/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I'll give ya a bump. I'm on my way to MiniComi, a one-day artist alley event. I used to table but I'm taking a break this year, so I can't wait to see some old and new artists.

Bump, I'm gonna do AA for the first time soon and want some setup inspiration.

Liked the use of a trunk for her prints.

>>6954489
>Dat Sylvanas print

Holy shit yes. Would buy in a heartbeat

>>6954526
Luckily I have my own wide format printer now so my posters don't come out dark as fuck like that anymore. ⊙﹏⊙

On another note, this rolling case is the best damned $70 i've ever spent. What do you guys use to cart your stuff safely to the tables?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203710098?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=203710098#.UdiC3_l9eWN

>>6953521

Going to do AA for the first time as well, and I was just wondering - which sorts of cosplays are all right and which are frowned upon or look weird? I want to make another cosplay mostly because I'm gunning for another sewing project, but I was wondering just how out there I can be before I look weird behind the table.

>>6954560
I have a big metal box with handle where I store all my prints and a bead separator I got in ACMoore for my stickers, keychains, and bookmarks.

I'm debating on getting a button maker, but I don't know anything about them. I know buttons tend to be really popular hence why I'm interested.

>>6954575
Obviously don't wear anything that's going to hinder your movement just because you will be in a small space between your table and a curtain/wall/etc (most likely). That being said, I always wear lolita when I'm selling and even that can be a pain with the petticoat and stuff.
You don't have to tone down your cosplay though, because a well-made interesting cosplay could attract people to your table.

>>6954606
I know quite a bit about them actually. If you need to ask pricing/how-to's on assembling them and ordering parts, shoot me an email.

>>6954575
Also, don't wear a mask or anything else that can reduce your visibility. People can take advantage of it and walk off with your stuff :P

Any recommendations for print services(online)/acrylic charms/buttons? I've had an artist booth before but all I really had was homemade keychains.

>>6954612
>>6954620

Thanks guys! I was planning to cosplay for one day then wear lolita the next, but I'll keep your advice in mind. Definitely no Journey cosplay then, heh.

(Is this why I often see lolitas standing up when they sell their stuff?)

>>6954702
printcess

So I'm thinking of getting back into the game. Does Avengers still sell well? I have no idea what the new popular fandoms are.

>>6954920
Probably. Add Attack on Titan, Dangan Ronpa/Super Dangan Ronpa 2, and anything that was popular last year like Madoka, etc etc. Plus Animal Crossing and most likely the new Ace Attorney game.

>>6954867
>>6954702
They closed down a while ago. Zap Creatives is an alternative, but it's UK based.

Buttons, commission etsy users for those.

Prints, officemax has great prices for 11x17 in store. catprints is nice but their front/back page system is confusing. And last is the site that 4chan seems to block as spam so you'll have to think about this one: arts_ _ _ (animal that goes moo)

>>6954862
I wear Lolita to AA, but I stand up to look interesting and show off the whole coord or print. If I sit for too long I tend to zone out and look really bored/bitchy so by standing I feel like I can attract customers more and remember that I need to smile.

I wish I took a picture at the time, but there was this artist alley table with a tall vertical display of posters, and a Colossal Titan peering over the the top. It was pretty funny! Also another artist creatively displayed her SnK t-shirts with cardboard titans wearing them. Definitely make a note about humorous displays to attract attention or that you have SnK goodies.

On another note, there were a LOT of artists selling plastic charms that felt powdery but weren't, and the colors were a tiny bit muted. I wonder if they got it from Zap Creatives? Of course I'm a dummy and forgot to ask these artists where they get it done...

>>6956809
Oh shit, I actually have a photo of that ( if you're talking about AE/Minicomi)

Question. Where would be the best place to get lanyards printed? Because seriously, I saw these being sold at AX and I really wish I had gotten one before they were sold out. I'd love to try to make some pokemon ones.

>>6957021
I think 4chan has just flooded her shop with sales haha. It seems to be a thing made on her own, looks like something simple to make using spoonflower. I can not find any custom site taking images that large without being repeated.

