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FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => Live Programming and Events => Topic started by: ladyvoid on January 31, 2012, 08:40:41 PM

Title: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: ladyvoid on January 31, 2012, 08:40:41 PM
If you guys don't mind, what do you think is a good price range for products in the artist's alley, specifically in terms of phone charms/keychains and hand-drawn commissions (both inked and pencil sketch)? I know this depends on skill level and stuff, but if you can give a generalization, that would be great.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 01, 2012, 12:13:10 AM
Um...I am new to artist alley (my first time selling if I get in this year) But I have been going to fanime for...5 yrs now? From what I noticed usually keychains sell at $3 dollars  a piece of 2 for $5 dollars

Pins/buttons range from 50cents-2 dollars depending on their size and complexity of their art (I mean 50 cents for like the pins with just a word on it or something)

Hand drawn commissions all depends-do you have any samples? It depends on what it is as in waist up, headshot, chibi non chibi etc etc.

Yeah that is all I know sorry if it wasn't much D:
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Raymind on February 01, 2012, 12:26:38 AM
Im from Canada eh, and for prints we usually charge $10 - $15 per print, but im not sure what the price is here in the states. 
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: KikaiSaigono on February 01, 2012, 06:01:43 AM
Quote from: Raymind on February 01, 2012, 12:26:38 AM
Im from Canada eh, and for prints we usually charge $10 - $15 per print, but im not sure what the price is here in the states. 


That's about what we charge here! For 8.5 x 11 prints good cardstock people usually sell them for about $5 - $10 USD. For 11x17 usually $15-$20. You can adjust your prices from there. I always suggest that for your first AA you undersell yourself just a TINY bit (not by a lot!) just to gauge how your products sell. Obviously you still want to sell them to make a profit, but honestly the best way to price your things is by trial and error and by experience. Good luck! :)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Haunterluvcookies on February 01, 2012, 07:30:13 AM
I don't know if this would go here. But for the drawing commissions do artists do color or is it all pencil or pen?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 01, 2012, 09:38:09 AM
For drawing commissions people do different things.
Some prefer to do only sketches, while others only do ink work while others do fully colored works.  It just depends on the artist.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Haunterluvcookies on February 01, 2012, 10:02:17 AM
Awsome! I want to get a commission and I would love it colored! Thanks, it helped lots. I am new at this sort of things.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 01, 2012, 10:24:49 AM
Yup :> Your welcome! I am hoping to sell colored commissions if I get in.

And even if people don't do commissions on site (like at fanime) You can always order from them and they will send you the commission by mail or e-mail. (If they do it digitally or something and don't do it at fanime they will do it afterwards)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Haunterluvcookies on February 01, 2012, 11:35:59 AM
That would be awsome! I can't wait, thank you!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: ladyvoid on February 01, 2012, 01:00:56 PM
Thanks, you guys. when I said commssions, I meant pencilled and inked, or just pencilled. My stuff looks like this:

charms:
http://ladyvoid.deviantart.com/gallery/6208678
drawings (although it's not the best representation because the stuff is outdated by a couple years):
http://ladyvoid.deviantart.com/gallery/
Title: Price Ranges for selling posters?
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 01, 2012, 01:46:34 PM
what about posters?

last 2 years I noticed the posters I sold was big but I had to reduce like hell...

and I noticed most others are selling their posters as well but they arent as big as mines...mostly half the size I have...

My poster : 18" x 24"
theirs: 9" x 12" or slightly larger

its been causing alot of issues one spending money to create money..

1 poster = 19.54 from office max
during convention I know im supposed to sell at $30
but had to reduce it completely because i felt like I scared my customers on the rise of income!... so I had to force my sales to Slash to 2/3's of its price.. not sure if im doing it wrong but was wondering how much should I be investing on posters and the proper size for them as well!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for selling posters?
Post by: octorok on February 01, 2012, 08:55:46 PM
Thanks for the input! I'm a first timer too and I've been wondering about price ranges myself.

Quote from: Hachimitsu-ink on February 01, 2012, 01:46:34 PM
what about posters?

last 2 years I noticed the posters I sold was big but I had to reduce like hell...

and I noticed most others are selling their posters as well but they arent as big as mines...mostly half the size I have...

My poster : 18" x 24"
theirs: 9" x 12" or slightly larger

its been causing alot of issues one spending money to create money..

1 poster = 19.54 from office max
during convention I know im supposed to sell at $30
but had to reduce it completely because i felt like I scared my customers on the rise of income!... so I had to force my sales to Slash to 2/3's of its price.. not sure if im doing it wrong but was wondering how much should I be investing on posters and the proper size for them as well!

I think I would go with around the same size everyone else is making them! 11x17, 13x19 at the largest. Those shouldn't cost more than $3-$5 each, though you may have to buy a lot of them all at once.

I'm sure your posters were totally worth $30, but I think it's important to consider con-goer spending habits. A lot of people just shelled out hundreds of dollars for hotel rooms, cosplays, food, etc and they might not have much left for art prints. Or at least, that's how they're thinking in their heads @____@ I feel like we really have to do our best to convince them that what we have is worth the money.

Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 01, 2012, 08:58:49 PM
Wait you mean for posters?
Okay I know 8.5X11 prints usually sell around 5-10 dollars (8 dollars has been the number I have seen the most of)
If 8.5X11 prints go for that price I think posters should be worth more
12-15 dollars at least
20 as the cap maybe? I am not sure but at least more than the 8.5X11 prints.

Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on February 01, 2012, 11:52:02 PM
I recently started selling at artist alleys! C: it took a bit of trial and error but I finally figured out how to price my stuff.

For prints, I have around 4-5 different sizes.
4x6 = $1 each (super cheap to print and people really like them, I've noticed!)
5x7 = $2 each or 3 for $5
6x9 = $4 each
8.5x11 = $5 each, 3 for $12
11x17 = $13 each, 2 for $20

I price keychains (the laminated ones) $2 each, 3 for $5, 5 for $7.50 so on and so on. I price pinback buttons the same if they have an illustration, instead of text. :> As for polymer clay/acrylic keychains, it depends. I know some people sell polymer clay keychains depending on how long it took to make them. I only make little sushi keychains and I price those at $4 each because they're easy to make! It depends, really!

I've never done on the spot commissions but a friend of mine charges based on the following:bust only, waist up, full body, whether it's pencil only, inked, coloured in, etc. I'd go with what you feel is more comfortable for you.

I hope this helps!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 12:18:49 AM
Do you get your things printed online or printed at a local store?
I want to know a place where to print things for cheap but its hard to find one.
Man you have a lot of prints O__O
I need to hurry up and make some!

Also do you know a good place to print buttons? I can only find 100 buttons for 100 dollars and that is too expensive for me D:

Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: KikaiSaigono on February 02, 2012, 12:46:33 AM
Quote from: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 12:18:49 AM
Do you get your things printed online or printed at a local store?
I want to know a place where to print things for cheap but its hard to find one.
Man you have a lot of prints O__O
I need to hurry up and make some!

Also do you know a good place to print buttons? I can only find 100 buttons for 100 dollars and that is too expensive for me D:



Honestly the best way to go if you plan on selling buttons as a main part of your wares is to invest in a button maker. The parts for buttons are so cheap! (I get like 1000 for $60). Obviously that is not much of an option right now, but it is something to think about!

In the mean time i would suggest zap creatives http://www.zapcreatives.co.uk/
They are located in the uk but they give a discount to customers who are not from the UK. They are great and I would recommend them :)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 01:00:57 AM
Yeah that is what everyone says that if one prints lots of buttons they should invest in a button maker however this is my first time at artist alley and I am not sure if I want to create a lot of pins.
(I just created some pin templates thinking I'd print some but I can only find super expensive ones)

Sweet discounts! Oh but that means I have to pay for shipping and stuff XP
Thank you so much for the link!

I just found this place as well
http://justbuttons.org/

(After a longggg time of searching) That prints buttons. I made 6 button templates and if I printed them all in the long run it would be better to get a button make lol
Where do you buy your blank buttons from if you do not mind me asking?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on February 02, 2012, 08:06:09 AM
Quote from: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 12:18:49 AM
Do you get your things printed online or printed at a local store?
I want to know a place where to print things for cheap but its hard to find one.
Man you have a lot of prints O__O
I need to hurry up and make some!

Also do you know a good place to print buttons? I can only find 100 buttons for 100 dollars and that is too expensive for me D:



For my 8.5x11 and 11x17 prints I go here! http://www.catprint.com/
I order my 4x6 and 5x7 prints here - http://winkflash.com (suuuuper cheap)
And I get my 6x9 prints at http://adoramapix.com

I don't know of a place that will make buttons for you, sorry! :C I have my own button maker. I highly recommend you invest in one, though! It pays off in the end. C:
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 11:04:34 AM
Wow those sites are amazing :O Its cheap to print but they do get you on shipping lol XD
But its better than any sites I've found! You guys are pros how did you find these places :O

Yeah a button maker is a good investment but its like 350 bucks X_______X;
I just spent money on copics so I will probably get it later. I think I'll go to this artist alley first (if I get in) and then if I sell stuff and things then I'll debate on whether getting a button maker or not

I heard buttons sell really fast too :O
I'm making stickers in the mean time to replace my absence of buttons lol
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Elimeno on February 02, 2012, 11:47:41 AM
hey!  I sold buttons a few years ago in AA and used these guys http://www.poseurink.com/modbuttons/ (http://www.poseurink.com/modbuttons/)  They did good work and the prices are good!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 06:33:18 PM
oh my gosh thank you so much guys!
Now i can print everything I wanted! You guys are the best! Thanks for helping a fellow first timer!! *throws hearts and confetti everywhere*
I can not thank you enough!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on February 02, 2012, 08:10:25 PM
Quote from: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 06:33:18 PM
oh my gosh thank you so much guys!
Now i can print everything I wanted! You guys are the best! Thanks for helping a fellow first timer!! *throws hearts and confetti everywhere*
I can not thank you enough!


