Let’s be real, conventions can be a whirlwind of excitement, colourful crowds, and the occasional bout of nerves! If you’ve ever felt anxious about prepping for an artist alley event or wondered how you’ll make it through three days in a row of drawing, chatting, and sitting in the same chair, you’re definitely not on your own. Looking after your mind and body is just as important as having a picture-perfect display or a stack of shiny business cards. We’re here with some tried-and-true tips to help you tackle con jitters and feel your best from prep to setup to the final packdown.

Hours of drawing, designing, and manning your table can leave even the bendiest artist feeling a bit like a pretzel. To avoid stiffness and those dreaded hand cramps, take a few minutes every hour to stretch your wrists, fingers, shoulders, and back. Give your arms a shake, stand up straight, and twist from side to side. Even a quick stroll around artist alley before con can lift your mood and get your circulation going. These tiny moments of movement help keep your creativity flowing, too!

It’s so easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy with commissions and conversations, but keeping hydrated is your secret weapon for staying energised and dodging headaches. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up whenever you get the chance. You could even pop in a few slices of fruit for a bit of fun. Hydrated brains are happy brains, and you’ll look extra radiant in all those con selfies.

It’s tempting to power through without taking a break, especially when your table is bustling with customers. But everyone needs a rest! Set aside a bit of time to step away if you have a helper, use the loo, snack on something tasty, or simply enjoy some fresh air. If you’ve got a table buddy, tag-team your breaks so you both get a chance to recharge. Your art, and your customers, will benefit from you coming back refreshed.

Prepping for can be a sensory overload with so many sounds, sights, and ideas. Stepping outside during prep time, even for a few minutes, can be a total mood booster. Find a sunny spot, take a deep breath, and give your senses a reset. Sometimes a bit of vitamin D is all you need to turn your day around or help manage those con jitters.

Convention nerves are totally normal. Maybe you’re worried about making enough sales or perhaps big crowds feel overwhelming. Here’s the best advice: focus on what you can control and let the rest go. Practise a few deep breaths, keep a written checklist so you don’t forget anything, and remember to eat proper meals, not just snacks or junk. Celebrate the little wins, whether it’s a smile from someone, a sketch commission, or making a new friend.

If you find yourself feeling stressed, reach out to another artist or a friend nearby. The community is full of kind souls, and sharing a laugh or venting a bit can really help.

Some days will be a breeze and others might be more of a challenge, and that’s completely okay! If you need to pause, take a rest, or lose yourself in your favourite playlist for a while, do it. Your own wellbeing comes first, and finding a rhythm that suits you at cons is an art form in itself.

Self-care at conventions isn’t just a luxury. It gives you the energy to bring your boldest, brightest self to your table. So, stretch, hydrate, smile, and give yourself the space to enjoy all the magic around you. We’re cheering for you every step of your creative journey!