The 2025 Nashville Comic Arts Festival (NCAF) is over and while the zines and comics are all packed up, the NASH Illustrators have been thinking and reflecting on the show. This is the second year of the show and the roster of artists expanded quite a bit from the previous one – we’re glad we could make a splash! Four artists from the NASH Illustrators had tables and we want to give our brief thoughts on the experience.
Tina Ritchie
“It was the first year I was able to show at Nashville Comic Arts Festival, and it was overall a worthwhile experience! Since most of the shows I attend are larger comic conventions that require travel, large investments, and several days of work, it was really nice to have somewhere local to show my work and meet new fans. There is something especially nice about introducing my work to a local audience, since I grew up in Nashville and have so many connections here already. In terms of sales it was a great turnout, especially since the table fee was only $20 and I only had to drive 40 mins into town. The greatest part of the experience was being in a room full of inspiring creatives and getting to connect with them afterwards in a more casual environment. So much of our practice is dependent on the people we meet and connections we make, and I am always thankful for opportunities to learn from those around me. I’m looking forward to next year!” – Tina
The Illustrious Sanguine
“I was at NCAF the first year, and the second year was subtly but critically different: the pace was slower, but more assured; there was more organization in place, but the chaos endemic to arts spaces was there. I had the pleasure of meeting Kayla E. and talking about her book Precious Rubbish after hearing her in conversation with AP Comfort, and I got to lead a workshop myself on productivity and the arts. Though I missed the excitement of meeting new people and finding out about new comics, the sense of familiarity was the most palpable shift from last year: I tabled next to my friends, caught up with new zines by authors I’d met last year, and, of course, came as a member of the NASH Illustrators.” – The Illustrious Sanguine
Stephen Fox
“Once I got to the NCAF, I ran into one wonderful moment after another. Joe [Christy] swung by to check on me – offering a sincere “You good, man? We’ll talk after, if you need.” I had the privilege of sitting next to the sweet and talented creator of Plants and Surgery. She and her friends were so kind and so supportive of one another. Simply being near was a pleasure. Jeremy Sosnick came over and immediately asked if I was okay. His partner sat behind his booth display in the most charming beanie-version of Mercury’s helmet – a nod to Jeremy’s logo. It made me smile; that and catching glimpses of them laughing to one another. A bit later, Ryan Hogrefe stopped by and shared his plans to review my sci-fi comedy graphic novel Bobby’s Super Squad (formerly NEX). That kind of effort to uplift other creators always means so much. I got to meet Brian from the local Fairytales Nashville bookstore. He was so kind and interested. I also made friends with a guy wearing a Deep Space Nine baseball cap – neat (as Joe would say). I also got to put a lot of faces with digital faces. Meeting Jaired Messing was wonderful. What passionate, kind, generous dude. Just seems so happy to be in the comic scene and talking about what he loves.” – Stephen (pulled from his blog)
Definitely check out Stephen’s full story on his experiences with and around NCAF over on his blog and website, Fox Storytelling.
Jeremy Sosnick
“Going into this show, I expected it to be a bit more low-key compared to a bustling outdoor art market or convention but I was very happy to see how much passion others had for the arts and supporting creators. I’m newer to being a vendor myself and I felt like the NCAF did a great job supporting us – providing snacks, breaks, and a friendly atmosphere. My matted prints did particularly well in terms of sales and I am glad people found my tiny one page Angry Goose zine so charming. There is something really comforting about seeing others enjoy one’s artwork and connect with it. The show’s vibe breathes the indie vibe and it’s the perfect scenario for creators who have a story or two to share.” -Jeremy
You can read more about Jeremy’s experience on his blog as well.
Looking Ahead
The NASH Illustrators are a busy bunch of creators and we encourage you to follow us on social media and at other shows throughout Tennessee! Stay tuned for more info on other shows and reflections on art.