Artist Alley 2010 dates, process, and FAQs

[darkshardsyuki]

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE FIRST TWO POSTS BEFORE POSTING ANY QUESTIONS, Thanks.

Registration is now closed, winners will be announced in the evening on Feb. 21st, Good luck to everyone that applied, if you missed your chance please try again next year

Please note, we will only accepting applications between these days:

From MIDNIGHT, FEBRUARY 1, 2010 to MIDNIGHT, FEBRUARY 15, 2010

This is to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance at table space: the online form will be available to fill out the from 12:00 AM Feb 1st to 12:00 AM Feb 15th. In military time it would be 0000, not noon - just to make things clear.

A link will appear here to the registration form when registration for Artists Alley open. See attachment at the bottom of this post for a screen shot of what it will look like, you will NEED at least one reference image of your work to have your application counted.

REMEMBER ARTISTS ALLEY TABLES ARE NOT GIVEN OUT FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE SO DO NOT EXPECT TO GET A TABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU SENT IN YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS REGISTERATION OPENED.

If you try email in your application instead of using the new form it will not be counted and you may not get your table.

So here's the process:

Click the link above once it's up and use it to fill out your application, no rush, you have two weeks to get it in. It's no longer first come, first serve.

Do not ask if you got your spot, nothing will be released until after sign up is closed.

Email or PM me or post with any questions while you're filling out the form, you have a few weeks, so that should be plenty of time if a question on the form is holding you up.

Make sure you're pre-registered for the '10 convention.  ALL ARTISTS NEED TO BE PRE-REGISTERED. You will lose your table space if you're not pre-registered before May 15th when contracts go out.

Please remember spaces are NOT first come, first serve. After your application is sent in it will be reviewed to make sure it meets certain criteria (as in if it's suitable to sell at NDK,) then depending on the space you require it will be put in a random lottery and tables of the winners assigned from there. We have a limited amount of space so not everyone will end up getting a table that applies.

If you think you can use less then a full table to sell your products please apply for a half table, this will give us a chance to bring in more artists.

If at any point you have questions or concerns, post them here in the forums or use the PM button to the left of this post to contact myself the Artists' Alley area head, if I feel it is a question that others may ask I will post it with the answer below.

A few common questions:

Q: When is registration for Artists Alley?
A: Registration is February 1st to February 15th, if you miss this deadline you won't be able to get a table.

Q: Where do we find the registration form?
A: The application link to the form will appear towards the top of this post when registration opens.

Q: Is getting a table first come first serve?
A: No, see above for details.

Q: How much does a table cost?
A: $50.00 per table, half tables and certain spaces will be charged accordingly.

Q: Will paying for the table replace my registration fee?
A: No. Paying for the table buys you the space and privilege to set up in the Artists' Alley for the convention weekend. You still need to be a paid, pre-registered attendee to get in to the con!

Q: When do you pay for your table or space in Artists Alley?
A: You do not pay for your table or space in Artist Alley until May 15th when the contracts are emailed to you, you will fill out the contract and mail it in with you payment before July 15th. If you fail to do so your space will be given to someone on the waiting list.

Q: When do we have to be pre-registered for Nan Desu Kan?
A: This question has come up a lot, you do NOT have to be pre-registered to sign up for a spot in Artist Alley, HOWEVER you have to be pre-registered by May 15th or you will NOT get your contract and you will lose your spot.

Q: I have more than one person selling stuff in my group, do we sign up or pay separately?
A: For each group regardless of how many there are or how much space you're using, if it's all under the same group you sign up together and pay with a single check. Your group members can pay the person who signs up when they get the contract and that person can send in a check for the full amount.

Q: I have friends that will be watching our table from time to time, do they have to sign up if they are not selling anything?
A: No your table watchers do not have to be signed up, however it is your responsibility for anything that happens while they are at your table.    

Q: If there is a table that is left open at some point during the convention, can I set my stuff up?
A: No, if you attempt to do so you will have your badge punched and could get kicked out.

Q: I have a friend who was on the wait list and some open space at my table during the convention, can they use that space?
A: If you have space that you aren't going to use please apply for a smaller space like a half table, if it is a new member to your group then contact me ASAP so that it can be discussed in private BEFORE the convention. Regardless they will need to have their products cleared before they are given the go ahead.

Q: For the lottery if I don’t get a space if the group I applied for can I be put in the next group down to try again?
A: No, once you send in your application you are stuck in that group, this is to be fair to all applicants in all groups in the lottery.

[darkshardsyuki]

Since this has raised several questions let me explain the lottery system better. The lottery is in fact 3 lotteries, one for each kind of table space. Based on previous years the number of spaces for each kind have been broken down into groups (guest, 2 tables, 1 table, half tables, and other space) your application will not be going up against everyone, just those applying for the same group. To make it fair for everyone the groups (excluding guest) are further broken down into new and returning artists, if a returning artist doesn’t get a spot from their section they are put with the new artists and given a second chance. This is the best way I could figure to give everyone a fair chance at getting a space in Artists Alley, should you not get a table then you will be put on a waiting list for your group, should someone not get their table for one reason or another then the first person on the list gets the spot.

