I need some advice about preparing for an Art Booth...

[ChristianKitsune]

Note: Mods, I am sorry if you think this needs to be combined with Mai's thread, but since I am not just asking what I should sell, I thought this could be a different topic.. ^^; You definately don't need my permission to move or delete this thread, and I am sorry if it does cause you trouble..

That said, I am definately getting an art booth for an anime festival I am going to in August. I am sending my contract and check out today, in fact! ^_^v

I do have a few questions to anyone who has ventured this sort of experience at a con... and I hope I can get some help!

Questions:
1. In order to avoid the whole, "GAAH I ONLY HAVE ONE MONTH LEFT TO DRAW!!!!!111 AND I ONLY HAVE 10 DRAWINGS DONE!!" Scenario, would it be a good idea to start now?


2. I am going to make copies of my stuff, will normal printer paper with like protective plastic pockets be good enough? Or should I look into professional prints? (Money is a huge issue for me, I am just a college student after all...)


3. I am planning on having a mix of Line art, Colored Pencil colored and Digital colored art work... is that good enough? Or should I just not use Colored Pencils?


4. I have no idea how to price my own art...I often undercharge...at an anime convention where everyone is spending money, how much do most artists sell their artwork for? Since I am just going to a small one in Kansas...should I adjust? I do want to make some sort of profit here... ^^;


5. Do anime artists like to buy small animesque animal figurines? I am currently in the planning stage for these, and I will post pictures of them!!


6. Should I take the time to start a few chapters of a web manga and print them out for distribution? Or just stick to prints?


thanks for the feed back everyone!! CK is very new to this, and I want to do a good job!!

[mechana2015]

[quote="ChristianKitsune"]Questions:
1. In order to avoid the whole, "GAAH I ONLY HAVE ONE MONTH LEFT TO DRAW!!!!!111 AND I ONLY HAVE 10 DRAWINGS DONE!!" Scenario, would it be a good idea to start now?


2. I am going to make copies of my stuff, will normal printer paper with like protective plastic pockets be good enough? Or should I look into professional prints? (Money is a huge issue for me, I am just a college student after all...)


3. I am planning on having a mix of Line art, Colored Pencil colored and Digital colored art work... is that good enough? Or should I just not use Colored Pencils?


4. I have no idea how to price my own art...I often undercharge...at an anime convention where everyone is spending money, how much do most artists sell their artwork for? Since I am just going to a small one in Kansas...should I adjust? I do want to make some sort of profit here... ^^]
1. yes

2. look for a good balance betwwen quality and cost. I've seen everything from people having thier own printers at the con to like... crazy cardstock laser prints. My guess would be see if you can get a ream of cheapish cardstock and copy/print on that.

3. If you use colored pencil sell copies. Or price originals extremely high.

4. dunno...

5. may-be. fanart is a big deal usually, but who knows what someone 'll like

6. A chapter a web manga might be good, but don't forget that you have to keep going if you generate interest like that.

[ChristianKitsune]

1. yes

2. look for a good balance betwwen quality and cost. I've seen everything from people having thier own printers at the con to like... crazy cardstock laser prints. My guess would be see if you can get a ream of cheapish cardstock and copy/print on that.

3. If you use colored pencil sell copies. Or price originals extremely high.

4. dunno...

5. may-be. fanart is a big deal usually, but who knows what someone 'll like

6. A chapter a web manga might be good, but don't forget that you have to keep going if you generate interest like that.

YAY! thanks, Mecahan2015! I appreciate the feed back!

I don't think Fanart is allowed... so i guess animal figures it will have to be. I will make those a little closer to the con, as they will be a bit more delicate!

I suppose Chibis are uber popular aren't they? *notes to self* Loook into Chibi Tutorials. lol.

[Puguni]

Not sure about the other questions, but I think you should get started now. You don't want to sit at your desk a week before deadline and realize that your creativity is busted.

[ChristianKitsune]

YUS! *determination*

I am currently working on designing the little clay figurines I will be making, as well as practicing clean chibis.

