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FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => Live Programming and Events => Topic started by: Alejandro Cuba on February 09, 2013, 10:47:28 PM

Title: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 09, 2013, 10:47:28 PM
Gonna start with the disclaimer that I am not asking for this and that I am just curious.

I was wondering the other day why it was that we could not have electricity at our tables.  My guess is that either the convention center or the fire marshal won't allow it (I forget if this was mentioned in last year's rules).  I was just wondering because as a crafter, it would be immensely useful to me and I have been at two past cons where I could use power for my sewing machine.  One simply said it was ok to use an outlet if it was behind your table (these were against the wall obviously) and another actually would have you pay extra and the convention center would very carefully run a power outlet to your table from the access panels in the floor.  The wires were very carefully taped down.  I saw that at that con especially, it was amazingly helpful to the artists as well as myself because there was someone with a printer in our section.  But the distance between the back of the artist tables was also further apart, making this a little safer and easier.

More like this:  ||          ||

Then like what I remember Fanime being last year:  ||      ||

Again, I'm not specifically asking for it, just curious.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 08:16:19 AM
I believe that we don't have electricity at our tables because it would make them all ridiculously expensive. Conventions typically lose money on the artist alley anyway, so adding power would make that problem even worse and we'd all have to pay a lot more for our tables. This would be a huge turnoff to a lot of artists - people complain about a $10 increase; imagine how much they would complain about a $50 or more increase. This makes providing power not worth it from the con's perspective. (And you also have to factor in the possibility of attendees tripping, electrical fires, etc.)

And the tables at Fanime have been geting closer and closer together over the years to make room for as many artists as possible. Soon we'll all be like sardines.

What I'm curious about is the actual location of the artist alley. There's been a lot of construction going on at the convention center, and new rooms are being added. This makes me wonder if the artist alley is going to move to a bigger room this year that could fit more artists.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: octorok on February 10, 2013, 11:34:49 AM
Another reason there might not be electricity is because artists should be used to not having any by now, hehe.

I skipped over the only con last year to offer electricity at their tables because their prices were WAY too high. Electricity WAS sorta enticing, but I've already learned to get by without power. The extra cost wasn't worth it.

Something I might like instead, though, is WIFI!!!! But that might just be because I don't have a smartphone ):
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Lucifargundam on February 10, 2013, 11:39:04 AM
Quote from: octorok on February 10, 2013, 11:34:49 AM
Something I might like instead, though, is WIFI!!!! But that might just be because I don't have a smartphone ):
there's no smartphone coverage at teh con... dunno why.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 01:29:28 PM
I can usually get half decent coverage inside the typical room that Artist Alley is in and I have a smart phone.  But yes, coverage in the ballrooms can be spotty.

Quote from: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 08:16:19 AM
I believe that we don't have electricity at our tables because it would make them all ridiculously expensive. Conventions typically lose money on the artist alley anyway, so adding power would make that problem even worse and we'd all have to pay a lot more for our tables. This would be a huge turnoff to a lot of artists - people complain about a $10 increase; imagine how much they would complain about a $50 or more increase. This makes providing power not worth it from the con's perspective. (And you also have to factor in the possibility of attendees tripping, electrical fires, etc.)

And the tables at Fanime have been geting closer and closer together over the years to make room for as many artists as possible. Soon we'll all be like sardines.

What I'm curious about is the actual location of the artist alley. There's been a lot of construction going on at the convention center, and new rooms are being added. This makes me wonder if the artist alley is going to move to a bigger room this year that could fit more artists.

As to location, my assumption is that it will either be in the same location as always, or they will finally listen to us and let us switch with the Game room which despite having arcade, table top, counsel, and cosplay chess still have massive amounts of room to spare.  From what I recall of the plans (I'm originally from San Jose) and what I've seen of the renovations the main ballrooms shouldn't have been touched beyond minor upgrades which are likely already done since San Jose just hosted the annual car show back in January.  I think most of the remaining work by the time Fanime comes around will be confined to the library build out's interior and maybe a touch of the exterior.  Part of why San Jose is doing the expansion is so that they can draw in more conventions and keep the popular ones they currently have.  They really don't want to see a con like Fanime move because it brings huge amounts of revenue into the downtown area for the restaurants and hotels.  I'm pretty sure that McD's on the corner makes the same that weekend as they do in the following two months.