>>6957021
WAIT: I found it.

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/664277005/custom_polyester_lanyard.html

>>6956986
Holy wow yes I was! I picked up a pencil case from KAWAIIBOKU table, I wished they have one of the dream team (Annie/Reiner/Bertholdt)...

>>6957021
I would also like to know this too, I think lanyards are great! Also, that one is very cute!

On another note I should look up more recent table pictures and update my folders...

Does chainmaille still sell well? I've got a bunch of rings from a while ago and though I've moved onto other crafts, I still have a soft spot for chainmaille and I thought I could make a few pieces from them.

>>6958318
Man, if it was targetted towards certain fandoms, hell yes. I'd like to see something neat geared towards warcraft players.

Would printed tights or leggings do well to a non-lolita audience? I'm thinking of doing some anime themed ones, like fake thigh highs that resemble Asuna's leggings.

>>6960189
I could potentially work. Especially if you make ones for series that are popular and harder to find tights that match right like Homura's.

>>6957135
Thank you. Now I need to figure out what dimensions I need to design the images at.

>>6954920
Avengers still does well, and the sequel will be coming out in a year or so. Might explode again next year. If you're more into Western fandoms, Hannibal is doing pretty well right now.

I might be full of shit with this one, but I would fucking love to see Breaking Bad stuff. I know it's a tough show/fandom to draw for, but with the final season coming up, its hype might be spiking up a bit.

>>6960189
vanellopes tights PLEASE

>>6960189
yes please i love printed tights i would buy them so fast yes yes

>>6960249
Or Sugar Rush tights in general! Or candy-themed tights in general!

>>6960253
yes! but specifically vanellope's because ive had so much trouble with them and 90% of her cosplayers have really shitty looking tights

Alright, sorry if any of these are reposts.

>>6961344

>>6961347

>>6961348

>>6961349

>>6961352

>>6961357

>>6961361

>>6961366

I'm so itching for another con but they're all pretty much over for my area. All I can do is just sit here and make things
T_T

>>6961376

>>6961378

>>6961380
:(

>>6961392

>>6961396
And i'm out.

>>6961402
Whoa thanks for the dump! I don't have any of these saved in my folders, it's nice to see fresh pictures.

>>6954485
Does anyone know who this artist is?

>>6961814
Of course :> She was my neighboring booth buddy for Megacon 13, her art tag is 'Real Dandy'.

bump

Does anyone know where to get heavier card stock from? online or in person. I want to make tags, but the card stock you get from Walmart just isn't doing it for me.

>>6966402
https://www.etsy.com/search/supplies?q=tags%20cardstock&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

I would recommend pre-made tags. If not, there's quite a few places on ebay that sell heavy cardstock (and in colors), what weight paper are you looking for? 30lb+ ? (assuming 8.5x11in size)

>>6966981
Aww these are cute, but I really want to be able to print my logo/design on them and then print and cut.
I'm not really sure what weight. Just something that isn't too flimsy but isn't too thick that it won't feed through my printer.

>>6967580
Try something around 110 lbs paper. Most office supply stores have it and it comes in various colors!

I also know (because I work there haha) that Staples is having a few promotions in their copy/print section. For example, buy 250 get 250 free on things like business cards, "flyers", post cards and such.

I say "flyers" because I know some of them will do various images for the 250 instead of just one thing.

>>6967580
get your logo on a sticker, try moo, stick to tag, walla?

>>6967788
>walla
Voila?

I am so fking happy with my VistaPrint order right now.

>>6971206
>those pens
Oh dang, Vistaprint does pens? How much did that cost you?

Also, nice banner, I like your catstronaut and its "flaming" tail, haha!

>>6971309
I rigged the cart system with a 50% off code on top of my groupon. Lets just say.. I didn't pay for the pens, and paid 50% of the banner cost. Pens there are typically $2.40 a piece.

>>6971381

Very nice!! Is the coupon code still active??

>>6971399
Yea. http://www.retailmenot.com/view/vistaprint.com?c=2746533

Top one, you can first apply a groupon code, and then use that click-through link and it will magically stack on one another.

