artist alley for beginners ✿ faq & how to get started

[@kathyvong]

hi hi! since the video is quite long, grab a snack or work on something while this plays in the background hehe. here are the timestamps for everyone's convenience! i've included links in the description to the print companies i mentioned along with the card reader, artist alley discord server, and the con database as well. if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! 00:00 intro 01:23 what is artist alley? 05:11 how do i know when i'm ready? 08:16 how do i get into artist alley? 11:18 types of applications 16:02 getting started: portfolio 18:51 getting started: sales tax 20:46 getting started: accepting payment 22:26 getting started: products 28:42 general tabling tips

[@scarlethawkeye3473]

I started thinking of tabling at a convention as my goal for 2022-2023. Life got hectic mainly because of my full-time job that's not art-related, but I at least started applying for 2 conventions that I target tabling at. I strongly agree with your first tip of going to a convention to get a "feel" of the artist alley. I've gone to various conventions throughout the years as a simple fan/customer but when I went back to 2 conventions in 2022, I went there with a goal in mind and that is "studying" how artists set up their booths, what are their prices, what promos they have to attract their customers and I learned a lot from it. I agree this is not a must thing to do but it's super beneficial to see it in person compared to watching YT videos of people tabling at conventions. I got accepted to table at C2E2 here in Chicago for 2023 and it'll be my first time tabling as an artist this time so I'm very excited! I've been watching your videos to help me prepare. More power to you!

[@kathyvong]

yes!!! reading about artist alley and even watching videos is one thing, but the actual experience of being there is completely different. going and studying what artists are actually doing in person as well can be so beneficial. congratulations on getting into C2E2 by the way!! what a huge first show to get into! i hope you have a great experience and meet lots of other incredible artists during your time there! best of luck with everything :D

[@madameberry]

I've been selling things online for a bit but wanted to break into in-person events. This video was very helpful, so thank you!!

[@curiouschicana9098]

26:00 Personally I believe the "not sharing manufacturer" thing is unnecessary gatekeeping, but people are entitled to keep their business info private. However, just like you asked people to be nice and understanding when artists tell them no, I think artists should remember to be equally cordial when telling people no. I've had someone be so rude about it. Like all you had to say was "no," not give me some lecture or attack my character.

[@kathyvong]

i personally think that some degree of gatekeeping is necessary. but as you said, people are entitled to keep this information private. obviously, some artists may be a bit rude when responding, which isn't okay. there's no reason to jump to attacking people's characters. however, some artists do take issue when people come directly to them asking for manufacturer info without any kind of prior engagement or greeting or conversation. personally, i do not appreciate it when people who have never engaged with me before barge into my DMs asking for information like this and i find it to be incredibly rude, but i won't be rude back just because someone asks. but yes there are rude people on both sides of the situation. artists aren't infallible.

[@curiouschicana9098]

@@kathyvong Absolutely agree! Wish we could all be a little more kind and have a little more tact. Speaking of, would you consider doing a video covering con/artist alley etiquette?

[@sammierahimi6553]

I have had several people I never spoke with ask me about manufacturing, supplies, etc. I have never understood why people are so offended by this. We are meant to be supportive and part of business or market research is researching what other businesses do. So while someone isn't entitled to that information, most artists can't seem to say no without attacking the asking person's character or level of effort. I understand avoiding the overwhelm of a manufacturer, but that's not what most artists and vendors I've done events with name as the reason...they are mainly of the notion "if I had to find out through trial and error why can't they?" That's fair, but I've never been like that, so I've even sent people spreadsheets of vendors and manufacturers I trust. At the end of the day, we're all creating and seeking community. I just hope people, whether they are seeking information or have the information being sought can learn more to communicate a bit less competitively, that would be amazing.

[@PandorraAAAAA]

Been wrapping up preparations for my first con this weekend and this video helped me feel assured that I practically have everything ready. Really appreciate the note about the seller's license, not many break downs of artist alleys/tabling note that and it was good to hear that going for that temporary license was the right move. Really enjoyed the video over all and appreciate the time and thought you put into this

[@kathyvong]

i'm so glad this video was helpful! a lot of artists neglect to mention the tax side of things, which always throws me for a loop because you can get in big trouble if you don't have the necessary licenses! i don't want anyone to accidentally commit tax fraud TT anyway, thank you for watching, and i hope your first con was a great experience and that you feel more confident about the process moving forward :)

[@jmmjo]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS VIDEO SERIOUSLY SUMS EVERYTHING PERFECTLY WITH THE EXACT DETAIL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START !! Aughhh thank you so much and keep up with more videos like this!!