As for electricity and price, yeah it's an extra expense, but the one con I went to offered it as an option on the sign up form, yes for an additional charge.  But it didn't mean everyone had to pay for it.  It was an extra $50 which was daunting, but given that the table price was for a bigger table then I am use to and included a badge already it wasn't much when compared with a con of decent size, such as Fanime, which has you pay for your badge separately.  Admittedly, I got power because my neighbor had payed for it but let me use some of the outlet he'd been given for part of the price it had cost him.  It would be quite a surprise to me if cons did loose money on Artist Alleys, from a business perspective.  Since one can't really have these type of cons without them (the smart business move being to quit doing what doesn't make you money) the other option is to either charge more for tables or increase admission.  So if it's a money problem it would seem to be that adding a bonus item with an extra charge would, in fact, likely help. 

I do, however, totally agree with you about how cramped Artist Alley is getting.

Quote from: octorok on February 10, 2013, 11:34:49 AM
Another reason there might not be electricity is because artists should be used to not having any by now, hehe.

I skipped over the only con last year to offer electricity at their tables because their prices were WAY too high. Electricity WAS sorta enticing, but I've already learned to get by without power. The extra cost wasn't worth it.


Speaking as a person selling craft pieces and not prints electricity is a serious boon to me and increases the likelihood of making sales.  I don't plan to need to make items from scratch at the con but I'll have halves that I can sew together as people like and if I could do that at the table I could ask them to return in an hour rather then say that I'll have it done tomorrow because I can't go back to my room until the Alley closes.  As we all know, a fair amount of people don't come for multiple days meaning I have to ship it to them or they just decided to not buy.  There is also the chance that it would mean I get more sleep when I do get back to my room (a precious commodity at con) since I wouldn't need to work until I couldn't pin straight, meaning totally worth it for me.  That's basically why I was asking.  Curiosity and because it has done me good in the past.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: Lucifargundam on February 10, 2013, 11:39:04 AM
Quote from: octorok on February 10, 2013, 11:34:49 AM
Something I might like instead, though, is WIFI!!!! But that might just be because I don't have a smartphone ):
there's no smartphone coverage at teh con... dunno why.

That's not true. Last year I was able to look up reference pics on my iPhone while I was sitting at my table (service was a bit slow, though). I use AT&T; perhaps other service providers don't work in the convention center.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 01:46:22 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: Lucifargundam on February 10, 2013, 11:39:04 AM
Quote from: octorok on February 10, 2013, 11:34:49 AM
Something I might like instead, though, is WIFI!!!! But that might just be because I don't have a smartphone ):
there's no smartphone coverage at teh con... dunno why.

That's not true. Last year I was able to look up reference pics on my iPhone while I was sitting at my table (service was a bit slow, though). I use AT&T; perhaps other service providers don't work in the convention center.

Same here.  AT&T and working phone connectivity, so it could be a provider issue.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: ewu on February 10, 2013, 01:56:50 PM
If you want power, we have considered providing it on a table by table basis, but you do need to cover the cost of it which is somewhere between $150-$300. If this is something you think you would like to do, contact AA staff after you get a table and we will see if we can make it happen. This is no guarantee, but if you ask, we will consider the burden of processing the request, consider the number of requests, and set a price point.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 02:33:44 PM
Quote from: ewu on February 10, 2013, 01:56:50 PM
If you want power, we have considered providing it on a table by table basis, but you do need to cover the cost of it which is somewhere between $150-$300. If this is something you think you would like to do, contact AA staff after you get a table and we will see if we can make it happen. This is no guarantee, but if you ask, we will consider the burden of processing the request, consider the number of requests, and set a price point.

Ok, cool.  More questions then.  Is the $150-$300 what it would cost for each person who asks or is it what it would cost in total and then get divided up by the number of people who ask?  If it's the ladder, I can ask around to see what kind of interest there is.  And unrelated to the power question, what are the chances of the Artist Alley getting to move to one of the larger ballrooms?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: ewu on February 10, 2013, 03:50:26 PM
That is per table. The actual cost relies on many, many factors that are convention wide.

