Thursday, March 4, 2010

Conventions



For those who know me, they'll know that I am very interested in the anime/comic/sci-fi community. I love to go to conventions all over the United States, and on occasion I sell my artwork at them. Although at the moment I am taking a short hiatus from cons to rebuild my portfolio and items for sale, I decided I would make a short list of conventions I have been too that I felt where very accommodating to professional and hobby artists alike, in the community. Most of these are anime/Japanese culture conventions, seeing it hasn't been till recently that I have been expanding the cons I go to.

Anime Central
Link:ACen Website
Location: Rosemont Ill. ((20 minutes outside of Downtown Chicago and near the O'Hare Airport))
Description of Artist Alley: First off let me start out by saying that the artist alley at Acen has always been well set up, it has always been very close to, or has led up to the dealers room. The staff is knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Although anime artwork is the primary focus of this AA the would be buyers are very open to fantasy and sci-fi artwork alike and I have seen both these style prosper here along side the anime art.

Otakon
Link: Otakon Website
Location: Downtown Baltimore Maryland, in the Inner Harbor
Description: The largest convention of its type on the east coast. The anime convention is massive so naturally it is a big draw for artists. The convention's alley is run very well but their rules are a little stricter then the casual artist alley. The rules though do not discriminate against the hobbyist and still keeps the alley pen for professionals and amateurs alike. Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and other art are very welcomed here and do very well. The big thing with this convention is that it is VERY hard to get a table; it sells out within one-two hours of applications being open. The few times I have sold here, I was still very fresh yet still made money well into the triple digits. If you have any chance of getting a table at this convention, DO IT.

Ohayocon
Link: Ohayocon website
Location: Downtown Columbus Ohio, Greater Columbus Convention Center
Description: Ohayocon's artist alley has made huge changes in the recent years. With a brand new set of rules they are pushing for a more professional alley. Over all they are pushing the hobbyist and amateur artist scene out and trying to bring only professionals in. The convention could be considered medium and going on a large size. In most cases trying to have a more professional alley would be good but from word of mouth the professionals don't do as well as most would intend. Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Artists don't do as well at this convention as others, thus isolating the professionals even more. Although the convention itself has much to offer, I'd advise avoiding the artist alley here unless anime artwork is the only thing you create and are willing to go through the ridiculous application procedure.

SPACE
Link:SPACE website
Location: Greater Columbus Ohio area, Easton Ohio
Description: Although I have not gone to this convention with an actual table, I will say this convention happens to be great! It appeals to the independent comic industry, which means the range of topics can be open to anything. The con itself could be considered one artist alley with a few events to help you create better artwork on the side. Never the less, if you create comics I definitely suggest coming here for a day or two. Even if you cannot get a table, from my experience the convention is an amazing place to network and get to know other local comic artists!

Dragon*Con
Link: Dragon*Con Website
Location: Downtown Atlanta
Description: Although I have not been to this convention myself I will write about what I have heard from others. This convention and its artist alley makes your jaw drop. The convention itself brings will over 50k+ attendees every year. It is a massive draw to fans of Sci-fi, Fantasy, Movie, Comic, Anime, and everything that has a fandom. It is huge, and the Artist Alley is apparently incredible. It is said to have a CRAZY amount of talent, bringing in comic creators, professional artists and illustrators and everything from here and there. This is DEFINENTLY not an artist alley for hobbyists and amateurs. Professionals come here with the strict purpose of making money and networking. If you are at that point in time where you make your living off of entirely your artwork, this is the convention to try and go to.

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