Sales have been really down the last two years or so. 2024 was really bad. I only did like 6 shows and all in state. I am looking to spread out more this year to other states.
@@Inkwell Too true, and 2024 was an election year, and I've noticed that the closer you get to the election, the less people are spending. My start of the year I did good, but later in the year it was real bad. Going off past election year trends, this seems to be pretty normal, so I didn't plan a lot of events last year.
@@inuendo6365 I think shows in the Mid West have been pretty decent as the market isn't flooded, but also idk if it's always worth traveling out there if you're not local
Smart move, moving from from the tabletop area to the artist alley tbh, I actually was at this convention and had 0 idea there was anyone selling anything in the tabletop area, I think I walked past it once but went through artist alley a couple times. So yeah good call on that move tbh
Feel for you on the making only one sale on a Friday! Its like this slow build of first being patient and waiting for more folks to come in the gradual relisation that this is all you're going to get. Its super disheartening when you go what looks like a large show to see barely any people there or worse yet, just other vendors looking around because they're bored from doing absoloutely nothing.
@@Inkwell Indeed and its quite bad as a lot of artist's livelihood depends on this and giving false expectations of what the event can erode trust quickly from artists and vendors alike. So its definately affecting them and hopefully in the near future they'll improve it to make a more viable event. Either way, you won't know until you try these things first 😂
I have my cat bus box on display!!! I separated the collection and kept the ones that are my favorite Ghibli movies- gave 3 to a close friend and my Secret Santa loved Ponyo so I gifted him the Ponyo one! Everyone loved your art, missed you at SD Comicon this year 🥲🥹 was looking for more artwork to buy! Honestly, artists alley was packed! It was impossible to get around and look at each vendor booth! Each year is more and more difficult to navigate Comicon!
I love the shiny version of your booth 😂 as always, really informative and fun to watch! I can't believe how expensive the Dreamhack tables were. Even during a standard year, 650 is a crazy price for a supposed mid-size show like that. It was fun to attend, but the vibes were so down in AA 😢
Thankful for this review video because there's already not many original print artists doing this full time and even less sharing which events work for them! So, thank you for sharing! ✨
What is a boy to do? But risk life, limb and gold leaf prints venturing to unheralded and unkempt events in the hinterlands...and hope to return to the home front unscathed. The Adventure begins! (PS. He refuses to sully his ruffled white shirt in the wilds of Orlando, and deploys an army of proxies in his stead. Cue uncomfortable closeup footage of cat tongue!).
As a relative newbie to tabling at cons, this list is super helpful. It gives ideas on what one should expect going into a good con vs. how to spot cons that may not be the best for artists. I've only ever cleared a few K at any one show, with LBX 24 being my highest grossing. Did I make bank? no, but I paid for the table and hotel. I'm still building my brand and recognition, figuring out what sells and what doesn't, etc... Thanks for all of the great info! These videos are invaluable to me.
texas artist here! im local to anime matsuri, and i think the event is kinda ehhh, probably leaning towards not great, especially for newer artists. the first come, first serve tickets are great for people with weak portfolios (like me). however, there are so many artists there, especially extremely talented and popular artist who usually have proxies, (so unfortunately u never get to talk to the actual artist 😔), that new artists might have a really hard time. however if it's your only option and u can afford it, then it's totally worth a shot
@@Inkwell DO NOT DO ANIME MATSURI, it's sketchy AF and run by sexual predators who invite other predator guests who have been canceled by all other cons
thank you for always being so transparent and honest in your reviews about shows! I feel like i always learn so much with your videos. Also, adore the pink recolor skin for the booth lmao
This was such a great video, thank you for breaking down all of your experiences at these conventions! I spent so much of the video admiring your booth display that I was gobsmacked that someone tried to steal your sign!! 😱I hope someday I'll be able to see your table in person and purchase some of your beautiful artwork. Please keep up the amazing work! Sharing your experiences with this level of transparency really helps elevate the community 🙏✨
"Is pink the new meta?" Honestly, I'm feelin' it. v_v I love your ranking videos! Stoked to be at MAGfest again this year, ashamed to be a sleepy baby who nopes out at 10pm.
