How to make a height adjustable X-Frame banner stand for $80

Here's the story. I bought a 3ft x 6ft vinyl banner from GotPrint and needed a banner stand to stick it on. Long story short, so we can cut to the chase, I bought the wrong banner stand from VistaPrint. This one:

When I got it I realized it wasn't going to work. I needed an "X-Frame" banner stand with hooks to fit the metal grommets in my vinyl banner. But, VistaPrint doesn't do returns, so I was stuck with a stand that was useless. So, I scoured the internets looking for an "X-Frame" stand. I found TONS and TONS. The problem with all of them was that they all started on the ground and I wanted my banner to start around waist high. So, I searched some more and came across the perfect one! This:

But, you see the same problem I do right? It's almost $400! Yeah, that's not going to work. But, that's when I had my flash of brilliance. Shut up, it happens sometimes. So, here is what I did. Through research I found a $30 "X-Frame" stand from Power Graphics in Utah. So, I bought this one:

Okay, here is where we get to the good part:

HOW TO MAKE A $400, HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE, X-FRAME BANNER STAND FOR ONLY $80!

Step #1: 

Buy both stands mentioned above from VistaPrint (STAND A) and Power Graphics (STAND B). (if you find them cheaper somewhere else, then by all means, don't be stupid, get those ones instead)

Step #2:

Step #3:

Step #4:

Step #5: 

(ignore my girly hand)

Step #6:

(yes, I see the typo. Like you've never made one. It should say "stick IT into")

Step #7:

There you go! A height adjustable "X-Frame" banner stand for 80 bucks instead of $300-400. Hope this helps.

Table #76!

Hey everyone! Here is the floor plan for Denver Comic Con! I'll be at table #76 in Artist Alley with my booth-babe, I mean wife. Come see us!

Remember, mention this post, or that you found me from this blog, and you'll get 15% off ANYTHING on my table! 

Illustration Friday - FADED

click for larger

This week's topic for Illustration Friday is "Faded". I haven't done a Bad Luck Becky comic in a while, so here you go. If you want to see more BLB comics then do a search on this blog. Enjoy.

DENVER COMIC CON!

Good news everyone! I'm going to have a table at Denver Comic Con! I'm pretty excited about it. If you've been following my blog then you might have seen pictures of me tabling at other shows too. I've done small art fairs and book fairs, but I've never done a BIG show like this. So, I'm also kind of scared and nervous. Here is a sample of my "Con Swag":

My banner, the books, business cards, and custom sketches.

Now, here is a little bonus for you anybody who reads this: If you come and see me there and say that you saw this post, I'll give you 15% off anything on my table. Sound cool?

Hope to see you there!

Illustration Friday - SIGHT

This week's topic for Illustration Friday is "Sight". Being the cartoon geek that I am, I of course thought of Lion-O and "Sight Beyond Sight". But, I wanted to put a humorous spin on it. So, I made a short comic about my feelings concerning the new series and Panthro's stretchy robo arms. They make me sad. Enjoy.

Illustration Friday "Kernel"

The topic on Illustration Friday this week is "Kernel". Maybe I always have food on the brain because I instantly thought of Colonel Sanders. So, with little imagination and creativity I present to you "Kernel Sanders", the corn king of chicken. Enjoy.

Studio Space

For some reason, artists like to look at other artist's workspaces and studios. I've never posted mine, so here you go. This is where the magic happens. I use a 7 year old Mac Mini, a WACOM Intuos 3 6x8 tablet, and a Samsung 17" monitor. I know, I know, super high tech. Only the latest and greatest here. Although, I am saving up for a new 27" iMac. So, hopefully that will be coming soon.