/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Does anyone here use Deleter Neopiko markers? I used to work exclusively with copics, but I got a few Neopiko markers as a freebie and I really liked them. Do you think they're worth buying several more to use with my copics?

>>7447625
I'm not a marker person, but I know this person here compared the two. Honestly, if you really like them, and they work for you, both artistically and budget wise, then I don't see why they wouldn't be worth buying more of.

>nattosoup.BS.com/2013/05/art-marker-showdown-neopiko-markers-vs.html

>>7447637
4chan warned me for trying to directly link to Blahgspot.

Question: Do artists need to pay sales tax on each item they sell?

I'm going to have an stand on a convention soon and I had the paranoid thoughts of people from the government checking in on any earned money during or after the con... Or am I "safe" because it's all cash money which they can't really check where it came from?

>>7447787
It's safe as long as its all cash money

>>7447787
Generally, you'll have to fill out a sales permit and sales tax form, but that depends on where you are. You should contact the head of your con's artist alley concerning it. Some cons won't let you sign up without it, and some don't even tell you about it until you get a letter in the mail months later with a late fee and permit form. You can lie ofc about how much you made if its all in cash since they can't really double check, and we're so small that they don't bother looking up on it, but you still generally have to fill out the forms. The permit itself costs way way more than any tax you'll be paying anyways.

I saw this recently and thought it was a good idea for those who want to sell sets of magnets or display them on a board.
Just glue washers to the back of some cardstock, or glue them to the front of your display.

Is it bad that a messy display sometimes turns me off of buying an item that I want? I think a display should look somewhat orderly instead of everything looking sloppy and unorganized. I see is as a way of taking pride in your work.

Did anyone take pics at animebostons aa? There were a lot of really nice displays this year I wish I had my camera.

So I came to the realization lately after stopping in the merch area of a con, that I could make half the stuff they're selling at all the art booths, and in better quality.

Thing is though, I know nothing about the selling side of cons. Has anyone had a booth at one and any advice for someone starting out?

Things I'll need, tips with customers, how to best present an area?

>>7448351
What're you going to make, anon? Like...art, plushies, amigurumi or what?

Here's a sort of general beginner's guide, might be a little outdated in parts.
>https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1ApauE6NiCVBgjQ6Yf8rnbPlmxcLIWKVVRWN9mKPAHQ0

As for presentation, it's best to have an eyecatching, space-filling display rather than laying things flat on your table. For art, people often have all of their available prints and buttons hung up on a plastic grid (like you probably saw); for plush crafts an d similar, you still should try to fill space and display vertically (here's Lucky Squid Studio's booth as an example)

>>7448379
Well, was thinking plushies. Saw some dude at one yesterday selling these absolute shit little pony ones. Like something I could whip out in a hour.
$75 and they were selling like hot cakes

Thing is though, I can do a lot of other stuff. Canvas paintings (small affordable ones), etched glass, etc.

Should I focus on just one thing like plushes? Or diversify and do say all 3, but with a common theme (show, movie, whatever)

>>7448351
Well, since you're sooo much more skilled than half the artists you see in the AA, I'm sure you can figure it out on your own. :)
At least >>7448379 was kind enough to actually try and give you some pointers, but if you walk into an AA thinking you're better than everyone else they're all gonna smell it on you and you're going to have a shit time because that stink travels and gossip hurts sales. Humble up a bit and realize that some of this shit actually takes a lot more work than you think and have some respect.

>>7448411
Well, seems that hyperbole went right over your head. The items I felt I could do a better job of making were the hand sewn plushes that didn't bother to hide their stitches, used felt, and sold for $50 each

Am I better than everyone? Fuck no. But I could do better than some of those people I saw yesterday. Which is why I'm here, asking for advice, not jumping right in, thinking anything I do will be phenomenal

>>7448444
I still think you should humble up a bit. You came off as obnoxious, like "I've got all of this pent up talent and I want to capitalize on it! Please spoonfeed me as much advice as possible on how to do so!"

In response to >>7448405, in a convention setting I think you should stick to things like plushes (and other merch that would be easy to carry around at a convention). Save the "finer stuff" for an online shop and sell limited runs of everything to increase the market and resale value of your work. The largest majority of con-goers go for the easy stuff, something they can carry or wear during the convention itself. Or prints/commissions they can easily store in a designated folder/binder/whatever.
It'll be a lot easier for you in the long run to do one or two things really well than to have a really wide variety of merch, unless you get enough stuff and have enough cash to square away a dealer's table.

>>7448405
I almost never see handicraft tables selling only one type of good. You should also probably not make them all from the same franchise (unless the con is only for that thing, like Brony-con).

Have you made any plushies or crafts for profit before? Tbh you might not be as good as you think, maybe try to sell a few via etsy first and if it seems like people want them move on to tabling. There's nothing sadder than those AA tables that everyone pretends not to see because the person is making things literally nobody wants to buy.

>>7448466
Umm to clarify I think if you go the plushie route, you can do other related things or different sizes of plushies, I agree with >>7448463 that the etched glass and canvases would be awkward at a con haha.

>>7448466
I have sold a couple paintings and plushes on Etsy prior, so I mean, they do sell at least

>>7448472
And yeah, I could see that. I was thinking if I did paintings or glass, it'd be small things. Like an 8x10" canvas that wouldn't take up much more room than prints. Or shot glasses with various emblems, logos, etc

Something they could carry around, but not have be a huge hassle

>>7448497
Glass is still a scary thing to carry around if you're a shitfaced weeb who does nothing but glomp your friends all day.
If you did the shot-glass thing, first you'd be competing with every shitty dealer in the dealer's room who's reselling factory-made shot glasses from taobao, and second you'd have to provide the customer with some sort of packaging to keep the item safe (like a box+some kind of insert for stability) and that shit gets really expensive really quickly.
Also, canvases tend to get holes punched in them pretty easily, so you'd have to probably sell those boxed too.
...or don't and risk having an angry weeb screaming at you table demanding a refund because you sold him a "defective" and "cheaply made" item.
Again, you're not just looking at the expense of creating the item, you've gotta consider the logistics of your buyer getting the item home safely (though if you've got the cash for it, selling boxed items with your name/logo/website is an awesome way to advertise and make sure the person remembers you once they're home).

>>7448514
Hmm, hadn't thought about the holes in the canvas. Fair point on that

The glasses, I saw some other folk just like super wrapping them in white paper at one booth, at the seemed to keep them pretty secure. But I see your point on going against the premade ones and still trying to keep them safe

>>7448521
Yeah, unfortunately pretty much anything fandom-related you can think of to put on a shot glass that would sell well has probably already been done 100x cheaper in a Chinese sweatshop and is being sold in the Dealer's Room.
This is why people usually just end up selling prints and buttons, it's way way way easier. But if you can make a niche for yourself with well-made handicrafts (like plushes), you might be on to something. Just make sure your products are EXTREMELY consistent in quality, and that you have some kind of loop or swing tag with your name and some place to find you on the internet. Make it yours and make people remember you.

>>7448541
Just one more question before I take off for the night.

Quantity

How much of stuff should I make? Let's say I'm going with plushes. Would it be reasonable to have loads of small ones, couple medium, and like a handful of big expensive ones? And if so, what sort of numbers should I place with these?
The con I'm planning on going to had about 900 folk last year, likely more this one since it's a fairly young con

>>7448161
I can see where you're coming from. At the same time, I can't think of any instance where a display has been so unorganized I just had no interest in buying anything.

>>7448379
That google docs has been organized into a nice, updated version here, btw.
>http://www.artistalleysurvivalguide.com/

>>7448466
I don't think that is a fair advice. My online sales are shit but I make killings at cons. (which is why I LOVE going to anime cons). I did take me a while to test out different cons/craft fairs to see what worked best.

I guess there's something people like about seeing the thing in person and getting it right there. The short attention span of anime kids are the best.

Also knowing how to retail helps too.

>>7449752
This, and also people are more likely to buy at cons because they won't have to pay shipping. I know sometimes on etsy I won't buy an item if the shipping is as much as the item is (if the item is cheap).