I was confused why so many people were going to dreamhack. I went once, broke even, called it as a don’t do. But so many people went this year. Sad it was so meh for so many. The one time I did dragoncon, it reminded me too much of some horrible people in my university nerd club. I won’t go back. Plus it’s so close to everfree northwest which is my fastest selling con, I can’t justify it. Magfest for me is always a high sales con when I get to do it. Sales are awesome and the con even more awesome. I didn’t realize print artist sales were so bussin. That’s amazing 🎉 but my soul is sold to the handmade fabric (I do not crochet) plush. Glad the year sales were so awesome for you!
So here’s the thing about dream hack. It wasn’t only the artist alley that was bad. The cosplay contest was ruined as well. Sarah Spaceman actually made a whole video talking about the terrible experience her partner and so many other people had. Even the WINNERS of the costume said it was run terribly. They’re taking advantage of the people that draw others to them.
I was also at SjMade 2024 and majority with fan art and surprisingly this past show was the best Holiday Fair for me. I’ve been doing it for 3 years and I definitely recommend not doing every SjMade event (they almost have an event every month). You tend to see the same customers and they’ll say “I bought this from you last time!”. So if anyone is considering SJMade events, do them sparingly. Spread out your pop-up appearance!
I realized I was way harsh on that other video and I wanted to say sorry and also thank you for putting out this kind of content, because it is so so valuable for us. You're one of the most important channels on art yt right now so thank you
It‘s so funny to See your Dreamhack experience being the same as mine, while me being in Germany x,D Prices were lower for us tho, but it was still not worth it. Also same problems with outside food! I have celiac I couldnot eat a single thing they offered. I had to have my own food
I know it might or might not be relevant but I feel a big part of why artists arent making it as big as years ago, is also because of todays economy. People are struggling to buy grocery, and hold back a lot to buy at cons... Saying this as one of those ppl who want to buy a bunch of things but then I look at the $16 piece of ribeye and I wonder if I should just go vegan- but then everything vegan is the same, if not more expensive because it's 'special' lol
Nice video break down :D I really gotta wonder how much the economy plays a role in sales when comparing years. Personally my budget for spending at Artist Alley completely tanked. I used to spend $150 easily between my fav booths. This year my budget was down to $50 due to financial hardship and the price of everything going up and my income not keeping up. Fingers crossed better times ahead for everyone in 2025.
Atlanta native/local here, and I'm going to tell you DreamHack? Barely advertised. Literally nowhere. I had no concept that it was coming here to Atlanta, but then when I did even barely recognize there was a con happening, I didn't even care to look at the website. We have Dragon*Con, Momocon, AWA, Atlanta Comic-Con, etc. A gamer only convention isn't going to hit as well here, since Momo-con is considered our "gaming" convention, even though it is our largest anime con. Gamers only make up a portion of our numbers, and Dragon*Con is the BIGGEST. It's like trying to compete with NYC Comic-con or Anime Expo in terms of numbers. Everyone drops their money at Dragon*Con, and will probably shell out for one or two more conventions (probably Momocon or an out-of-state con, especially if they're costumers).
I am coming off a huge hiatus and only did one local comic show and it was certainly the worst sales I'd ever had for a two-day show. I'd heard across the board people were struggling in 2024, so I am really hoping people do a lot better in 2025.
The booth sign is seriously awesome, no wonder someone tried to run off with it (shoutout to security for doing nothing until the guy was well on his way 🙄). Can I ask how you attached it to your setup? Is it just leaning on the one horizontal bar?
Designer Con sounds like my GalaxyCon experence. The Gust and signings were at the front of the merch hall, so huge crowds and long lines blocking the entrance... then nothing in the actual artist and vendor area. People jut thought the whole hall was crowded and would decided it wasn't worth it. Had multiple people tell me they only pushed in bc the food stall and were surprised it was actually empty.
I had a table at Designer con selling 3d prints I model and print. Made a whole $87 Friday through Sunday... I'm just super lucky I was able to get a table for free so I didn't loose too much money. Sad I missed seeing you there.
I was waiting for a mention of Holimat (and was excited when you did!), but even if you didn’t go this year, what are your overall opinions on Holimat?
Holmat is decent, always do Artist Alley if you can, Vendors we never made anywhere near the same amount and it cost way more, but now that the venue has changed my info might be outdated.