[@kathyvong]

WAH im so glad this video was so helpful!! i did my best to cover what i thought would be most important for people starting out 😭

[@Zistheone2]

6:52 This is why instead I’m doing a free first come first serve craft fair at a local con & a pop up shop. This is my first time selling anything & I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on merch alone

[@kathyvong]

yes it's always good to start out doing more low risk events! you learn so so much from your first few events.

[@sketchypeoplepdx]

Great tips! Great vid! I always usually do my table alone and yes, go to the bathroom! It's fine to leave your table! I'll let me neighbor know but I always have a sign that I put out that's like: "BRB in 5 minutes" or something like that. I also put out my QR code and give people the option to purchase even if I'm not there. People aren't there to rip you off mid-show, it'll be okay. What's not okay, is being uncomfortable with a bathroom need.

[@ashleyeverything588]

I’m literally so happy I found your channel. I love your chill vibe. 😌 super helpful content too, I’m trying to psych myself up to table.

[@JadeBrookeCreates]

Thank you for your very helpful video!! I’ve been vending at craft markets for a year now, but now I’ve applied for a few local conventions knowing people will appreciate my art better. Keep up the great work and thanks for giving us good info we need to know!

[@kathyvong]

thank you so much!! i’m glad the video was helpful, and i hope that you have good experiences at your local conventions!!

[@scottruhl4710]

Great video! Thank you for the tips and insight. I'm tabling my first artist alley in a week at a comic show and your advice is a great help. Cheers!

[@kathyvong]

i'm so happy this video was helpful! best of luck with your very first artist alley next week. i hope it's a great experience and that you have a blast!

[@13aliciaT]

This helped so much thank you for the tips. I've been planning to start tableing for the first time this year so any advice is a huge help.

[@kathyvong]

i'm happy this video was helpful!

[@r.m.miller]

You videos have been super helpful. I've been doing markets for a while and I want to do Cons now. I sent in an application for a local Comic Con I haven't heard anything back or anything like juries BUT I'm hopeful also if they don't say yes Markets will start back soon. 🥰

[@kathyvong]

im so happy my videos have been helpful!! i was so anxious about starting cons and hope that my transparency can be of help to those who are new and even more experienced. i hope you get into the comic con and that markets will start back up soon for you as well!!! best of luck with all your future endeavors :D

[@TheYaoiArmy]

Thank you so much for doing this! Highly informative! IT would be nice if you are able to review other cons where you table at and give us some tips and tricks too!

[@kathyvong]

i'm glad this video was helpful! and i do con vlogs when i am able to! hopefully i can put out more con videos in the future :)

[@spacesushii]

This video is super helpful and very informative! Thanks so much for your help!!😄

[@kathyvong]

so happy this was helpful!! :D

[@cyan__lab]

aye an artist from texas! :D also very helpful video!

[@legallyrequired]

I am so anxious to start selling my art. I don’t like social media and don’t have an updated portfolio, I’m an art school dropout and would have to start my entire product line and branding from scratch. I just got home from my first convention in 7 years and I want to sell my art so badly. My art is very stylized and I probably wouldn’t sell any large prints, I’m too worried about being unsuccessful.

[@simplykamy]

This was sooo helpful especially when you mentioned local outside vendors. I was wondering how you can start making a portfolio?

[@kathyvong]

to start making a portfolio, you need art to show. a portfolio just showcases your best artwork. i go into detail about your options for portfolio websites and what conventions may be looking for in the video at 16:02 (getting started: portfolio). make sure you're showing your best work and that it's easy for jurors to see your artwork on your site!

[@WeirdIsTheBest]

Hi 👋 I watched a few of your videos and: I really enjoy listening to you Thank you so much for such good tips! I really appreciate a video with actual useful tips Having done a few makers markets and doing my first con this year, I find them really useful! I really want to get a cute fanny pack; just need to find my dream one ha ha as the one I have keeps breaking. Really enjoying your content!