>>7449752
This. AA runs on the fuel of the impulse buy. Also it's pretty hard to get your product out to everyone who wants it. I made over $1K last con for my crafts which is more than half of my total etsy sales from the year. And only one person was like "oh hey didn't I see this on reddit?"

What's everyone's opinion on making and selling stuff from a franchise you're not interested in/fucking hate only because it's popular.

The only series I'm into that's popular is Madoka and maybe Adventure Time. I don't enjoy pretty much every other flavor of the season that the tumblr crowd does. But I can't just have a table full of Madoka prints.

Just popping in to say that at the last convention I went to, there was someone selling oyster shells with a marble hot-glued in them...

And they were $10.

>>7449964
Make sure to do attack on titan, but remember that having niche prints may be good as well if everyone else is behind . I bought a little witch academia print because I was happy the artist bothered to like it as much as I did and make fanart~

something i'm about to point out to a friend of mine- if you're having trouble keeping up with current trends because you're to busy or something, make sure to take pictures of cosplays that you're seeing a lot of and don't recognize. while the trend will eventually pass it'll still likely be marketable and you can always sell back-stock online or something.

seems like kind of a no-brainer but it's something i hadn't thought of yet, and haven't really seen my friends doing it, so i thought i'd pop in and point it out.

>>7449964
You should provide some stuff for the popular fandoms, but not all of them. I have a keychain that sells well that are just laser cut black kamina glasses, but the Homestuck people love them because they look like Dirk glasses. I couldn't care less about Homestuck. As long as you're polite to the people who are into fandoms you don't care about them it doesn't really matter. At least bother to know a little bit about them.

>>7449981
This. Had a couple people last con that just wanted to buy all hte AoT stuff they could find.

>>7448379
what do you call those display... box grid things?

>>7449964
I don't give two shits about ponies, but bronies will practically throw their money at you for a nice plush or keychain with their favorite on them
Which is where most of my craft sales have been coming from lately

Does anybody have more photos of cute craft tables like OP? I'm hoping to start selling in AA with similar stuff and I wanna gather ideas/inspiration outside of "make everything pink".

For more experienced AA folks, what cons would you say you had the best time selling at? Profit/fun/organization wise? I want to start traveling around a bit more but I'm not sure where to go besides AX, Otakon, and Sakuracon .

>>7450208
Usually just "wire cubes"

>>7450208
grid storage cubes. you can buy them at target or walmart.

>>7450772
I like Fanime a lot (despite the organization issues), but my sales tend to be better at small cons like AOD.

>>7447638
Like in this photo, where do folks get the professional looking pop-ups for the Square Readers? I have a reader, but I love the quality look of these little signs. Do they just make them themselves?

>>7449752
Not to mention anime kids generally cannot purchase goods from artist they like online, but their pockets are just stuffed with cash at cons. My mom laughs so hard every time I bring this up.

>>7449964
I could never sell something I didn't enjoy just because with my luck I'll end up with the one person that wants to talk about it and I'll be like "lawls. which one is that again?, Oh right!" I guess it's a good cover up but I start zoning out after that.

Do whatever you like and maybe toss in a few flavor of the months plus some stuff for the nostalgia feels. I think that way it's a good balance.

>>7450772
Profit: SakuraCon 2009 or I think 2010. It was when the AA was separate from the Dealer's Hall and in this big enclosure sort of thing in the hallway on the way to panels. On average, I do best at Fanime, though, because of the lower costs. The one time I went to Ota I also did really well.

Fun: SakuraCon and Fanime. Last year's AX was really good too because it was a lot of hangouts with friends. I'm looking forward to it this year too.

Pretty stoked for Kawaii Kon in a week or so, I'll let you know how that goes. I've heard a lot of good things

Can we start a list (or maybe on googledocs) to keep track of different cons' AA registration time? Or just rough estimates? Also, additional tips and info on different AAs would be amazing! Such as where the best seating is, who to avoid, what times are the busiest, etc.

>>7449964
I'm trying to have more popular stuff included, but I really enjoy selling things that I personally love already. On that note, do you guys think that Space Dandy will be popular this year at conventions? I don't really see Tumblr all over it like they are with Kill la Kill, but I really love the characters and made a print. I'm just hoping it'll do okay.

>>7449972
Did it do well?

What the heck should I do with old prints? I have quite a few that I just no longer care for and honestly regret buying at this point. I've moved on.

Throwing them away seems like a waste, but reselling seems bad...

>>7452040
Do a giveaway and credit the artists? I've got the same problem too, anon. I have a lot of old homestuck shirts and I loss interest in the series after all the dumbfucks joined the series. I didn't want to donate them to goodwill because they're pretty valuable but I didn't want to keep them because I don't have closet space for them anymore.

>>7451746
I know that personally, I was stalking the AB alley for Space Dandy stuff and was super sad I didn't see any. So, take that how you will- as a customer I really wanted to see it, but all the artist's there didn't stock it. So one of us is clearly on to something here.

>>7452081
You could probably resell the shirts without much of a hassle. I know everyone is all OMG YOU CAN'T SELL HOMESTUCK STUFF but those shirts are your property and I think it's perfectly within your rights to resell your old clothes, regardless of the logo on the front. Slap 'em on eBay and you'll probably get someone to bite.

Alternatively, Tumblr giveaways for popular stuff like Homestuck merch are a great way to get more traffic on your blog.

When you head to a con, how much of your product do you usually make? Either prints, plushes, keychains, whatever.
What's a good quantity to take?

>>7452151
Yes, the creators confirmed at some point that it was ok to sell one-off 3d merchandise and commissions based on their work as long as the items were unique. So like, you can't make and sell 10 Vriska shirts or a HS print, but you can sell your particular Vriska shirt or draw an HS commission

>>7452236
It all depends on the foot traffic the AA at that particular con expects. Generally, for plushies, I want to know how much space I have on the table, and bring enough to cover the whole thing (not including the space that will be taken up by my vertical cubes and the plushies that will go in there).

I like to bring 3-4 huge plushies with big price tags, about 10 plushies with mid-range price tags, and about 20 little tiny plushies with low price tags, if not more depending on how much time I have before the con to make new stock (also, these numbers are what I take to the cons I table at, which are mostly under 1k attendants). Having a decent spread creates visual interest for the table, and people will buy the high-price ones eventually- especially after the first one sells. Once people realize that the big ones are in fact selling, they'll want to snatch up the others quickly. Works every time. I've had people buy items they didn't even recognize in the 'buyer's frenzy' when they realize my plushie stock is depleting.

For pins, I usually print and punch 30 of each design and keep them in my pin box to be pressed when my stock of pins runs low. Sometimes I'll print more or less of a certain design if I know how well it sells- niche designs get less printed and really popular designs get more. I try to keep at least 2 of each design pressed and ready to be sold at all times, if not more, since people will sometimes want 2 of the same design for a friend or something.

>>7451732
Anon from earlier asking about cons; I'd absolutely love something like this!

>>7452279
The con I'm planning on going to had around 1k last year, so that gives me a good estimate

Now when you say vertical cubes, what do you mean? I'm pretty new to this all

What do you guys carry everything in? I was contemplating on using a rolling backpack or even a suitcase to put everything in, but I'd rather have my products laid neatly in a rolling bin or something. Any recommendations?

>>7452653

>>7452656

>>7452660

>>7452661

>>7452664

>>7452667
I thought this was a shared table layout. Would look good for one.

>>7452632
I like to use big plastic tubs, that I stack on a rolling cart and bungee cord into place. This way everything is neatly packed, and the bins can be left behind in your car or hotel room as you run out of stock throughout the weekend, so you're not lugging them all to and from the con, like you would with a large suitcase. (This is, of course, only a thing you need to worry about if the con's AA is not well-locked at night, which is true for some smaller cons, especially those in venues that open up for other reasons aside from the con itself, or if you know you won't be up at the crack of dawn to get into the AA and watch over your stuff as soon as it unlocks in the morning).