>>6971399
>>6971446
Basically this. I paid shipping.

>>6971452
That is a very sweet deal! The pens are super cute too :)

>>6971381
>>6971446
>>6971452
Daaaaamn that's insane, nice one.

Made a thread but I'll ask here too anyway.

I just found out I'll be free to go to Japan Expo in Santa Clara when I thought I couldn't originally. Is it stupid to try to register for their AA or Young Creators tables at this point? I haven't kept up with any of the updates.

>>6971928
Well, you would need to weigh the price of the table with whether your work is saleable. Any examples? If not, if the table is less than $75 and at least 4ft wide, it would be a fun learning experience to gauge your work IRL.

>>6971932
No I mean it's unclear if all the spaces are sold out. I might just submit the form either way since it's due Monday, but I find it unusual for an AA not to list if they're full or not.

>>6971948
Bad management, send that form at the speed of light.

>>6971206
>>6971381
What was the groupon for? I'm not too familiar with groupon, since I really never use it, but I can't find anything for Vistaprint, other than:
>Vistaprint – 76% Off Custom-Printing Services
>Web-based design tools let users customize cards, calendars, mugs, and T-shirts with personalized text and images

And that doesn't seem to be what you used.

Is it more appealing to have a table that looks really busy/has a lot of stuff on it, or a table that clean and very minimalistic, but seems like you have less stock? I'm worried about getting too cluttered, but when I try to make it look organized, it looks like I don't have very many things to sell.

>>6973290
It was a $17 for $70 vistaprint groupon, some on ebay still.

>>6973297
Just arrange them in the best way for many people to browse simultaneously, and while still letting them be visible.

>>6973297
Somewhere in between. Not just one of each item, but definitely have more than say 3 of any given thing in your "back stock".

Do any of you guys use Square or Paypal Here? Are either worth the trouble??

>>6974188
I use paypal here. I would have lost $250 in sales to people that only had cards if I had not had it with me. (My idea that all con goers carried cash was wrong)

>>6974188
It won't be worth it if you can't get a good wifi connection. Also I used it for the first time at Fanime and didn't realize my assistant would need the app downloaded to his phone and linked for my account if someone wanted to card while I was away. However I made about $100 in sales that I might not have gotten if I didn't have it. I had Paypal know I know nothing of Square.

>>6974226
I used at&t's network for mine, no problems in a large concrete convention center.

>>6974331
That was my next question, I'm thinking my 4G will be adequate backup just in case then. Thanks guys!

>>6974188
I've used Square for a couple years now. It's always worked very consistently and well for me. If it helps at all, I have verizon as my provider, so I get pretty good coverage, but most of my at&t and sprint friends do all right too. Sometimes they do end up asking me to swipe for them, but it's no big deal.

I know some artists are extremely wary of Square because they've lost transactions with it. Fortunately, this has never happened for me, but it certainly doesn't mean it can't. Intuit is also a service that is used as an alternative to Square. Just make sure you research both apps thoroughly to minimize risk.

Does anyone use storenvy? They have so many categories but I can't find one for phone charms. Anyone know what I should be listing them under?

Living Social is having a special right now for VistaPrint.

https://m.livingsocial.com/cities/205-west-palm-beach-jupiter/deals/746114-50-to-spend-on-personalized-products?afsrc=1&utm_campaign=digest_daily&utm_content=205&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast

Bump

>>6957021
>>no bob
I love this thing, but...

captcha: cannot losepre

Okay so at a recent AA I went to, I noticed a good number of artists having plastic charms that seemed to be made from the same place. Colors are a bit softened and has a slight powdery feel without any powder falling off. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and may have ideas where these artists have got theirs done? I can't believe I didn't ask at the time and just remembering now.

Are phone charms still popular? I'm trying to find cute stuff to put on my phone and my DS

First artist alley since January! I feel so out of it! I really hope things go well.

>>6983908
What will you be selling?

