Why Convention Artists Have to Travel | Art Rambles | RANT

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[@patchopossum9414]

I hate when people tell artists to "Just start an etsy!" Etsy is oversaturated. As a full time fursuit maker with a husband who is also my business partner full time, we can't compete with the hobbyist crafter. The average etsy buyer focuses on price. Without seeing our work, holding it, trying it on, few people are willing to spend $325 for a pair of handpaws when the other guy is selling some that look alright in pictures for $100. We tried the etsy thing from March 2020 to August 2021 when cons started up again. At that first con, we made the same amount of money that we made our entire 17 months on etsy.

[@Twist3dDisast3r]

Yep see that’s exactly the thing. Because there are also times were even on Etsy as I am someone who uses them. Where I see people who are making bank and bunches of money because they’re able to apply and get stuff at wholesale and have much more variety and offer them for a much cheaper price. That Walmart is even working out for me now. It’s still in no way a larger source of income right now. I still hands-down will make more at a convention then I probably will on my Etsy for that month if I got into one. I’m happy as a fur suit her that you were able to acknowledge the stove and comment on this. So that way people can see that it’s all kinds of artists and craftsman shipping arguing through this. So thank you.

[@aisuchama]

i used to do cons for my income (i was one of those artists you described who made a tremendous amount per weekend) but I've stopped because artist alleys were horrible for my mental health (and physical too especially during the panini). im lucky i can get away from it and rely on online sales, but not everyone can do that.

[@Twist3dDisast3r]

I’m happy to hear that you were able to rely on online sales now.

[@kazuhasredstreak2928]

I don't have any experience doing my own business and working cons but I find it insane that people can't see that it's a hard job. If you're at a con you have to make sure you have enough merch, make a nice setup to catch people's attention, talk to people all day, and probably more that I don't know about. Some people just see artists sitting at their booth and assume that's all there is to it. I only go to conventions twice a year and I usually feel bad about spending all of my money at artist alley but not anymore. Now it makes me happy to know that I'm supporting artists so that they can continue to do what they love.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

these 'go get a real job' people are the same complaining about the great resignation and complain about slow service at shops. Also, as Americans, when you look at it, we pay a lot more in taxes than pretty much any other developed country (well except japan?). 40% tax in other countries? well, our main tax is about 25%, than insurance which is a few 100s a month (plus paying for any meds or visits) 8-13% sales tax, 8-13% state tax, little to no public transportation (car insurance and expense), expensive education, very little consumer protections, bad retirements and retirement survices, ect... by the time you add all that up (and many you lose if you're not working full time which isn't in your contral, even though you've been paying up to that point) its much more than 40% and much more if you just count in dollars spent yet we get less services. oh, and its actually really difficult to move to another country if youre an american citizen. I've looked and it would cost a ton of money and visa requriements for americans abroad is much different than other citizens. Now I know why its rare to see americans living abroad as much as I see others.

[@meds1390]

I dont understand how travelling for leisure and travelling for work is comparable?? Like context matters for these kinds of situations.

[@Twist3dDisast3r]

I know that’s exactly what I thought. But I’ve seen so many people attacking people online right now and attacking artists because they’re like oh well you’re not staying home you’re not staying in your home state. And it’s like bro they’re doing their job it’s not the same thing and they’re doing their job because we were not helped.

[@thelonleyUchiha1]

I think in people heads they just have a handful a jobs that they consider “real jobs” because I’ve seen people say “get a real job” to people who are actually working under a company. People just got it stuck in their heads that if a person is self employed and doing a job that can also be done as a hobby for some are just “lazy” when if I grabbed someone and stuck them into being a “KZbinr” or “artist” or anything else of that nature they wouldn’t be complaining anymore I’m sure

[@Vandoe666]

We legit didn't get ANY stimulus, fun times...😂

[@blackandredteddybear2584]

Most people just don't have compassion and empathy for anyone that's different from them, anymore. They only care about their narrow mindset with their beliefs. "They have to be like me or they are the enemy" mindset.

[@sablemoreno5095]

I'm not on tiktok, but like I'm always tempted to make one purely to go around daily life and point out art stuff that "isn't a real job" that would be gone without artists (Just start it out like: "spoiler, it's like a good 80-90% of the stuff you look at")

[@oblivionarts4]

The past several years have been a complete mess because of the virus. The retailer I worked for during the pandemic only offered a $2 hazard pay bonus for two months before they stopped doing it all together. It's insane when people working "real jobs" like retail are considered essential, but don't get paid what they should for the work they put in everyday (especially during the pandemic). Pretty much everywhere in the US a person would make more money in a week on unemployment than actually working a jobs that are necessary for the community. I'm not trying to bash people who chose the unemployment route (I wish I would've taken advantage of that), but it's just crazy to think that being at home earns you more money than working +8 hours a day while putting yourself at risk for a job. I ended up leaving that job due to poor working conditions, but I totally feel the struggle of trying to earn enough money for the essentials plus pursuing your hobby. For the past few months I've pushed towards making a lot of content, learning how to expand my brand, and growing an audience. It's tough knowing that I'll have to cut back and slow down the progress I've made forward to work a "normal job" so that I can pay the bills. Many artist are in the exact same situation. Many have to work other jobs on top of creating new art/products, vending at cons, marketing, and running their stores due to the unpredictability. It sucks sometimes. Especially with the saturated online creative market it's harder to establish yourself and your business/brand since everyone else is doing it.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

"Pretty much everywhere in the US a person would make more money in a week on unemployment than actually working a jobs that are necessary for the community. I'm not trying to bash people who chose the unemployment route (I wish I would've taken advantage of that)," same here, or did the smart thing and double up on having 2 work from home jobs at the same time and make money this crazy 2022

[@crazybloodyfox1]

Idk what to add to feed to comments. I don't have the experience on table at cons. However let artists make money, it's hard for artists to make even to support themselves and even harder if they have a family too.

[@maryanntheconqueror]

I still remember back when the pandemic was first really blowing up I saw comments with people saying those who were concerned about their careers should "just get another job". I get the concern. But it is NOT that easy. Yes we should all try to be responsible (i.e. not attend cons when you've literally tested positive) but some people will literally die or be on the streets (where you are even more at risk for illness/injury) if they try to "just leave".

[@greennymphart]

I wish I could do cons. I work as a professional designer and illustrator for a company I love, but I wish I could do my own thing more like go to cons and sell my own art. The biggest issue for me are my student loans that basically take an arm and a leg from me every month. It would be a dream to work cons even if it meant working to the bone. One day maybe~

[@maxcrow890]

I hope that your patreon helps supplement you. I just joined and I love the rewards. Have a good day.

[@Twist3dDisast3r]

Oh it does ^^

[@CanIswearinmyhandle]

please just say virus or covid

[@Twist3dDisast3r]

I would if the website didn’t knock videos for saying it

[@CanIswearinmyhandle]

@@Twist3dDisast3r but you dont have to call it spiky round boy