[ Poll ] Artists Alley Information Compilation

Most intimidating thing about your first AA?

What if I don't sell anything?		23.2%	[ 134 ]
What if I don't break Even?		12.1%	[ 70 ]
What if they HATE my work?		26.8%	[ 155 ]
What if I sell out of prints too soon?		4.0%	[ 23 ]
All of the other artists are going to think I suck!		21.8%	[ 126 ]
Other (Please share!)		12.1%	[ 70 ]

Total Votes: 578

[[Kako]]

Phishy loves Clark Kent

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOUUUU!

*scans thread/bumps*

biggrin

[[Kako]]

This is a thing people must see!

[Moe SahChan]

lolhay guyz.

So a few updates.. I guesss.

I just came back from a con yesterday and learned quiiiite a bit.

First, and although this has been heavily emphasized already, PRINTS ARE GOOD. Most of the artists around me were selling prints or had portfolios of their CG art, which was considerably more popular. I was doing on-the-spot commissions in colored pencil and didn't do so hot. =/ People do like portraits or OC art, though, as it's something more personal.

Also, being in a group or organization helps. THe people next to me were in a group called BAAU (Bay Area Artists Unite). I think there was one guy in charge of most of the stuff. It was nice because there were people to go in and out and watch your stuff while you were on break or whatnot.

Talking to people is good too. =D Most of my fun consisted of talking to different people and such. Be friendly. =]

[Nuriko Windchaser]

I think that depends on the kind of art you're doing. I can almost never sell prints to save my life, but tend to make more money in doing direct commissions. But that's not at anime conventions. I've noticed prints are the way to go at anime conventions, if you're a fanartist. Or indeed, any fan-products at all. When I had a table with Leloi at last year's Yaoicon, we completely sold out of all the little fan products we made, but had to work like hell to even get people to look at the original stuff, let alone buy it.

[caleyndar]

I'm an artist from Sydney, Australia... so I don't know how relevant my info is for you, but thought I'd add it anyway...


Part A- Getting the table:

1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience?

It depends on the conventions. Animania is usually very early in getting out their information about the artists alley and stall holder information... For their 2007 conventions (they have several in different states at different times of the year, they released it in Dec 2006. Another convention like Supanova only releases their information 3-4 months before the event. Some other conventions give even shorter notification... maybe 2 months? So it really depends on the convention and how well organised they are, or how they want to deal with the incoming applications.


2. How much does a table usually cost?

Again, this depends on the convention. Animania charges a range of prices for their different conventions, depending on how many days, how much table space and how many passes. For 2007, it ranged from $70 to $300. Supanova is $220 for a table with 3 passes. However, you have other conventions like SMASH and Manifest which all charge only $30 or less for a table. However, it seems the general feeling of the artists in the Sydney area is that paying the prices Animania is asking is way too much, and that the prices for SMASH and Manifest seem much more reasonable.


3. How quickly are the tables reserved?

I'm not sure on this. I have always put in my application asap once the convention in question has released their information. As such, I've never had a time where my application for a table has been denied due to over-filled space. It may also be because in Australia, where anime and manga isn't "mainstream" there is less of a demand from the artists to get a place at artists alley?


4. What complications should one be prepared for?

I've learnt not to expect replies from conventions about a confirmation of receipt for the application forms or payment. In other words, if you're worried that you payment or forms weren't received, you need to email them and basically ask (i.e. demand) if they've got it and get them to confirm. ~_~ Same also if you are picking your table location from a floor plan map. They don't seem to want to confirm you are getting the table you asked for. >_>


5. Anything else?

Complaining to the people in charge of a convention about high prices is a waste of your breath. >_> So don't bother (have complained to Animania since 2005 when they raised their prices from $55 in 2004 to $104 in 2005, and then $120 in 2006, and then $135 / $300 in 2007), and they still keep on going up. X_x


Optional: What skill level would you suggest entering the AA at? If possible, please provide examples.