>>7452301
I mean these wire cubes- I usually stack them vertically with open fronts and use them to display plushies, and clipping keychains onto the sides. If I have any products with flat bottoms that sit really well, I'll perch them on the top. This allows you to fit way more into your table display. For a 1k attendant con, I recommend 4 cubes at the least- stack two on each end of the table and you've got a nice little place for plushies.

I went to a 1k con just a month ago or so and had four cubes, and this was enough to display most of my plushies. But, by the time Sunday rolled around, we'd sold enough that we only needed to set up one cube.

>>7451760

Nope. She got irritated when I walked away, though.

>>7453014
That's always the worst. When you're browsing the AA and you can tell people get annoyed when you walk away from their table. If I was contemplating getting something from them, that's something that can make me not want to come back for the item.

>>7452653
>$150 for a pony plushie

Is this for real? maybe I should get in on this too...

>>7453071
yes

>>7453071
Yeah, the ones with the embroidered eyes and cutie marks can go for a lot of money, especially since most AAs get flooded with cheap felt/fleece versions.

>>7452236
I try to make/bring as much as I can. As much as my little hands can make in the months prior to the con. Even if everything doesn't fit on table, after a while room will be made from sales and I can bring out the rest of the stock.

>>7452632
Are you traveling in car, train/bus or air?

I personally don't have a car, which not only limits the con I can go to, but I had to really figure out my way of building and transporting my display and stock for my travels.

If you are selling/bringing art/prints, that's always the easy part. It's the heavy cubes that is the bitch to carry. (which is why I don't bother with them.

>>7453145
I don't have a car either and I just rented one for the weekend to go sell at a con. It cost more than taking the bus, but it cut out taxi fees to go to and from the con center, and having a car allowed us to bring more boxes of stock than the bus would allow, so in the end it was a good way to spend our seller's budget.

>>7452660
>Asian girls that draw
Hehe

>>7453071
the want has gone down on them because Hasbro finally started releasing decent plush for under $50 bucks, the only way one is gonna go for $150 any more is if it's got a fuck hole

Whats a good place to sell AA type stuff outside of AA and not on the interner?

>>7453435
all i can think of is selling in some sort of store were geeks congregate, though i dont imagine youd do very good business. And opening your own shop sounds like a bad idea.
guess it depends on what your selling.

>>7452653
Those are really well made plushies though.

>>7453228
$150 is a bit much, but at least it's embroidered and well made. Also, they can probably make the minor characters that hasbro wont even touch. Hasbro's merch still looks really shitty though, even with the release of the beanie baby versions of the main 6.

>>7447908
I already signed the contract for the stand + paid for it so the con didn't tell me anything beforehand...

Thanks for the info though! I will send the con a message.

>>7453071
Fuck yes. That's what I'm doing. Sold 3 already for +$100

And like >>7453699 said. If you get those background characters, you're golden. Bronies go nuts over the ones that don't have a speaking role/full of head-canon

Don't know why, but that shit sells

Next time i'll bring an actual camera and not my damned phone. We backed the wire grid with a black cloth (clipped up top) that we could flip over the front of the display at night to cover the merch.

Screw my phone camera, seriously.

Better pic this time, although it's still terrible since taken on my phone before they flicked on full lighting. We backed the wire grid with a black cloth (clipped up top) that we could flip over the front of the display at night to cover the merch.

Going to switch to half pipe/half grid for next big convention to make use of the wasted space on the right and left of the grid (and behind us). Table space was also wasted and will be used for books.

>>7454617
>Rough idea of what I mean, with smaller pipe frame behind and allowance for people sitting in front.

>>7453778
some states offer small business sellers permits for free.
California does, you can ask your city hall about it or fill one out online, online it only takes 2-5 days for them to approve you and you just print the permit out. You need to keep track of all your sales and item expenses though.

>>7453699
What would you price a fleece one at, eyes & cutie mark are hand painted applique. I made 3 way back when Ponies were less annoying than now, I sold Fluttershy for $65 and recently discounted my brother's friend Pinkie Pie for $40. I've got an Apple Jack left, but if they're really still going for decent prices I'll whip out another few before the con

>>7454690
How big is it?

I saw some, that same material makeup, at a con the other day going for $75 for chibi size. If it's like 12in, I'd say at least $60-80

If not, try for a nice medium $50

>>7454623
I like it, will you be placing prints on the outer parts of the walls (the white parts) as well? I place smaller prints just to get people interested to come closer and check out the rest/front of my table

>>7454809
The triangle setups will be pushed to the back edge of the table so the white sides wont really be seen due to the neighboring displays (most likely). The 20x56inch fronts will have rows of 5x7 prints (which I believe each can hold 32 prints on). Seems good in theory, so we'll have to see once a mockup is made.

Just venting some frustration at Fanime AA for a sec.

I wish they'd freakin just outright say what they're looking for in these portfolios. While they haven't proven very much to us in the ways of competence or efficiency, they HAVE to know that even with filtering out bootleggers and "illegitimate" artists they're gonna have way more than the 200+ applicants that they have room for. There has to be another criteria but I feel like they just won't up and explain for fear of, I dunno, hurting people's feelings or freaking people out. It'd be a lot easier and less stressful if they'd just tell us what that is, though. I guess I'm not mad, just mildly irritated and if they pull some sort of "oh but we were also looking for THIS in your portfolios!" bullshit AFTER they select people I'm gonna be.... well, probably no more than exasperated but I mean damn.

I'm getting too old for this shit. God, dealing with conventions is a fucking pain in the ass.

>>7454837
But your art quality.. you're sure to be accepted. Don't fret. I think the only way of telling what they're looking for will be after the event starts and you're able to browse the artists accepted.

Most florida cons go by first-come first-served or the infamous myconsonline system of zerging the site in order to get tables for friends.

>>7454864
This. I think they just want to make sure that good artists are getting priority over kiddies with art that just isn't ripe yet and that someone isn't just trying to book 10 tables for themselves like that same-face fag.

>>7453435
flea market?

>>7454864
Haha, thanks. It's not just that, though. Like if I got accepted but an equally qualified artist didn't (or vice versa) it'd be so fucking shady if they explained WHY that other artist didn't get accepted after the fact. Right now they're telling us that the only criteria that they're looking for is original art/original fanart/original crafts etc to avoid copyright issues or whatever else but they have to know as well as anyone else that the number of qualified artists will definitely exceed what they have room for.

Like A-Kon had the bootleg/legitimacy criteria AND FCFS to ensure that all slots were filled by qualified artists. Fanime has quality down, apparently, but what about quantity? How are they going to balance the fact that the number of qualified applicants will exceed the number of tables they have and why can't they just tell us that shit straight up?

I think I'm just bitter and annoyed as fuck by how Fanime's been handling things this year. Anyway, godspeed to everyone applying!

>>7454879
And goodluck to you!
Anyone have an exact date when applications will be open?

>>7454888
Tomorrow through Friday, noon to noon. I think it's like a 48 hour submission window?

>>7454879
There's always artists at the bottom of the list to weed out. I'm pretty sure they're just going to sort it by skill level and weed out the ones on the bottom of the list. If anyone makes it through and sells prints on 20lb paper in protective binder sheets... then i'd be extremely surprised.

>pic very related

>>7454899
Thanks!

>>7454898
> If anyone makes it through and sells prints on 20lb paper in protective binder sheets... then i'd be extremely surprised.
Oh, I thought you were referencing the person from earlier in the thread.

>We're Always Out
Is that slogan supposed to imply that they're so good, they always manage to sell out of everything? Idk, for a slogan it doesn't really give me an encouraging feel or impression in any way. It might just be me, but the first thought in my head is either being unprepared or just physically not at their stand.

>>7454617
>>7454623
I think the new display will be a huge improvement. I really wish your lanyards stood out more on your display, they're really cool.

>>7453435
If your community has something similar to first fridays, and the quality and type/demand is there, those aren't bad ideas either. It is reaching out to a much more mainstream audience, but me and my friends have used it a few times to sell our more mainstream works (realistic, surrealist, and abstract paintings).

