Advice to new artists: be grateful
I'm really not sure which forum category this belongs in so I'll just stick it here. With AC 2010 fast approaching I'd like to send a note out to the artists and dealers, particularly those who are new to selling at a convention. I hope this is received well because I'm posting it with the best intentions. Copy and paste from my FA journal:
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I'd like to offer a bit of advice to those artists who are a new rising talent and/or are new to having a table in the artists' alley and aren't very well known. This is based on an actual event I experienced at Anthrocon [2009] the other day.
Don't badmouth a sale. When you aren't making very much money at your table, be grateful for every dollar you make. If you want to piss and moan about it, at least wait until the customer is out of earshot, and still remember that there may be other potential customers nearby who will very likely be put off if they hear your comments.
My example: I was going along through the artists' alley and happened to find a stack of post cards somebody made up with picture graphics depicting a nice UFO scene and the Anthrocon logo in tribute to the theme of the convention. For a brief moment I passed by it, then went back and picked one up to purchase so I could send it to a friend who couldn't attend. I handed a dollar to the artist but was reminded of the artist alley rules about sales going through the front desk (I forgot about that), so he wrote up an invoice for the $1 sale. I was to go pay for it and return with the receipt to pick up my postcard.
Before I was 2 steps away I heard behind me something along the lines of, "Oh, yay, I made a dollar". Well, that turned out to be one dollar he didn't make because his invoice ended up in the trash.
I understand it costs a fair amount to have a table in the artists' area and that when sales are down the lack of profit is discouraging. That's why you should be grateful for every dollar you make because that's one more dollar towards covering your expenses and making a profit. I'd like to be able to make a purchase from each and every artist to help every one of them out but that's simply not possible.
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That being said, in no way am I suggesting people not buy from the artists and dealers, or screwing them over or ripping anybody off. The artists work very hard to make those sales and to make artwork we want to buy. Not only is this fandom awesome in its creative talent but also is awesome in its generosity. Every con I spend a bit more than I should in the artist and dealers areas, and probably will again at this AC. Please do buy the artwork you like from those talented artists; and artists, be glad for every sale you make.
Skyfox
Your overall point is good. Yes, nothing will kill artist sales more than people having to listen to them complain about.. (sales, the room, the rules, their neighbors etc)
Its one thing to be talking to other dealers/artists and have a conversation about sales, rules etc and do so to customers. Your customers are why you are there, be at least professional to them. Just as artists talk to each other about problem customers, customers talk to each other about problem dealers.
If you are truly looking to make a go at being a regular artist selling your wares at cons, you need to put some work into earning and keeping your clients.
Thanks for the thread, its a good one.
Being a salesperson, the importance of having a GOOD attitude and expressing excellent customer service is paramount. Every sale that you make, and every person you speak to could potentially become a customer or returning customer. Those people will tell other people about you and so on.
First impressions are so important. I've encountered artists who gave me an elitist attitude, which puts me off to no end. I refuse to do any sort of business with those artists, regardless of the quality of art that they can produce.
I don't need a conversation when I'm buying art. Just say "Hey, how're you doing?" Also, don't forcibly sell your products either. Show people what you can make, but don't shove it in their face.
Don't demean or belittle other artists around you, either. It may very well be that there could be some cross-selling, that the person you're selling your art to may also be interested in another artist's art.
Be friendly and courteous. Be mindful of your attitude. THANK your customer for buying your art. Make them feel welcome.
Like it or not, as an artist, you represent the fandom, the Artist's Alley, and Anthrocon, because you're an integral part of it. You are selling your talent.
If you want to make money, show some appreciation. We'll appreciate you in return.
When you make a customer happy, they will remember you, and they'll come back to you, and they just might tell their friends. Rapport is so very important. 
Actually, tables in the Artists Alley are free. This doesn't invalidate the rest of what you have to say, though. Good stuff to keep in mind.