I was vending at Designer Con I did one 3rd the money that I use to do when it was in California it was terrible for sales won’t go back if they keep it in Vegas I did 40 show this year and lost money at only 3 Dcon was one of the losers and those where my first losses since 2017 so it’s definitely a problem with the shows when I loose money
Glad to hear Anime Boston is S Tier. I help a vender in the dealer's room for that convention (and a number of other cons). I dunno how different artist alley is from the dealer's room but I'm given to understand, yeah, it's hard to get into. But it's also a money maker. There's a lot of back and forth over whether AB has outgrown the Hynes (or if the Hynes will be there for very much longer). Some people are really for moving to the significantly larger MCCA but there are very real concerns about the dealer's room getting too big and thus diluting the experience, if that makes sense. Like, if the dealer's room gets too much bigger, that means less individual sales for vendors. . or so the theory goes.
wonder if you tabled at Anime Los Angeles before. i just like the con as of late as a smaller but decent sized Anime Expo alternative though always get curious what the vendors got to say too
I have been trying to get into events, mainly just small and local things but I’ve been finding it to be hard to find anything where I can sign up to be a vender! The only time I see something going on is when they’re already fully booked and are sharing flyers about the upcoming event. I’ve messaged them stating my issue and they said they posted asking for venders months prior but I follow them on social media and never saw it. 😑
I find that this is a problem for me too. Small and local events are TERRIBLE with such things. Sometimes they only seem to put out applications in their small private community or by word of mouth so if you don't already have those connections, you don't know. i would look to see if there is a local art community like a discord/group chat/social media account because some places have them and it's great to be in the know for all sorts of happenings! But people making these events REALLY need to realize that they need to market/advertise just as hard to makers as to customers.
I was at Dreamhack Dallas as a guest and the artist alley was so big! Honestly it had a big variety of artists and I spent alot. However, it was so DARK. Turn on the lights!!
cementing going to dragoncon this year for me. had to choose not to for 2024, which im glad i didnt since uh, helene. the funds saved definately helped haha. i also had to bail on momocon. and yeah the hurricane probably completely screwed over dreamhack a decent bit. I'm curious how many people just didnt go due tot he hurricane aftereffects even though majority of atlanta had no issues
2:59 Ha ha. That expression is priceless! Hey, making bank is hard work, folks. The young prince must rest his delicate fingers in order to count those lovely fun coupons, otherwise known as sweet Benjamins. 🤣🤩
I went to Dreamhack San Diego, and the whole place just felt...so empty. Things weren't spaced well, the artist's alley was also tucked into a corner. I bought a few things (pins, stickers, keychains), but overall it felt very...off. I spent most of my time taking advantage of the freeplay arcade. (I've only tabled at smaller conventions before, like ones that local colleges have put on, fan-run mini conventions, etc. I'm planning on getting back into the artist alley scene, though!)
DH SanDiego had a totally different artist alley coordinator and tables were less than $200 since it was their first (and only) year with an artist alley.
I maybe the one in a million, but if your booth happens to be on an outer edge or in the back, I'm going to systematically see yours first. Maybe I'm just weird. I don't like to follow the "flow of the crowd" at a convention because I feel too mushed. I'm actually an extrovert, I just like personal breathing space. So every artist alley at any convention I go to I start going all the way around the outer edge, and work my way down the outer isles until I reach the center. I don't want to miss anything or possibly a great artists who's stuff I really enjoy. So don't discount those of us weirdos who like it best "Not in the center." We see you, and we will find you. ❤
i don't see why dreamhack would have an artist alley if its focus is gaming and grabbing esports events in MANY countries 22:50 well that's kind of weird of a convention center to have people setup on a wednesday and then the event to open on friday. I feel like things could go wrong if someone gets malicious on thanksgiving.
Dude anime expo needs to fix that shit cause there’s no way that artist alley change is a good thing. Like please keep it the way it was or at least introduce quality assurance and a method of keeping AI out. I’m almost never tempted to email for my distain but it’s getting there
3:49 Please, tell me this stunt from her was staged. I can't imagine all the work setting up your table display, only for some crazy chick to come and pull a prank like that for HER viewers.
Can I recommend trying to go to an EVO fighting game convention? The one in Vegas was huge and super hype. Not sure what the numbers you'd pull there would be like but they had a ton of talented artists. Its one of the biggest conventions but unless you're a fighting game gamer, its lesser known, but still really big.