Looking at new spaces:)
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 05:05:18 PM
Quote from: ewu on February 10, 2013, 03:50:26 PM
That is per table. The actual cost relies on many, many factors that are convention wide.

Looking at new spaces:)

New spaces. You do not know how excited those two words made me. I'm hoping that there will be more tables so registration isn't going to sell out as quickly. I got in pretty easily last year, but I always worry I'll have a moment of bad luck (or bad wifi) and won't get a table. I think I get too stressed about these things. Anyone else dreading the table war?

Back on topic, I'm actually glad to not have electricity. I went to a con that provided electricity for all attendees and while it was nice to be able to charge my phone at my table, I don't think it was worth the super high table price (relative to the size and venue of the con). That being said, all I do is prints, buttons and commissions, so I don't have much of a use for it.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
Quote from: ewu on February 10, 2013, 03:50:26 PM
That is per table. The actual cost relies on many, many factors that are convention wide.

Looking at new spaces:)

Yes, new spaces!  That is plenty exciting news!  Fingers crossed!

Anyway, yikes!  That's a pretty steep price!  I'll admit that yeah, I probably can't afford to do that, which makes me a bit sad.  But I suppose I could still ask later, right?  I've probably just been spoiled by the other cons.

(I'm starting to wish I'd taken Event Management when I was finishing up my degree.  I'm getting way to curious about how cons work on the business/operations side.)
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: ewu on February 10, 2013, 07:20:07 PM
Quote from: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
(I'm starting to wish I'd taken Event Management when I was finishing up my degree.  I'm getting way to curious about how cons work on the business/operations side.)

What? you say you want to join staff??:)
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 08:14:11 PM
Quote from: ewu on February 10, 2013, 07:20:07 PM
Quote from: Alejandro Cuba on February 10, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
(I'm starting to wish I'd taken Event Management when I was finishing up my degree.  I'm getting way to curious about how cons work on the business/operations side.)

What? you say you want to join staff??:)

XD  Now I'm not so sure about that yet, though who knows?  It's just as I've been getting my Business degree every con I've gone to have made me a little more curious about how they run and how one pulls them off successfully.  So maybe, one day.  But I'd still want my Artist Alley table!  Hehe!
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alexie828 on February 12, 2013, 09:55:58 AM
Quote from: chibimonster on February 10, 2013, 05:05:18 PM
Quote from: ewu on February 10, 2013, 03:50:26 PM
That is per table. The actual cost relies on many, many factors that are convention wide.

Looking at new spaces:)

New spaces. You do not know how excited those two words made me. I'm hoping that there will be more tables so registration isn't going to sell out as quickly. I got in pretty easily last year, but I always worry I'll have a moment of bad luck (or bad wifi) and won't get a table. I think I get too stressed about these things. Anyone else dreading the table war?

Back on topic, I'm actually glad to not have electricity. I went to a con that provided electricity for all attendees and while it was nice to be able to charge my phone at my table, I don't think it was worth the super high table price (relative to the size and venue of the con). That being said, all I do is prints, buttons and commissions, so I don't have much of a use for it.

I'm TERRIFIED for the table war. The tables had sold out around 16 minutes after noon last year. I just went to college this year, and the wifi is absolute crap here, so I'm actually terrified that it can't take the 300+ artist rush to get a table this year. I'd be thrilled to even get a table, unlike previous years where I aimed to be one of the first so I can get a table I wanted. But it's all up in the air. I might just beg and plead for my suitemates to turn off all their wifi devices for about 10 minutes, haha.

But I am happy if there are new tables this year! This would definitely make the stress less for me. Have any of you guys been to Anime Expo? If you're talking CRAMPED, then that's it. Fanime provides at least twice as much space for people to walk through than Anime Expo's Artist Alley, and their table count is almost the same.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 12, 2013, 01:22:16 PM
Ah yes i remember the table war from last year!....
Hey do they still do the Final 100 tables as a lottery system? or not anymore?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 12, 2013, 07:00:31 PM
Quote from: Hachimitsu-ink on February 12, 2013, 01:22:16 PM
Ah yes i remember the table war from last year!....
Hey do they still do the Final 100 tables as a lottery system? or not anymore?

