Frist Time in Artist Alley, but not my first con :)

[sanji_mellorine]

Hi, this year I'd like to participate in the artist alley at anime punch. I've heard that it's a great place to start if it's your first time.

So, I'd like some advise from other artists who've had a table here before; what are some standard prises that most art sells for? Roughly, how many sales do/have you make/made? Other than prints, what seems to sell the best? Which day/time do you tend to sell the most?

Now, I realiaze that everything I just asked about differs from year to year and con to con but I'd like to know about your personal experiences. Is there anything you can tell me about to do or what not to do. Or about what to do to save time instead of wasting it.

Oh, and if incase you're wondering about what I plan to sell, I'd prefer to keep that a secret (until it's time to apply for a table) but I can say that it is origial, made by me and not prints or buttons (although, I'd like to make them I don't have an affordable way to create them. maybe in the future).

Thank you, to anyone who responds!!

[Alex]

What are some standard prises that most art sells for?
The things sold in the AA generally fall into three tiers. Lower-tier are items that cost 5-10 dollars and less. Things like buttons, bookmarks, small prints, and other knicknacks. Middle-tier are items that cost $10-25, such as books, on-site commissions, larger prints/posters, plushies, and the like. Upper-tier items, are of course, the most expensive, and include things like original artwork, off-site commissions, whole costumes, and so on. It's good to have items that fall into each tier of pricing, but if you simply don't have any upper-tier items, I recommend having a variety of things to fill out the lower- and middle-tiers.

Other than prints, what seems to sell the best?
I've been seeing lots more crafty types in the AA as the years go by, such as fairy wings, hats, jewelry, cosplay accessories, etc. Buttons and bookmarks are always pretty good sellers, too.

Which day/time do you tend to sell the most?
Business is usually slow on Fridays until 3-5pm, when people are getting out of school and work and come to the con for the night, so traffic will pick up then.

Saturday is usually the busiest day, and you'll make a majority of your money that day. You will rarely make more money on Sunday than on Saturday, so you can use your experience on Saturday to predict what will happen the rest of the weekend.

Roughly, how many sales do/have you make/made?
In my experience, I make roughly 10% of con attendance in dollars when the weekend is through, but this amount fluctuates wildly depending on table location, which is completely unpredictable. Sometimes you'll be at a large con with bad table placement, and make $100, then get a well-placed table at a smaller con and make $400.

[sanji_mellorine]

thanks for the info I realy appreciate it!!

[sanji_mellorine]

Hi, now that the alley is open I have another question. The website says that the dead line for the first round is in January. Should I wait to apply later that way to make sure I have more examples of my work and a larger inventory? or is it better to apply right away?

[KaiserMikeB]

All but like 5 tables are filled after the first deadline, so I would definitely go early. If you don't have a wide portfolio yet you are going to have a difficult time getting in anyhow, so just show us the best of your best to compensate Also if you don't make the first round draft you're still able to get in at the end, and you can always show us more stuff.

Actually, as we have more space to play list we probably will be less strict on artists this year.

Good luck!

[sanji_mellorine]

thanks!! but does making it by january count as early enough? and also, I don't have a online account to upload my work to. actualy, I don't plan to either because I'm too afraid of my work being stolen so is it ok if I just add the images to an email?

thanks so much for your help!!

[KaiserMikeB]

That's probably fine, but for details like that you really should email the artist alley coordinator.