I do quite well at the conventions I attend (i.e. I've always made a profit since I've attended in 2004-current). You're welcome to look through my DevArt gallery: Caleyndar@DevArt

Note: I generally only sell original art now (2006-current), not fanart (2004-2005). If you do sell original art rather than fanart, I feel that you need to be at a higher level, because fanart is a lot easier to sell due to the established fan base, where as original art is purely on your own skills.



Part B- Preparing to sell:

1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling?

Prints make the most profit. You can get an A3 (approx. 12" x 18" wink print done for like $1-2 (if you get enough printed), and sell it for $7-8. Badges seem to do really well also. Bookmarks are popular, as are postcard sized prints as they're small and cheap. B&W comics with a coloured cover can also do ok, but there's less profit to be made, and I find they're harder to sell depending on the content/cover. Chibi stuff gets a lot of attention too because it's CUTE. XDDD Also, I've sold calendars for 2006 and 2007, and they sold quite well. XD People are taken in by the multiple artworks for a fraction of the price that they would pay for the individual prints...


2. What sort of merchandise would you advise against selling?

In 2006, I tried making small round laminated key chains... These did not sell well at all. So I advise selling anything small, laminated and cut out, with a ball-chain key chain. Also, I would advise selling anything that's in booklet form and has a portion of pages that are full colour. You will most likely find that whilst those can sell, it costs a LOT to get full coloured pages printed, so your profit margin for such a product will go down a lot. Certainly not something you want to experiment with in your first year of attendance at an AA.


3. What sort of stuff sells best?

Like everyone else has said... FANART. ~_~ Its much much much easier to sell fanart than original art. Unless you're of the level of X-Seven, who sell original idealised realism styled illustrations of drop dead gorgeous bishis. >_> If you are, then you'll rake it in. ^_^ Badges also do very well. Even text based ones like "I heart BL" XD (I have one of those!) I'm not sure why. I think it goes hand in hand with the anime and manga obsession.


4. Where would you suggest going to get things printed?

I'm in Australia... >_> So I think any companies I mention would be lost to the US audience. But... for my A3 and smaller printing (I just crop the A3 pages down), I go to a local printer called Click Media who I have formed an familiarity with. For my A2 printing (double size of A3) I send my file away to KainosPrinting.

Some general printing advice... For prints, use a heavier paper stock. At LEAST 200gsm. I have so often brought prints from other artists that are on THIN stock (probably 100gsm) and by the time I get them home, they're pretty... smooshed. Also, if you can, put all the images you want printed (if they are going to be on the same paper stock) into one multiple page pdf file. This is so you can get around multiple file loading/handling fees if there is one, and also so you can get a lower price per print rate (the more copies of something you get printed, the cheaper it is per print, usually). e.g. five artworks, on a 5 page pdf file, and you get them to print 5 copies, so you get 25 prints, 5 of each artwork.


5. If printing at home, what preparations should one make?

Aside from making sure you have enough ink and paper...??? Cropping your prints is always a good idea. Makes it look neater without the white border (unless it's part of the artwork). Most professional printer will do this for you for a fee, but you can do this at home too (buy a paper trimmer from Office Works, or just use a steel ruler and a sharp scalpel.)


6. How far in advance should one have one's merchandise finished?

Well... if you take your artwork to a printer to be printed, they can take up to 1-2 weeks before it's delivered. You will need to check with your printer about that. I often get my stuff printed at least a few days before the convention, because I crop a lot of my prints myself, and bind my own booklets. >_> So I need a bit of post-print production time. >_> It's not uncommon for me to be up to ungodly hours of the night before a convention finishing off stuff. >_> I don't recommend it. Because then you're like a zombie when you get to the convention.


7. Anything else?

Pricing structure... It's a good idea to get in contact with other artists in your area that are attending to convention and discuss what they're planning on charging for what. The last thing you want is to charge $15 for a print when another person is charging $5 for something of a similar size and artistic level and content, since that can make it harder for you to sell something.


Part C- At the Con:

1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table?