It's not a lottery. Just whichever 300 or so people register first. I was one of the first 100 last year. :)

I'm still nervous because I get the most awful adrenaline rushes from things like the table war. After AA registration last year, I was walking in circles in my living room for about an hour. Hopefully a new space means more tables which means a little less craziness. (I can dream, right?)

Quote from: Alexie828 on February 12, 2013, 09:55:58 AM
I'm TERRIFIED for the table war. The tables had sold out around 16 minutes after noon last year. I just went to college this year, and the wifi is absolute crap here, so I'm actually terrified that it can't take the 300+ artist rush to get a table this year. I'd be thrilled to even get a table, unlike previous years where I aimed to be one of the first so I can get a table I wanted. But it's all up in the air. I might just beg and plead for my suitemates to turn off all their wifi devices for about 10 minutes, haha.

But I am happy if there are new tables this year! This would definitely make the stress less for me. Have any of you guys been to Anime Expo? If you're talking CRAMPED, then that's it. Fanime provides at least twice as much space for people to walk through than Anime Expo's Artist Alley, and their table count is almost the same.

If you have a smartphone with 4g, maybe that would be better than college wifi.

I wonder what the price will be this year (not that this actually matters. Fanime's AA is so much fun that I would go even if it cost as much as AX hahaha). Speaking of AX, I'm going for the first time this year. I've seen pics of the artist alley from past years and it didn't look THAT cramped. Maybe those photos are outdated... Does anyone have a pic of AX's 2012 AA?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Alexie828 on February 16, 2013, 10:29:19 PM
QuoteIf you have a smartphone with 4g, maybe that would be better than college wifi.

I wonder what the price will be this year (not that this actually matters. Fanime's AA is so much fun that I would go even if it cost as much as AX hahaha). Speaking of AX, I'm going for the first time this year. I've seen pics of the artist alley from past years and it didn't look THAT cramped. Maybe those photos are outdated... Does anyone have a pic of AX's 2012 AA?

3G only...cell signal isn't great either. Also, typing on my phone is hard. @___@ I'll just brave it or something hah.
Yeah! I'm flying up just for FanimeCon. It's just too much fun selling. I always look forward to Fanime weekend.
Pictures aren't the same as experiencing it. There's barely any space behind the artist tables and walking through the crowd looking at the tables is a nightmare too. You more or less have to follow the traffic flow. It's extremely cramped, I warn you now. There is at least twice as much space between tables in FanimeCon for con-goers to walk through. There's just enough space behind the table for a person to squeeze through...sideways. Or maybe my friends were just in a particularly messy isle.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 17, 2013, 03:25:04 PM
i can try and check on my home to find pictures becuase i did took some pictures from fanime's AA but i think the administrators will ask me to put them away since its not polite to post pictures on this forum (something about code of conduct and privacy reasons)
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 17, 2013, 03:42:19 PM
Quote from: Hachimitsu-ink on February 17, 2013, 03:25:04 PM
i can try and check on my home to find pictures becuase i did took some pictures from fanime's AA but i think the administrators will ask me to put them away since its not polite to post pictures on this forum (something about code of conduct and privacy reasons)

I wasn't asking for pictures of fanime's AA. I was there LOL. I was wondering about AX's Artist alley and how cramped it was. A google image search turned up nOthung that would suggest that it was super cramped. That's why I was asking for pictures.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: LiL Moon on February 18, 2013, 10:23:37 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on February 17, 2013, 03:42:19 PM
I wasn't asking for pictures of fanime's AA. I was there LOL. I was wondering about AX's Artist alley and how cramped it was. A google image search turned up nOthung that would suggest that it was super cramped. That's why I was asking for pictures.

