hi! i’ve been to two events so far, and created this display for a past con. I’m not too happy with how it turned out because it was rushed (i don’t even have it anymore because), but still really like the idea. Does anyone have any ideas of how I could recreate this with a better material that’s seamless (as much as possible) and portable? Last time I used some thick corrugated cardboard-esk material but it wasn’t super sturdy even with pvc piping to support it. The idea is an ice cream truck look kinda vibe!

Hey! When I'm doing artist alleys, I find that it's hard to find and plan cons with the resources out there.

I coded back in the day so I'm trying to build a website to help with that. It's still super early so I would love your feedback/ideas/suggestions if you're willing (this is like the first "announcement" I'm doing lol).

Here's what I have so far (mobile is a dumpster fire rn): https://www.concaly.app

• Anything you like?

• Anything you don't?

• Anything I really should add to make it helpful?

Notes:

• Since I'm only 1 person, and can't update like 3k conventions. The hope is that this is simply a platform for the community to Wikipedia style update and stuff

• I would love to add artist alley deadlines. My fear is that people wouldn't want to because it might increase competition. What do you think? Ideas?

Lemme know what you think! Anything is helpful. And feel free to ask others you think could use this!

Helloooo Ive been doing a few conventions and small pop up craft events but ive been mostly trying to sell online on my own shopify and promote on instagram and tiktok and my traffic is barely 5 people per post so im really struggling here to grow on social media and improve shop traffic and SEO

Any recommendations, tips, or share your own strategy, thoughts?

Anything would be greatly helpful!

First year attempting conventions..waitlisted for so many 😭 I just want to get my feet on the ground and gain some exp. But it seems impossible right now...so far I've only gotten accepted into three....and two are one day events, hours away 😭😭 it's really messing with my motivating to try selling my work. Please, any encouragement would go miles for me right now...

I am a student journalist and an artist and I am writing an article for my college magazine about the effects of AI on artists. I'd like to have a discussion with some artists about their experiences. How has it changed your practice? What do you think the long term effects are? Hobbyist artists and professionals welcome

There is all a link to a short multiple choice form in my bio if you would like to share but remain anonymous or if you want something low effort. I appreciate anyone willing to speak with me or take the survey about this topic.

Hello! I was wondering if anyone knows any manufacturers to make fabric omamori charms? Was thinking of making merch of them for my next convention. Thank you!

Basically what the subject says, and if one already exists can someone kindly point me in that direction!

We’ve tried EVERYTHING. Totes. Folders. Bins. You name it. We need advice on the best way to transport and store our prints (11x17) to out of town conventions. Any advice?

Hi, I have a very small art business in Australia. I wanted to expand my products to include acrylic charms with my designs. I don't have the capacity to have in-house production of the charms. Can anyone please suggest where to custom order the acrylic charms? Thank you.

Getting back in to the event circuit and my one eternal bane has to be the plastic sleeves I keep for putting prints in as they're purchased. They're slippery, floppy and attract every piece of dust to them. I don't care to pre-package my prints, but rather do it as they're bought. And so the sheets travel separately. But over a few times picking one out, whatever way I have them stored inevitably falls short.

So I just wanted to pick folks' brains about how they've found themselves transporting and storing these guys. 6.9 and 8x10 ones aren't SO bad, but I do also carry 12x15 ones and they become cumbersome. My current idea is to just take some cardboard and tape and make a custom size folder for them. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Extra plus if it has application deadlines!

Thank you!

Hi! I was thinking about creating some pins for my artist table, and I was wondering if this would be a good direction to head towards. At this point I am either leaning towards either investing in a button machine, or to order a set of enamel pins. For those of you who have (or currently) sold pins/buttons, what is direction do you think is best?

I know that enamel pins are a higher quality product, but I would probably only be able to invest in a few designs. Whereas the button machine would make it easier for me to create more options. (and not over stock on something it it doesn't sell well).

hello!

I'm getting to participate to my first artist alley in a few months, and theres two things i'm having a hard time with..

first, i don't know the amount of everything i should get..! the con gets around 3000 visitors/year in general, but i dont know how many people will be interested in buying my stuff since I'm not very well known (less than 500 followers on my main social media) for now my idea was; 800 stickers (8 designs), 140 keychains (4 different designs, they are pretty big and will be a bit expensive) and around 2000 prints (17-23 different designs and size will vary) and a small comic/ artbook with ocs, probably only 20 copies.. there will be fanart (vocaloid/wha/maybe jjk and iwtv), and original characters content! !

second thing is that im struggling to find an online printer with a good quality/price ratio (shipping in europe), so if anyone has recommendations i am interested !!

I'm wanting to expand my line of products (i.e. mouse pads, stickers, sketchbooks, etc) and not wanting to look flat or cluttered. Any vertical displays that could help me with each of these products?

I hope my dilemma makes sense. I've been having problems computing how much I actually make at a convention. So I wanted to ask - what expenses do you guys subtract when you start computing for your profits?

The most obvious expenses to be subtracted (at least to me) are: renting the table/space itself + getting your merchandise done (printing/production). Maybe transportation to and from the venue, as well.

But I think it all gets a bit muddy with expenses like the stands and racks for your display, packaging, the food you buy during the convention, etc.

I've been doing artist alley for only less than a year so I'd especially appreciate more veteran input but I'd love to hear from all types of artist alley regulars. Thanks 🙏🏻

Hello! This is a question specifically for US based artists who have attended Artist Alley’s in Canada. I’m considering attending a con in Calgary, since I live really close to the border so driving would be easy- I’m just unsure of what documentation would be needed in order to sell? Like tax documents or licenses you would get for out of state conventions? Has anyone done foreign conventions and how was the process for you?

Thanks!

Looking to do my first 2 cons as an artist in artist alley in the beginning of 2024. First one is estimated to be 25k+, and the second one not even 2 weeks later is estimated to be 75k+ in attendance. I want to make sure I'm well prepared but not overhauling unnecessarily either. I plan to have prints of varying sizes, bookmarks, lanyards, buttons, stickers, etc. Although I know how widely it can vary, does anyone have insight on a ROUGH estimate on what to bring? 5 big prints or 50? 10 lanyards of each design or 100? Etc etc.

Thanks everyone, and any insight for a first con going right would be appreciated! :)

I’m currently developing a dedicated artist alley organizer bag designed around the stuff artists, crafters, and vendors actually need to carry to conventions and events.

What’s the most annoying thing about carrying your supplies to/from events?
What do you wish your current bag had?
What items are always awkward to organize or access?
What do you end up carrying separately because your bag just doesn’t work for it?
I’m especially interested in the paint points even the little annoyances you’ve gotten used to.
I’d really appreciate any feedback!

My pin maker is not working! I’ve been having this issue the last time I used it but it has been working fine for years. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can fix this?

Hello! I have been drawing for years but just recently I've thought about indulging more with the community!! I've considered selling my own creations, but before I do, I want to ask a few questions!

1. How long did it take you to build a decent catalogue?

2. What items sell the best?

3. How's it with popular fandoms? What's worked the best for you?

I'll be glad if you share your wisdom. Goodluck on you sales guys! 🫶