At some conventions like Animania and Supanova, you get to pick your table location on first come first serve basis when you register with them, So showing up earlier to get your table doesn't really apply there. However, in case of the conventions that are "pick your table when you arrive," most conventions will notify stallholders of when to come in to set up... go in at the time they specify rather than closer to when the convention opens. Sure, it can be boring whilst you're all set up and waiting for the convention to open, but you get your choice of tables... (I've noticed a LOT of artists don't show up until late... Last year, the artists I shared my table with didn't show up until almost the start of the convention. ~_~ )


2. When setting up one's table, what sort of layout would you suggest?

If the convention doesn't provide a table cloth, BRING YOUR OWN. Last thing you want is an ugly scratched table to be part of your display. Even if they do, bringing your own is a good idea, because most of the time, what the convention provides probably won't do your set up any favours e.g. an off white table cloth when all your gear is BLACK. >_>

As for presentation of prints... For A3 and A4 prints, I have an A3 portfolio folder with heavy duty sleeves (thicker plastic, rather than the thin ones, because people will be turning them all day long...). It's not a bad idea to get some plate holders or small table top easels for display of your booklets / comics too, so they stand up off the table.

For the smaller items such as bookmarks and post card prints, I generally have them laid out on the table or stuck to a sheet in my display folder. Depends on how much table space you have.

If you get a backing board of wall space... it's not a bad idea to spend a bit of extra money getting a LARGE version of your best print(s) to put on there... in 2006, I had an A0 version (think WALL SCROLL size) of one of my artworks made for the backing board, and that attracted a lot of attention... admittedly I did get asked a lot about how much it cost for sale, and had to say it wasn't for sale... but at least I sold a LOT of that print! XD (over 20 copies at 2 conventions).


3. There are some pretty bratty congoers out there. How would you suggest dealing with assholes?

I think I must be lucky... I haven't had to deal with assholes... The worse I've had is being spoken of loudly (obviously they meant for me to hear, but they weren't talking TO me) about how some of my free promotional cards were ripping off trading card layouts ... X___x The other artists on the artists alley just told me to ignore them. Which I did. >_> Having something you're working on (i.e. sketching/inking, etc) is a good idea at a convention anyway, if you're part of the AA. So you can just work on that when people who annoy you do come by (or when you have nothing else to do...). If it gets really bad, then ask for one of the other artists to get help from the volunteers, who should be able to call security.


4. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. What issues should one be prepared for when running a table at the Artists alley?

RUNNING OUT OF CHANGE AND RUBBER BANDS. I personally haven't run out of change yet. >_> Maybe because I do go to the convention with a lot of 1 and 2 dollar coins (saved up tips from my work as a waitress! XD ) But I can't remember how many times my neighbouring artists have asked me for change for a $5 note or whatever. >_> So make sure to bring change!!! Same with rubber bands... If you have prints larger than A4, make sure to bring rubber bands so you can roll them up for the people who buy them... otherwise, they'll have a hard time carrying them.


5. Anything else?

If you are attending a convention with backing boards, and you are putting things up with push in pins rather than some sort of tape, BRING A HAMMER. I'm serious. You CAN NOT push a pin in by hand into some of those backing boards. ~_~

Also bring MASKING TAPE... this sticks a lot better than bluetac (unless the venue specifies you can only use bluetac on their walls or whatever...

Some people DO ask for you to sign your prints and booklets... so bring a nice marker for that purpose. ^_^

Make sure to make friends with your neighbouring artists... if you are attending on your own, sooner or later, you will need to go to the bathroom or for food. >_> And you will have to ask someone to mind your table. It'll be pretty blah to ask your neighbours only then when you need something. Besides, networking with your fellow artists is a good thing. ^_^ Later on, you make need to share tables or printing costs!


Extra Questions...

+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.

I find a good indication of what will sell is what gets a lot of favourites on an art site like DevArt... Always make MORE fanart (for popular series) than original art, and MORE of smaller prints than larger prints. It also depends on if you believe you will be attending other conventions after the one in questions. In which case, what you don't sell now, you can always sell later.