>>7449964
I don't have a problem with making stuff from a franchise you're not interested in, but I don't generally do it myself. A lot of my attention comes from having anime interest in that middle ground; lots of shows popular enough to be recognized, but not popular enough to be picked up by other AA'ers.
I always believe that you should draw what you want to draw, and everything else will fall into place if you have your heart behind your work.

>>7454699
thank you 50 sounds good since they're just fleece.

>>7454899
Different anon, but do you guys think there's a difference if I apply as soon as it goes up or if I apply some time during the middle of the application period?

>>7455161
There shouldn't be, but I'd apply as early as possible, just to be on the safe side?

Anyone else having trouble with the Fanime application? I've added only 2 artists and 2 helpers (which is the maximum allowed per account), but the system keeps telling me I'm over the limit of helpers. I even tried getting rid of one helper but it still won't go through.

>>7455161
do it early

Hell I applied to a smaller con right when they opened the form up for it and it was sold out before the day was even done

>>7454837
Hey Tim I've been reading your posts since the first few aa threads and I'm about to apply to fanime too, it'll be my first west coast con (both hopefully selling and attending) and I just wanted to say I hope you get in so I can meet you.
These threads are always so helpful thanks everyone for posting in them and maintaining them becouse they are way more informative than con forum aa threads.

Woo. Ordered 50 3DSXL and 40 3DS cases for my next AA table.

Rant time,

Every year Nintendo comes out with a new DS, and I always have people asking "do you have XDS that just came out 2 months ago? No? You need to keep up with the times if you want my money" (actually said to me last year about the 3DSXL)

If someone asks about the 2DS I will calmly freak out on the inside. Unless it's a kid.

Sorry for the rant, getting stressed out already and the con is still 2 months away

>>7456904
Aww I made my own little clear case cat art for my 3ds. Yours must sell pretty well, even I get asked if my case is for sale (it's not).

>2DS, the slice of bread

>>7456908
it's the bread and butter of my AA table, haha.

I started out making my own cases when I designed my own like you did and a couple friends wanted me to make some for theirs and now here I am :)

>>7456917
That's fricking sweet :0 We'd love to see a few examples and/or a place you sell them at. Mine's just a printed glossy photo placed under the clear case, not really held in place by anything other than being tight under the plastic.

>>7456928
Aw thanks! My cases are skins just like how yours work. I sell the cases with a couple skins so people can switch them up :) I'm one of those people that constantly change my desktop wallpaper weekly, and the semi-permanent sticker DS cases always made me had second thoughts about putting them on

I'm going to be opening up a storenvy account for my overstock from my AA table. For now all I have is a SUPER outdated livejournal and DA account. Search for "designsbycorkylunn" on DA and "corkylunn" on livejournal

>>7457022
>designsbycorkylunn
Ohshiiii I've seen that katamari one before and didn't know where it came from. Also, your AA table was posted a bit before. Now it makes sense, adorable stuff, cant wait to see the updated designs!

>>7456917
How much do they go for?

>>7457061
aww thank you -^^-
The Katamari one was done as a commission (since Katamari is on the Playstation I didn't imagine DS users to ever want it) and now it's one of my most popular skins.

>>7457069
I sell 2 skins and the case for $20, and usually drop it to $15 on Sunday if I have any cases left.

Speaking of skins, is there anything that you guys would like to see on a DS? I know I've asked this before, but new people, new thread.

>>7457095
Llamas are huge right now.

>>7457095
that looks awesome!
maybe do something like apple does and incorporate the DS logo into the designs

>>7457103
yes, YES! Thank you :D

>>7457104
Ah, this was from my first order of cases, my new ones don't have the squares anymore, thank god. That would be a fun project though :)

>>7457103
Alpacas.

>http://paperwingspodcast.com/sabotage-sale-artists-alley
A pretty good article for newbies.

Gonna be randomly bitter for a moment if y'all don't mind

My friend and I have been trying to get into AA at our local con two years in a row, and this year we didn't bother. First year, the con lost our application and basically we were never even looked at for it. The second year we got disqualified for having MLP merch despite the con not saying they had a 'AA wide ban' on it (which was a lie since half of the people in AA that year had pony shit).

And this year we didn't try because staff was pissing us off, and another pair of friends got in on their first try.

I'm a little bitter and it's very disenchanting, but I'll still probably try again next year. Just needed a place to vent and ask if anybody else has had to deal with crap like this.

>>7457113
do you sell cases online too?

>>7461420
goddamn. I feel for you anon.

"Banning" MLP merch would be a weird thing to implement. Unless the creators have mentioned you can't sell it (like Homestuck/Disney/NightVale) what's the point of trying to ban it?

Have you tried contacting the head of the con? Maybe let them know that the AA staff is not the best?

>>7461423
I most likely will. I'll sell the skins separately for people that already have the cases.

>>7461493
I have not. I didn't think I'd get anywhere since I was pretty pissed with the staff and they were getting pissed right back. If I'd been able to keep my cool maybe, but eh.

>>7461420
Sounds like AWA

Okay. So I've been doing the AA thing for several years but can't really seem to get the hang of it. My display is different every time, my helpers are different every time (case in point: Had a really controlling boyfriend, he would coerce me into packing up the table early or demand changes to the layout etc), Always trying new things and trying to adapt for conventions.

How the hell do I make a display that's GOOD?
I mean, draws attention but isn't too complicated and folks can actually still see me behind the wire cubes and what the fuck do I use for display that's easier to set up than the cubes?

My studio name has a bit of stigma attached to it, web drama and shit, and I just want to start over under a different name.

/cgl, how?

I don't know why or how people can buy shit from Artist Alley instead of an officially licensed poster. Alot of these drawings look like shit, and the ones that look good get charged a fuck ton by the faggot "artist"

>>7453009
>tfw these things are so cool and practical but you can't buy them in europe
>I mean you can, but for $80 shipping fees
>life is suffering

>>7462073
Cute things and colour attract the eye at conventions. That might be somewhere to start. Also put some cheap things up for sale, even if they're cabochons glued onto rings. People like cheap things, and may give you the time to buy your more expensive items, too.

>>7462073
Ah, if your name already has a reputation attached to it (and not a good one at that), you should definitely change it for the better. At least people will be like, "What? ___ is actually ___ from before? They got much better/reliable/etc!" instead of "Ugh, it's ___, better avoid them." People will at least unknowingly give you a chance before passing judgment.

>>7461790
Nah, it's a midwest con, which probably covers all you need to know about how dumb it is.

Hey MyFebronia, how well did your lanyards sell for $8 each? I'm interested in selling some, but I don't know how to price them.

Hey guys, since these threads have become pretty regular, I was thinking of trying to get a google doc together with links to AA guides and websites where you can get stuff printed. Would anybody be interested in having that?

>>7464116
That would be magnificent

>>7464116
Sounds great. I've thought about having a Q&A for quite a while now, I think that'd be a pretty good part of it too.
I'd be happy to help however I can.

What's your thoughts on rooms at a con?
Is it better to have your own for security and such, or would you be fine splitting one with a friend who's going?

Thoughts on kigurumis?

>>7464260
The same as any situation. Don't room with someone you don't trust. I don't see why rooming as an artist alley-er would be any different, as regularly you'd still be putting your cash, clothes, and other possessions at risk. If you can't trust them 100%, do inventory regularly.

>>7464393
I've always wanted a kigu but I've never found a design that I like. I get the feeling I'll find it from someone in the AA that makes them. Maybe ask the public and see what they're looking for?

I could always see them doing well at cons, they're super popular right now

I'm thinking of selling my art on some notebooks for my next AA. Has anyone tried this? Am I insane? They're somewhat expensive to print.

>>7464099
Quite well, half are sold. The main issue with them was that I received a lot more defects that I originally anticipated. Make sure they triple check yours before shipping.

>>7464560
something like this? I've seen them in AA before, the covers are usually cutesy. Things like candy/space/chibis/mascots.

I don't think you're insane. Go for it!

>>7464393
Bulky to ship/carry but if you have a neat design, it'll probably sell really quickly. If you do kigus, people would probably be really interested in commissions so you could take like at-con commissions and ship them out after the con.

