Artists Alley Information Thread

Selling at Cons is best during the...

Spring	11.6%	[ 83 ]
Summer	30.3%	[ 217 ]
Fall	7.0%	[ 50 ]
Winter	5.3%	[ 38 ]
Any time!	45.7%	[ 327 ]
Total Votes:			[ 715 ]

[nya`]

[Kako]

You know, I actually don't know if bookmarks are still a good investment. O_o Now that I think about it, I don't see them nearly as often as I used to. People still read books, though, and still like small/cheap things so I don't see why they wouldn't sell.

For charms, I used inkjet shrinky-dink plastic and a clear varnish to protect against water/weather. It works pretty well, although the plastic sheets are a bit pricy and they shrink a LOT.

Good 'ol shrink film! I've a question or two for ya. What varnish do you use and do you have any experience with that graphix stuff that is similar to shrinky-dinks (but a little cheaper)? I've been using graphix but I am wondering if I should jump over to shrinky-dinks. The graphix sheets have a bit of a rough texture after baked and didn't hold the gloss I tried very well. (They were also "clear" and I think I should try white haha.)

And good to read that conversation regarding copy shops. I'd had that idea too, that it might be better to have a shop print on the film for me, but I see the problem with that now.

Kaxen

Where's a good place to buy those straps for cell phone charms?

And on the subject of phone charm straps, I've always found 'em dirt cheap through ebay. Just ordered these for just over 7 cents a piece. XD (Simpler varieties I've purchased 100 for 2 or 3 bucks.) I also go to ebay for tiny little bells. Adds a lot to a charm I think and you can find 100 for less than $2.

[Kaxen]

nya`

Kaxen

Where's a good place to buy those straps for cell phone charms?

And on the subject of phone charm straps, I've always found 'em dirt cheap through ebay. Just ordered these for just over 7 cents a piece. XD (Simpler varieties I've purchased 100 for 2 or 3 bucks.) I also go to ebay for tiny little bells. Adds a lot to a charm I think and you can find 100 for less than $2.

Ah, good to know! biggrin

I can't decide if I want to add bells. It might ruin the mood on the Assassin's Creed ones, but it sounds good for My Little Pony charms.

[[Kako]]

nya`

[Kako]

You know, I actually don't know if bookmarks are still a good investment. O_o Now that I think about it, I don't see them nearly as often as I used to. People still read books, though, and still like small/cheap things so I don't see why they wouldn't sell.

For charms, I used inkjet shrinky-dink plastic and a clear varnish to protect against water/weather. It works pretty well, although the plastic sheets are a bit pricy and they shrink a LOT.

Good 'ol shrink film! I've a question or two for ya. What varnish do you use and do you have any experience with that graphix stuff that is similar to shrinky-dinks (but a little cheaper)? I've been using graphix but I am wondering if I should jump over to shrinky-dinks. The graphix sheets have a bit of a rough texture after baked and didn't hold the gloss I tried very well. (They were also "clear" and I think I should try white haha.)

And good to read that conversation regarding copy shops. I'd had that idea too, that it might be better to have a shop print on the film for me, but I see the problem with that now.

I only have experience with shrinky-dinks. They have a rough texture as well, I'm afraid. When varnishing I apply a spray-on fixative and then use whatever varnish I have on hand. >_< I recently used a clear furniture varnish and it worked fine, though I don't remember the brand.

[nya`]

Kaxen

Ah, good to know! biggrin

I can't decide if I want to add bells. It might ruin the mood on the Assassin's Creed ones, but it sounds good for My Little Pony charms.

Oh haha this is true! Never really thought of the less cutsie charms. (:

[Kako]

I only have experience with shrinky-dinks. They have a rough texture as well, I'm afraid. When varnishing I apply a spray-on fixative and then use whatever varnish I have on hand. >_< I recently used a clear furniture varnish and it worked fine, though I don't remember the brand.

Ah already. All very good to know!
I already have some fixative on hand so now just to find a sort of varnish. P:

[pana]

I hope this isn't completely taboo to post here, but I'm desperately trying to make it to Sakura-Con this year and I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share a table? If so, please contact me via dA as I'll probably lose track of this thread. I'm so lost on Gaia anymore.

Thanks!

[Cat-the-Bat]

Concerning bookmarks, I was highly considering doing some for Ikasucon this year.

(Before I continue, let it be known that I am terrible when it comes to impulse shopping.)

I bought a laminator ($11. Seriously. And works like a charm.) and 200 bookmark-sized laminating pouches this winter (Herp derp.) I was wondering if handmade bookmarks with original art would sell decently, possibly with hand-made beaded tassles, or should I stick to printed bookmarks? Or should I do both and experiment?

[Kyousouka]

Cat-the-Bat

Concerning bookmarks, I was highly considering doing some for Ikasucon this year.

(Before I continue, let it be known that I am terrible when it comes to impulse shopping.)

