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Register to reply| What if I don't sell anything? |    |
23.5% | [ 133 ] |
| What if I don't break Even? | |
12.0% | [ 68 ] |
| What if they HATE my work? | |
26.6% | [ 151 ] |
| What if I sell out of prints too soon? | |
4.1% | [ 23 ] |
| All of the other artists are going to think I suck! | |
21.9% | [ 124 ] |
| Other (Please share!) | |
12.0% | [ 68 ] |
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This is probably rather silly of me to ask, but I'm working on some keychains that I'll be selling for the AA this year, and I'm wondering--would it sell better if I used chibis or if I used non-chibis? sweatdrop
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Most likely chibis.
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Unless you plan to do headshots or tiny scenes, chibi.
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fernshouldburn & [Kako]: Thanks. I suspected that chibis would be the way to go, but I figured a second opinion wouldn't hurt, either. 3nodding
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bump for usefulness!
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quote]Part A- Getting the table:
1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience? Some conventions are more organized than others, but it seems to be between 6-8 months in advance. 2. How much does a table usually cost? Back when I started, tables were $5-$10. Now they're all $50+ (well, at the big ones, anyway.) XD 3. How quickly are the tables reserved? Depends on the convention, but they go fast. Be prepared to jump on the reservations as soon as they're available! 4. What complications should one be prepared for? Hmm, don't know how to answer this question. If you are organized and stay on top of registering for artist alley in a timely fashion, that's the best you can do. There's a chance of the convention staff messing up and either losing your information or overbooking, but they should be able to work with you to find a solution. Optional: What skill level would you suggest entering the AA at? If possible, please provide examples. This is a hard one to answer, because it really depends on the audiences' tastes. Ultimately, the best person to know would be yourself. However, some things you should be prepared for: 1. social skills - you need to talk to your customers. If both you and your art speak together, you raise your chances of higher sales. 2. be organized - set up everything to be quickly and efficiently accessed. Keep an inventory of how much you have of what item. The more efficient you are, the more professional you look. Part B- Preparing to sell: 1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling? Depends on your audience, and your primary focus. For example, if you want to make a lot of money, you want to bring merchandise that is popular and follows trends. If you want to promote yourself, you want to bring original work, and prints/copies that can be purchased. Personally, I like small and cheap items - things that can be sold at $1-3. Most convention attendees are either splurging in the dealers room if they have money, or are younger people who don't have a lot to spend to begin with. 2. What sort of merchandise would you advise against selling? Each convention will provide specific rules and regulations on acceptable merchandise. Generally though, just be smart about it. Don't sell sharp or dangerous objects to children, or young kids without their parents being there. If you're at a convention where there are a lot of young kids or parents, and you have any pornographic/graphic material, make sure it's properly covered. Secondly, don't sell items that have been damaged. Crumpled prints, or scratched buttons or things that have been printed wrong should be left in a separate pile. These things make you look unprofessional. 3. What sort of stuff sells best? Depends on the convention, but I've been noticing a trend where small, cheaper things are more popular, along with handmade/craft items. 4. Where would you suggest going to get things printed? I used to use Kinko's for years, but Kinko's stores are inconsistent, so I actually either get my stuff printed from online printers like vistaprint.com or print them myself at home, with a photo inkjet printer. As these can get expensive, however, Kinko's can still provide good quality - you just have to make sure to order proofs and find someone who can help you all the way through. 5. If printing at home, what preparations should one make? Before you start printing, have all of your files prepared for printing on the appropriate paper size. If you have a new printer, print out test sheets - make sure the nozzles are calibrated and the cartridges are properly inserted. If you have an older printer, make sure you've been maintaining it properly. Clean it if you haven't used it in a while, and also calibrate the nozzles. For higher-end photo printers, the best way to keep it maintained is to actually print a full sheet everyday. Wasteful, I know, but it keeps the nozzles clean and the printer in good condition. Secondly! If you're printing a lot, buy extra ink cartridges. Each printer is different in terms of how many full-color pages you can get out of one set of cartridges. Most printers nowadays also have this stupid function where it refuses to print anything unless you refill an almost-empty cartridge, even when it's not empty. Lastly - some printer ink takes longer to dry than others. Know your printer! Set up your printer in an area where you can spread stuff out if they require drying time. Also, chances are that if you're printing at home, you're also going to be cutting at home (if you're doing things like bookmarks.) Have that ready to go, also - and of course, don't cut before it's dry razz 6. How far in advance should one have one's merchandise finished? Haha. I'm always making merchandise even 5 hours before the convention, but I'd say that it's best to have the majority of merchandise done at least 2-3 days before. This gives you time to double-check your inventory, and most importantly, rest (though I've never slept well during a convention night- but isn't that the point?) Part C- At the Con: 1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table? If you're registered, arrive 1-1.5 hours before the Artist Alley opens. This should give you ample time to setup. If you're not registered... it depends on the con, but expect to be in line for a good few hours, if you can manage to get a table at all. XD;; 2. When setting up one's table, what sort of layout would you suggest? Whatever is most eyecatching and flattering for what you're selling. Artists who are selling art prints should display them either in portfolios or spread out on the table, or propped up. Those selling handmade crafts can hang them from something or build little elevated stands (ie, some boxes with a tablecloth draped over them), etc.etc. Pay attention to eye-level. Put the things that you think will be most popular in the center. 3. There are some pretty bratty congoers out there. How would you suggest dealing with assholes? Take the higher road. Remember that they are the customer. You can reserve the right to not sell to that person, but personally, I've never run into that situation. Try not to take anything personally, and answer questions sincerely and politely. I guess it depends on the situation. 4. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. What issues should one be prepared for when running a table at the Artists alley? 1. Make sure you go to the bank and get enough change before Artist Alley opens. 2. Count your inventory properly, and when possible, keep tabs on what you have left. 3. Tuck your money away in a safe place - don't have it lying around on the table or anywhere visible. Not only is this dangerous, but it also looks unprofessional. 4. If possible, find ways to secure all display merchandise. I've had people try to steal things when I'm not looking, though fortunately, I always have a buddy with me razz (and that is the other solution: have a buddy with you, selling wares.) Good luck, everyone! |
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Thank you, Juno!