[Esoteric]

1. Yes. If nothing else, begin working on really cool designs. Refine some ideas so that they are truly eye catching. In my opinion, it's better if you have only two or three really good designs to sell, instead of bunches of mediocre stuff.

2. Money is always an issue. If I was going to buy a print, I'll be honest, I'd want it on glossy paper or at least a cardstock of some weight. Regular printer paper is thin and bleeds and, eh...just a little too cheap.

3. A better questions is, how good are you with colored pencils? What I mean is, you should choose whatever mediums are going to get you the best, most professional looking results possible.

4. Price it for profit. Keep track of time and material costs. Sure, you have to strike a balance, but you should have a rough idea of what it costs you to make each item. Charge a little more than the per unit cost, enough to make it worth your while.

5. Anything original is good. I know anime figurines tend to be really popular (I see them everywhere), so if you can come up with something unique that caters to the market...perhaps yes.

6. How serious are you about a web manga? I agree with the comment made about keeping it up if you're going to generate interest. Unless you've had previous success with keeping up an extended, serialized project of some sort, I don't recommend you take on something of this magnitude.

[ChristianKitsune]

1. Yes. If nothing else, begin working on really cool designs. Refine some ideas so that they are truly eye catching. In my opinion, it's better if you have only two or three really good designs to sell, instead of bunches of mediocre stuff.

2. Money is always an issue. If I was going to buy a print, I'll be honest, I'd want it on glossy paper or at least a cardstock of some weight. Regular printer paper is thin and bleeds and, eh...just a little too cheap.

3. A better questions is, how good are you with colored pencils? What I mean is, you should choose whatever mediums are going to get you the best, most professional looking results possible.

4. Price it for profit. Keep track of time and material costs. Sure, you have to strike a balance, but you should have a rough idea of what it costs you to make each item. Charge a little more than the per unit cost, enough to make it worth your while.

5. Anything original is good. I know anime figurines tend to be really popular (I see them everywhere), so if you can come up with something unique that caters to the market...perhaps yes.

6. How serious are you about a web manga? I agree with the comment made about keeping it up if you're going to generate interest. Unless you've had previous success with keeping up an extended, serialized project of some sort, I don't recommend you take on something of this magnitude.

1. I am currently working on a few projects. I know that I definately need to refine my inking skills a bit, but I have a while to practice it. Right now I am practicing this by drawing chibis. :3 Since I think they look best with a little bit of a thick outline. I have a few ideas as to which ones that I have done already that I can sell.. but I will probably add more as well.

2. After looking at a print that my friend got me from Anime Expo, I realized that it was indeed on very nice cardstock paper. Can Cardstock go through a normal printer, or should I contact a local printing company? I have a bit of a disadvantage because many people have access to FedEx Kinkos... whereas I don't.. :x

3. I think I am pretty good with colored pencils, They are a favorite medium of mine. I would do more with them, if it weren't for my stupid scanner.. ^^; I am also learning digital quite fast I think. Now that I finally know what the multiply function does on photoshop I should be able to color my linart easier.

4. The thing I worry about with this particular convention is I am not sure how many people will be interested in expensive original artwork. I mean I can see it if I were allowed to fanart, and it was good (I am pretty much against Fanart though, even if it was allowed I wouldn't do it, let alone sell it). I am in it for profit, but I am also in it to make friends, get to know other artists, get to know more anime fans, and to get my name out there a bit! I can't stay in my dinky town forever!

5. I think cute animal figurines are very popular amongst high school girls. *smile* they were popular with me! But I never saw any of them at the last con...although there were only two artists at that con..=_=; I am right now in the process of designing some very cute animals. if they are good enough sketches maybe I will show you guys them for further feedback? (maybe I will even make them a print) I have an original character called a Huggleton..and right now I have made two of them. and I have it set up to where they come with a little adoption certificate. ^_^; Of course the clay I will be using is airdry clay too...