AX and Fanime are both wonderful cons. I've never felt cramped in AX's AA. The tables are spaced out pretty nicely. It's just the mass amount of people that walk by make it feel a little cramped. It really all depends on where your table is located. High traffic occurs in the first few rows and in the center. There is much more walking room in the back or on the sides of the alley. I did take some photos from my table. You can check out my con report here:http://lilmoon.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Expo-2012-Con-Report-312884484 (http://lilmoon.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Expo-2012-Con-Report-312884484). I was located in the about the 3rd or 4th row center.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 19, 2013, 07:33:58 AM
Quote from: LiL Moon on February 18, 2013, 10:23:37 PM
AX and Fanime are both wonderful cons. I've never felt cramped in AX's AA. The tables are spaced out pretty nicely. It's just the mass amount of people that walk by make it feel a little cramped. It really all depends on where your table is located. High traffic occurs in the first few rows and in the center. There is much more walking room in the back or on the sides of the alley. I did take some photos from my table. You can check out my con report here:http://lilmoon.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Expo-2012-Con-Report-312884484 (http://lilmoon.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Expo-2012-Con-Report-312884484). I was located in the about the 3rd or 4th row center.

Judging from your report, AX looks like a lot of fun. Also your plushies are very cute.

If the most traffic is in the middle, the middle should be the best place to be because more people might notice you, right? Or does everyone just walk past? I've never been to AX before; this year will be my first year. I wonder when they'll start emailing the artists... Actually, I also wonder when Fanime is going to put up registration. Is it just me or is everything taking forever this year... Every con I'm going to seems to be behind schedule.

Also, how many tables does AX's artist alley have? More than Fanime? Less? Is it crazier? At Fanime last year I got completely swamped with commissions - I had to take some home to work on (I live close enough to make getting a hotel pointless). My biggest fear is that someday I'll get so many commissions that I'll hurt myself trying to finish them all (I actually know someone who passed out at AX once). In general, how do you deal with being given lots of commissions?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 08:37:22 AM
wow this thread is great!  I'e been thinking about AX for awhile now. Their website said AA is sold out already though :( is that just old site info?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 20, 2013, 10:56:49 AM
Quote from: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 08:37:22 AM
wow this thread is great!  I'e been thinking about AX for awhile now. Their website said AA is sold out already though :( is that just old site info?

I haven't heard any definite info from the staff, but rumors have been circulating that the AX AA is sold out. As for the AX website, the Artist Alley tab is still around in the registration tab, and I haven't seen any mention of it being sold out. Where does it day that?

I bought my table back in December, so I don't know much.

mod edit: for clarity AX AA and not Fanime
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 03:03:59 PM
https://www2.cmrreg.com/anim_2a/register.aspx
If you scroll down it says "Artist Alley Table registration is now sold out. We are currently taking waitlist sign-ups. As soon as tables become available we will notify you in the order your Artist Alley Table waitlist registration was received."
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 20, 2013, 03:28:56 PM
I see. That's definitely new site info. Either that or I didn't see it back in December. O.o I don't think AX's AA sells out in December, though. I think last year it sold out in March or April or something. Pretty late.

Now I'm getting paranoid. Although I haven't gotten an email telling me I'm on the waitlist, so I'm assuming I have a table at AX.

All this registration stuff. I'm still sort of new to Artist alleys. Last year was the first time I sold at Fanime; this year will be my first AX entirely. So I get extremely freaked out about registering because it's still pretty new to me. I rushed like crazy to get a half table at Anime Conji even though I didn't need to; they still have half tables available. I suppose the table war at Fanime is the worst in terms of stress, though. How fast do you think tables are going to go this year?
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 03:44:52 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on February 20, 2013, 03:28:56 PM
I see. That's definitely new site info. Either that or I didn't see it back in December. O.o I don't think AX's AA sells out in December, though. I think last year it sold out in March or April or something. Pretty late.

Now I'm getting paranoid. Although I haven't gotten an email telling me I'm on the waitlist, so I'm assuming I have a table at AX.

All this registration stuff. I'm still sort of new to Artist alleys. Last year was the first time I sold at Fanime; this year will be my first AX entirely. So I get extremely freaked out about registering because it's still pretty new to me. I rushed like crazy to get a half table at Anime Conji even though I didn't need to; they still have half tables available. I suppose the table war at Fanime is the worst in terms of stress, though. How fast do you think tables are going to go this year?
If I remember last year was 15-30 min....
Considering how fast hotels sold out this year....
.............*sobs like a baby*
I would say it'll go at least as fast as last year. Just gotta watch the site like a hawk.  Like their FB page. Most stressful year yet.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 20, 2013, 03:57:32 PM
Quote from: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 03:44:52 PM
If I remember last year was 15-30 min....
Considering how fast hotels sold out this year....
.............*sobs like a baby*
I would say it'll go at least as fast as last year. Just gotta watch the site like a hawk.  Like their FB page. Most stressful year yet.