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bump for usefulness!
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[Kako] bump for usefulness! |
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[Kako] [Kako] bump for usefulness! |
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I have a few questions I was hoping someone with more experience than I could answer:
+How many prints should I have? I'll probably only have, at most, about ten pictures that I'll be selling, but I have no idea how many are likely to sell. +Should I have a display? +Should I have numbered prints? My style changes pretty quickly - my table next year will likely feature nothing that I've got right now. A friend told me she sold limited prints faster, so I wondered if that was wise at all. +What sort of prices are people usually willing to pay, IN GENERAL? I know quality has a great deal to do with it, but I'm looking for a range here, I suppose. +Glossy or matte paper? |
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Vitreus I have a few questions I was hoping someone with more experience than I could answer: +How many prints should I have? I'll probably only have, at most, about ten pictures that I'll be selling, but I have no idea how many are likely to sell. +Should I have a display? +Should I have numbered prints? My style changes pretty quickly - my table next year will likely feature nothing that I've got right now. A friend told me she sold limited prints faster, so I wondered if that was wise at all. +What sort of prices are people usually willing to pay, IN GENERAL? I know quality has a great deal to do with it, but I'm looking for a range here, I suppose. +Glossy or matte paper? Here's what I can tell you based on my own experiences: 1. I usually make 2-5 copies of each picture I make. If it's from something that's really popular I'll make about 5 copies. 2. It usually helps for people to notice your table, so yeah; it doesn't hurt. ^^ 3. I don't usually do numbered prints, but if you're certain that will work for you, then by all means do so. 4. I would say anywhere between $3-5 for 8.5x11/8x10 prints. Usually I charge about $3-$4 for the ones I print at home and $5 for the ones I get done professionally. 5. I prefer matte paper. Hope that bit of input helps! |
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Shadow Ivy Vitreus I have a few questions I was hoping someone with more experience than I could answer: +How many prints should I have? I'll probably only have, at most, about ten pictures that I'll be selling, but I have no idea how many are likely to sell. +Should I have a display? +Should I have numbered prints? My style changes pretty quickly - my table next year will likely feature nothing that I've got right now. A friend told me she sold limited prints faster, so I wondered if that was wise at all. +What sort of prices are people usually willing to pay, IN GENERAL? I know quality has a great deal to do with it, but I'm looking for a range here, I suppose. +Glossy or matte paper? Here's what I can tell you based on my own experiences: 1. I usually make 2-5 copies of each picture I make. If it's from something that's really popular I'll make about 5 copies. 2. It usually helps for people to notice your table, so yeah; it doesn't hurt. ^^ 3. I don't usually do numbered prints, but if you're certain that will work for you, then by all means do so. 4. I would say anywhere between $3-5 for 8.5x11/8x10 prints. Usually I charge about $3-$4 for the ones I print at home and $5 for the ones I get done professionally. 5. I prefer matte paper. Hope that bit of input helps! Thanks so much! I realized that I forgot to mention, A-kon is the con I'm going to be at, in case the size of the place matters for any question of mine. |
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Akon's pretty big, and as far as my answers go, they're based on my experiences at Anime Weekend Atlanta, which is a pretty big con as well. I say definitely make sure you have a nice supply of prints (in Akon's case, I think anything popular should have a minimum of 5 copies and a max of 7, and anything old-school should get about 3-4.). Absolutely make sure you get an eye-catching display too, so you can stand out! whee
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Vitreus +How many prints should I have? I'll probably only have, at most, about ten pictures that I'll be selling, but I have no idea how many are likely to sell. If it's fan art of some really popular series, you can make at least 5 prints of them. Of course if you draw like super good, you can go for 10 prints each. To be on the safe side, I suggest keep it under 5. And bring a disc with you in case you need to make more prints at nearby kinkos. Vitreus +Should I have a display? YES! It always helps. Vitreus +Should I have numbered prints? My style changes pretty quickly - my table next year will likely feature nothing that I've got right now. A friend told me she sold limited prints faster, so I wondered if that was wise at all. It doesn't really matter. If you are good, people will buy no matter how many copies you have. If you aren't that good, people wouldn't care if it's limited or not. Vitreus +What sort of prices are people usually willing to pay, IN GENERAL? I know quality has a great deal to do with it, but I'm looking for a range here, I suppose. The range can go from $2 to $15 for a 8.5x11 size print. The majority price range is $5 to $10. If you aren't sure, start at $5. Vitreus +Glossy or matte paper? Personally I love matte. It's up to you. Also depends on which one is cheaper and which one has better quality. |
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