YAY! I'm glad we were able to help you out. :>
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 02, 2012, 08:31:12 PM
problem is im planning to sell my buttons animated wise using lenticular prints.. just to stand out everyone elses buttons!..
really wanted something to be worthwhile for a con-goers expenses!

Thanks for the information wise everyone...
also was'nt there  a person who was doing button making at AA?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: AnimeJet on February 03, 2012, 05:44:31 AM
Question:

Is there a way to get a sample print from Catprint or other online places? I'm afraid the colors i see on my monitor will not match with their color settings :(

Also I have a costo near me and they sell very cheap prints, are people hesitant to buy prints in costco quality or something? Is there a reason i should not use them?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on February 03, 2012, 07:40:59 AM
Quote from: AnimeJet on February 03, 2012, 05:44:31 AM
Question:

Is there a way to get a sample print from Catprint or other online places? I'm afraid the colors i see on my monitor will not match with their color settings :(

Also I have a costo near me and they sell very cheap prints, are people hesitant to buy prints in costco quality or something? Is there a reason i should not use them?

Catprint offers samples, I think. They have an assistance number and you can ask them about samples and stuff: 1-877-228-7768 :> As for AdoramaPix, you can have them to colour correct your prints if you want. I like them a lot because my prints always, always come out really nice and the colours match my monitor's display perfectly. It's too bad they're so expensive. Winkflash is kind of a hit and miss. Their colour correction doesn't always match up; darks come out way too dark and so do light colours. I usually tweak my images before I send them off to print there.

A friend of mine uses Costco to print her posters and she really likes it. As long as you're not printing on really cheap card stock or printer paper, people will buy prints.

Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: kookiekween99 on February 03, 2012, 09:47:58 AM
Quote from: Hachimitsu-ink on February 02, 2012, 08:31:12 PM
problem is im planning to sell my buttons animated wise using lenticular prints.. just to stand out everyone elses buttons!..
really wanted something to be worthwhile for a con-goers expenses!

Thanks for the information wise everyone...
also was'nt there  a person who was doing button making at AA?

I know of a pair of artists who go to Fanime AA every year that sell buttons for $.50. http://ens.efersmui.com/
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: KikaiSaigono on February 03, 2012, 11:06:18 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on February 03, 2012, 07:40:59 AM


A friend of mine uses Costco to print her posters and she really likes it. As long as you're not printing on really cheap card stock or printer paper, people will buy prints.



I second Costco! I really really love how they print. And it's cheap!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: ttyls on February 03, 2012, 12:02:45 PM
Last time I got 8x10 photos printed at Costco (wasn't for AA, it was a different project) they printed a whole string of numbers, the file name, and the Costco cardholder's name on the back of the print. Won't that kind of be a problem and unsightly?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: nainu on February 03, 2012, 12:36:09 PM
If anyone is still looking for a good place to get prints from;  I always get my posters printed from:  http://www.psprint.com

They're really cheap, Really high quality, they always have sales going on pretty much every month, and if you live in the bay area you can save on shipping and simply pick up your order since they are located in Oakland. If you dont live in the Bay Area, I suggest ordering them perhaps a week or so in advance and pick them up when you come for Fanime  c: 
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on February 03, 2012, 04:08:37 PM
Quote from: ttyls on February 03, 2012, 12:02:45 PM
Last time I got 8x10 photos printed at Costco (wasn't for AA, it was a different project) they printed a whole string of numbers, the file name, and the Costco cardholder's name on the back of the print. Won't that kind of be a problem and unsightly?

I don't think people care about that, to be honest. :> There might be a few people who are suuuuuuper picky about that kind of stuff but I've only come across one person who didn't want to buy a 4x6 print from me because I printed them at Walgreens. Eh, whatever! As long as the front of the print is okay, it's all good, I think!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: AnimeJet on February 03, 2012, 06:15:10 PM
Quote from: KikaiSaigono on February 03, 2012, 11:06:18 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on February 03, 2012, 07:40:59 AM


A friend of mine uses Costco to print her posters and she really likes it. As long as you're not printing on really cheap card stock or printer paper, people will buy prints.



I second Costco! I really really love how they print. And it's cheap!

Awesome, thank you both. I did costco for a very small con (Anime Destiny) and I wasn't sure if people had something against them because I rarely see them mention in topics and sites like this. Good to know most people aren't super picky. You can can actually made the back text say your website or a silly phrase or something, not just your name!

@Nainu; do you know if they do lower than 25 copies of posters in store? I live in MD right now but my family is n san francisco so if they do cheap prints under 25 copies I might use them for posters :O
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on February 03, 2012, 08:25:39 PM
Hey guys,

Do you have any input on prices for plushes? :x  I'm thinking about making some mid-sized plushes (maybe 6" wide and 5" tall) and mini ones (3" tall) with phonecharm rings, so they'd be phone charm plushes. How do people usually price plushes of those sizes ?