Sales have been really down the last two years or so. 2024 was really bad. I only did like 6 shows and all in state. I am looking to spread out more this year to other states.
post pandamic has had some crazy swings in buying patterns, which makes it super hard to plan for things
@@Inkwell Too true, and 2024 was an election year, and I've noticed that the closer you get to the election, the less people are spending. My start of the year I did good, but later in the year it was real bad. Going off past election year trends, this seems to be pretty normal, so I didn't plan a lot of events last year.
What states are you going to try? I'm definitely looking for places other than California and Florida
@@inuendo6365 I think shows in the Mid West have been pretty decent as the market isn't flooded, but also idk if it's always worth traveling out there if you're not local
@@inuendo6365 I'm in Michigan myself, and I'm looking at surrounding states. So Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, states on the east coats.
Smart move, moving from from the tabletop area to the artist alley tbh, I actually was at this convention and had 0 idea there was anyone selling anything in the tabletop area, I think I walked past it once but went through artist alley a couple times. So yeah good call on that move tbh
Lol SANG IS A RIDE OR DIE! Tackled that dude for the sign back haha so epic!
She is powerful I tell you
that's my yearly exercise
Pinkwell had so much potential
@@sanglamart the pink tax is real
The custom pink alt costume booth display made me smile! 💖
The pink tax did not want me taking from its market share. shame
It came out pretty cute
Feel for you on the making only one sale on a Friday! Its like this slow build of first being patient and waiting for more folks to come in the gradual relisation that this is all you're going to get.
Its super disheartening when you go what looks like a large show to see barely any people there or worse yet, just other vendors looking around because they're bored from doing absoloutely nothing.
it was rough and annoying when some shows misrepresent themselves/ their expected attendance.
@@Inkwell Indeed and its quite bad as a lot of artist's livelihood depends on this and giving false expectations of what the event can erode trust quickly from artists and vendors alike. So its definately affecting them and hopefully in the near future they'll improve it to make a more viable event.
Either way, you won't know until you try these things first 😂
I have my cat bus box on display!!! I separated the collection and kept the ones that are my favorite Ghibli movies- gave 3 to a close friend and my Secret Santa loved Ponyo so I gifted him the Ponyo one! Everyone loved your art, missed you at SD Comicon this year 🥲🥹 was looking for more artwork to buy! Honestly, artists alley was packed! It was impossible to get around and look at each vendor booth! Each year is more and more difficult to navigate Comicon!
It was wonderful meeting you at Anime Frontier! Thank you for the insight!
I love the shiny version of your booth 😂 as always, really informative and fun to watch! I can't believe how expensive the Dreamhack tables were. Even during a standard year, 650 is a crazy price for a supposed mid-size show like that. It was fun to attend, but the vibes were so down in AA 😢
On the bright side, I made a lot of new artist friends as we all had nothing tod do!
Thankful for this review video because there's already not many original print artists doing this full time and even less sharing which events work for them! So, thank you for sharing! ✨
What is a boy to do? But risk life, limb and gold leaf prints venturing to unheralded and unkempt events in the hinterlands...and hope to return to the home front unscathed. The Adventure begins! (PS. He refuses to sully his ruffled white shirt in the wilds of Orlando, and deploys an army of proxies in his stead. Cue uncomfortable closeup footage of cat tongue!).
As a relative newbie to tabling at cons, this list is super helpful. It gives ideas on what one should expect going into a good con vs. how to spot cons that may not be the best for artists. I've only ever cleared a few K at any one show, with LBX 24 being my highest grossing. Did I make bank? no, but I paid for the table and hotel. I'm still building my brand and recognition, figuring out what sells and what doesn't, etc... Thanks for all of the great info! These videos are invaluable to me.
texas artist here! im local to anime matsuri, and i think the event is kinda ehhh, probably leaning towards not great, especially for newer artists.
the first come, first serve tickets are great for people with weak portfolios (like me). however, there are so many artists there, especially extremely talented and popular artist who usually have proxies, (so unfortunately u never get to talk to the actual artist 😔), that new artists might have a really hard time.
however if it's your only option and u can afford it, then it's totally worth a shot
I've only ever heard really sketchy things about that show. Never tried it my self. I know it was pretty big like 10 year ago but not so much anymore.