Here is an example of my current stock for an upcoming SMALL convention (please note I do not sell fanart... so this is all original art prints count).

Most popular picture (Moonlit Duel): 10 A3, 4 A4
Divinitas Zodiac prints: 12-20 of each 13 small bookmark sized prints, 1-8 of each 13 large sized prints. (Some of these are left over from last year's conventions... haven't reprinted the popular ones yet)
Older prints: 1-4 of each, depending on past popularity & left overs. XD I do tend to phrase out older prints after 2-3 years if they weren't that popular to begin with.
Bookmarks: 7-10 of 2 designs.

For LARGER conventions later on in the year, I would have a lot more (new artworks)... and have calendars too.


+Should I have a display?

If you can get wall space, or a backing board, do so. A display on the wall or backing board can been seen across the room, which will attract possible buyers. But if you didn't have one, the only way people can see your work is if they came to your table... and that's a very limited space, and only so many people can see your work at a time...


+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.

I don't suggest having ALL you prints limited. Maybe one per convention or something, for a special reason/event (like a promotional print for THIS year only or something). But if you limited all your prints, you are kind of saying you will never print another of those, therefore sealing away any chance you have of making money off it again. So I would think about it carefully before you do. I have only done this once so far in the past, and that was for a gift print for readers of my story, and I plan on making that a yearly thing... I don't charge for the print, but instead I ask for an fanart or fan fiction trade. XD


+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.

My prices:

Small Prints 7.85 x 2.75": $1
A4 Prints 11.7 x 8.3": $4
A4 Prints 16.5 x 11.7": $7
1/2 A2 Prints 23.4 x 8.25": $8
A2 Prints 23.4 x 16.5": $15
Calendars: $35
Booklets: $3-4
Bookmarks (laminated, with tassel): $3.5

Other prices I've seen charged for A4 prints: $7. A3 prints: $10. Depends on the artist, and how much it costs them to make their prints...


+Glossy or matte paper?

You should keep in mind what the printed matter will be used for.... If it's going to be laminated, there's not much use of it being glossy. It it's for a very colourful, shiny cover for a bubbly happy comic, gloss would suit it better than matte.

BUT... I prefer matte. Because with Gloss, I don't like how you can leave finger marks on it, and the tactile feel just isn't as welcoming. Matt is smooth and doesn't reflect the light... another good thing if you're thinking of it as a poster print... who wants to see light reflection on the print and not the image???

~ * ~

And that's all. XD Hope it's helpful in some small way!

[I used to be Arekuchan]

I'm an artist from the USA, and I'm Artist Alley Head for a convention in Ohio. I'll omit the con for simplicity's sake. Also because my Alley is full. ^_^;

Part A- Getting the table:
1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience? Around six months in advance usually, though some conventions start taking reservations for the next year once the present con is over.
2. How much does a table usually cost? I've paid 15 to 35 dollars.
3. How quickly are the tables reserved? Depends on the size of the con. Large, very popular conventions fill up quickly, while smaller cons take a bit longer, though all of them seem to fill up quickly overall.
4. What complications should one be prepared for? Oh, lots. Sending in payment when you haven't actually been confirmed for your table, having your table accidentally given to someone else who wasn't on the list, and ending up with an overbooked Alley all come to mind.
5. Anything else? Keep tabs on the emails that get sent about table status, and always remember to add the con's domain to the list of allowed email addresses, in case your spam filter accidentally filters the relevant emails. This is very important, as you could lose your table even if you were first on the waiting list, just because you missed the email that got filtered into your spam folder.
Optional: What skill level would you suggest entering the AA at? I think this is entirely up to the artist.

