In case you missed it I was not raised during the era of “Self Esteem”  In most cases I figure at some point someone will shout about emperor having no clothes or something like that.  This is one of those cases.

The first comic convention I applied for “Professional” standing was C2E2 last year.  I applied as a “Professional Educator”  Having taught for over 20 years, it seemed like that was a match.  I stretched myself a bit for New York Comic-Con with a bit of fear, dropping the “educator” and was accepted.  This year at C2E2 I continued with just being a comics professional. I was happy, but decided I might want to tempt fate.

If you read my blogpost about the “Year of No” you would have seen me say I was not planning on attending the San Diego Comic-Con this year since the ticket system had become a mess.  I tried, and failed and wrote the whole thing off.  Then I saw someone gloating on Facebook, that they had “professional” standing so they didn’t have to worry about anything.  That post stayed in the back of my mind for a while.  and I decided “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” and looked into what it took to be considered a “pro.”  More than the other conventions I had been granted “pro” status- this time I had to prove it beyond just listing a website.  About a month ago I submitted some examples of my work and then the waiting game began.  Tonight at about 7:44 PM yesterday I received an email confirmation that I had been granted professional status-  I’m still in shock.  Like I said… raised in a time when “self esteem” did not exist.  You might call me a cartoonist (thank you) but I still have issues with if I am “good enough.”  Heck- my parents still don’t read this comic.

What does a Professional Badge mean?  I get a 4 day badge (with preview night) to the San Diego Comic-Con, that’s about it.  Sue- doesn’t get one, & Cecil… he sneaks in.  Now the fun part starts-  I need to find lodging, a flight, and a car (for Sue).  Fortunately, today is the last day of school before Spring Break so all I’ve done is add a few things to my to do list.

Oh, and pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.