On January 31st, on a sunny Saturday, I participated in my first ever pop-up as Fistbump the Sky. However, this was more than a pop-up–
It was a recon mission.
I started this journey of indie author and artist in 2025 and it took me a while to figure out (and accept) that the path I had been too scared to pursue is the same one that keeps coming back to me, AKA: A comic book artist and illustrator.
There was just one problem…
I have NEVER participated in any in-person events
But I knew I needed to start. HOWEVER, before I go up against the GODS of illustration and book design (in my humble opinion) I wanted to have a test run to find out whether my booth display works, whether the art drew people in, and anything else that might need to change. So I applied to a pop-up for upcoming, underground brands in Woodstock, Cape Town.
I knew there would mostly be streetwear and rising musicians (which I was excited about as South Africa has some amazing musicians). Yet, there was no way the event would the crowd I was looking for.
But people are people. Besides, if I did mess up, then it wouldn’t reach the niches I have to swim in. Another great aspect was the location as Woodstock is one of Cape Town’s artist areas. It’s also where you don’t put your phone in your pocket or walk around at night. Being one of the more centrally, located spots, I knew I could get back home relatively quickly if needed.
Yet, we arrived at one of the most vibrant alleys ever. So, we took our bags upstairs and started setting up. There was a lot less space than I had anticipated, which taught me my first lesson:
HOW IT WENT AND WHAT I LEARNED
I NEED A SMALL-SCALE BOOTH
Most of the events I’ve found for artist and fantasy-related merchandise are outdoor events where gazebos are common. Of course, I have products that go on tables, but expecting to have place to hang work or any space larger than a table was simply ignorant. Take into consideration the fact that events for illustrators and comic book artist (that I now know I need to attend) are mostly indoors, I am going to have to create a second, smaller scale version of the outdoor booths I have been planning, and with much less props. I also saw which displays needed to be replaced with taller ones and how to angle others.
The tricky thing was how to still have the same aesthetics without having to resort to a completely different approach. But that’s for another letter.
GET A CHARISMATIC HELPER
I never even considered this, but the personality of your helper makes a huge difference. I had asked by younger brother/friend to help with the setup and sales. I believed he would do a great job as working at events is his thing. But I had forgotten the fact that I’m AUDHD and have difficulty showing expressions on my face (amongst other things). Basically, anyone can put things on a table, but not anyone can charm people. So this (for me) is an absolute must.
ORIGINAL CHARACTERS NEED A STORY-BASED APPROACH
This one is obvious, but completely went over my head.
Most of the posters and merchandise I have created thus far are from the world of Fistbump the Sky, or directly taken from the books. Which would have been great if anyone knew who I was. Sadly, that is not the case.
This cemented the fact that I need to create merchandise and booth displays that will help the audience become drawn to the characters and work, without having previously read any of the books.
WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME
I’ve been researching relatable events on a daily basis but, unfortunately, South Africa is simply not the place for what I do. I’ve found 2 outdoor, summer events that aligns pretty well with the art and books, but I’m going to have to attend events abroad if I want to see any kind of growth. It’s a bit sad, as a lack of opportunities is why I left in the first place. On the other hand, I was already planning on seeing if I could get into art spaces in Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, so it’s not all bad. At least it aligns :)
TOO MANY QUESTIONS, TOO LITTLE TIME
As the characters (and their creator) are still very much unknown, there were a bunch of questions. However, having an influx of information dumped on you is never pleasant. Neither is exerting all your energy in repeating the same thing.
So I decided to make a FAQ zine to have on the table along with booklets of all the characters.
This is how it turned out:
These were just some of the pages. I hadn’t made anything creative without a purpose being attached to it in such a long time and tt was a ton of fun! I’m definitely keeping it, even if I decide to go for a neater version later.
I’m going to have my hands full this year with the new book, merchandise, and applying to every relatable event I can find. And so, if you would like to follow along then consider subscribing to Fistbump the Sky or checking out our socials on the banner:
Or for those of you more interested in Behind the Scenes, random ramblings, and the life of an unknown artist and indie author, feel free to check out Slugs of Life.
Have a lovely week and wish me luck.
I’m going to need it.