Thanks for all the info so far!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Laggy on February 04, 2012, 12:16:36 AM
I didn't think I would, but I really love using Staples as my printer when I sell prints on Etsy. 11x17s are only like $1.30 each, and as long as you coordinate well with the people at the print and copy center about file type and quality, they end up looking great. I'm on first name terms with the copy center people at my local Staples. I <3 them.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Laggy on February 04, 2012, 12:43:21 AM
Here's a couple pictures of how my prints turn out at Staples.

Only downside to Staples is, if you go much bigger they have to switch to their gigantic printer, and the prices skyrocket.

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1233.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff395%2FMaggieRamey%2FIMG_5258.jpg&hash=5e99126c7d0972ed65a7bca8e9674049d2c2e774)

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1233.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff395%2FMaggieRamey%2FIMG_5256.jpg&hash=15ffc6a899685fbbd9f6bf456c21bc4ac6fee930)

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1233.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff395%2FMaggieRamey%2FIMG_5255.jpg&hash=cedd7af37ede49ac9894b93b70da9abb7c7575e8)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Elimeno on February 04, 2012, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: Laggy on February 04, 2012, 12:43:21 AM
Here's a couple pictures of how my prints turn out at Staples.

Only downside to Staples is, if you go much bigger they have to switch to their gigantic printer, and the prices skyrocket.



oh wow, that's honestly a lot better quality than I expected it to be.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on February 04, 2012, 11:15:03 PM
Hello again,

Really useful info on prints and stuff!  Anyone have any input on on-site commissions? I think I want to do a bunch of bust or full body pencil sketches, MAYBE ink drawings as well. I know this will depend largely on quality, but what's the price range on those?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 04, 2012, 11:26:48 PM
Quote from: Laggy on February 04, 2012, 12:43:21 AM
Here's a couple pictures of how my prints turn out at Staples.

Only downside to Staples is, if you go much bigger they have to switch to their gigantic printer, and the prices skyrocket.

how much did you spend on the Print value of size on staples??

Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Elimeno on February 05, 2012, 04:54:54 PM
Quote from: octorok on February 04, 2012, 11:15:03 PM
Hello again,

Really useful info on prints and stuff!  Anyone have any input on on-site commissions? I think I want to do a bunch of bust or full body pencil sketches, MAYBE ink drawings as well. I know this will depend largely on quality, but what's the price range on those?

for quick sketches it ranges from $1 to $10  I personally think you should price it on how fast you work.  If you can knock them out relatively fast with a good quality drop the price a little bit the more people you serve the more money you make.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: nainu on February 05, 2012, 05:06:02 PM
Quote from: AnimeJet on February 03, 2012, 06:15:10 PM
Quote from: KikaiSaigono on February 03, 2012, 11:06:18 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on February 03, 2012, 07:40:59 AM


A friend of mine uses Costco to print her posters and she really likes it. As long as you're not printing on really cheap card stock or printer paper, people will buy prints.



I second Costco! I really really love how they print. And it's cheap!

Awesome, thank you both. I did costco for a very small con (Anime Destiny) and I wasn't sure if people had something against them because I rarely see them mention in topics and sites like this. Good to know most people aren't super picky. You can can actually made the back text say your website or a silly phrase or something, not just your name!

@Nainu; do you know if they do lower than 25 copies of posters in store? I live in MD right now but my family is n san francisco so if they do cheap prints under 25 copies I might use them for posters :O

No Im Sorry, I think the Minimum is 25, they dont go lower than that xc     Maybe you can try contacting them and asking about it?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on February 05, 2012, 11:05:33 PM
Quote from: nainu on February 03, 2012, 12:36:09 PM
If anyone is still looking for a good place to get prints from;  I always get my posters printed from:  http://www.psprint.com

They're really cheap, Really high quality, they always have sales going on pretty much every month, and if you live in the bay area you can save on shipping and simply pick up your order since they are located in Oakland. If you dont live in the Bay Area, I suggest ordering them perhaps a week or so in advance and pick them up when you come for Fanime  c: 

They're having one for 60% off posters right now, but I don't think I'll be able to draw my picture in time for that. Is that a rare sale they're having, or do they often have sales like that?

Their regular price is way too much for me.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: nainu on February 05, 2012, 11:17:02 PM
Quote from: octorok on February 05, 2012, 11:05:33 PM
Quote from: nainu on February 03, 2012, 12:36:09 PM
If anyone is still looking for a good place to get prints from;  I always get my posters printed from:  http://www.psprint.com

They're really cheap, Really high quality, they always have sales going on pretty much every month, and if you live in the bay area you can save on shipping and simply pick up your order since they are located in Oakland. If you dont live in the Bay Area, I suggest ordering them perhaps a week or so in advance and pick them up when you come for Fanime  c: 

They're having one for 60% off posters right now, but I don't think I'll be able to draw my picture in time for that. Is that a rare sale they're having, or do they often have sales like that?