>>7464685
Yeah, that was the type of binding exactly that I was thinking about. Thank you kind anon.

Does anybody knows where I can print custom deco tape/ washi tape?

>>7464116
That would be awesome. I found this site http://www.printaholic.com/ and it's pretty thorough but they're still missing a few companies like catprint

My boyfriend and I are going to start doing aa but i'm worried my stuff won't sell...

I mostly make embroidered patches. I am currently working on some Animal Crossing badges, like the ones that Phineas gives out. My patches have sold well at music festivals but I don't know about con-goers. I usually charge $7-15, depending in complexity of the image.

Pic related: one of my magical girl brooch patches.

>>7465246
damn it, I dropped my picture.

>>7465253
It's taking me a while to see what this is depicting. Is it based off something?

>>7465246
If you don't mind me suggesting a couple things that might go well:

-The Animal Crossing ones would be pretty sweet, but I get the feeling hardcore fans might be the only ones that really care enough to want them.
-Sailor Moon Brooches
-TF2 classes icons as brooches
-Digimon crest brooches
-Pokemon balls would be cool, even the gym badges

Now pricing, I'm worried a lot of people will be iffy on $7-$15 unless they're big, like, 3" big.
I recommend doing a $7 each or 3 for $19 kinda deal, it'll help hopefully.

>>7465253
This doesnt look that nice imo sorry. I can tell a lot of work went into but considering there are people out there selling real patches made with machines I dont think these would sell that well. Also the design is crooked so if you do plan on selling these you need to be more neat.

>>7465259
it's creamy mami's brooch. she's pretty popular with the tumblr/kawaii crowd

>>7465269
thanks for the suggestions

>>7465311
thanks. it's one of my older pieces so I think the construction is better now but I appreciate it.

Okay guys, anon from earlier who suggested the google doc. It should be open to anybody with the link, so please feel free to add any info and companies you like! I listed companies I knew of and tried to only add extra info if I had any or had seen any, but if you have other experiences feel free to add them.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjR3z9vQGXJOdEdhbFNYQnJfcW5VazVaendRaHMzaHc&usp=sharing

>>7465414
Edit mode is off it seems

>>7465414
I feel like it needs to be a lot more organized. A section for prints, a section for charms, business cards, etc. Repeats are fine, but if this list gets too long in this manner, it'll be harder to find things.

>>7465414
How about some extra pages for links to and just add on reviews for the major sites, much like the Taobao spreadsheet? I think it'd be helpful to see actual reviews and personal accounts rather than just "Reviews have been positive from all who ordered".

>>7465432
Oops, let me fix that!

>>7465441
>>7465443
Apologies, never made a spreadsheet before but I figured I'd give it a try. I'll try to fix it up and re-link when I can!

All right, you guys should be able to put in any edits you like now. Sorry if it's still kind of cluttered/empty. I put it all into categories and listed companies good for specific things, that way individual things they offer can be reviewed and such.

>>7464881
I googled about this recently and looks like aliexpress has an option. MT washi tape is really nice quality but I don't think they offer a custom order. It's worth a check/email though.

>>7465414
>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjR3z9vQGXJOdEdhbFNYQnJfcW5VazVaendRaHMzaHc&usp=sharing

Oh nice, I was the one who asked about starting a list. Thanks, this is a great start so far! I'll contribute whatever I can.

>>7465414
Can we add conventions and resources that are not in the US? Also is it possible to specify where the places in the resources tab ship to? I notice some do not ship internationally.

>>7465728
I think we're just slowly adding on to it right now, and the only contributors are US-based. Once we have more people helping out, we should be able to add in non-US locations.

>>7465414
>You have it written that the con of Zap creatives is the printed backside. You do know those peel off right? Even Printsess did that.

You have the cutest lanyard MyFebronia. Just got my package today from impulse buying from these threads.

One quick question on your design on the lanyard for curiosity sake. Did you compensate for the art to be folded at the ring? Because if you do more in the future, it'll help with make the lanyard more mirrored. Right now, it's just a tad off from being equally mirrored.

>>7467868
Oh snap! Yea when the company described the offsets, I had allowed for SOME variations. Turns out, they went and clipped more than they had told me they would, and both sides ended up not matching 100%. So i'll know next time around to confirm with the supplier about these issues, or to just add 2 inches of space allowing for the wrap-around so poor tuxedo's face isn't sewn shut on one side! haha

bump

I'm planning on getting a new printer and am thinking of using it to print stickers and prints from home, any suggestions of what printer would be best?

So I'm gonna be running a booth for the first time at AAC this year, and one thing I was thinking of doing was a series of prints that parodied popular album artwork (mixing it with various anime). Things like Dark Side of the Moon with Evangelion's Ramiel, Nevermind with Haruka from Free!, and Weezer's Blue Album with the Four Devas from Kill la Kill. Do you think this sort of thing would sell? I'm trying to go for covers that are iconic enough that people will recognize them even if they're not huge on the band in question.

>>7448472

the one time I sold at an AA the plushies that sold out first were pillow sized ones and little ones

To those who sell art, could you post pictures of your setup and around how much total you made?

>>7473178
yeah, that'll sell. People like them reference crossovers.

>>7473178
forsure! If t-shirt crossovers have taught me anything, it sells REALLY well if done right. Especially Dr. Who crossovers and Pokémon crossovers.

Album cover crossovers are always fun (Gorillaz, Queen, Nirvana, David Bowie).

>>7474141
Here are the last 2 years of my setup (where I had a little thought towards how it was set up). Not perfect in any way and don't suggest anyone to set up like this.

2012 was my best year and my profit was $2000+
2013 wasn't as great but I still did a little less than $1000.

Did anyone else notice if last was wasn't as great as others?

>>7474195
*if last year

derp

>>7474195
your 2013 setup looks waaay too cluttered

>>7474195
>Did anyone else notice if last was wasn't as great as others?

I definitely did. I would have loved to pretend that the recession only affected the outside world, and not my happy little weekend escape I call a con, but I'm afraid that it's looking that way. I haven't really heard from anyone that that year was better for them, but who knows.

>>7474215
It looks like she's sharing a table with another, anon.

>>7474195
I can't really give an accurate result of 2013, but 2014 so far has been awesome.

Anyone knows where I can get custom boobpad/asspad printed?

>>7474310
http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&SearchText=gel+mousepad+custom

>>7474315
Thanks!
>min 200 orders though

>>7474323
look on aliexpress instead

>>7474327
I tried with the same search term, they are all around 1000 min orders

>>7474323
Yeah, MOQs are the bane of my existence. Unfortunately, it's understandable. Most of the factory-produced things we'd love to sell are for huge wholesalers and companies, not for some kids sitting around with a table. It's a painful investment, but the cost of manufacturing low amounts are less profitable for them.
I think it hurts even more when the listing has a low MOQ, then you message them and they say it was a typo and they missed a 0.
>;_;

>>7474327
Aliexpress only has two with MOQs of 1000.

>>7474323
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/high-quality-Silicon-Gel-Customized-gaming-mouse-pad-with-wrist-rest-protecting-hands/505030288.html

>>7474334
Thanks a lot, anon!
>15$
This makes me want to look into directly contacting the sellers directly from taobao.
Do you guys have any selling experiences with pads like these?

>>7474328
you have to search mouse pad instead of mousepad

>>7474339
There is http://www.aliexpress.com/item/3D-beauty-breast-fabric-silicon-gel-wrist-rest-computer-customized-mouse-pad/519967446.html

10 piece lot and $11 a piece, markup to $20 and that's pretty good profit.

>>7474342
Ah, that was my bad. Sorry.

>>7474345
No worries, sometimes these translations are tricky.

>>7474346
You are the best anon ;_;

>>7474195
>>7474288

I'd like to see more shared table setups, actually. Pic related.

>>7474517
Yours looks WAY more organized and clean :)
I'll have another shared to post this year since the girl with me in the photo will be buds yet again.