Does anyone have suggestions for a small printer that prints in good quality? I want to bring a printer with me to cons that isn't a pain to transport to print small commissions on site. ( keychains, bookmarks, etc)

I also plan on getting the small $25 laminator from walmart to laminate them. I looked at a few reviews and people seem to like it for small things.

Do those of you who make plushies use original patterns? I'm really curious, I find it discouraging to always see plushies in AA made from patterns I see on /cgl/ all the time.

>>6989449
I feel the same, especially of that octopus one, the Luma, and the chibi MLP.

But I'll admit I'm guilty of using the mochi pattern as a base for very few of my plushies that sells well. I edited the pattern a bit, and made it more than just a "mochi :3" thing. Also I look up patterns for making juggling balls (the ones with the rounder triangles or diamonds) or baseballs. Box-shaped items are easy to draft.

It's from these basic shapes I managed to draft a little complex items because once you start skewing the lines, what was once a baseball turns into a funky teardrop, and then I have a plushie in making. So for the most part, I make up original patterns. Same goes for crochet stuff too, though I don't think I'm ready to market amigurumi yet.

Pattern making gets easy once you get the hang of it and know your niche. Start with drawings, practice with basic patterns, and a bit of trial and error. Using other patterns is a good practice, but definitely I would encouraged to make something of your own to stand out.

Not my table but I'm also tired of seeing plain plushies with cutesy faces.

>>6989449
I used to do commissions for human plushies. I'd use a base pattern that I found online and then modified it quite a lot over the years.
Those balls or cubes with faces drive me nuts though. I can't understand why people buy them in the first place.

How much do plushie makers usually sell their creations for? I've considered applying for a table in the past but eh I just never got around to it.

>>6990209
Depends on how complex, amount and type of materials, time, etc. I sell from $6 to $35, though most of my items are around $10-$14.

>>6990241
Okay thanks so much!

>>6989511
I'm actually pretty good at pattern making, I take pride in it. I don't get how people can take pride in their work if it's not *really* their work- there's no design, only execution. That's why it's real frustrating to see 100 octopus and cube tables but whatre ya gonna do. At least I'm not alone.

>>6990468
Exactly, I don't let those artists bother me so much. Eventually they'll grow out of it, I think.

Not my items but hey they are cute.

>>6990556

I am thinking about doing live drawing at my table, but it's my first time.
Anyone got tips for this?

I have about 30 different drawings I will be bringing. Having in mind it's a small table, how many copies of each should I bring?

>>6991136
If they can be printed on short notice (at the end of the day) then bring about 1-2 of each, and 3-4 of the popular few. This is assuming your cost to print each is less than $0.75. If it's not.. well, you'll need some input by us on which will be the most popular prints to have more of perhaps.

So I did end up getting a Japan Expo (US) table. Anyone know how large the con is?

>>6991009
I hope you can multitask, people will inquire about you and your drawings. Also greeting people who come to watch you draw would be nice. There are different options of going about live drawings.

Common one is just drawing on the table, or sometimes to a clipboard because there's usually no space on the table top to draw. Lately I've seen people use traditional mediums like water colors, and that's totally neat to see, so I can't help myself to ask the artist directly how long they have been doing this. Just be prepared to answer those questions.

I've also seen artists bringing in a monitor, laptop, and their tablet so they have the monitor face out to the crowd so people can see digital drawings done right there.

>>6991208

Hm I thought about doing ink drawings with a touch of color, cause for me it's fast to work and it has a very nice outcome.
I would like to do watercolors, but watercolor paper is super expensive and I'd rather not waste it on that.

What about if someone comes requesting a specific character that I have no idea about?

>>6991267
You use whatever medium you feel comfortable with, I was just giving an example from experience. It was very interesting to watch.

I feel like they should offer you some visual reference(s), or else you have a laptop/phone handy to google it up and use that as a reference. But I'm not a print artist so I'm not sure what is the usual way to go about this. I can only imagine being explained to is harder and not as practical as having a simple image at hand. Otherwise I can see artists declining certain requests at time.