Their regular price is way too much for me.

No they have sales like that often. Ive been purchasing posters from them these past few years and they always have a sale near Fanime.  I think they have one monthly.  It varies from  40% to 60% off. 
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 06, 2012, 12:59:55 PM
oh wow...i think i should purchase from them instead O_O!....

thanks for the help ^ ^!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: LiL Moon on February 07, 2012, 03:48:23 PM
I'm curious, how consistent are your prices? I mean, I sell things like plushies online all the time, but sometimes I change their prices just a bit for conventions. Sometimes they are cheaper, sometimes I add a bit more to their cost. I'm going to be bringing some plushies that I sell for quite a bit online, but I am worried that they won't sell too well at a convention because of their high price. Should I decrease their price just for the con or should I go ahead with my original selling price?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on March 01, 2012, 11:32:12 AM
Thread revival!

I thought it would be a good idea to show you guys the quality of my prints. I recently started ordering my prints from Catprint.com and they're really good and high quality. Plus, they're really afordable. I was super surprised at how good they came out. The following pictures don't do the prints much justice because I have a pretty crappy camera, but I hope it's still noticeable.

I think I picked "Heavy Card Stock Glossy" for my prints. They're not super glossy, like photo paper, but it's much nicer and has shiny, almost matte feel to it.

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc405%2Fcerezablossom%2FDSCN0800.jpg&hash=bac3dee482d6416c8074812f837799ed5436dd41)

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc405%2Fcerezablossom%2FDSCN0799.jpg&hash=4baf6188c57934a57478ac0b547dd5e2bdea0efa)

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc405%2Fcerezablossom%2FDSCN0795.jpg&hash=7c5f2ea9e9701f43b4140165f15cc89721fada88)





Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on March 01, 2012, 02:16:18 PM
Wow! Those are really good! I love the two right ones-with yoshi and the girl with the penguin :> So cute! I love your style!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: catnapcaps on March 03, 2012, 09:37:01 PM
Quote from: LiL Moon on February 07, 2012, 03:48:23 PM
I'm curious, how consistent are your prices? I mean, I sell things like plushies online all the time, but sometimes I change their prices just a bit for conventions. Sometimes they are cheaper, sometimes I add a bit more to their cost. I'm going to be bringing some plushies that I sell for quite a bit online, but I am worried that they won't sell too well at a convention because of their high price. Should I decrease their price just for the con or should I go ahead with my original selling price?

I'd just stick with your regular price. If you sell them online anyway, you can just keep them for your online stock if they don't sell at con :3. You could also kind of play it by ear, if a customer really wants it but is a few dollars short, offer to sell it to them for that price if you are comfortable with it if you feel that price is fair and you feel comfortable selling it for that price to that particular person. I'm more inclined to lower the price a little on some of my items if someone doesn't have enough if they are nice to me and honestly seems to like my work than I am to someone who flat out demands I lower the price :/. For those types of customers I just inform them that if it doesn't sell at con, it just goes to my online stock.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: LiL Moon on March 05, 2012, 10:48:48 PM
Quote from: catnapcaps on March 03, 2012, 09:37:01 PM
I'd just stick with your regular price. If you sell them online anyway, you can just keep them for your online stock if they don't sell at con :3. You could also kind of play it by ear, if a customer really wants it but is a few dollars short, offer to sell it to them for that price if you are comfortable with it if you feel that price is fair and you feel comfortable selling it for that price to that particular person. I'm more inclined to lower the price a little on some of my items if someone doesn't have enough if they are nice to me and honestly seems to like my work than I am to someone who flat out demands I lower the price :/. For those types of customers I just inform them that if it doesn't sell at con, it just goes to my online stock.
I totally understand what you mean. I just have a different thought process when it comes to cons. Like you said, if I don't sell something, I just pack it up and take it to the next con or sell it online. But I also don't want to bring a ton of things that don't sell simply because they are too high. Then I feel like I'm wasting my time on making this stuff. I think it depends on the con too. Like at AX, I have no problems selling higher priced items, they sell quickly regardless, but Fanime...I'm not sure. I guess I will just have to see how I feel when the time comes. On your second point, I've had a few customers who will "literally" empty their entire wallet on my table to get the exact amount of the item. Usually it comes down to a difference of a few cents or close to a dollar. They look so sad and desperate, how could I NOT give them a discount? XD
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: RaelynnMarie on March 10, 2012, 08:35:06 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on February 02, 2012, 08:06:09 AM
Quote from: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 12:18:49 AM
Do you get your things printed online or printed at a local store?
I want to know a place where to print things for cheap but its hard to find one.
Man you have a lot of prints O__O
I need to hurry up and make some!

