Help an Artist Out

I know, it's a little early to start a thread to think about the Artist Alley, but in my books it's never too early to think ahead!

The intention of this thread is pretty clear. I’ve seen a lot of threads created by artists on what people would like to see at their table (and this is just fanart wise). But that doesn’t really help you when it comes to your own table now does it? Artists have their own distinct styles and tastes, and a certain series that happens to be popular (oh, let’s say Naruto or something) just might not be their cup of tea.

Why not just have a thread for ideas—simple as it is, it could really come in handy when you’re stuck thinking of something to sell in the artist alley besides your set of prints. And it kind of eliminates the purpose of creating a thread each year to get more ideas of what to sell.

What I mean by ideas is what kinds of things you could sell outside of the norm of prints, bookmarks, stickers, etc… And most of all, what kind of things would you (as an artist or just a consumer) like to see more of?

And of course, this thread can also be a source of questions and answers for first-time artists in the AA. I think it’s a good way for both experienced and inexperienced artists to learn a thing or two, get some new ideas and get a head start for their table. ^^ (BUT, do keep in mind AP’s guidelines for what is and what isn’t merchandise … they can probably tell you what is ok and what isn’t ok to sell if you ask.)

And for those who still don’t get the intention of this thread:
It’s basically a thread for artists to share ideas of what they want to see/what they would like to sell besides the normal prints/bookmarks/stickers/etc. If you’re wondering what could be sold besides those items, you’d be surprised … artists are really creative people. =] And also, it’s a sort of question/answer type thread. Have a question, it can probably be answered (but not guaranteed it will be).

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So let’s start with something pretty basic …
What kind of series do you not often see fanart of?
What is a good starting price to sell prints, especially if you’re a beginner?
Is there something you don’t see often that you’d like to see more of?

Upon clicking this I was afraid this was a selling thread that would get shot down within the weekend XD But instead it's an informational thread! Yay!

I like this idea. I had a table with some friends last year and basically it bombed. We were totally unprepared, didn't know how it worked I guess (except my one friend managed to do very well with his bamboo flutes, and I did make a commission at least). This year I don't think we're getting a table, but I'm sure as hell spending a ton of money buying up everyone else's.

I would also, of course, be interested to see what people say so that if and when we decide to do another table, we'll know what we should do! Aside from the obvious fanart of stuff we might not like but which we know will sell wonderfully.

So, your questions, because I'm as much a buyer as an artist:

What kind of series do you not often see fanart of?
Older games, lesser-known manga and anime. Examples being my favorite games and manga that apparently aren't as popular as I wish they were: FFIV, Xenogears, Legacy of Kain (well, it's hugely popular but not much art is produced. A shame, because they're gorgeous dark games with enormous art potential), and the manga Blade of the Immortal (art of which I buy on sight at this point because it's so rare to see). Ouran High School Host Club has surprisingly little fanart considering, but I expect to see more of it as cons go on. Especially now that it's been licensed (ick).
What is a good starting price to sell prints, especially if you’re a beginner?
I would like to know this, as well. I am terrible with pricing. I would pay probably no more than $20 on a print, though, unless it was insanely skillfully done and a larger size. I would may more, obviously, for an original commission than for an already-finished and reproduced image. I have been known to spend $60 on a commission online. But it was so delicious. And I knew her. And I had a job that could pay for things like that XD
Is there something you don’t see often that you’d like to see more of?
I always liked prints and bookmarks more than crafts, so if you mean like that, then no. Not really. Except maybe jewelry. I like jewelry. Oh, and seriously, tattoo artists. I'm always on the lookout for someone that could draw some of the things I want done, and am not confident enough to draw myself. This year I intend to ask around about doing something for me to get tattooed, especially because last year I saw some people who looked like they could come up with something like I imagined.
While I'm at it, though, now that I think about it, what about music? It's hard as hell to sell since it's not easy to display music, particularly with music already playing all over the place. But I'm one of those people that hear something upon walking into a store and if I like it, will ask the staff what it is so I can go buy it. My favorite trance CD was a result of this.
I guess "not really" was a dirty lie. XD
Style-wise, however. I like a more fashion-oriented, stylized, and graphic look, which is not as common in fanart since it takes a certain flair to get a character to look like that character in a style outside it's original setting. I've seen some work that resembled Amano's watercolors, that sort of thing is also something I love.

I AM SO LONG-WINDED. I hope that was helpful. I also hope to see some other input, as well, as it would be very helpful to me as an artist.

Will I be seeing you this year at a table? I enjoyed your last submission to the Last Drawing thread a lot.

@ Centaura: Yeah, the title is kind of misleading, but once you read you definately know it's not a selling thread. xD I had yet to see an informational thread (unless, I just overlooked it or something), so I thought it would be a great idea, so people can stop posting those "what can I have at my table" threads over and over. I'm just hoping people will keep using it.

Now, as for answering my own questions ...
What kind of series do you not often see fanart of?
In all honesty, I don't see much Sailor Moon fanart. Of course, there's the occasional one that might slip your eye, but it'd be nice to see some old school anime once in a while. I'd also love to see some more Cowboy Bebop. And despite how overshadowed some series are over the more popular ones today, I would absolutely love to see fanart from series like Escaflowne, Outlaw Star, or WeiB Kreuz/Knight Hunters (just to name a few). I think showing a little variety might draw more attention to your table than just the normal, especially if it shows a lot of skill and craft.