@@Inkwell DO NOT DO ANIME MATSURI, it's sketchy AF and run by sexual predators who invite other predator guests who have been canceled by all other cons
@@us3rnam3144 yikes, okay not going anywhere near there
@@Inkwell💯 I’m local to it and it’s got too much chaos. Houston can’t ever have nice things. 😭
I recognize your work!! I bought one of your prints at I think an ocala convention! I don't think you were there in person but hey thats fun
thank you for always being so transparent and honest in your reviews about shows! I feel like i always learn so much with your videos. Also, adore the pink recolor skin for the booth lmao
This was such a great video, thank you for breaking down all of your experiences at these conventions! I spent so much of the video admiring your booth display that I was gobsmacked that someone tried to steal your sign!! 😱I hope someday I'll be able to see your table in person and purchase some of your beautiful artwork. Please keep up the amazing work! Sharing your experiences with this level of transparency really helps elevate the community 🙏✨
"Is pink the new meta?" Honestly, I'm feelin' it. v_v
I love your ranking videos! Stoked to be at MAGfest again this year, ashamed to be a sleepy baby who nopes out at 10pm.
10 honestly is pushing it lol, i don't blame you
This is an appreciated break down! Especially with the transparency on finances.
Wishing you two all the best this year! 🎉
I was confused why so many people were going to dreamhack. I went once, broke even, called it as a don’t do. But so many people went this year. Sad it was so meh for so many. The one time I did dragoncon, it reminded me too much of some horrible people in my university nerd club. I won’t go back. Plus it’s so close to everfree northwest which is my fastest selling con, I can’t justify it. Magfest for me is always a high sales con when I get to do it. Sales are awesome and the con even more awesome. I didn’t realize print artist sales were so bussin. That’s amazing 🎉 but my soul is sold to the handmade fabric (I do not crochet) plush. Glad the year sales were so awesome for you!
Excellent breakdown! Hope 2025 convention schedule is awesome for you!
Thanks 🙏
So here’s the thing about dream hack. It wasn’t only the artist alley that was bad. The cosplay contest was ruined as well.
Sarah Spaceman actually made a whole video talking about the terrible experience her partner and so many other people had. Even the WINNERS of the costume said it was run terribly. They’re taking advantage of the people that draw others to them.
I did end up watching that video after the fact. Sad to hear
@ yeah, it’s such a mess of a con and I hope they improve it
I love listening to your content. I just started doing cons and this has all been super helpful
I was also at SjMade 2024 and majority with fan art and surprisingly this past show was the best Holiday Fair for me. I’ve been doing it for 3 years and I definitely recommend not doing every SjMade event (they almost have an event every month). You tend to see the same customers and they’ll say “I bought this from you last time!”. So if anyone is considering SJMade events, do them sparingly. Spread out your pop-up appearance!
Not only have I met you in person, but now my booth has howed up in a frame of your videos. I am whole.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I realized I was way harsh on that other video and I wanted to say sorry and also thank you for putting out this kind of content, because it is so so valuable for us. You're one of the most important channels on art yt right now so thank you
@@DeeAreDee oh no worries, you felt it was important, thats what the comments are for. I think its good to hear other opinions then my own.
It‘s so funny to See your Dreamhack experience being the same as mine, while me being in Germany x,D Prices were lower for us tho, but it was still not worth it. Also same problems with outside food! I have celiac I couldnot eat a single thing they offered. I had to have my own food
I know it might or might not be relevant but I feel a big part of why artists arent making it as big as years ago, is also because of todays economy.
People are struggling to buy grocery, and hold back a lot to buy at cons...
Saying this as one of those ppl who want to buy a bunch of things but then I look at the $16 piece of ribeye and I wonder if I should just go vegan- but then everything vegan is the same, if not more expensive because it's 'special' lol
Nice video break down :D I really gotta wonder how much the economy plays a role in sales when comparing years. Personally my budget for spending at Artist Alley completely tanked. I used to spend $150 easily between my fav booths. This year my budget was down to $50 due to financial hardship and the price of everything going up and my income not keeping up. Fingers crossed better times ahead for everyone in 2025.