Also do you know a good place to print buttons? I can only find 100 buttons for 100 dollars and that is too expensive for me D:



For my 8.5x11 and 11x17 prints I go here! http://www.catprint.com/
I order my 4x6 and 5x7 prints here - http://winkflash.com (suuuuper cheap)
And I get my 6x9 prints at http://adoramapix.com

I don't know of a place that will make buttons for you, sorry! :C I have my own button maker. I highly recommend you invest in one, though! It pays off in the end. C:

Is there a reason you buy from so many different places? Is it just because each one is the cheapest where you get it? And you said Winkflash (right? I think it was Winkflash) was hit and miss. Do you think their prices are worth hit and miss, or...?

I was thinking of doing all mine from CatPrint; that way I'd have them all the same quality and similar look, but I'd like to know if it would be a better move to purchase from multiple places, instead?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: chibimonster on March 10, 2012, 10:50:01 AM
I have a question about larger prints...

I was considering selling some poster-size prints (18x24, most likely), and I've been looking at prices from various print services. It seems that it's always around $20 to get an 18x24 print made. If I were to get them at that price, I'd probably end up selling them at $35. However, I don't think people will be interested on spending that much on one print, even if it is really large. Again, I'm kind of new to this, so if people actually will buy an 18x24 print for $35, please let me know.

Also, is there a place where I can get 18x24s printed for less than $20?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on March 11, 2012, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: RaelynnMarie on March 10, 2012, 08:35:06 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on February 02, 2012, 08:06:09 AM
Quote from: princeofrose on February 02, 2012, 12:18:49 AM
Do you get your things printed online or printed at a local store?
I want to know a place where to print things for cheap but its hard to find one.
Man you have a lot of prints O__O
I need to hurry up and make some!

Also do you know a good place to print buttons? I can only find 100 buttons for 100 dollars and that is too expensive for me D:



For my 8.5x11 and 11x17 prints I go here! http://www.catprint.com/
I order my 4x6 and 5x7 prints here - http://winkflash.com (suuuuper cheap)
And I get my 6x9 prints at http://adoramapix.com

I don't know of a place that will make buttons for you, sorry! :C I have my own button maker. I highly recommend you invest in one, though! It pays off in the end. C:

Is there a reason you buy from so many different places? Is it just because each one is the cheapest where you get it? And you said Winkflash (right? I think it was Winkflash) was hit and miss. Do you think their prices are worth hit and miss, or...?

I was thinking of doing all mine from CatPrint; that way I'd have them all the same quality and similar look, but I'd like to know if it would be a better move to purchase from multiple places, instead?

I get my smaller prints from Winkflash just because it's a little bit cheaper than getting them from catprint. The 4x6 prints are 8 cents each (6 cents when they have a sale) and the 5x7 prints are 25 cents each. I can get up to 120 4x6 prints for only $10+$5 shipping, so it's more convenient for me. I checked on catprint how much it would cost me to print the same amount and it came up to $20. I think their prices are definitely worth the hit and miss, to be honest. The colours of the prints won't match the exact colours of the pic on your monitor (light colours get a little darker and vice versa) so the best thing to do is to lighten your pics just a smidgen so they don't come out too dark.

However, it's all up to you! If you want, you can get 50 free 4x6 prints from winkflash by signing up. I think it's only good for your fist order, though. The coupon code is 50FREE. If the prints aren't exactly what you wanted, then you should get everything at catprint if you want everything to be of the same quality. :)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PM
Hey guys! Reviving this thread bc it r cool.

Someone mentioned that they sell 4x6 prints for $1... Is that the average cost for 4x6s at the AA? ? @____@ It seems kinda low. I want to print mine at Office Max because I can have quick proofs there, and they charge 66 cents each :x

I'm hesitant to order online because I'd like to have proofs. However, I don't think I'll have a choice if 4x6s are $1. Do you guys have any suggestions for how I should prepare my files for print? Do they normally print lighter or darker, or is there no pattern?
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: kookiekween99 on March 21, 2012, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: octorok on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PMDo you guys have any suggestions for how I should prepare my files for print? Do they normally print lighter or darker, or is there no pattern?

I'm not really an artist, but I do work in the field of graphic design. If your files are in CMYK mode rather than RGB mode, they will print somewhat closer to what you see on the screen.

Here's an online article that explains the difference: http://www.copy-cd.biz/dtp-area/RGB-vs-CMYK.jsp

Here's another article that explains how it will affect your prints and how to compensate for that in Photoshop: http://www.ne14design.co.uk/articles/convert_RGB_to_CMYK.htm
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on March 21, 2012, 10:16:09 PM
Quote from: kookiekween99 on March 21, 2012, 06:49:12 PM
Quote from: octorok on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PMDo you guys have any suggestions for how I should prepare my files for print? Do they normally print lighter or darker, or is there no pattern?

I'm not really an artist, but I do work in the field of graphic design. If your files are in CMYK mode rather than RGB mode, they will print somewhat closer to what you see on the screen.

