Looking for Artists' Alley advice
 Location: New Mexico
Website: [Link]
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Hullo, hullo... I'm not a very well-established artist and this is obviously my first con, but I was thinking about trying to spend a day in the Alley. I've read the FAQ about it already but would like to hear from artists who have done it before: - How do your operations go generally? (a story of your last year or whatever would be cool!) I was thinking about doing smallish simple sketch commissions for $5 - do you think people would be interested or do most people want color? I'm also interested in how people do badge commissions AT the con - do you use a size/type of paper that fits in a standard badge holder or do provide the attachments? Or whatever.. x_x Any advice would be appreciated! -Tory |
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Location: Hainesville, IL
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
I'm surprised this hasn't garnered any responses! I don't claim to know well how things go on a moment-by-moment basis, but from my side of the register table, I can tell you some general things.
For materials, I see people bring everything from a sketchpad and a box of markers and not much else to large tackle boxes full of various media and papers types (just remember that at most it all has to fit on a cart that would fit in an airplane overhead bin!)
I know that folks bring a good number of pre-made prints, though I think the majority of artists tend to do on the spot commissions (I'd welcome others' opinions on this, though).
As for a sign: YES! You really do want something to help you stand out and help people to find you (badges can't always be seen when you're bent over a sketchbook!). Prices on the sign aren't a bad idea, either. Just remember that space is at a premium - each artist has 3 feet by 2.5 feet to work with (one half-table), so small signs, or maybe a sign on a small post, are a good bet.
I hope this helps!
Edit: Reviewing other comments, I realize I forgot something: Business cards! Even if it's just a small piece of paper with contact information (e-mail address, website, etc.), that's something that a lot of people were wishing they had last year.
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Tom Brady/Duncan da Husky
Artists Alley and Con Store Manager
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permalinkThe cheapest place I've ever seen online for printing materials, especially business cards is VistaPrint. They offer free business cards(250 cards) as well, which you just pay for the shipping.
Personally, I post my business cards everywhere, even on the public posting boards which are located in the hospital where I live. I do get business from them, and they are definitely worth it.
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permalinkLocation: Ardmore, PA
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I have no real issue with Vistaprint, other than I think the quality is a bit on the low end. Of course, it's free, so beggers can't be choosers.
I've been using Design Your Own Card myself for some years now. It's more expensive, but you have greater control over what the cards are printed on, with some very high quality printing options available. Obviously, it costs more. (My business card.)
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permalinkLocation: Hainesville, IL
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Blog: [Link]
Actually, I would respectfully disagree on the quality of Vistaprint's products, at least for items that you pay for (I haven't done the free business cards so I can't speak to that). Last year I started using Vistaprint for the lovely glossy confirmation postcards that we sent out for Midwest FurFest and I was been very impressed with the finished product. We use them for our party invitations, too
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Tom Brady/Duncan da Husky
Artists Alley and Con Store Manager
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permalinkhehe.
Well I replied at the same time. I think glossy definitely makes a difference. I just helped one client order postcards. The local print shop wanted to charge 1000+USD for 500ish prints while VP offered a much lower price, even with the options.
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permalinko.0 low end? I use glossy on my cards, they look very nice even with graphics printed on them. With the different card stocks available which you can choose. I do not think VP's business cards are low end. Their magnet things and printoffs are even better than many local shops which have printing services.
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permalinkLocation: Ardmore, PA
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At least that's been my impression of the Vista Print cards that I've seen.
Though, I am not a graphic design person nor a printer -- I'm essentially a layman in that field. Please take my opinion with a
large grain of saltscoop of salted ice cream.--
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
Wow, it's a good thing you told me about them when you did because I apparently caught them during a sale and not four hours later the prices had jumped quite a bit x) Thanks again, I can't wait to see how they turn out hehe.
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
BRING BUSINESS CARDS!!!
Even if they're just plain paper versions you trim with scissors, make sure it has your name, website address, and e-mail. Make sure they are easy to find amidst the stuff on your table. They generally won't generate sales for you now, but they will several months later.
I cannot count the number of times where I've caught an artist on lunch break in the alley where I love what they have out as examples but there's no info as to who it is. Not even a name. And often their neighbor in the alley doesn't know who they're sitting next to!
if an artists clearly swamped or in the middle of taking a commission from someone I'll often grab a card and order something after the con. No card, you'll likely miss that later sale.
BRING BUSINESS CARDS!
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
Thank you for the link to the free/cheap business cards! Now I'm motivated to design one. :3
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