I really need to plan this shit out. It's always the last thing on my mind

is having a lot of different styles of art jarring to see or is it interesting?
i dont have any particular style that i stick to and so it really jumps around to match whatever the subject matter is
not sure if thats going to turn people from off if theres a bunch of styles all in one space

The image is not mine but does anyone know where I could get keychains made similar to this? With the gold outline?

>>7475454
That looks to be a metal charm. I think zap!creatives does metal, but not in gold I think. They do have metallic gold acrylic they can print on though.

is it just me or is everyone and their mom getting those prism prints made with that one dude? I'm guessing it's all from the same guy because shape and prism wise they all look the same. Forgot the name of the dude though.

>>7475515
The only place I know of that can get the prism prints is Jimi, but that's two girls, not a guy.

And personally I've never seen them in person at my local cons, but maybe they'll show up this year

>>7477082
oh I accidentally read it as 'Jim' before so that's why I thought it was a dude
and yeah I've seen a whole bunch of artist I follow preparing art or having already received prism prints to sell at upcoming cons

Do artists find prints selling well?

Would it be worth buying cheap poster frames so people already have something they can hang on a wall?

Pic related- I'm doing Pokemon themed prints.

>>7477296
That's probably because they do it in huge group orders, and everyone's just receiving them now? So they're a lot more prevalent right now because everyone's just getting them. Personally, the MOQ is just a bit too high for me.

>>7475454
Printcess used to do them for free but they closed, try a wholesale store.

>>7475140
I always stay clear of one artist with really different because usually it's stolen. There was a fairly well known 'artist' in my fandom who would just take pixiv art, crop out other peoples' sigs add his and turn it into prints. Most of the prints would be jarringly different styles of anime in the same medium so either he was an amazing artist or he stole it. One of my friends who actually stalks the tag on pixiv found him out and exposed him to the con staff and he was banned. I don't believe that everyone with different styles are thiefs but it is a bit weird.

>>7477680
Not the original anon, but i've spent a lot of the last year experimenting with different techniques and styles, and I do want to sell them as prints, so this is kind of sad to hear. My color theory and composition are still pretty even across the board though, which might help?

>>7477701
I think they're saying that it's pretty blatantly obvious when someone has just stolen art and cropped out the watermark, versus when they're just experimenting with different styles.

>>7477706
I was basically saying that, I also wanted to point out that to the untrained eye it /may/ look like stolen to people, but it also might just look like experimenting. Sorry, I just woke up so I'm not too good with expression.

>>7477680
Aw dang well I definitely dont want to give off that impression
i just really cant find a unifying style, or even method of coloring that i like enough to stick with
http://gyazo.com/4b1c93461641365791dfb381f362ae6c
like these are some of my WIP's and with what you're saying im afraid that might be peoples first assumption, especially with it being my first year

>>7477336
i personally wouldnt want to buy something framed, if i bought a print i wouldnt want something that would be hard to carry around outside of a poster tube. I would probably end up telling myself to go back later and then forgetting. plus I think you'd lose money investing that much into frames

>>7478740
Yo, you've got some good stuff going that will sell but you're right in thinking that there are too many styles going on. Maybe you could select 3 styles and make a spread with them? 1 cute, 1 cool and 1 detailed style with a few things in each would show that you can be a diverse artist without looking like you're all over the place. If you get to the end of the season and don't like one of the styles anymore or develop, then you can switch out.

>>7478765
ah thank you! thats actually a really good idea
and i think it'll make drawing pin designs faster if i just do say cute ones

on a side note, I just got a buttload of fleece really cheap from joanns in medium pink, black, red and a soft yellow and Im trying to come up with some plush ideas

More info for you guys who've submitted to the Fanime artist alley.

>Artists, thank you for your patience during the selection process. We have completed the selection process and approvals will be going out within the next week. An email with more information will be going out soon. Those of you approved for a table will have your account advanced to the next step. Those of you that we're not selected in this first round will have your account marked as 'not selected'. In the case that selected accounts are withdrawn or do not meet a deadline, we may subsequently contact you. Regardless, you will not be guaranteed a table until you complete all steps of the application.

>>7477336
Sometimes it depends on the con. I was at KawaiiKon this past weekend and the general consensus seemed to be that prints were not really doing as well as other things (charms, artbooks, commissions). For the most part, though, prints are a solid investment, especially if you're a decent artist but the effectiveness will vary. I would say you can almost always break even with them though.

Also it doesn't hurt to have small sizes too. My usual table buddy found out that small prints ended up being a pretty nice chunk of her profits at Kawaii even though the number of people who ask for smaller prints isn't usually that much.

Got Fanime! See you guys therreeee

I'll prepare freebies for seagulls!!

>>7483279
Welp. It looks like I got in too.
There's nothing like being so excited about going to your first out of state con only to have just found out that you have an important test you can't reschedule that weekend.
One day I'll meet you guys. I'll make it to the big leagues some day.

On the bright side, means one more person, even possibly a seagull who didn't get accepted, might get in now.

Hope you guys have fun.

>>7483279
Welp. It looks like I got in too.
There's nothing like being so excited about going to your first out of state con only to have just found out that you have an important test you can't reschedule that weekend.
One day I'll meet you guys. I'll make it to the big leagues some day.

On the bright side, means one more person, even possibly a seagull who didn't get accepted, might get in now.

Hope you guys have fun!

>>7483279
Congrats! I didn't apply this year but maybe some other year.
>>7483093
>>7477336
Anyways imo smaller things sell better, but prints are attractive and will draw people to your table. Me and my friend were decentish? artists but we found it hard to sell larger prints because people didn't want to dish out the larger sum of money I guess? Having smaller prints as well allows people who are cheap but still want your art something to buy.

>>7474323
>>7474310
I went with the 'Guangzhou Zengcheng Kelida Plastic Factory' and had a great experience. The minimum order was 100, but they agreed to 50 each of two designs. The shipping was two days from China, which blew my mind.

Just three tips. First, draw a complete design, not just the shape of the pad. They will only accept designs that come as a rectangle. Second, they don't speak English very well so you may have to confirm things once or twice because they want to be sure they are understanding what you want. Finally, remember this is China. Any design you give them they will gladly offer up to others later or print their own for profit.

>>7483427
Can you link me directly to their listing? I can't seem to find it. Also, how much was shipping to the US/the order overall?

>>7483427
I need this in my life.

>>7483433
They're the first link when you google the name

>>7483442
Huh, I probably should have just done that instead of trying to find it through key terms.
Thanks!

>>7483437
Sorry, I have no Kagami left, only Takao.

>>7483433
I'm not entirely sure what site, as they show up a few places. I actually originally took over the order after a different anon had contacted them asking if the designs were okay. I will point out on Alibaba it may say MOQ:1000 at the top but scroll down and:
>1. Your MOQ is 500 pcs , may I less it for 100 pcs , 200 pcs?

>Yes, it’s no problem , we also can do it , but the price just a different.

Just go for the cheapest packing too, no one in AA will care if it comes in a colour box. Just talk to them though, they are really friendly if a bit hard to understand sometimes. My nice sales girl kept inviting me out to dinner 'when next trip to our country happen' and I still get holiday greeting cards from them.

Also, the F.A.Q. is kind of magical, pic related.

>>7483468
Oh and on that note, make sure you specify which weight you want. The lightest ones are but mere mosquito bites that don't even fill the bottom and the heaviest is some /d/ tier titties. Cheapest packaging is called OPP and is just clear plastic bags.

>>7483427
The shipping was two days, but what about the processing? How long from your order to them arriving in your hands?
Sorry, I'm just wondering because I have a con in about a month and a half.

I just finished attending Kraken Con in Oakland, CA on Sunday and I was surprised that Yuumei was there. It was nice seeing a "bigger" name at such a small con. I noticed she sold her prints rolled up and wrapped with a rubberband instead of placed in a plastic sleeve though -- is this more preferable for buyers?

>>7483535
I remember the original author of the "Artist Alley Survival Guide" saying that clear plastic sleeves are nice, because it gets you more attention, as attendees see the artwork in the hands of passersby. Honestly, I don't think it matters all too much, seeing as how the interest and purchase is made before they know what format you'll deliver it in. If it's that disconcerting, bringing rubber bands and offering it as an option to those that would like it is always a possibility.