6. I have been wanting to start one for a while...actually. But I am not sure how popular it would be, and I am a little afraid to start it, only to have no interest in it. I think if I had interest I would be pushed to work on it harder. I am planning on starting it by May... O_o If I did a few pages a week, I could have a decent sized showing by August, I think...and I wouldn't make it on expensive paper, I would probably just make photocopies of it.

thanks for the awesome feedback, Esoteric!!

[Mave]

To date, I only have one experience having an art booth with Psycho Ann and her friend last year.

1) Honestly, I would typically take 2-3 months to prepare so it would be good to start working now.

2) Ann made her own prints and I vaguely remember her going to Kinko's. I never made my own prints so I can't add anymore.

3) The more flexible you are, the better. I had a variety of requests: pencil sketches, inked pieces and pen-inked colored images. Color pencils shouldn't be a problem. What was really cool is that Ann, I and her friend collaborated on pieces. My strength is inking, Ann preferred pencilling while her friend was good in colors. We had some pieces where each one of us contributed something and we split the earnings.

4) Pricing was interesting. On that day itself, Ann and I surveyed the average prices within the convention itself. If I'm not mistaken, pencil sketches ($5-10), Inked ($15 -20), colored ($20+). If you're really popular, you can quote higher. This was in San Jose, California so I'm not sure if this would vary according to location.

I wasn't looking for profit so I had the habit of allowing requestors to quote their own value on the art pieces. In a way this helped to reduce the pressure on myself. You would think ppl would skimp on the values but my requestors were very reasonable. My biggest surprises included this one guy who paid me $25 for a simple pencil sketch. I'm not sure what the deal is but he was quite enthusiatic about adding mermaid tails to his fav. anime characters. I suppose this is what I call specialized fanarts.

Another thing I found interesting is that ppl don't necessarily ask for anime/manga related art. One guy asked me to pencil-sketch his fav. KITTEN. He said, "No one else would do it for me. Please?" I secretly thought, "Erm, sir, you are in an ~anime~ convention. But oh what the hey." I drew it based on a photo and he walked away a happy customer. XD

5) If it's cute, I'm sure it sells. There is a niche market for something like this.

6) Like Eso-san said, only if you intend to keep this webmanga running on a regular basis.

Two last things I want to add:

##If you're not used to ppl watching you draw, you better get used to it now. I was so nervous when one dude sat in front of me and watch me create his piece right from the beginning. I'm embarrassed to say that my hands shook the first time. But it gets better later on as you become accustomed (and more confident).

##The time it takes for you to finish an artpiece is important. Some customers won't have the whole day to wait, you know. We typically make arrangements ("pls come back an hour later"). If that person is only at the convention for a single day, do not promise a full inked/colored art request.....unless you're really quick at drawing. I suppose that makes sense but I didn't think of that until we became overwhelmed by requests. Some ppl put down deposits and came back the next day. Don't expect that but it's an option.

That's all I have to offer for now. Good luck and have fun!

[ChristianKitsune]

To date, I only have one experience having an art booth with Psycho Ann and her friend last year.

1) Honestly, I would typically take 2-3 months to prepare so it would be good to start working now.

2) Ann made her own prints and I vaguely remember her going to Kinko's. I never made my own prints so I can't add anymore.

3) The more flexible you are, the better. I had a variety of requests: pencil sketches, inked pieces and pen-inked colored images. Color pencils shouldn't be a problem. What was really cool is that Ann, I and her friend collaborated on pieces. My strength is inking, Ann preferred pencilling while her friend was good in colors. We had some pieces where each one of us contributed something and we split the earnings.

4) Pricing was interesting. On that day itself, Ann and I surveyed the average prices within the convention itself. If I'm not mistaken, pencil sketches ($5-10), Inked ($15 -20), colored ($20+). If you're really popular, you can quote higher. This was in San Jose, California so I'm not sure if this would vary according to location.