Last year tables at Fanime sold out in just under 15 minutes. Aaaaaahhh the anxiousness. This year to be on the safe side I'm aiming to finish everything within 2 minutes. Hopefully the interface will be nice and easy to use like last year.

I heard that in years before the servers would crash and people would take hours just to get the site to load. How different was 2011 from 2012, for example? Or years before, if you've been. I'm kind of curious.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: unicorn_lord on February 26, 2013, 07:39:57 AM
I'll be trying as well. Gotten a table every year I've tried. I'll probably have to sell off part of the table, since nobody goes with me to the con, so hope for best, I guess.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 26, 2013, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: unicorn_lord on February 26, 2013, 07:39:57 AM
I'll be trying as well. Gotten a table every year I've tried. I'll probably have to sell off part of the table, since nobody goes with me to the con, so hope for best, I guess.

By sell off, do you mean share? There's always a huge demand for table sharing (people not getting a table before they sold out), so I'm sure you'll be able to.
Last year there seemed to be tons of people who didn't get tables looking to share and posting about it on the forums, but very few people who actually got tables went on the forums to offer to share. For some reason I thought there would be many more people with tables wanting to share, so it was kinda strange.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: unicorn_lord on February 26, 2013, 08:02:41 PM
most people use all of the tables, doesn't suprise me.
I saw 1 or two people with two tables, I don't think that should really be allowed if your have people waiting, but whatever.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on February 27, 2013, 12:04:45 AM
Quote from: unicorn_lord on February 26, 2013, 08:02:41 PM
most people use all of the tables, doesn't suprise me.
I saw 1 or two people with two tables, I don't think that should really be allowed if your have people waiting, but whatever.

Using two tables isn't allowed and if they're finding a way to get around the rule that could get them kicked out of the Artist Alley. I saw someone who appeared to be using two tables, but I didn't go talk to the staff because I couldn't be totally sure of the circumstances and frankly enforcing the rules isn't the job of the artists.

I'm actually pretty cheap and I've found that I don't really need a full table, so at smaller cons I'll often get a half table. I keep my prints in a binder, so my PVC thingy is kind of useless and just for show anyway. I'm considering thinking of some wire cube display that would work well on a half table.

I've found that having a half table gives the illusion of having more merchandise and it makes me stay organized. Sometimes when I have a full table and I'm working on a commission I end up with markers EVERYWHERE. I guess with me more room = more mess.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: unicorn_lord on February 27, 2013, 11:24:09 AM
When they did have two tables, it was usually in the setup of have basically 1 artist at 1 table and having a "second artist" with very similar art at the second. It basically gets around the rule because you have 4 people at two tables.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Hachimitsu on February 27, 2013, 01:18:08 PM
Quote from: unicorn_lord on February 26, 2013, 08:02:41 PM
most people use all of the tables, doesn't suprise me.
I saw 1 or two people with two tables, I don't think that should really be allowed if your have people waiting, but whatever.

I remember that back then (2012) they change from obtaining 2 tables to just 1, so that other artist may have an opportunity. Last year, i was kinda puzzled how they obtain 2 tables. Is that even possible to table share that way? have one of your friends order a table and then ask to be sit next to the other??
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: phr34kish on February 28, 2013, 09:21:25 AM
You essentially have two ARTISTS in your group, not an artist and a helper. That guarantees you sit together, and it satisfies the rule of 1 artist = 1 table. But because you're a group, you count as a single payment. At least that's how it has always worked for me. :)
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: LiL Moon on February 28, 2013, 02:31:57 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on February 19, 2013, 07:33:58 AM
Judging from your report, AX looks like a lot of fun. Also your plushies are very cute.

