Here’s everything you need to know if you want to be a participating cartoonist at The Olympia Comics Festival.

What’s the deal? Why would I want to table at this festival?

There are several reasons why you might want to table at OCF.

  1. This is a festival that supports and promotes alternative and small-press comics. It’s an opportunity for all of us in that camp to get together and present what we have to the public.
  2. And OCF makes an attempt to bring in a larger public. We don’t charge entrance to the expo and are advertising the expo as a community event. That means we get people who would normally never go to a comics convention.
  3. It’s damn cheap. We charge only enough for the event to happen. We’re interested in promoting indie comics, not gouging their creators.
  4. You will receive a complimentary membership in The Olympia Comics Foundation, the local non-profit which sponsors the festival. With membership you'll receive a neat little membership card and you can get into the stage show for FREE. That means you don't have to feel guilty for pinching pennies.
  5. You will probably enjoy the event. We hope you take advantage of the discount you get with your membership and take in the stage show cuz we’re awfully proud of it. In addition, maybe you can sneak off during part of the expo and catch one of the panels.
  6. There’s a great party afterwards and every expo cartoonist is invited. It’s a blast to hang out with all the other cartoonists there. We provide pizza, snacks, and some beer (but it’s basically byob).
  7. No dealer tables. Sorry dealers, but tables are only for cartoonists and small publishers.

How much does it cost to have at table at the expo?

This year, we have a variety of tables to choose from: round tables (two feet in diameter), small rectangular tables (four feet by 30 inches), and large rectangular tables (six feet by 30 inches).

2' round - $5
4' half table - $7
6' half table - $10
4' whole table - $12
6' whole table - $15

In addition to getting table space, you also get into the stage show for FREE. The deadline to reserve space is 8 P.M. Monday, April 28th.

How do I pay the table fee?

Make your check out to The Olympia Comics Foundation and mail it to:

Please include contact information (phone, address & email). You should then receive an email confirmation that your check has arrived.

How does set-up and take-down work?

Set-up for the expo will begin around 11:30 and tablers are encouraged to show up and lend a hand. Otherwise, tablers are encouraged to show up ten minutes before noon to find their table and settle in.

Take-down begins at 5:00 and tablers are encouraged to stick around briefly to help out with that, too. We're aiming to have take-down finished by 5:30.

Am I going to make a lot of money at this thing?

Probably not. The fact is, some people do all right while others might not sell a single thing. Sorry about that. On the plus side, each year has seen an increase in members of the public going to the expo. We’re doing our best to continue that trend.

Please remember that Danger Room is also buying. Come see Chelsea at Danger Room after the expo. She'll buy a couple copies of almost anything! By the way, if you’re local or don’t mind checking back, Danger Room is happy to take your comics on consignment and not take a cut for themselves. Yes, you heard that right.

Do I need a badge?

No. We rely on people to be honorable and not set up a table if they haven’t paid for it.

Has anything changed this year?

Where can I find decent food and drink in Oly?

There are a number of restaurants near the Center including Asian, Indian, and classic diners. Your program (available at the stage show and at the expo) should have more information.

Can I share a table with someone or a group?

You bet. Please let us know what cartoonists you’re sharing your table with. Please be advised that only three people can fit really comfortably behind a table. But we’ve got no problem with six people sharing a table and taking turns running it.

Can I submit something for the Olympia comics anthology?

Sure you can. Just follow the guidelines available here.

Am I invited to the after-event party?

Yes! Everyone who tables, or is on a panel, or volunteers is invited to the party.

I want to stay over-night. Can anyone help me find a place to stay?

Probably. Please email us asap and we’ll see if we can find crash space for ya.

What can I do to help promote the festival?

Gosh, it’s kind of you just to think about it. The best things you can do are to talk it up and, if you have a website, mention it on your site. Thank you.

Why didn’t you answer my question?

Damn! I didn’t think of that one! Please email it to us (olympiacomicsfestival@gmail.com) and you will get a response within two days.