Artists Alley 101 So you’re a creator. One of those of us crazy enough to spend hours on your art or destroy your eyes sculpting fine clay work. And now you’re debating if you want to jump into the realm of the Artists Alley.
Personally, I love nothing better than just chilling in the alley all day and getting to talk to the great people that come by my table. But be warned, it’s not for everyone. You have to be a salesperson, and you need to be sociable. If you’re quiet and shy, or plan to work on commissions all day, I’d recommend finding a friend who is good with sales and socializing and ask them to sit with you.
I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I want to take this chance to thank Roku-chan and Drazz of the webcomic Otaku no Yen, and Steve Bennete of Studio Ironcat, who helped me out with my early artists alleys and taught me pretty much everything I know. If something sounds familiar to you guys, you’ll realize just how much your advice has become ingrained in my artists alley thought process. And a shout-out to everyone I’ve ever been table neighbors with, you guys rock. From quiet artists to chatty gossips, I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great people in the alley. Which is the first lesson for you, reader—talk with your neighbors and other artists. You will learn a lot by asking questions, from new strategies to the basics, plus your neighbors are the ones you beg to watch the table while you take a bathroom break or who lend you the much needed pair of scissors.
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Artists Alley 101