I bought a laminator ($11. Seriously. And works like a charm.) and 200 bookmark-sized laminating pouches this winter (Herp derp.) I was wondering if handmade bookmarks with original art would sell decently, possibly with hand-made beaded tassles, or should I stick to printed bookmarks? Or should I do both and experiment?

Experiment. Some people really like original art, while others are just in it to get cheap merch of their favourite characters. I don't know what the audience for that particular con is like, but it probably varies from year to year anyway. Maybe do 5-20 originals and the rest can be printed.

[dolphinwing~]

so I went to manganext this weekend and it was such a failure. There wasn't much of a crowd, and whatever crowd there was didn't want to spend too much. The panels and events they had were also terrible, and the dealer's room was smaller than the artist alley which I thought was strange but even though there was more emphasis on the artist alley, I barely made back my expenses. It also annoys me quite a bit when people feel the need to point out how expensive my plushies are even though $20 for a handmade plush is quite cheap.. Also the person my boyfriend and I were seated next to attempted many times to steal customers, and make us raise our prices so that people would buy her cheaper items! So yeah, that's my rant. I did manage to watch the Gantz movies (they were playing them) and trade a plush with someone else so that was good.

[Kaxen]

dolphinwing~

so I went to manganext this weekend and it was such a failure. There wasn't much of a crowd, and whatever crowd there was didn't want to spend too much. The panels and events they had were also terrible, and the dealer's room was smaller than the artist alley which I thought was strange but even though there was more emphasis on the artist alley, I barely made back my expenses. It also annoys me quite a bit when people feel the need to point out how expensive my plushies are even though $20 for a handmade plush is quite cheap.. Also the person my boyfriend and I were seated next to attempted many times to steal customers, and make us raise our prices so that people would buy her cheaper items! So yeah, that's my rant. I did manage to watch the Gantz movies (they were playing them) and trade a plush with someone else so that was good.

They call $20 for handmade expensive? >_>' I'm approaching $50 for some of my plushies (maybe higher if someone asks for every single premium option and shows me a character in an outfit that makes me want to shoot myself) and some of the plushie artists on DA that I like are more like $100 for the same size (but they also use nicer fabrics).

Guh, I think I would lose my temper sitting next to someone like that.

[XxRed_GansterXx]

Part A- Getting the table:
1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience?

You can usually reserve a table pretty far ahead of time; although, some cons work off a first come first serve basis. Meaning once they're gone they're gone. So I'd recommend getting one as early as you possibly, and some cons may make you register first before reserving a table.

2. How much does a table usually cost?

At Animazement, it cost around 20.00 for a whole table, and 10.00 for
a half. Not sure about other cons.

3. How quickly are the tables reserved?

Pretty quickly; however, it probably depends on how many people reserve tables at once. Depending on the vacancies and filled up slots.

4. What complications should one be prepared for?

Be prepared for loss of vacancies or lack of space. I've seen people put together make-shift tables at Animazement before because of lack of space, or some bring their own when con supported tables sell out.

5. Anything else?

Nope

Part B- Preparing to sell:
1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling?

A) Regular Size prints 8 x 10, and poster sized prints.
B) Chibi art definetly seems to sell especially if they are done as stickers
or post card sized
C) Popular series fan art is nice, but it's nostalgic to see fan art of
older series or hard to find -likes to put together a mix when she does her folders-
D) Buttons those seem to go quickly too.
E) Be creative, if you can make something out of a piece, sell it. You're bound to find something different that people will love and buy up quickly.


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



3. What sort of stuff sells best?

It's 50/50, depending on what the buyer is searching for. It's a tie
between Fan Art/Original Art. However, style that stick out tend to sell a lot. Especially if it's an unique mix. Like for me, I love to see gothic/Tim Burtonesque styles with lots of detail, but that depends on the buyer-

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

Kinko's or Staples or if you're like me, you can buy the printing sheets pretty cheap and do a handful at home on best quality print on your printer.

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

Make sure you have enough ink, since color and black go through on prints fast depending on the quality and max number of prints you make, so make sure you have back up ink jets just in case. Also be prepared to have extra print pages, especially if your printer likes to mess up like mine does.

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

I'd say a month or so in advanced. That way you know where everything is and can get things organized instead of tugging your hair out before con.


7. Anything else?

Preparation is the key to everything as well as organization. Organization and early prep time is your friend.

Part C- At the Con:
1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table?

I'd say an hour or so early, or even on pre-con days. Just to make sure you can secure your space as well as table.