If the most traffic is in the middle, the middle should be the best place to be because more people might notice you, right? Or does everyone just walk past? I've never been to AX before; this year will be my first year. I wonder when they'll start emailing the artists... Actually, I also wonder when Fanime is going to put up registration. Is it just me or is everything taking forever this year... Every con I'm going to seems to be behind schedule.

Also, how many tables does AX's artist alley have? More than Fanime? Less? Is it crazier? At Fanime last year I got completely swamped with commissions - I had to take some home to work on (I live close enough to make getting a hotel pointless). My biggest fear is that someday I'll get so many commissions that I'll hurt myself trying to finish them all (I actually know someone who passed out at AX once). In general, how do you deal with being given lots of commissions?
Thank you. ^^ It's so crowded walking in the middle, people are bound to notice your table. Even if it's just because you can't move. I hate it when so many people crowd around one table that you can't see it or walk around it. But believe me, the traffic is great. The middle or the front is great!

I'm used to applications being slow. The head of the AA staff changed this year for AX so naturally they are behind. But they are slowly working on getting applications out. Just check back every now and again, same goes for Fanime.

Hmm, I don't know if AX has more tables than Fanime. Perhaps about the same or more. AX is crazier since we are grouped with the dealers hall which is like 10 times the size of Fanime's. Fanime is more organized with the AA being separate from the dealers. That's not to say it's a bad thing. It's just a different environment. I wouldn't know about commissions since I don't take any at cons. You'd be surprised though how many people think plush artists can take commissions on site. O.o Like we got an invisible sewing machine and unlimited fabric stock behind us. Best thing at any con is to limit commissions and take breaks. Don't kill yourself for money.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: LiL Moon on February 28, 2013, 02:34:51 PM
Quote from: Oniko on February 20, 2013, 08:37:22 AM
wow this thread is great!  I'e been thinking about AX for awhile now. Their website said AA is sold out already though :( is that just old site info?
AX starts selling tables the last day of the con. I bought mine the day after so it's no surprise if tables are already sold out. That's not to say you should give up though. Sign up for the waitlist. There always seem to be empty/extra tables the day of the con.  ???
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: unicorn_lord on March 07, 2013, 03:04:47 PM
This is starting to get irrating. the longer fanime takes, the more scrambling the artists have to do to prepare.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Hachimitsu on March 08, 2013, 02:23:49 AM
Quote from: unicorn_lord on March 07, 2013, 03:04:47 PM
This is starting to get irrating. the longer fanime takes, the more scrambling the artists have to do to prepare.

actually, because the web started late, its going to be a while before things gets really off!

My biggest concern is if they pull another registration error!!
the second biggest concern is the lottery idea being brought back!
my third biggest concern is the price being raised to $75 as opposed to $60

rest assure I hope AAA will get this fixed and organized in a clean fashionable...uhm....clean! with no issues at all

I LIKE HOW the gaming hall forum thread, wants more games/arcades, while the artist alley hall thread wants more tables!....
i swear its like team magma versus team aqua all over again!
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on March 08, 2013, 06:32:06 AM
Oh god if there's a lottery I think I'll go insane. Ugh. I DETEST lotterys because they give the slackers the same opportunity as the super motivate people.
Apart from the lottery, I would really hate a 50/50 fan art vs. original rule. 75/25 in favor of fanart I could deal with, but 50/50 would be a real pain.

The table price was already 75 last year, so this year it'll most likely go up to 85 or something like that.

Anyway, the delay is probably Because they're trying to prevent errors. Think of it this way: they could rush to get everything up super quickly and there would be tons of glitches and errors and confusion. This would be even more frustrating than waiting. They're taking their time to make sure everything is in place and running smoothly so that in the long run, the Artist alley won't be total mayhem.

Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Oniko on March 08, 2013, 08:59:50 AM
I honestly dont care is it's $80... please dont shoot me!!  But I dont think they'll raise it.

but yes lottery would be HORRIBLE.  my table is basically my bread and butter for cons.  If I dont get a table I simply dont go.  It's not in my budget if I cant get some money back.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on March 08, 2013, 12:41:00 PM
Quote from: Oniko on March 08, 2013, 08:59:50 AM
I honestly dont care is it's $80... please dont shoot me!!  But I dont think they'll raise it.

but yes lottery would be HORRIBLE.  my table is basically my bread and butter for cons.  If I dont get a table I simply dont go.  It's not in my budget if I cant get some money back.

