ARC Asks: Francine Delgado

Hitting the convention scene with the Blood of Atlantis artist

Oct 11, 2024

The story of Blood of Atlantis begins in New York City, but not only on the page. Three years ago, I went to New York Comic Con’s Artist Alley for the first time, stopping by the table of fellow indie comic writers

Honor Vincent

and

JL Johnson Jr.

I was just starting to develop my first comic and was looking to meet potential artists to collaborate with.

Honor and JL told me about an artist a few tables down from them who was looking to do interior work, and that led me to Francine Delgado’s table. We chatted for a bit, I got some of her cool X-Men roller derby stickers, and I took her business card.

That one interaction led to Fran and I working together on the Welcome to the Quest Board mini-comic and then Blood of Atlantis.

With New York Comic Con starting next week, I talked to Fran about her experience at comic conventions past and present. And stay tuned at the end for some exciting news about Blood of Atlantis and NYCC.

What was your first comic convention?

The first comic convention I attended outside of Costa Rica was Fan Expo Canada in 2015.

How did you pick which conventions to attend?

I started by attending conventions near where I live. Later on, I expanded to larger conventions or ones recommended by peers. Sometimes, I get invited to conventions where my travel and accommodation are covered.

What’s your favorite city/convention you’ve attended?

Calgary Expo is my favorite because it was the first major convention I attended as a guest.

When you create a new print for a convention, what's your process for picking the character or theme?

I’m currently working on a print for NYCC, so here’s how I do it: I pick a subject I love or feel connected to, something that matches my style. Sometimes I ask fans what they’d like to see in my style—that’s how I ended up making prints of Street Sharks and Silver Hawks.

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What’s one convention you haven't been to that you would love to go to in the future?

Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival in Yorkshire, England.

What’s one of your favorite parts of a convention away from the table?

I enjoy visiting other creators’ tables and chatting with them.

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I also love participating in sketch duels or panels.

How do you stay energized the entire weekend?

I’m naturally energetic, but if I start to feel tired, a good cup of black tea usually revives me.

What’s some advice you would give to someone tabling at a convention for the first time?

Research the best setup for your type of work (whether you’re a writer, artist, or vendor), be mindful of your neighbors’ space, and get ready to talk for at least three straight days.

Do you like to talk to people who walk by your table to get them to come over, or wait for them to walk up to your table?

It’s a mix for me. I love talking to people who show interest in my table, but I also travel with a friend who is amazing at bringing people over.

Thank you, Fran for stopping by ARC Worlds!

As I teased the other week, Blood of Atlantis is coming to New York Comic Con! Fran and I will be doing a Blood of Atlantis pop-up on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18, where you’ll be able to meet both of us and get signed copies of Blood of Atlantis #1 along with some exclusive swag.

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Stay tuned to this space next week for more info and the specific times! And drop a comment if you’re also headed to NYCC.

Missed the Blood of Atlantis campaign? You can pre-order the comic here. Or grab a digital copy at Global Comix.

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