HUGE Update!!
Hello again fellow Deviants! It's been long overdue for an update on what's been going on.
So my amazing husband Jason has been hard at work learning CSS and creating an official site for our business:
The site's still a work in progress, but we've got mostly everything functioning; you can also visit to see updated convention schedules and shop for prints.
------------------
As some may know I've started working at conventions as an artist, and it was terrifying getting started. I thought I may share some valued information I've learned in my short time spent working as an artist (started around September of 2013).
I'm by no means a writer T_T so I hope I can convey the information well enough *sob*
Artist Alley - The Simple Version...esque
First things first. If you want to work as an artist in an anime/comic convention the VERY first thing you do is actually attend conventions as a spectator. No seriously, it's the best way to get ideas for how to set up tables and a general feel for the process.
Don't be afraid to ask artists for some pointers, it's more rare to find a rude artist than not, but still be respectful if they seem dis-interested or are busy.
Getting a Table:
--- Before doing ANYTHING. Get a tax permit or temporary tax permit in your state. While a good portion of conventions may not check if you have one, you definitely don't want to get caught by the wrong person. A quick google search on tax permits should get you started in the right direction.
--- Getting an artist alley table can be surprisingly stressful, especially when it's your first time getting one. Do some research before putting any money down. I'd highly suggest getting your first table at a small local convention so you don't wind up spending more than you want.
--- Once you've got your research down and picked your convention(s) to work at - it's time to decide on how you want to set up your table, and more importantly, what items you'll need.
------- Business Cards
------- Cash box
------- Scissors
------- Zip ties
------- Duct Tape/Masking Tape
------- Sharpies (black/silver/gold) for signing
------- Pens/Pencils/Markers
------- Drawing pad
------- Scrap paper/notepad/ ledger - to keep track of what you sell
------- Receipts (from convention/hotel/gas etc)
------- Calculator
------- Square/Paypal E-Reader (if you accept cards)
------- Table cloth(s)
------- Chairs (depending on convention)
------- Storage for your artwork and items
------- Binder clips
------- Portfolio book
I'm sure I'm missing things, but this is what I could think of off the top of my head. You may or may not need all of these depending on how you decide to display your products
Don't be afraid if you don't have an extravagant display for your first several conventions. It takes time, money, and a lot of artwork to make a display like my friend Scott's.
Here's an image breakdown of how my table started, and the slow process of building my display up. You can see how I started with VERY little, I only did commissions since I couldn't afford to buy prints at the time. Luckily I was able to make enough to boost my confidence and start to invest in more product as you can see.
What should I sell?
--- So you've got your table and your materials, but you're debating on what exactly you want to sell. Honestly, it's totally up to you! Pearlers, webcomics, prints, stickers, charms, buttons, commissions, etc. etc. When you're first starting out, I personally suggest prints and commissions since they're the cheaper route. Stickers can be pricey with minimum amounts, same with charms and shirts can be a huge investment.
--- You've decided on what to sell, now how much to get of each product...? This can be tricky depending on where you order from. If possible, don't get any more than 10 prints each to start. I know it seems like a low number, but I'm speaking purely from experience here (If you can sell more, then AWESOME, but start with small expectations and if you do sell out you'll feel great!)
--See bottom of journal for some references to where I get my products.
--- Here's the really hard question, how do I price my materials? I wish there was a simple answer, but there really isn't. I know it can be hard to price your items higher since lack of confidence is common in artists - myself included, as well as inexperience. But realistically you want to make a profit, this is a business after all. Here are a few things to take into consideration:
This is my general breakdown/tips/guide on starting up an artist alley table. There's always more to it, but it's best to learn by experience no matter how scary it may be to start. Just don't give up and have fun with what you do!
Other great Artist Alley guides:
Artist Alley First Timers (My personal favorite)
Artist Alley for Beginners
Artist Alley Survival Guide
Are you ready for artist alley?
Where I buy my materials:
Prints: catprint.com
Stickers: 123stickers.com
Bags: bagsunlimited.com
Business Cards: Vistaprint.com
HUGE Update!!
Hello again fellow Deviants! It's been long overdue for an update on what's been going on.
So my amazing husband Jason has been hard at work learning CSS and creating an official site for our business:
The site's still a work in progress, but we've got mostly everything functioning; you can also visit to see updated convention schedules and shop for prints.
------------------
As some may know I've started working at conventions as an artist, and it was terrifying getting started. I thought I may share some valued information I've learned in my short time spent working as an artist (started around September of 2013).
I'm by no means a writer T_T so I hope I can convey the information well enough *sob*
Artist Alley - The Simple Version...esque
First things first. If you want to work as an artist in an anime/comic convention the VERY first thing you do is actually attend conventions as a spectator. No seriously, it's the best way to get ideas for how to set up tables and a general feel for the process.
Don't be afraid to ask artists for some pointers, it's more rare to find a rude artist than not, but still be respectful if they seem dis-interested or are busy.
Getting a Table:
--- Before doing ANYTHING. Get a tax permit or temporary tax permit in your state. While a good portion of conventions may not check if you have one, you definitely don't want to get caught by the wrong person. A quick google search on tax permits should get you started in the right direction.
--- Getting an artist alley table can be surprisingly stressful, especially when it's your first time getting one. Do some research before putting any money down. I'd highly suggest getting your first table at a small local convention so you don't wind up spending more than you want.