Here's an online article that explains the difference: http://www.copy-cd.biz/dtp-area/RGB-vs-CMYK.jsp

Here's another article that explains how it will affect your prints and how to compensate for that in Photoshop: http://www.ne14design.co.uk/articles/convert_RGB_to_CMYK.htm

Thanks for the info! This will make me more confident to print online, methinks.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on March 22, 2012, 11:39:04 PM
Quote from: octorok on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PM
Hey guys! Reviving this thread bc it r cool.

Someone mentioned that they sell 4x6 prints for $1... Is that the average cost for 4x6s at the AA? ? @____@ It seems kinda low. I want to print mine at Office Max because I can have quick proofs there, and they charge 66 cents each :x

I'm hesitant to order online because I'd like to have proofs. However, I don't think I'll have a choice if 4x6s are $1. Do you guys have any suggestions for how I should prepare my files for print? Do they normally print lighter or darker, or is there no pattern?

I don't know if this was already answered-if I am repeating myself tell me and I'll delete my post

Yeah-the $1 for 4x6 prints are REALLY cheap-usually they go for $3-5
I usually saw them sold as $4 though
If you are printing on glossy paper I woudl recommend making it a tad lighter beucase glossy paper makes everything darker XP
for everything else i dunno
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: sayonararollingstar on March 22, 2012, 11:59:11 PM
I just received my 4x6 prints from winkflash.com and they look okay to me.
Quote from: princeofrose on March 22, 2012, 11:39:04 PM
Quote from: octorok on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PM
Hey guys! Reviving this thread bc it r cool.

Someone mentioned that they sell 4x6 prints for $1... Is that the average cost for 4x6s at the AA? ? @____@ It seems kinda low. I want to print mine at Office Max because I can have quick proofs there, and they charge 66 cents each :x

I'm hesitant to order online because I'd like to have proofs. However, I don't think I'll have a choice if 4x6s are $1. Do you guys have any suggestions for how I should prepare my files for print? Do they normally print lighter or darker, or is there no pattern?

I don't know if this was already answered-if I am repeating myself tell me and I'll delete my post

Yeah-the $1 for 4x6 prints are REALLY cheap-usually they go for $3-5
I usually saw them sold as $4 though
If you are printing on glossy paper I woudl recommend making it a tad lighter beucase glossy paper makes everything darker XP
for everything else i dunno

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m1bay1L6Ek1qenrvko1_500.jpg&hash=bf8401fb9f2c2a974ca5f8faa8f1761f133f79b1)
I just got my order from winkflash.com and they look okay to me. They're only 8 cents each and that's why I can get away with selling them at $1 each. Honestly, $4-5 seems too much for me; I sell my letter size prints for $5 so seeing someone sell their 4x6 for $5 is kinda crazy. Then again, it depends where you get your supplies from.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Oniko on March 23, 2012, 08:34:58 AM
Quote from: sayonararollingstar on March 22, 2012, 11:59:11 PM
I just got my order from winkflash.com and they look okay to me. They're only 8 cents each and that's why I can get away with selling them at $1 each. Honestly, $4-5 seems too much for me; I sell my letter size prints for $5 so seeing someone sell their 4x6 for $5 is kinda crazy. Then again, it depends where you get your supplies from.
Those are so cute.  I never thought to sell my prints smaller but it seems like a great idea.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on March 23, 2012, 08:47:33 PM
What's letter size? is that 8x10? they are usually sold at $8 per print
Well you also have to take in account the time each picture takes as well :O
and how complex the print is.
I really think you are selling your prints for really cheap but that is just me >__>;
They are really adorable though :D I love your madoka ones even though Idon't watch the show-and Stocking is really cute >W<
If you draw Brief I'll want one lol

The only problem with winkflash is I don't think they have a template for their 4x6 prints...so I had a border on my pics and the borders got cut off-also I think they printed it on one gigantic sheet so on three sides of the pic my borders would be there but at the top/bottom it would be completely cut off because I think that was just the way they cut them.
BUT I was dumb and made my prints EXACTLY 4x6 lol forgetting that they had to cut em and stuff >__>; I guess I was sill yand though tthey were printing them individually or something like that
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on March 25, 2012, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: princeofrose on March 23, 2012, 08:47:33 PM
What's letter size? is that 8x10? they are usually sold at $8 per print
Well you also have to take in account the time each picture takes as well :O
and how complex the print is.
I really think you are selling your prints for really cheap but that is just me >__>;
They are really adorable though :D I love your madoka ones even though Idon't watch the show-and Stocking is really cute >W<
If you draw Brief I'll want one lol

The only problem with winkflash is I don't think they have a template for their 4x6 prints...so I had a border on my pics and the borders got cut off-also I think they printed it on one gigantic sheet so on three sides of the pic my borders would be there but at the top/bottom it would be completely cut off because I think that was just the way they cut them.
BUT I was dumb and made my prints EXACTLY 4x6 lol forgetting that they had to cut em and stuff >__>; I guess I was sill yand though tthey were printing them individually or something like that

I have to agree, I think $1 is really super cheap. I will probably sell mine for around $2 or $3. They are cheap to produce, but just don't have any interest in producing things that make less than a dollars profit each @_____@ Same reason I don't want to do buttons.