Part B- Preparing to sell:
1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling? Prints, original sketches, and commissions, of course, to rake in some larger sales. Perhaps some small, cheap things to attract customers in.
2. What sort of merchandise would you advise against selling? Anything overly merchandisey, unless you're actually promoting something like a comic or an art publication. I certainly don't want a t-shirt with some character I don't even care about.
3. What sort of stuff sells best? I've had brilliant success with sharpie portraits on index cards. Small, cheap things that the customer will keep for a long time.
4. Where would you suggest going to get things printed? Staples is hella cheap, and very fast turnaround. High quality stuff, too. I got a large-format print that I framed and put in an art show.
5. If printing at home, what preparations should one make? Make sure your ink cartridges are full, or at least have a backup set. Also make sure you have somewhere to set your prints to dry after they come out of the printer.
6. How far in advance should one have one's merchandise finished? I reccommend at least a few days, just so you have time to actually take stock and organize yourself before the con.
7. Anything else? I go by the rule of "Never pack more stuff for your table than you can fit in a regular duffel bag." Makes setting-up and tearing-down much easier if you only have one manageable load to deal with.

Part C- At the Con:
1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table? Most Alleys have pre-arranged seating, so this isn't much of an issue to me. If it's first-come, first-served, then I've suggest getting there within the first three hours that the con starts.
2. When setting up one's table, what sort of layout would you suggest? Keep it simple! There's nothing wrong with not putting out a whole lot of stuff. Also remember to keep a clear space so you can draw stuff while you sit there.
3. There are some pretty bratty congoers out there. How would you suggest dealing with assholes? Be nice?
4. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. What issues should one be prepared for when running a table at the Artists alley? Getting stuff stolen or knocked over, drink spillage (which is why you should always drink from bottles or sealed travel cups), and eraser crumb buildup.
5. Anything else? I personally dislike the approach of trying to "pitch" to every person who glances by your table. If someone walks up to my table, glances a moment, and walks away, that's fine with me. If they walk up, stand there for a second, then start looking closer at what I have, THAT'S when I'll say things like "Hey, how's it going?". Let your art get their attention first.

[caleyndar]

Bump 'cause it's useful! XD

[LeprechaunQueen]

http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24694923


__VISIT!__

[!!monkey candy!!!]

Part A- Getting the table:
1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience?
2. How much does a table usually cost?
3. How quickly are the tables reserved?
4. What complications should one be prepared for?
5. Anything else?
Optional: What skill level would you suggest entering the AA at? If possible, please provide examples.

Part B- Preparing to sell:
1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling?
2. What sort of merchandise would you advise against selling?
3. What sort of stuff sells best?
4. Where would you suggest going to get things printed?
5. If printing at home, what preparations should one make?
6. How far in advance should one have one's merchandise finished?
7. Anything else?

Part C- At the Con:
1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table?
2. When setting up one's table, what sort of layout would you suggest?
3. There are some pretty bratty congoers out there. How would you suggest dealing with assholes?
4. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. What issues should one be prepared for when running a table at the Artists alley?
5. Anything else?
im sry bt i dnt rely kno wat ur talkin about

[iDiviner]

yeah

[[Kako]]

Thank you caleyndar and Arekuchan!!

[Vicemage]

P h 1 s h y

I just came back from a local con. I just went to survey the area so I know what to prepare for next time I go.

An interesting thing I saw was a pair doing anime-style portraits of people. It was a nifty idea and was pretty popular.

Heh, I'm still reading, but this caught my attention... from your description and the date on your post, it sounds like you were looking at my current AA mentors. ^^

I'm in the final stretch of preparations for my first time actually being out there selling stuff, though my "mentors" allowed me to do a test run at their table at a previous con, and I've helped them out at several now, so I don't feel too nervous jumping in. I'm sharing with others at both this con and the next, to bring the cost down for myself at the first (and because I missed my chance to get my own sweatdrop ) and for the other because my table partner really didn't want one on her own. Plus, built-in table watchers for bathroom breaks!

I'll probably post in here again after the con with my experiences, but I can toss out a little bit right now:

If you're ordering anything, order it very early. I ordered stuff up from two companies, and I've given up hope on one order actually arriving in time (at least I have another con in about a month, it should get here for that). I thought I was ordering fast enough, but they've had very slow customer service so far.