>>7477668
I always wondered why they closed down. They seemed to have a good hold on the market.

>>7483378
im waitlisted so you just got my hopes up thanks anon !

Just got a NO from Fanime. I'm really happy for all the accepted artists, but I'm just confused as to what their criteria was. Some artists are really good and it's a given that they'd be approved. But for some, I was just wondering -- how did I not get in? I hate feeling this way, but it was just a big blow to my ego. I'm afraid that this thought will just nag at me when I visit the AA, and that sucks.

Alright, so I found a nice button maker on google for $200, but when I'm trying to find a metal keychain maker I'm not getting proper results, does anyone know where I can find one? Or any main chainstores?

Also, I love plushes and what not but everything looks the same now with the dot eyes, blushes and smiles. It's quite sad, I was thinking of making something creepy or creepy cute, I know it's over played but I'm still toying on ideas.

>>7484268
This makes me really want to see your art and tabled artists' arts.

>>7484543
This. There's a lot of people complaining on the FB page but I don't want to be the person asking "Is your art actually good?"

Anyone have caps of what's going on on fanimes fb??

>>7484672
It feels a bit hostile since people who got in are adopting a patronizing tone which only aggravates those who didn't get in. It's passive aggressiveness all around.

>>7484689
Wow really? I really want to see but I don't have fb. I didn't get in and neither did my partner but we're both pretty good and do really well at cons, but neither of us have any Internet following,do most of the people that made it in have e fame? I can't think of another possible reason we didn't make it.

>>7484701
It's basically, "If you didn't get in, too bad, this is the new system that Fanime has and it is what it is." And this is coming from those who got in. I noticed a lot of the people who were complaining about how Fanime was doing AA this year have shut up now that they have a table. Now everything is okay to them. No more complaining for bundled badge/table prices.

But the people who didn't get a table aren't reacting that great either -- some nudge at the fact that they deserve a table more than someone who got in. It's just an unfortunate situation. Pitting artists against each other.

>>7484268
I didn't get in either. Hoping to be able to split a table with my friend, but that's up in the air until we hear back. I feel you on the blow to the ego, though, especially since this would have been my 4th year in a row tabling at Fanime.

I think that there would be less fuss with the AA selection if the staff had posted the criteria that they were judging on. Art is so subjective that it would have been really helpful to know what they were specifically looking for.

It would also have been nice to have more heads-up on the fact that they were going to switch to juried. In the future, it might be better for them to do a partial juried, partial first-come to cut down on the complaints of judging bias. Hopefully the selection process will be smoother next year.

>>7484268
>>7484543
>>7484625
Well, here's my art.
http://xipel.deviantart.com/
and here's Tim's.
http://t1mco.deviantart.com/
Both of us got in. Ti'm's pretty amazing, I consider myself a bit average/mediocre.

Here are some other artists I found on tumblr that got in (randomly grabbed):
http://www.fictograph.com/tagged/art
http://alagaesha.tumblr.com/tagged/ala_art
http://sayonararolling.tumblr.com/tagged/fanart

And here are some artists I found on there that didn't (also randomly grabbed):
http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=676985
http://anna-mator.tumblr.com/tagged/my+art
http://naiku-art.tumblr.com/ http://www.nainu.deviantart.com

Hopefully this helps a bit?
I just grabbed the first few I could find, so it might not be an accurate representation of quality all around.

>>7484773
>http://xipel.deviantart.com/
Aw Pixel, I saw your post on Tumblr! Don't feel so bad about getting a spot over others -- I think you're a great addition to the AA. Here are some more examples I found:

Accepted:
http://unicornfolio.tumblr.com/
http://crownkind.tumblr.com/tagged/art
https://www.fb.com/LeanaCrafts

Not accepted:
http://kellyloftus.com/portfolio-artist-alley/
http://lissyfishy.deviantart.com/gallery/?catpath=/
http://centimetre.tumblr.com/

>>7484998
Oh thanks. It's kind of embarrassing now looking at that, I just posted it after seeing so so many people complaining and feeling bad about themselves, that it made me feel guilty as well.

>http://centimetre.tumblr.com/
Huh, she's actually pretty good. This one surprises me.

>>7485009
Yeah, that's one of the artists that threw me off. Thought I was finally seeing a pattern but nope. Found another rejected applicant I'm surprised about too:
http://serain.deviantart.com/gallery/

Polite sage because not sure if derailing..

>>7485041
I don't think so, seeing as how it's still AA related and a question that was brought up by prior people.
Huh, yeah, that's not bad at all.
A lot of them seemed to make sense, but I guess it's the exceptions that stand out. It's interesting to see this all compiled.

>>7474195
what's it like sharing a table with hannibal lecter?

>>7485096
>what's it like sharing a table with hannibal lecter?

Lunch breaks are fantastic and I still have my liver, so that's a plus

how early does AX usually start their AA registration each year
i know they've been sold out since last month

What do you guys usually do for a table cloth, like for tables where they dont allow for skirting

So I know Homestuck and OFF are off limits in making/selling merch that isn't commissions but what about other fanoms? I'm new and I want to expand my repertoire for prints and the like.

I guess the only real series I would be curious about would be Rooster Teeth (searching found nothing) as well as RWBY.

>>7485743
i thought the guy that made off said he didnt care what people did
and im sure some twitch plays stuff would sell pretty well

>>7485743
Off is fine, Nightvale's the other no-go

>>7484276
Please respond.

>>7484276
>>7486191
I'd love to see creepy plushies, anon. But I would prefer for them to be cute-creepy.

Hey! This thread has been ridiculously helpful so thank you to everyone.
Basically I have a few questions...
I've been selling polymer clay jewelry on Etsy for 7 months now and have been fairly successful. However, I'm really ready to take it to the next level and look into selling at local cons. Mostly to boost profits and see customers face to face rather than just shipping.
However, I know I couldn't possibly make enough polymer clay jewelry to create a well rounded eye catching display. My fingers would break. Plus, the way I do my charms is moderately time consuming because I really try to make them look as polished and perfect as possible... to avoid that Regretsy look.
So I'm getting some great ideas for other things to think about selling at a table to supplement the sales of my jewelry. Magnets and stickers are the two things really popping out at me right now. I'm not too into the whole plushie thing atm. Right now I'm stupidly pumped about designing some sticker sheets but I want to know the logistics of this before I dive in the deep end.
How much do you all sell stickers for per sheet? Do they sell well for a decent profit? Or are the more of a loss?
And what about magnets?

>>7486432
Thought about casting some of your more popular designs?

Okay, so we all know HS, MLP, SNK, etc is popular as fuck. Would it really be wrong to make merch of the series and sell it for dosh. I'd rather original works but if it brings in the money...

>>7486601
Why? Everyone's doing it.

>>7486432
dude just make some molds. it's fairly simple and cost-effective, and then you can play with transparencies and colors pretty easily. also it sounds a lot lighter than clay!

stickers sell well but they bring in very small amounts of money comparatively. magnets sound cute in theory but keep in mind your biggest audience at cons is probably teenagers who don't have anything practical to put magnets on other than their parents' fridge

>>7486625
It feels cheap to use cash cows to get money, but money is money I suppose.

>>7486640
>magnets sound cute in theory but keep in mind your biggest audience at cons is probably teenagers who don't have anything practical to put magnets on other than their parents' fridge

I disagree with this, most teenagers have metal lockers at school. At least in my old high school, everyone had some magnets in their lockers and personally I always bought magnets at cons specifically for that reason.

>>7486648
If you don't like the series and feel morally conflicted doing it, then don't.
If you go with your original arts and then whine about other people getting more profits than you do, then that's your problem.

>>7486657
Haven't touched HS but have read SnK and seen some MLP.

Don't really mind about profits and the other person had the right idea to use something from a series to get dosh. I'd have no one to blame but myself.

Currently though Free, DR, Madoka etc seem to popular westside as well. Can't wait till SM comes out and everyone is selling things from the series.