It takes me a long time to draw, though, so maybe that's it. I add backgrounds to everything and try to have the characters interact with each other, etc. I don't mind charging less for things like keychains or bookmarks, cause the characters there can just be static and simple :3

Thanks for the tips, princeofrose! I'm gonna order 4x6s from winkflash, so I better put a border.

Speaking of Winkflash... I want to take advantage of that 50 free prints promo, but I also want to order some proofs before I order in bulk ): Have any you guys been able to order 1 free proof and then 49 free prints later or something? ?____? I feel like that is not gonna happen for me.
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: vestien on March 28, 2012, 06:51:27 PM
thought I'd toss in what I usually do.

4x6 = $3 each, 2 for $5
11x17 = $15 each, 3 for $30 (basically buy 2 get one free)
1.5 inch buttons = $2 each, 3 for $5, 6 for $10

I still need to order my prints though.  Usually I get the large prints as 12lb coated instead of glossy. They're thicker, easier for me to manage and I feel like they're sturdier for traveling.

for commissions, it varies. my lowest price is about $10 for sketch and $25-$40 for color
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on April 01, 2012, 06:53:12 PM
Thanks for the input, vestien :3

I have a question to those who order from Winkflash: Do they do any kind of auto-correcting or autobalancing on the pictures? Or do they just print it exactly as it comes?

I've been getting proofs from Walgreens. I know it's stupid and the point is to order a proof from the exact place I'm getting the rest, but I didn't want to waste my 50FREE on one proof >: I also figured that I might get at least SOME idea of how it'll look on glossy paper if I print it at Walgreens.

Anyway, after a couple adjustments, I've realized that Walgreens auto-contrasts everything I print. Should I keep adjusting cause Winkflash will do the same, or should I just brighten everything a smidge and send it to Winkflash?

Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: octorok on April 01, 2012, 07:04:51 PM
Actually... nevermind, I'm gonna go ahead and just order from Winkflash. I finally got off my lazy brainbum and counted up how much 50 4x6s would cost at 6 cents and it was STUPID cheap. I can probably afford to mess up a few times with these guys. Won't be very good for the environment, though >___>
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: princeofrose on April 03, 2012, 01:11:48 AM
Yeah-it is really cheap-even if they don't turn out perfect its fine you can just cut them. They don't have autocorrect anything I think the only thing they have is you can put your own border on it or you can crop it.
I don't think you can get proofs on them either unfortunately-yeahhhh >__>; But they are a really nice quality :> I liked them! And they are pretty fast too!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Hachimitsu on April 03, 2012, 02:19:52 PM
Quote from: vestien on March 28, 2012, 06:51:27 PM
4x6 = $3 each, 2 for $5
11x17 = $15 each, 3 for $30 (basically buy 2 get one free)
1.5 inch buttons = $2 each, 3 for $5, 6 for $10

for commissions, it varies. my lowest price is about $10 for sketch and $25-$40 for color

What about post cards that have a lenticular effect?
I'm using snapily to create the artworks in 3d but the production value was 4.25 per print... that too is around 4 x 6. On a plus side its double sided print so one is 3d / animated and the other is plain (because i know alot of people will get eye sores)

Also I noticed most commissions for $10 is usally a bust size on most artists!
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: Laggy on May 08, 2012, 06:04:17 PM
I know this doesn't have much to do with prints, but I thought it might interest some of you who are just starting out (like me!) and wanna look professional on the cheap. Vistaprint is making small banners (3'x1.6') for free, just pay shipping. Just got mine in. It's bigger than I expected, and looks awesome. Shipping's really fast too, so you'll get it in time for the con if you order soon.

http://www.vistaprint.com/custom-banners.aspx?GP=5%2f8%2f2012+8%3a43%3a37+PM&GPS=2439118841&GNF=1&GPLSID=

On another note, my dad gave me his old photo printer (the HP Photosmart A617) since he was getting a new one. I didn't have very high hopes for it, as it's like five years old, but it's been working great. I wasn't planning on making any 4x6 prints, but after this thread I kinda wanted to. One ink cartridge prints about 40 at maximum settings, but apparently if you select 'best' instead of 'maximum dpi', it prints more like 80 without losing print quality.

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1233.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff395%2FMaggieRamey%2Fphoto.jpg&hash=4bc7006f353cec10acdaecb4ce0f84752c9d5a54)
Title: Re: Price Ranges for artist's alley?
Post by: mochamura on May 09, 2012, 04:41:38 PM
I'm sure it was covered already somewhere, but my brain's a little fried, so:

How many copies of each print to you guys tend to order?
I've heard a few suggestions of 5 copies of each print to start with. What do you think?

(Also, for those of you who have tried Catprint: how's their shipping estimates for accuracy? I'm thinking of doing the 7 Day Service to save on time, which estimates an arrival on the 21st, but that might be cutting it a little too close for comfort if their estimate is off.)