Atlanta native/local here, and I'm going to tell you DreamHack? Barely advertised. Literally nowhere. I had no concept that it was coming here to Atlanta, but then when I did even barely recognize there was a con happening, I didn't even care to look at the website. We have Dragon*Con, Momocon, AWA, Atlanta Comic-Con, etc. A gamer only convention isn't going to hit as well here, since Momo-con is considered our "gaming" convention, even though it is our largest anime con. Gamers only make up a portion of our numbers, and Dragon*Con is the BIGGEST. It's like trying to compete with NYC Comic-con or Anime Expo in terms of numbers. Everyone drops their money at Dragon*Con, and will probably shell out for one or two more conventions (probably Momocon or an out-of-state con, especially if they're costumers).
I am coming off a huge hiatus and only did one local comic show and it was certainly the worst sales I'd ever had for a two-day show. I'd heard across the board people were struggling in 2024, so I am really hoping people do a lot better in 2025.
Great video! Not surprised to see Designer Con treating independent artists like garbage.
Intresting video😮. Learnd a lot.
Is that lilipichu singing? Cool.
Thanks for sharing! 🙏
The booth sign is seriously awesome, no wonder someone tried to run off with it (shoutout to security for doing nothing until the guy was well on his way 🙄). Can I ask how you attached it to your setup? Is it just leaning on the one horizontal bar?
it's designed with a divet up in the hair area to just sit on the horizontal bar freely and then it's tied down with ribbon to stay in place.
As firsthand witness of the sign theft, can confirm sang is a badass
She scary af 🤫
I prob wouldn't even notice if you didn't point it out loll
i love the color shift for the SJ made show haha!
3:52 I love that only now I noticed how Dustin gets away from the scene struggling so hard not to laugh 😂😂😂
Designer Con sounds like my GalaxyCon experence. The Gust and signings were at the front of the merch hall, so huge crowds and long lines blocking the entrance... then nothing in the actual artist and vendor area. People jut thought the whole hall was crowded and would decided it wasn't worth it. Had multiple people tell me they only pushed in bc the food stall and were surprised it was actually empty.
I had a table at Designer con selling 3d prints I model and print. Made a whole $87 Friday through Sunday... I'm just super lucky I was able to get a table for free so I didn't loose too much money. Sad I missed seeing you there.
I was waiting for a mention of Holimat (and was excited when you did!), but even if you didn’t go this year, what are your overall opinions on Holimat?
Holmat is decent, always do Artist Alley if you can, Vendors we never made anywhere near the same amount and it cost way more, but now that the venue has changed my info might be outdated.
Any tips for upgrading booth setups on a budget? Or do you have a video or link to one that has some good stuff in it?
I was vending at Designer Con I did one 3rd the money that I use to do when it was in California it was terrible for sales won’t go back if they keep it in Vegas I did 40 show this year and lost money at only 3 Dcon was one of the losers and those where my first losses since 2017 so it’s definitely a problem with the shows when I loose money
yikes, yeah i hope they move it back
I think they should at least reevaluate how the hall is laid out
Glad to hear Anime Boston is S Tier. I help a vender in the dealer's room for that convention (and a number of other cons). I dunno how different artist alley is from the dealer's room but I'm given to understand, yeah, it's hard to get into. But it's also a money maker.
There's a lot of back and forth over whether AB has outgrown the Hynes (or if the Hynes will be there for very much longer). Some people are really for moving to the significantly larger MCCA but there are very real concerns about the dealer's room getting too big and thus diluting the experience, if that makes sense. Like, if the dealer's room gets too much bigger, that means less individual sales for vendors. . or so the theory goes.
wonder if you tabled at Anime Los Angeles before. i just like the con as of late as a smaller but decent sized Anime Expo alternative though always get curious what the vendors got to say too
I haven't tried it yet. I've heard mixed things, but as I'm local, I'll have to see for myself at some point.
Did you get the mace frog sticker I left for you at mega con orlando!? I was sad I could'nt meet you!
Yes! That was very kind of you thank you!
Shiny Inkwell booth in the wild haha. I should start attending cons.
I have been trying to get into events, mainly just small and local things but I’ve been finding it to be hard to find anything where I can sign up to be a vender! The only time I see something going on is when they’re already fully booked and are sharing flyers about the upcoming event. I’ve messaged them stating my issue and they said they posted asking for venders months prior but I follow them on social media and never saw it. 😑
I find that this is a problem for me too. Small and local events are TERRIBLE with such things. Sometimes they only seem to put out applications in their small private community or by word of mouth so if you don't already have those connections, you don't know. i would look to see if there is a local art community like a discord/group chat/social media account because some places have them and it's great to be in the know for all sorts of happenings! But people making these events REALLY need to realize that they need to market/advertise just as hard to makers as to customers.
