Summary

In this episode of the Con Culture Convo, Tim Hyde interviews artist Lisa Cossentino, who shares her journey from pursuing a master's degree in music to becoming a successful pixel artist. Lisa discusses her early experiences at Comic Cons, the evolution of her art business, and the challenges and successes she has faced in the creative industry. The conversation highlights memorable shows, insights into sales, and Lisa's future plans, including opening a storefront in Florida. In this conversation, Tim Hyde and Lisa Cossentino discuss the opening of Lisa's new comic shop, the Pixel Gallery, located in Cocoa, Florida. They delve into the challenges of setting up a storefront, including logistical hurdles, permits, and unexpected costs. The conversation then shifts to the oversaturation of comic conventions, particularly focusing on NostalgiaCon and its impact on vendors and smaller shows. They express concerns about the sustainability of such large events and the implications for the comic convention landscape. In this conversation, Lisa Cossentino and Tim Hyde discuss the evolution and challenges of anime conventions, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. They explore the growth of new conventions, the financial struggles faced by vendors, and the competitive market dynamics that influence convention success. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market demands and the impact of FOMO (fear of missing out) on vendor decisions. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, they emphasize the need for conventions to adapt and learn from past mistakes to ensure a thriving environment for all participants.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Con Culture Convo
01:44 Lisa's Journey into the Art Industry
08:08 Growth and Evolution of Lisa's Art Business
10:44 Memorable Comic Con Experiences
16:28 Best Shows and Sales Insights
21:57 Future Plans and New Ventures
22:14 Introducing the Pixel Gallery
30:03 Challenges of Opening a Comic Shop
39:53 The Oversaturation of Comic Conventions
42:48 The Rise of Anime Conventions Post-Pandemic
44:56 Challenges Faced by New Conventions
47:55 Vendor Experiences and Financial Struggles
51:52 Market Dynamics and Competition in Convention Spaces
54:59 Lessons Learned from Failed Conventions
01:01:49 The Impact of FOMO on Vendor Decisions