>>6991306

I don't have a laptop tho, and my mobile doesn't have internet. I guess I should offer commissions just as optional if they bring a reference.

And lol that comic is awesome. Do you have anymore artist alley related comics?

>>6991349
Yea that's fine, I have seen artists advertising for commission but must provide reference if they don't know the character.

Not a lot of comics, some simple advice ones or experiences.

>>6991349
You'd be surprised how many people have references on them or manage to come up with one. Although if it's just not possible, suggest to them another series they like, or even draw them, or their favourite food and just play with it. The other thing is that talking to a person and drawing at the same time is not for everyone and you might want to ask them to come back X amount of minutes so you can work on it. Good luck!

I had an idea for something for AA one year.
Make something like blind boxes, I was thinking of this while wondering AA at AX this year after buying a tales of blind box.
If you don't know what a Blind Box is, its usually a box with a random figurine in it based off whatever show/game/etc is advertised on outside. It usually has a chance of getting 1 figurine between 3-6 different ones.
The tales one I had gotten was between 6 characters from the recent tales series, Vesperia, Graces and Xilla. I ended up with Yuri.
So I was thinking of doing this with keychains of characters from different series that I draw from. like doing a set from Free! or Vocaloid or whatever else might be popular at that time. they would sorta work like regular blind boxes. A box that says it from Vocaloid would hold 1 of 6 different keychains from vocaloid.
They also would be cheap like $2 a blind box.
Also for example using Vocaloid, I would make a Miku only one, where all the keychains are Miku in different outfits, same with Luka, Rin and Len, and etc.
Also for fairness, I dont think I should know what is in which box other then the series.

Anyway this is my rabble of an idea. Does anyone think It could work?

>>6961344
Whenever I see people trying to sell perler bead art I just cringe inwardly. It just doesn't seem like a craft worthy of actually displaying in a booth.

>>6993143
It's interesting idea, and honestly it does sound better as a "cheap" novelty (up to $3 maybe depending on size?) to sell because most Japanese blind boxes are $6+ for some figurine/keychain thing. Maybe you can have an option to buy without the guessing game so you'd keep extras under the table that you know which is which, but the customer will have to pay a little more. I think by providing that option, people may opt more to take their chances for lesser buck.

Overall, interesting idea, never seen it done before, would help if the box is designed well too (nothing deters people from buying like poor packaging). I was wondering why you didn't mention small paper envelopes but then people would end up squishing those to feel if it's the right one like Lego Minis, leaving messed up packaged items on your table...

>>6993459
I suggest for packaging, the nice classy plain white or cream boxes sold for wedding favors at the craft store. We did all the favors for my grams wedding by hand, and I've been using the extras to sell jewelry and small things. The ones we used had a nice pearly sheen and are super easy to customize with some printed stickers or a bit of ribbon.

Anyone got pics of tables selling dolls or doll clothes? I'm doing a show in a month by myself for the first time and realized I have no idea how to set up the table. Mostly bjd stuff but have a few vintage ones too.

>>6989449
I've used patterns on the web, but I alter them a good deal so they aren't recognizable. Kind of terrible at drafting from scratch so I find one sort of as a reference and redraw it, and almost always change it pretty drastically to fit the style of my other plush. The only ones I've been to,d are cookie cutter looking are my ponies, which are one of the few I did from scratch. Theres only so many ways to make a pony I guess.

>>6993502
Oh Ponies... I miss the days of charging $300 for a pony plushie. Now you're lucky if you can get $80.

>>6993915
Fuck, I know. Ended up giving my last two to a friend's kid because they just wouldn't sell. So many people making cheap ones with iron on eyes and yarn hair.

How well do dolls clothes do? I'm making monster high kimonos.

>>6993477
Smart idea! If you don't use printed stickers, stamps work, or else the ol' print on paper and glue onto boxes.

>>6993489
I'll see what I have, I don't have a lot...

>>6994043
>So many people making cheap ones with iron on eyes and yarn hair.
Gross unless they make it look really nice like combed yarn hair, but then again we're talking about ponies here.