I don't suppose anyone recognizes these from one of those con-artist-places.

I've already tried going through Google Images, DA, etc.

>>7486709
is that sakimichan

>>7485041
>http://serain.deviantart.com/gallery/
Wow, if artists like these are getting rejected then I don't feel so bad. I just really wish they had given us a clue of what they were looking for.

>>7486737
I don't think so.

>>7486668
You can't sell homestuck merchandise besides one-off or commissioned items

>>7487238
why not? parody is fair use (in the united states, anyway)

>>7487385
because the author has asked that you not and the fans for the most part tend to respect that and many will call you out on it

>>7487391
do they legit care though?

>>7487405
they do
its the fans you're selling to, a lot of them wont buy it on principle

>>7487405

Yes.

Typically if anyone is selling shit, not only do a bunch of hs fans shun them and spread the word, they report to Hussie's girlfriend who's his manager or some shit.

Like, pretty much within a day or two you're gonna get served with an order to stop selling.

Or at least that's what I've heard and seen concerning people ignoring Hussie's orders. Like no joke, when I was still in the HS fandom
a couple years back and the ban became well
known, somebody was selling HS shit
at artist's alley and homestuck fans were gathering nearby to hiss in disapproval
and talking about sending a heads up to Hussie.

And that's not even counting all the shit I DIDN'T see in person. I mean, it's not like a 100% guarantee that someone will squeal, but
it's damn likely.

What the Fanime Artist Alley Head had to say regarding everyone complaining right now.

>>7487405
>>7487414
>>7487419
I'm not a homestucker, so I don't know, but from what I've heard, if you contact the owner (Hussie or something?) directly, he can give you permission to do fanart, and you will be able to sell it. His girlfriend is a lot more passionate about it than he is, but if you get the green light it won't be an issue.

can you guys maybe post some cool clay stuff
I have all this polymer and Im stuck on ideas

>>7489009
I'm sick and tired of those 'kawaii' smiley faces.

>>7487419
>>7487405
That ban was for someone selling nepeta'a hat, though, wasn't it? From what I've seen, people will shun you for selling horns or special hats/specific homestuck cosplay things, etc. but I haven't seen many people get all huffy about selling fanart. There's that one etsy seller who sells the glasses and everyone buys them, too, though he always names the listings things that aren't homestuck related.
Hussies gf has cooled down in the past couple of years; after that whole nepeta hat thing where the people who were making them fought back, it seemed to go pretty silent on that front.
I've also seen a lot if homestuck fanart in AA and no one seems to mind

>>7490442
me too
do people actually buy charms?
like im trying to think of a use for them but even phonestraps are hard to find a place to put them

little figures like this wouldnt be worth the time would they?

>>7488472
This is not true for mass-produced art. One-off, handmade items (like if someone commissions a cosplay from you) are acceptable, and sometimes people who aren't sure if their stuff falls into that category will ask him or or someone else involved in the franchise for the go-ahead. Recently a girl was wondering if she could sell purses with her HS art on them because she wasn't sure if that qualified as 2d, mass-produced art, and was told no by Whatpumpkin unless the art was unique to that purse.

>>7490956
Holy shit, did you make that?
You could get $60 or more for something that nice, but it's possible that wouldn't cover the cost of the time involved. I guess it depends how long it takes.

>>7490956
I don't think it would be because you're competing with blind box figs and other stuff that cost less then ten usd in a dealers hall

>>7490972
nah i just pulled that off tumblr as an example, i can do similar stuff i just dont want to invest that much time per figure unless they were guaranteed to sell
maybe make it a commission kinda of deal

>>7490956
I plan on selling figures in the future; they're damn time consuming, and it'd be more of an attention grabber than it would be easy to sell. The price you really should be charging for them most people would back off from. Unpainted, unassembled garage kits cost an upwards of $100+, but a lot of people at cons are used to prize figs at cons being just $20-$40 and associate the price across the board. At least, this is what I gather from trying to determine interest in my area.
I'm still in the experimental phases, but what I've found makes it worth a bit more in regards to time consumption: molds and eye decals. Makes your life so so much easier. The painting is still a pain in the arse, but there's not much you can do about that.
A lot of people just don't really understand how much figures are worth, that much is obvious from the prices people go around selling things at cons, and not being able to distinguish between shitty and quality figs.
>Yes, I'm a butthurt buyfag.
I guess I'll just have some scales to be all fancy next to my prints to draw people in and for the rare one or two buyers that might actually have both the interest and the money.

>>7490970
Ah, my apologies.

>>7490972
$60 really isn't even close to the amount regarding materials+time, much less any form of profit.

>>7490956
ah custom Nendos <3 I always fantasize about finding a Motoko custom.

It would be really tough to do this and make it worth the time. You'd have to be making really niche stuff, because the only people I think that would shell out the cash are diehard fans of things they can't find in the AA. Older shows/games come to mind, since most figure companies only focus on new media.

As a figure collector I would absolutely LOVE to see things like this though.

I would do as you mentioned earlier, have a couple examples and see if you get some commission customers. I'd be worried about people wanting a commission and never responding to you again so maybe have a contract and get 50% then and then 50% once the custom is done?

>>7490956
You'd do best starting an etsy store or something and take commissions. The guys on /toy/ would love some good figma/nendo customs.

>>7490995
ah thats a really good idea
I make things like wedding toppers at the bakery i work at so im getting pretty efficient at getting things done, i just worry about the pricing. i know the bakery charges at least 3 times the time put in but im not selling to couples with loads of cash...

>>7484998
>>7485009
Personal friend of mine- she just missed the registration window. Regardless of how arbitrary Fanime's judging system is I feel like she would've been a lock-in for the AA considering how well she does at most cons.

I don't know if or when they'll ever give us an actual substantial answer for why certain people got in and certain people didn't, but I'm thinking that some of it may have been how portfolios were put together? People were still very unclear about what exactly they should include and maybe because of that confusion they didn't present a comprehensive collection showcasing their potential goods. Just going by general portfolio principles, some people may not have gotten in because their portfolios weren't a strong enough representation of what kind of fandoms, goods, or styles they would be showcasing at Fanime.

Of course at this point it's dumb to try to prod them for more information as we're clearly not going to get anything, but I really, REALLY hope we get better answers at least after the con. Also right now I"m just hoping they get their freakin' AA agreement up so we can all, you know, pay for and finalize our shit before our supposed week is over. They still haven't said squat about when the agreement will be up OR if we have a week from our acceptance or a week from the agreement going up to finalize our stuff.

>mfw Fanime right now wtf are you guys even ON

>>7485645
AX does at-con sales for the next year at the end of each convention. It looks like tables have been selling out earlier and earlier each year because more artists are buying the tables at-con instead of waiting for reg later in the year.

For those of you who sell clothing, how do you let customers try something on? Something you can't just pull on over what you're wearing.

>>7494140
what I'd recommend instead of having customers try on something you would like to sell (I'm thinking of someone with badly sealed makeup messing up a product). Maybe make generic, crappier fabric versions of what you're selling. So if it's a sweater with cat ears made in a nice fleece, make one with thin cheap fabric as the fitting one. Make sure to have the real deal there just to let the customers know what they're trying on isn't what they'll be buying. (Even though I'm sure it will be obvious)


That way no worries if it has someone's makeup/sweat on it.

Where do you guys get your larger prints from?

>>7494440
Define larger.
For 11x17s, I use catprint. I'm planning on using ShortRunPosters for 18x24s soon, as they have the cheapest price I've seen around, but I won't be getting them for a while so I can't testify to their quality.

>>7494449
I was thinking 16x20

time for a new thread

whats the fan favorite pairing of the free! boys?

>>7499405
MakotoxRin or RinxRedhair

>>7499405
It's Makoto x Haru, Rin x Haru, and Rei x Nagisa
Rei x Nagisa is the generally agreed upon pairing, but Makoto x Haru and Rin x Haru usually have more intense/hardcore fans.

>>7499407
I am not sure if you're joking or not...

is anyone going to be at anime conji?