I'm fortunate to live just 20 min away from Fanime, so I don't have to get a hotel and I would go even if I didn't get a table.

I hate lotteries regardless because I think first come first serve is more fair and more professional. Instead of relying on your preparations/ability to fill things out quickly, you have to leave everything up to chance and it's very likely that someone who is less prepared (and therefore less deserving IMO) will get a table instead.

I imagine the delays must be pretty bad for those whose attendance depends on whether or not they get a table. Have you bought a badge yet or waited as prices rose?

Quote from: LiL Moon on February 28, 2013, 02:31:57 PM
Hmm, I don't know if AX has more tables than Fanime. Perhaps about the same or more. AX is crazier since we are grouped with the dealers hall which is like 10 times the size of Fanime's. Fanime is more organized with the AA being separate from the dealers. That's not to say it's a bad thing. It's just a different environment. I wouldn't know about commissions since I don't take any at cons. You'd be surprised though how many people think plush artists can take commissions on site. O.o Like we got an invisible sewing machine and unlimited fabric stock behind us. Best thing at any con is to limit commissions and take breaks. Don't kill yourself for money.

I'm super excited for AX! But I'm also super paranoid that AX tables sold out before December and I'm actually on the waitlist. Although I'm 80% sure that if I could actually pay for a table I have one. Is this right? (I'd ask this on the AX forum, but it's kinda dead).
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Hachimitsu on March 08, 2013, 01:52:06 PM
no it wasn't..
last year was $60 still, and I know this because me and my partner only split the difference!
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: LiL Moon on March 08, 2013, 02:21:54 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on March 08, 2013, 12:41:00 PM
I'm super excited for AX! But I'm also super paranoid that AX tables sold out before December and I'm actually on the waitlist. Although I'm 80% sure that if I could actually pay for a table I have one. Is this right? (I'd ask this on the AX forum, but it's kinda dead).
Like you said, you answered your own question. If you were able to buy a table, you have a table.
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: Oniko on March 08, 2013, 02:34:59 PM
Chibimonster: I have already bought my badge and the hotel room.  But a room can be canceled and I honestly would probably give up my $50 instead of the hundreds I will spend on hotel, food, and lets face it the goodies in the dealers room.
Its not only a matter of spending money but also I'm not making money, going to a Con is time off from work so I'm not making money. That is why a table it so important to me.  It's not just fanime, it's kinda the rule I follow for all Cons to to keep an eye on my bank account.

anyways.... lottery bad *cave man stomp*
Title: Re: Artist Alley Question
Post by: chibimonster on March 08, 2013, 08:31:24 PM
Quote from: Oniko on March 08, 2013, 02:34:59 PM
Chibimonster: I have already bought my badge and the hotel room.  But a room can be canceled and I honestly would probably give up my $50 instead of the hundreds I will spend on hotel, food, and lets face it the goodies in the dealers room.
Its not only a matter of spending money but also I'm not making money, going to a Con is time off from work so I'm not making money. That is why a table it so important to me.  It's not just fanime, it's kinda the rule I follow for all Cons to to keep an eye on my bank account.

anyways.... lottery bad *cave man stomp*

I didn't think about work. I'm still in high school, and I've been so busy with my classes (taking 4 AP classes hasn't been great for my health) that I don't have a job. I guess you could say that selling art is my job at the moment, although it's a pretty sporadic and not very profitable job.
I'll be a pre-med student next year, so balancing cons and school will be an even bigger challenge. Do you find that going to cons while having a full-time job is extremely difficult, or do things tend to work out ok?

Quote from: LiL Moon on March 08, 2013, 02:21:54 PM
Quote from: chibimonster on March 08, 2013, 12:41:00 PM
I'm super excited for AX! But I'm also super paranoid that AX tables sold out before December and I'm actually on the waitlist. Although I'm 80% sure that if I could actually pay for a table I have one. Is this right? (I'd ask this on the AX forum, but it's kinda dead).
Like you said, you answered your own question. If you were able to buy a table, you have a table.

Yay! I guess I'll be seeing you at AX, then. :)