I wasn't looking for profit so I had the habit of allowing requestors to quote their own value on the art pieces. In a way this helped to reduce the pressure on myself. You would think ppl would skimp on the values but my requestors were very reasonable. My biggest surprises included this one guy who paid me $25 for a simple pencil sketch. I'm not sure what the deal is but he was quite enthusiatic about adding mermaid tails to his fav. anime characters. I suppose this is what I call specialized fanarts.

Another thing I found interesting is that ppl don't necessarily ask for anime/manga related art. One guy asked me to pencil-sketch his fav. KITTEN. He said, "No one else would do it for me. Please?" I secretly thought, "Erm, sir, you are in an ~anime~ convention. But oh what the hey." I drew it based on a photo and he walked away a happy customer. XD

5) If it's cute, I'm sure it sells. There is a niche market for something like this.

6) Like Eso-san said, only if you intend to keep this webmanga running on a regular basis.

Two last things I want to add:

##If you're not used to ppl watching you draw, you better get used to it now. I was so nervous when one dude sat in front of me and watch me create his piece right from the beginning. I'm embarrassed to say that my hands shook the first time. But it gets better later on as you become accustomed (and more confident).

##The time it takes for you to finish an artpiece is important. Some customers won't have the whole day to wait, you know. We typically make arrangements ("pls come back an hour later"). If that person is only at the convention for a single day, do not promise a full inked/colored art request.....unless you're really quick at drawing. I suppose that makes sense but I didn't think of that until we became overwhelmed by requests. Some ppl put down deposits and came back the next day. Don't expect that but it's an option.

That's all I have to offer for now. Good luck and have fun!

*o* Wow, Mave!! thanks so much for helping me out too!! I am soo pleased and thankful for all the detailed and lovely responses!! I really appreciate all the advice!!

I will probably practice drawing in front of people soon... ^^; It's a bit nerverwracking and I have only done it once or twice...

I appreciate the feeback everyone!! I will take whatever is said in this tread to a definate heart!!

I wish you could come and see mee D:

[Maledicte]

About prints, I've learned that if use matte photo paper on a photo printer, the result is very nice and won't flake. They're a bit pricey though, and the color's a bit saturated.

[Esoteric]

I think cute animal figurines are very popular amongst high school girls. *smile* they were popular with me! But I never saw any of them at the last con...although there were only two artists at that con..

Like I said, original is good. You just may have found a good niche market.

Can Cardstock go through a normal printer, or should I contact a local printing company? I have a bit of a disadvantage because many people have access to FedEx Kinkos... whereas I don't.

Hmmm. It depends on the printer and the weight of the cardstock. If the card stock is flexible enough that you can bend it without creasing it (and most cardstock is), I'd say you'll have no problems. All you need to do then is specify what type of paper you're using so the printer knows how much ink to use. (you may have to experiment with different settings for the best look.) If you use a printing company, your prices will certainly go up, so if you don't have a kinkos around, I recommend trying to find a suitable cardstock for your own printer.

I wish you could come and see mee

What festival is it anyway? I don't think you ever said....

[ChristianKitsune]

Like I said, original is good. You just may have found a good niche market.

Hmmm. It depends on the printer and the weight of the cardstock. If the card stock is flexible enough that you can bend it without creasing it (and most cardstock is), I'd say you'll have no problems. All you need to do then is specify what type of paper you're using so the printer knows how much ink to use. (you may have to experiment with different settings for the best look.) If you use a printing company, your prices will certainly go up, so if you don't have a kinkos around, I recommend trying to find a suitable cardstock for your own printer.

What festival is it anyway? I don't think you ever said....

We don't have a kinkos in my area, but I am looking into some local print shops... I am not sure if they can help but it never hurts to look!! BTW If I did have to travel out of town is Kinkos very expensive?

It's called AFW or Anime Fest Wichita. Located in Wichita Kansas of course.. It's the 3rd year of it's exisitence. It's a relavitvely small con, but it double it's attendence from the year before...so I think we will probably have a good turnout this year! ^_^