On that note: Use their customer service if you need it. I'm trying my hand at selling comic books, and have been probably a thorn in the side of the customer service department of the printer I used, but they were understanding and worked with me to get everything to me in time.

Printers: Since I'm doing comics, I've been looking at printers that specialize in that kind of stuff. I went with ComiXpress for my books, and the quality is very professional; there's up front set up fees, but the price per book is a lot lower than most others and I think I can make up the fees fairly easily. Plus, awesome customer service. One of my table partners used Lulu for her books, and I've heard from her that they turned out extremely nice; I'll find out for myself this weekend, since I've already told her I'm planning to buy one of hers. So far, I have NOT had a good time of dealing with Ka-Blam, since their site is fairly misleading, and I only just recently found the email contact (way too late to get anything fixed). If the print quality on my fliers is good, I may give them an "average" rating.

I've also prepared by running prices of my items by other people, and by looking over the AAs at various cons I've attended (and I do go to a lot of cons every year...) to see what other people are offering. Likewise, I've talked to other AA Artists, and have gotten a lot of help from one of them. Hopefully this weekend will go well for me. 3nodding

[Shadow Ivy]

vicemage

P h 1 s h y

I just came back from a local con. I just went to survey the area so I know what to prepare for next time I go.

An interesting thing I saw was a pair doing anime-style portraits of people. It was a nifty idea and was pretty popular.

Heh, I'm still reading, but this caught my attention... from your description and the date on your post, it sounds like you were looking at my current AA mentors. ^^

I'm in the final stretch of preparations for my first time actually being out there selling stuff, though my "mentors" allowed me to do a test run at their table at a previous con, and I've helped them out at several now, so I don't feel too nervous jumping in. I'm sharing with others at both this con and the next, to bring the cost down for myself at the first (and because I missed my chance to get my own sweatdrop ) and for the other because my table partner really didn't want one on her own. Plus, built-in table watchers for bathroom breaks!

I'll probably post in here again after the con with my experiences, but I can toss out a little bit right now:

If you're ordering anything, order it very early. I ordered stuff up from two companies, and I've given up hope on one order actually arriving in time (at least I have another con in about a month, it should get here for that). I thought I was ordering fast enough, but they've had very slow customer service so far.

On that note: Use their customer service if you need it. I'm trying my hand at selling comic books, and have been probably a thorn in the side of the customer service department of the printer I used, but they were understanding and worked with me to get everything to me in time.

Printers: Since I'm doing comics, I've been looking at printers that specialize in that kind of stuff. I went with ComiXpress for my books, and the quality is very professional; there's up front set up fees, but the price per book is a lot lower than most others and I think I can make up the fees fairly easily. Plus, awesome customer service. One of my table partners used Lulu for her books, and I've heard from her that they turned out extremely nice; I'll find out for myself this weekend, since I've already told her I'm planning to buy one of hers. So far, I have NOT had a good time of dealing with Ka-Blam, since their site is fairly misleading, and I only just recently found the email contact (way too late to get anything fixed). If the print quality on my fliers is good, I may give them an "average" rating.

I've also prepared by running prices of my items by other people, and by looking over the AAs at various cons I've attended (and I do go to a lot of cons every year...) to see what other people are offering. Likewise, I've talked to other AA Artists, and have gotten a lot of help from one of them. Hopefully this weekend will go well for me. 3nodding

You know, I was looking around at comic printers to use, and while I won't be using Lulu as of yet since they're a bit pricey for me at the moment (but you're right about the quality--really amazing stuff), I was at a toss-up between Ka-Blam! and ComiXpress, and based on what you're saying, the latter will be the way to go. I had actually considered Ka-Blam, but if they're not all they're cracked up to be, then I won't bother. 3nodding And ComiXpress lets you make graphic novels, which is a bigger plus for me.

[[Kako]]

I'm really glad that came up. I've been leaning towards Ka-blam! lately over comiXpress, but I'll be going towards the latter as well. biggrin