. Hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/JFEFoZWorw— MuleleRedux (@muleleredux) January 9, 2018
Guess who's got to thumbs and was accepted to exhibit at TCAF? DIS GUY
— Vague Feeling of Dread When Trying to Fall Asleep (@erintheunready) January 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/saint_vagrant/status/950567363392561152
turns out they sent the wrong email and i actually got into TCAF. rollercoaster day.
— Christopher Sebela (@xtophersebela) January 9, 2018
We're still trying to process the fact that we just got into #TCAF! Come hang with us for @TorontoComics if you can!!! pic.twitter.com/Z45V9he1aL
— Fine OK Press @Thought Bubble (@fineokpress) January 9, 2018
i'll be exhibiting at tcaf in may 2018
— Γ(kristina) (@Sskessa) January 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/MirandaMHarmon/status/950550768934768640
https://twitter.com/love_love_hill/status/950546680721616896
I got accepted to TCAF! See you all folks in Toronto ❤️
— Eggman Comics (@eggmancomicsgng) January 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/slimyswampghost/status/950527707380465664
https://twitter.com/skimcasual/status/950519160311820288
Folks, we're incredibly honored to say: WE'RE GOING TO BE AT TCAF! Who else is gonna be in Toronto?
— Margins at CAKE (table 219A)! (@marginscomics) January 8, 2018
So I got into TCAF and now I'm in panic mode.
— Theodore Taylor III (@tedikuma) January 8, 2018
Landed in Vancouver to the good news that I got into TCAF!!! Yeah!!! Get ready for a hecka lot of new comics coming soon!
— ✨Christine✨ (@OneChrispy) January 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/fairywarriorcat/status/950493213005148162
https://twitter.com/hirosemaryhello/status/950489274650103809
https://twitter.com/RyanDunlavey/status/950489076326715392
https://twitter.com/KeezyBees/status/950488936941371393
https://twitter.com/kathmachine/status/950486135322525696
https://twitter.com/olivereast/status/950481388670803974
Namesake/Valor team going to TCAF baby!
— Isa // Lord of Crows // DRAGONCON 2025 (@Secondlina) January 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/neekaneeks/status/950475570248237056
https://twitter.com/cjwardart/status/950474713041694721
I guess I got into TCAF.
— J.N. Monk (@JN_Monk) January 8, 2018
But over on the waitlist and the rejection pile, it was sadness, Zen acceptance or maybe getting up the gumption to try again!
https://twitter.com/thisiskatedee/status/950553302751563776
https://twitter.com/heyjenbartel/status/950477207574597634
https://twitter.com/pangolinart/status/950526827537272832
https://twitter.com/Ryyyan_Kiiing/status/950528266267496448
Sorry all, I've been waitlisted for TCAF.
— TEEFRANKLIN.COM (@MizTeeFranklin) January 8, 2018
TCAF takes place May 12-13 with exhibitors located at the Toronto Reference Library and events throughout the city. Neither guests not any other details have been announced yet but here’s Sana Takeda’s lovely poster from last year to whet your appetite.
i’m always puzzled/amazed/curious at how creators can afford all the extra money to fly around the world to all these conventions ever year. Its gotta cost tens of thousands of dollars. I know they sell stuff at tables, but geez. The expenses…
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