The new, improved FAQ and Questions Thread is here! I tried to incorporate more of the questions that I had in the past few years. As always, feel free to ask more questions here!
-Lori
What is the Artist Alley?
Artist Alley is a venue for amateur and professional artists/artisans to sell their anime, manga and Japanese inspired works to the general convention members. This includes comic book artists, illustrators, small cosplay accessories, and much more.
Is there a portfolio review or jury process involved in getting a table?
Sakura-con welcomes artists of all levels. There is not currently a review process for acquiring a table.
What sort of things can I sell in the Artist Alley?
If it has your artwork on it or was handmade by you, it is generally allowed in the artist alley with a few notable exceptions. You may not sell weapons or official merchandise in the Artist Alley.
What is your policy on fanart?
Fanart is allowed in Sakura-con’s Artist Alley with the following caveats:
- No use of official logos – Posters, prints, buttons, badges etc. may not depict an official logo of any sort. (i.e. you may not put the Death Note or Naruto Logo on your prints)
- No copying, eyeballing, tracing, photo-shopping or editing of official artwork – All artwork should be easily determined to be a fan work, and may not be directly copied from existing pieces.
What is the process for getting a table?
New~! On November 14th, 2009 at 7PM PST, there will be a form posted to the Sakura-con website. You fill out this form, which sends an e-mail with a timestamp to the AA staff. Tables are assigned according to these timestamps, and contracts are sent out.
Submitting the form DOES NOT SECURE YOU A TABLE. Until the convention has processed your contract and payment, you will not be confirmed for a table. Please plan accordingly.
To reiterate, tables are limited and on first come- first serve basis.
After all tables have been filled, the AA staff will maintain a waiting list of the next 25 artists to submit the form.
How many tables are available?
Update! As of 10/15! Artist Alley Consists of 42 tables! This is a huge increase from last year!
How many tables can one artist or studio have?
There is a strict limit of 1 table per artist/studio. No exceptions.
How big are the tables?
Tables are 2.5ft x 6ft, and come with a white table cloth and dark green skirt. You will also have common space behind you that is available for use so long as it does not interfere with your neighbors in any way.
How much is a table?
Update! As of 10/15! Tables are $100. Expect to spend about $150 to attend and sell in the AA.
Where is the Artist Alley located in the Convention Center?
The AA is located on the 4th floor sky bridge, directly in front of both the Dealer’s Hall and Registration.
Am I expected to be at my table every day, all day?
Yes. You are expected to have your table manned for the entirety of the Artist Alley’s hours of operation. It is not fair to others who attempted to get tables to leave your table empty for long periods of time. If you have to leave to attend a panel or event, please plan to have someone available in your group to watch your table.
Artist Alley staff will be available to watch your table for up to 30 minutes to help out artists traveling alone.
Can I share my table?
Yes! If you can share, and are willing to do so, it will allow more artists in to the alley!
Please note that this does not allow you to sublet your table. If you cannot attend the convention, please contact staff to make arrangements. You may not sell your table to anyone else. Doing so will result in a ban from the artist alley for the period of 2 years.
What is a UBI? Do I need one?
UBI stands for Universal Business Identification number. It is the number used to submit sales tax to the state after the convention.
In order to sell in the state of Washington, you must charge and pay taxes to the state. In order to do this, you must get a Washington State Tax Identification number. There are two ways to go about this.
- If you sell at 3 or more conventions in Washington a year, or otherwise conduct business in the state, you must apply for a Washington State Master Business License.
- If you sell at fewer than 3 conventions in the state of Washington, you can apply for a temporary tax identification number.
Please keep in mind that you will not be allowed to sell in the Artist Alley without proof of having this number on hand at the convention.
Master Business License Information
Temporary Tax ID Information
My question was not answered here, how can I contact you?
If your question was not answered here, please feel free to contact the AA staff at artistalley@sakuracon.org or post it here on the forums. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