[@kathyvong]

thank you for your kind words. i hope i can continue making helpful content!

[@misoandtofustudio]

thank you so much this video is really chalk full of great information! i did my first con and loved it but it was a struggle trying to get others!

[@kathyvong]

i’m glad the video was informative and helpful and i’m so happy to hear that you had a great experience at your first con! getting into cons can be pretty competitive these days, but keep at it and hopefully your next con is better than your first!

[@heyryanisonx3141]

hi! thank you so much for the info! How do you go about collecting + paying taxes after getting the permit?

[@kathyvong]

i account for sales tax in the cost of my items. some people add it on when taking card sales but i find it easier to have people pay in whole dollar amounts. it depends on the individual. each state has its own process, but after doing an event, typically you can log into an online portal, most likely the same one you used to apply for the permit, and you can make your payment there. there are some states that make you do it through snail mail (seattle made me do this a couple years ago) but most states have everything online, i'm sure. just make sure you read everything carefully!

[@heyryanisonx3141]

@@kathyvong thank you so much!

[@Shironuchan]

Hi! Thanks for such a detailed video. Not sure if you mentioned it on the video, what quantity do you recommend per item/design when starting out? I'm scared of getting more than I need and end up being in negative profit for my first cons.

[@kathyvong]

when starting out, i would say 5-10 per item is a good starting point, and i would not bring more than that until you get a better idea of which products sell better than others. personally, i still adhere to 10 per item unless it's one of my best sellers, but the items that aren't moving and haven't moved for a while, i'll bring maybe 5 each.

[@RestlessComet]

Really enjoying your videos Kathy! This was awesome! I tried to enter the discord invite but it was expired. Is there a new link to join?

[@kathyvong]

let me know if this link doesn't work! discord.gg/rfx94A6

[@FuzenHua]

For beginners to artist alley, since even the start-up costs are really high (getting merchandise made, card scanner, display racks, etc.), when or how many artist alleys should a beginner expect to break even? I don't think it's realistic for a beginner to immediately break even or make profit at their first artist alley

[@kathyvong]

honestly i can’t give a concrete answer. it might take a year to break even on everything, or it might take a few shows depending how successful you are. typically it takes on average at least 2-3 or even 4 years for a business to start being profitable. it all depends on your own start-up costs and how much you’re able to invest in your business up-front and how many shows you’re able to do and also how much it costs to attend those events in the first place. there are too many factors involved tbh. i don’t think i made any real profit until my 4th show iirc!

[@KY-ki1vt]

Are you an LLC or DBA or Sole Proprietorship? I want to apply for a business license but i’m not sure which of these I should apply for

[@kathyvong]

hi i’m a sole proprietorship since that’s just what’s easiest for me personally. what you should apply as really depends on your business. applying to be an LLC has its perks but i don’t think it’s necessary for me or my business at this time

[@simplyfarmers]

How much is too little or too many products to bring to an event?

[@kathyvong]

it differs from person to person. i wouldn't say that there's a clear cut answer for this question. some people are fine only bringing prints. some people have 10 different kinds of products. as long as you can display them all nicely, anything goes, really. and if you're asking about quantity of product, 5-10 of each item is a good baseline and as you do more events, you'll get a better pulse on how much of each item you should bring!

[@simplyfarmers]

@@kathyvong Thank you so much :)

[@nobodyimportant1545]

May I ask how old you are? I’m 35 and feel like I’m too old to try to do an AA at a cool con.

[@kathyvong]

i'm 25, but honestly i see people of all ages vending at AAs (and attending)!! don't feel discouraged because of your age. i promise most attendees won't even bat an eye!

[@WeirdIsTheBest]

Ps do you ever do any tips for surviving on KZbin as an artist at all? I’m just starting out and it’s a fair bit of work, but it’s so fun that I’d love to carry on. No worries if not 😊

[@kathyvong]

honestly my only tip is to keep creating!! if you love doing youtube, keep making videos. i find that youtube is definitely a platform that rewards you as long as you keep posting. experiment with different kinds of videos, make attractive thumbnails, and with time, you'll eventually find your audience. consistency is key, but i'm not the best at maintaining a schedule and find that my growth has been very steady and consistent regardless of my long periods of inactivity.