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

I prefer to set my work up in folders. There's a lot of nice notebooks out there that already have the protector sleeves in them for you. Although, a word of advice, if you have yaoi or yuri in your folder, it's best to mark them, because cons will make you mark folders with hardcore art in them, due to underage viewing of artist alley ^^; Some artist don't do it, and it can be kind of scarring for those who don't like Yaoi or Yuri in particular, especially if the work is really erotic, this goes for Hetero pairings too XD


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


I'd play stern, but nice as well. I'm pretty generous and easy going with my customers, but don't let them to get to you. Best thing to do is be yourself, but stay on the defensive. People browsing your table usually love the artist to talk to, and greet them. Manners is another thing to consider, since it's like a small business ^^

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

Depending on what you're selling be prepared for not making more than you've planned or even running out of prints. I tend to do art right there and sell originals rather then prints; however, prints of older work come in handy or ones you can't let go of original prints wise.

Some people make too many prints and don't get their money's worth back from sold merchandise ^^;

5. Anything else?

Nope

[dolphinwing~]

Kaxen

dolphinwing~

so I went to manganext this weekend and it was such a failure. There wasn't much of a crowd, and whatever crowd there was didn't want to spend too much. The panels and events they had were also terrible, and the dealer's room was smaller than the artist alley which I thought was strange but even though there was more emphasis on the artist alley, I barely made back my expenses. It also annoys me quite a bit when people feel the need to point out how expensive my plushies are even though $20 for a handmade plush is quite cheap.. Also the person my boyfriend and I were seated next to attempted many times to steal customers, and make us raise our prices so that people would buy her cheaper items! So yeah, that's my rant. I did manage to watch the Gantz movies (they were playing them) and trade a plush with someone else so that was good.

They call $20 for handmade expensive? >_>' I'm approaching $50 for some of my plushies (maybe higher if someone asks for every single premium option and shows me a character in an outfit that makes me want to shoot myself) and some of the plushie artists on DA that I like are more like $100 for the same size (but they also use nicer fabrics).

Guh, I think I would lose my temper sitting next to someone like that.

I was only charging 20 cuz they were older plushies that i was trying to get rid of so they were all made of felt, but now I make them with fleece and other nicer fabric so I raise my prices. It just annoys me cuz all these kids are used to paying 15 bucks for an official one.

[Enigmatic Phantasm]

Cat-the-Bat

Concerning bookmarks, I was highly considering doing some for Ikasucon this year.

(Before I continue, let it be known that I am terrible when it comes to impulse shopping.)

I bought a laminator ($11. Seriously. And works like a charm.) and 200 bookmark-sized laminating pouches this winter (Herp derp.) I was wondering if handmade bookmarks with original art would sell decently, possibly with hand-made beaded tassles, or should I stick to printed bookmarks? Or should I do both and experiment?

I for one am a sucker for beautiful handmade bookmarks. No convention passes where I don't buy at least one. I think a handful of people at conventions are like that, but the vast majority just seem to want to buy something if a favorite character is on it. I'd agree that you should do some of both. See how it turns out. :]

[StarMasayume]

dolphinwing~

If you do buy a machine I suggest getting it from usabuttons.com. I have their Machine 150 and it works really well. It costs a little over $100 and the set includes a good quantity of buttons. You could easily split the cost with your friend.

Totally bookmarking that link! smile

I've been on the fence about buttons for a long time. Not very keen on ordering online since I'd rather just do a few of a lot of different designs, especially with chibi characters or such.

What kind of button size do you guys think sell best? Is larger than 1 inch a good idea?

Gah I still don't know if I should. I run out of room on my table since I keep adding things over the years, especially on a half a table when there's no choice o.O

question Also a quick question to see what you guys think. Usually the largest prints I sell are 8x10 but I know there are people out there who like larger sizes. Any of the artists I see selling poster sizes focus mostly on posters (they take up lots of room anyway) with just a few small things left over. I didn't know if it'd be worth bumping up a few prints to a 11x14. Not sure if that's still too small to make a difference but I'm not keen on any bigger due to space and print costs. =/

For the bookmark discussion.. I still sell mine. There's enough book lovers out there like me (I don't care how many ebooks I have an read I still have 4 bookshelves in my room and love my books).. and I've always had a soft spot for collecting bookmarks. Fanart will still usually sell the best but having original work is good too.

[dolphinwing~]

Hey everyone. So I went to MangaNext and that wasn't too good for me, I figured it was just the con since other artists seemed to be having trouble as well. But on Saturday I went to this one called Springfest close to where I live. I had gone last year and it turned out to be very profitable but this time we were given a bigger space and it seemed like there was hardly a crowd there. I barely made anything, I didn't even make back what I'd spent and I didn't spend a lot.. I was sitting next to my good friends so that was nice and they were having a bit of the same problem. I feel like everyone was having a hard time there.
So I was wondering what is going on with conventions lately? I don't think it's just me because I was doing fine before this year. I was thinking it might be the usual reasons, gas prices and the economy but also those 2 that I've been to so far didn't have much of a big crowd and whoever did come did not want to spend. I want to try and make sure if I'm doing something wrong I can fix it before the next con we're going to.