What is a good starting price to sell prints, especially if you're a beginner?
Though I have had past experience selling in the AA, I still always have a hard time figuring out how much to sell my stuff. I also like the prices that Centaura came up with--it sounds reasonable. I have been pricing my prints, thoguh, at $3-5. People shop looking at the prices, I do believe, more than how much skill was involved in the piece (or, that's really how I feel, but it's not necessarily true). I usually spend a lot of time on my work, but I'm afraid no one will buy it if it costs too much! But definately, I would prefer to buy art that actually has some skill and is worth the amount of money. So anything from $5-20 would probably be good. As for other stuff (like book marks and stickers), I usually keep those around $1-3.

I'd also like to hear other's inputs on prices.

Is there something you don't see often that you'd like to see more of?
Actually, yes! I would jump at seeing more stuff with original art designs on it! I actually would really like to see tote bags or purses/wallets with original art (actually, that's kind of what I wanted to do). It would be so cool to see shoes (though, that's kind of stretching it because you wouldn't know what sizes to buy, and shoes can get pricey) with fanart or original designs. Hm ... I also think it's cool to see jewlery and stuff like that. ^^ Oh, and I always think it's neat when artists sell their original comics or coloring books--and it really pays off when you hear feedback!

Oh, and I agree--I'd like to see stuff with more of an artist's personal flair.


Oh, and yes I will be getting a table (I think I already submitted a request) for Anime Punch. I'm really excited, but at the same time it'll be sad because Anime Punch is my "fun" con (the other cons I've gone to, I've been stuck at my table most of the time). I'm really inspired by some of the artwork on the covers of the SpeedGrapher DVDs, so I'll probably be having more art like the one I submitted in "Post your art" thread. ^^

COME PEOPLE! Answer some questions or ask 'em here! Help an artist out! xD

I'd like to see Harvest Moon stuff.

Harvest Moon keychains? I want to make a cow one actually. xD

Anyway, what do I want to see...two things.

-Big robots, or anything relating to big robot shows.

-Phoenix Wright. I'd love to see Phoenix Wright anything, except PhoenixxEdgeworth fanart. Perferably more love for female characters.

This is such a hypocritical statement for me, but pokemon didn't make the list because I think it's becoming overmerchandised in the AA, just a little. Also, I want to see work with personality, you know?

Would anyone be interested in buying fan art in the form of mosaics made from perler beads, like this? http://yzzif.deviantart.com/art/Plum-58120108 (NOT my work.) I'm always trying to think of more things to sell.

Oh wow, that's actually really cool! That's a very creative way to make an anime character. =] I say go for it!

Well, I just thought about another question (and why not try to bring the thread back up?).

What do you prefer to see more--traditional artwork (hand-drawn/crafted, colored pencils, markers, etc) or digital artwork?



I personally enjoy both--but I really would like to start seeing more refined traditional work. I see a lot of digital artwork, but it's always nice to see some traditional. =D

I actually like seeing both traditional and digital myself! ^_^ However I am a traditional artist (not strictly but darn near) and I always loved trading notes with other traditional artists. :)
~Cristal

That's a hard question for me to answer. I don't really base my interest in a piece on medium, and I personally consider digital art just another medium.

However, what bugs me is when people do it out of lack of skill in the traditional basics, thinking doing something on the computer is easier. Mainly because it shows.

I think that if a pic is good...it's good.

That said, I would love to see more watercolor. I love watercolor.

Yeah, that's a good way to look at it. ^^ But sometimes I just see so many digital works, I'd like to see some traiditional ones.

Yeah, I don't like that either. I've never been all that great with traditional stuff, but after practicing and practicing it does get better. And it's always good to have better supplies. :D

And you're right ... if I see a good pic, it's just good. I probably won't care much if it's done digitally/traditionally.


And I love watercolor! I just wish I were better at it. I see some really beautufiul stuff on deviantart, and just wonder how they (the artists) do it. xD

Ok, since I actually will be needing help, I have a new question to bring this thread back. >w< The deadline is coming up so quickly. -___-;

What kind of materials do you use to create keychains? And/or how do you put them together?

I've always wondered how people made their keychains. I always see a variety of keychains, and they're all quite nice ... I want to sell keychains, so I'm looking for some alternatives. ^^ If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Those bead things are cool.

But if you could put a keychain on them?

They also break really eaisily, so backing them with something (as an option?)
might be an idea.

Harvest moon cow version? :D


or chibi anime faces (distinguishable...somehow? xD)?

For my keychains, I bought a lot of 100 plastic photo-insert keychains on eBay, then printed and cut out my own inserts. Cheap and effective, and they look pretty nice.

I never thought about that method! xD Thanks so much for sharing! I'll have to look and see if any local stores sell them before going online~

Anyone else (I'm open for ideas!) ^^

Stuff I'd like to see:

1. More crafts. Drawings are nice and all, but it's only one dimension of art, and I often find myself entranced by people expressing their fanart love by knitting, sculpting, beading... You get the idea, right? And seeing actual paintings, watercolors--I think I'd faint dead away.

2. More variety of fanart. It seems that all I'm seeing these days are Naruto, Bleach, and Advent Children. There's more than just that out there!!! I know I'd snap up Legend of Dragoon, Final Fantasy Tactics, Parasite Eve, Ranma...

I'm the guy that had a whole table of woodburned art last year (and at every con I go to). I'm hoping to be back for AP but I'm not sure at this point if that will happen or not.

Stuff I'd like to see: More Yaoi.
I only saw one person with it last year. And I bought one of everything. If you make it, and it's good, I will buy it. xD

Sadly I won't have a table this year (I'm taking a break from artist alley tables in general this year), but next year I plan on having buttons. This article's giving me a lot of other great ideas, too.

Oooh, I remember those. They were pretty nice. If you do come back, I'll be sure to stop by.