I remember those fish bags from 2024 Dragoncon!
so i attended dreamhack melbourne here i had the same issues with food that you did. they blamed the venue.
wild
I was at Dreamhack Dallas as a guest and the artist alley was so big! Honestly it had a big variety of artists and I spent alot. However, it was so DARK. Turn on the lights!!
the gamers are scared of the lights 🤣
cementing going to dragoncon this year for me. had to choose not to for 2024, which im glad i didnt since uh, helene. the funds saved definately helped haha. i also had to bail on momocon. and yeah the hurricane probably completely screwed over dreamhack a decent bit. I'm curious how many people just didnt go due tot he hurricane aftereffects even though majority of atlanta had no issues
2:59 Ha ha. That expression is priceless! Hey, making bank is hard work, folks. The young prince must rest his delicate fingers in order to count those lovely fun coupons, otherwise known as sweet Benjamins. 🤣🤩
I would hate to miss you at megacon this year but I know you do proxy, 😢 I’ve been looking for you to sign some of my old prints I have had for years
I'm so sorry, FL is just soooo far away. I will return one day I swear
I went to Dreamhack San Diego, and the whole place just felt...so empty. Things weren't spaced well, the artist's alley was also tucked into a corner. I bought a few things (pins, stickers, keychains), but overall it felt very...off. I spent most of my time taking advantage of the freeplay arcade.
(I've only tabled at smaller conventions before, like ones that local colleges have put on, fan-run mini conventions, etc. I'm planning on getting back into the artist alley scene, though!)
DH SanDiego had a totally different artist alley coordinator and tables were less than $200 since it was their first (and only) year with an artist alley.
@ Ah that makes sense! Yeah it seemed like it was tacked on as a last minute thing
I didnt even know they had one in SD
Professor artist alley Inkwell 😮💛
🎓
I maybe the one in a million, but if your booth happens to be on an outer edge or in the back, I'm going to systematically see yours first. Maybe I'm just weird. I don't like to follow the "flow of the crowd" at a convention because I feel too mushed. I'm actually an extrovert, I just like personal breathing space. So every artist alley at any convention I go to I start going all the way around the outer edge, and work my way down the outer isles until I reach the center. I don't want to miss anything or possibly a great artists who's stuff I really enjoy. So don't discount those of us weirdos who like it best "Not in the center." We see you, and we will find you. ❤
You know you made it when people tried to rob your store sign... but really that was much and i wonder what posess them to be like yeah i taking that.
i don't see why dreamhack would have an artist alley if its focus is gaming and grabbing esports events in MANY countries
22:50 well that's kind of weird of a convention center to have people setup on a wednesday and then the event to open on friday. I feel like things could go wrong if someone gets malicious on thanksgiving.
What is a proxy?
It’s where someone is there on your behalf
@Inkwell thx!
Dude anime expo needs to fix that shit cause there’s no way that artist alley change is a good thing. Like please keep it the way it was or at least introduce quality assurance and a method of keeping AI out. I’m almost never tempted to email for my distain but it’s getting there
It sounds like the Pareto Principle applied to the conventions that you attended in 2024.
3:49 Please, tell me this stunt from her was staged. I can't imagine all the work setting up your table display, only for some crazy chick to come and pull a prank like that for HER viewers.
It’s staged for my viewers 😅
@@Inkwell Phew! Thank God I really liked the character design for your lamp (the one stolen in Anime Expo Chibi)
$5 for a card signing? Wow... the justification is even more tone deaf.
Can I recommend trying to go to an EVO fighting game convention? The one in Vegas was huge and super hype. Not sure what the numbers you'd pull there would be like but they had a ton of talented artists. Its one of the biggest conventions but unless you're a fighting game gamer, its lesser known, but still really big.
that's interesting, I'll have to look in to that! thanks for the suggestion!
Shhh, i dont want people flooding the apps
@ ohhhh that’s a good sign 😈
@Inkwell
Yeah, in all seriousness its solid for video game-heavy artists.