--- Once you've got your research down and picked your convention(s) to work at - it's time to decide on how you want to set up your table, and more importantly, what items you'll need.
------- Business Cards
------- Cash box
------- Scissors
------- Zip ties
------- Duct Tape/Masking Tape
------- Sharpies (black/silver/gold) for signing
------- Pens/Pencils/Markers
------- Drawing pad
------- Scrap paper/notepad/ ledger - to keep track of what you sell
------- Receipts (from convention/hotel/gas etc)
------- Calculator
------- Square/Paypal E-Reader (if you accept cards)
------- Table cloth(s)
------- Chairs (depending on convention)
------- Storage for your artwork and items
------- Binder clips
------- Portfolio book
I'm sure I'm missing things, but this is what I could think of off the top of my head. You may or may not need all of these depending on how you decide to display your products
Don't be afraid if you don't have an extravagant display for your first several conventions. It takes time, money, and a lot of artwork to make a display like my friend Scott's.
Here's an image breakdown of how my table started, and the slow process of building my display up. You can see how I started with VERY little, I only did commissions since I couldn't afford to buy prints at the time. Luckily I was able to make enough to boost my confidence and start to invest in more product as you can see.
What should I sell?
--- So you've got your table and your materials, but you're debating on what exactly you want to sell. Honestly, it's totally up to you! Pearlers, webcomics, prints, stickers, charms, buttons, commissions, etc. etc. When you're first starting out, I personally suggest prints and commissions since they're the cheaper route. Stickers can be pricey with minimum amounts, same with charms and shirts can be a huge investment.
--- You've decided on what to sell, now how much to get of each product...? This can be tricky depending on where you order from. If possible, don't get any more than 10 prints each to start. I know it seems like a low number, but I'm speaking purely from experience here (If you can sell more, then AWESOME, but start with small expectations and if you do sell out you'll feel great!)
--See bottom of journal for some references to where I get my products.
--- Here's the really hard question, how do I price my materials? I wish there was a simple answer, but there really isn't. I know it can be hard to price your items higher since lack of confidence is common in artists - myself included, as well as inexperience. But realistically you want to make a profit, this is a business after all. Here are a few things to take into consideration:
------- Say you buy your 11x17 print for about $1.50. Yes it's a wonderful price to buy, you could only sell it for $5.00 and still be making a profit...in theory.
------- Well, now we need to factor in buying multiple products that aren't going to sell out in a single show...as well as the price for the table, gas, hotel, convention food, the actual time and effort for the art itself, aaand not to mention quite a lot of miscellaneous things you don't really think of.
------- Broken down like this, the expenses involved in going to a convention can add up REALLY REALLY quickly. You want to be able to price your work to where you can not only cover those costs, but still make a profit doing so.
------- "Well Tiffany, this still doesn't answer my question on how to actually price things." Hold your horses little miss smarty-pants I was getting to that! Looking around at other people's pricing is a decent way to get started. I see a general average price of 11x17 prints going for $20.00, I personally think it's a good price for myself since I don't feel it 'low-balls' my ability and it's a fair asking price. Plus you can always do a "the more you buy the better the deal" type of thing as well.
------- I have however seen some people that 'low-ball' their 11x17's at $10.00. While surely $10.00 is much better than $5.00, it's still not giving you as much profit as you should be, UNLESS you're selling like mad (most likely you won't be your first couple of years though). And on the flip side I've also seen 11x17's selling at $30.00; personally I think it's a tad high, but I have seen them do very well in their marketing.
------- Another idea is doing deals; maybe $15.00 each or 2 for $20 (always go for that 20!) or maybe $20 for 1, $35 for 2, $40 for 3. Something somewhere along those lines 
------- Basically, price things the way that feel most comfortable to you, just don't undersell yourself. If you're having trouble selling some old prints do a "sale of the week" or "discounted for this convention only" type of deals.
The BORING legalities
--- Ah yes, aside from the tax permits I listed above there are MORE legalities to consider. We'll start with the "Fanart Debate"; it's widespread knowledge that when you go to conventions you'll see TONS of fanart for sale. Technically speaking, fanart is copyright infringement and it is illegal.
--- Now even though it's illegal people still sell it, why? The answer is actually fairly simple, people get away with selling fanart for mainly 2 reasons:
------------- 1) It's free advertising!
------------- 2) Your sales 'usually' don't impact a corporate's sales.
--- Now, there are exceptions to this of course. If you receive a cease and desist letter it's very wise to do just that.
--- There are also some small businesses that are becoming popular (for example: Homestuck) that either prefer you ask permission before selling, or prefer no fanart sales at all. Most conventions will list what items are banned from being sold. Some common ones from larger companies are:
------------ 1) Square Enix - no crafts of keyblades/weaponry etc.
------------ 2) Gaia Online - no fanart/crafts whatsoever
------------ 3) Ragnarok Online - no crafts
--- Here's a link to a wonderful video that thoroughly breaks down The Fanart debate in detail.
This is my general breakdown/tips/guide on starting up an artist alley table. There's always more to it, but it's best to learn by experience no matter how scary it may be to start. Just don't give up and have fun with what you do!
Other great Artist Alley guides:
Artist Alley First Timers (My personal favorite)
Artist Alley for Beginners
Artist Alley Survival Guide
Are you ready for artist alley?
Where I buy my materials:
Prints: catprint.com
Stickers: 123stickers.com
Bags: bagsunlimited.com
Business Cards: Vistaprint.com
