A week ago I was able to participate at Tintero: Festival de Comics y Arte Independiente de Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, Casa Ruth Hernandez. It lasted for only 2 days and I have to admit, I did have a blast. Met new faces, made connections, and I was even interviewed by some students, which I felt so honored. I remember the first time I assisted Tintero, I was so excited yet nervous at the same time. This time, the event passed so fast that I didn’t want to go back home.

I don’t see these artists as my competition, instead I see them as a source of inspiration, as a connection, a support and even importantly as an ally.

Before assisting Tintero, I managed to stay a few days at my partner’s home and had a good time. Between late-night hangouts, new foods, rants & philosophical conversations as well as video games & movie time, we conclude in something. Our lives made a bit of sense when we are together, it is like we are some kind of resource to each other, and maybe we shouldn’t be wasting our time. Instead, we should adventure together to new quests, conquer new dreams and make some achievements.

EDIT: NOPE. This is 2021, and I’m glad it was over. Nothing made sense, and I was wallowing in a pit of vomit of manipulation and emotional abandonment. I never felt happier ever since I left that black hole, and regained my confidence and north.

The second time I was accepted to participate in Tintero, I asked my partner if he would love to help me out for a bit, since the first time I was alone. He kindly accepted and help my out setting up my table, receiving the customers, and choosing the right merchandise to display at the event.

The Arrival

I must admit, I love the exteriors as well the interiors of this house. The furniture was beautiful and antique, the feeling of staying in a wooden house brought me so much nostalgia. I love how the light loomed up beautifully through the doors while the warm breeze caressed softly my skin. The house brought me memories from 15 years ago when I used to live in my hometown with my grandparents.

Tintero had volunteers helping us out, like every year, with merchandise transportation, watching our tables while taking some quick breaks. One of the things that became a huge bonus was the accessibility of a parking lot for the exhibitors. Although the spaces between the tables were a bit challenging. All of us were so close to each other, I felt so tight. Sometimes it was a bit difficult for me to put my luggage below the table, as well as to take out the merchandise of it. The constant movement between the tables, people passing through, moving chairs, and organizing the luggage was a hassle for me. Either way, I had fun and made it through.

 Business Time

At 8:30 am we arrived at our destination, I was guided by a volunteer while my partner went to park his car and get some stuff for me. Setting up my table was easy, what was a bit challenging for me was the organization of the products to make a friendly-visual display for my customer. I hate to admit I failed that part as a graphic designer. I had to much merchandise that I couldn’t make a proper decision on the 1st day, on the 2nd day my partner help me out to choose different merchandise. The traffic of people was great, on the morning was a bit slow but very fluid through the afternoon till the end of the event. There were some occasions where the place was overcrowded!

The New Talents

I found some interesting artists that day, each of them was so unique that I was able to distinguish them because of their artwork. I visited some of my allies and other new faces. The bad news was that I wasn’t able to buy anything. I was so concentrated on attending to the clients that barely had time to visit the other artists calmly. At least, my partner took care of my spot while I rushed to some tables and snap some photos for good memories.

Ever since I joined to this group on Facebook, I have opened up all my doors to anyone who seeks help or an ally.

Overall

I had fun at the event, even though that weekend became so short. I was surprised by the huge amount of people that visited me (from a group of local artists on Facebook). Since I never had the time to participate at the group’s meet-up, these people came by my table and took some time to introduce themselves, and expressed how much they were happy to find me there. I even hugged artists I never met in my life. 

Also, I want to congratulate all the artists who participated, the staff, and the owners of the event. To everyone who visited me, thank you for all the opportunity to serve you. My beloved long-time partner, thanks for making sense in my life and staying right beside me. Also, one thing that caught me off guard was an unexpected interview by 2 college students. I was astonished by the fact that a professor sent his students, Lorena Schmidt and her friend, to have a nice chat with me about my life as a student and aspiring professional.