Another question that came up was about the standard, this doesn’t determine the quality of your work just if it is suitable for selling at NDK. No porn, nothing that would be a rip off of stuff that's already out there (copies of someone elses work), that kind of stuff.

This has been asked several times so I will address it here again. People have asked if they can apply for one group and be put in the next group down if they do not get a spot. The answer is NO, once you apply for one group you can not enter the next group down to try your luck in their drawing. This is because we want to be fair to all applicants in all groups. If you can use a spot in a smaller space please apply for that space and not larger in hopes to try for lower if you don’t get the larger space. Thanks.

These are all good questions, please keep them coming.

In other news we are putting new 18+ rules into place this year due to the sheer number of younger teens that attend the con and our wish to keep NDK family friendly.

What is considered 18+ in the Artists Alley

The following are COMPLETELY PROHIBITED in the Artist Alley:

Pornography of any kind--yaoi, yuri, hentai. This includes blatant nudity, skin tight clothing that reveals everything anyway, or gratuitously sexual poses.
Excessive gore
Excessive violence.

The following are allowed, but MUST NOT BE OPENLY DISPLAYED. You must have them in a binder or other less open place and offer written or verbal warnings to anyone appearing less than 13 years of age:

Mildly suggestive images or poses, mild fan service.
Borderline nudity--bikinis and the like.
Artistic nudity. The difference between artistic nudity and pornography is that artistic nudity is more a study of the human body--the slope of the shoulders, the curve of the spine, meant to be seen as pure form. Pornography is designed to turn people on. If you suspect you're pushing the boundaries, don't include the pieces in question. Just use common sense.

[Amaya-Murahashi]

This system does sound less stressful and better then the first come first serve so I thank you for doing it. But I'll have to admit that even as a returning artist it doesn't sound like a very fair process to anyone, in that its going to be random and not based on responsibility to deadline that ' first come first serve' required before there became to many people, nor merit of skill . A lot of artists, like me, view artist alley as a key venue to help develop and grow our artist carriers via exposure and sellers experience, that and a lot of us are local Art College students so are not financially able to travel to larger out of state conventions for the opportunity. So though I am aware its to late to install any other system, I wanted to bring this to your attention and was hoping if you'd be willing to develop a fairer system for next year?

[darkshardsyuki]

All returning artists are given 2 chances to get a table in their table group, to give them any more are guarantee them a table would be unfair to newer artists. The first come first serve wasn't created by those working with the convention, the artists themselves started the rush. As far as I know Merit of skill has never been key in deciding who gets tables, it was based on who could get their application in the fastest and if it was something someone else had already submitted.

The lottery system gives everyone a fair chance to get in provided they fit the criteria of what can be sold. Regardless this gives more people a chance to do the same as you, learn to sell their art and gain experience.

[Amaya-Murahashi]

I wasn't  talking about giving more bias towards returning artists, however conventions have done that, as it does in the business aspect push for more returning con goers if they can fully expect someone/certain art there and thus helps the convention grow larger. But that is not why I'm bringing it up as that is not what I'm trying to push,since that was never a concern for me.

What is the concern, is those of us who are looking to this for business whether new or old. The Lottery is randomized and holds no accountability to the individual is what i meant by ' no responsibility standard via definite deadline, or skill merit'.

Which for me my fear is you get a series of un serious artisans through the lack of any accountability standard. I understand however that it is hard to make fair with the huge increase of attendees to NDK, and was merely trying to open the discussion of a future improvement of the system. I am also not the only one concerned as I have spoken with a few others who do not see the fairness and not all were returning artists.

[theshadow]

First, we clearly stated that we would evaluate each artist and based on that criteria they would be selected for the lottery or not. Secondly, there is no single definition of 'good art'. What you may consider good art and what  I may consider good art may differ greatly. Lastly, Using a lottery is by mathematic definition a means to provide a distributed variety. By doing this we reduce the bias and allow everyone the opportunity to present their work to the public. The simple and sad fact is that we have way more artists than we have space and just like in a museum we will attempt to provide a fair and varied selection of work. We are sorry if this doesn't meet your standards, you can of course decide not to submit your application for a table.

I wasn't  talking about giving more bias towards returning artists, however conventions have done that, as it does in the business aspect push for more returning con goers if they can fully expect someone/certain art there and thus helps the convention grow larger. But that is not why I'm bringing it up as that is not what I'm trying to push,since that was never a concern for me.

What is the concern, is those of us who are looking to this for business whether new or old. The Lottery is randomized and holds no accountability to the individual is what i meant by ' no responsibility standard via definite deadline, or skill merit'.

Which for me my fear is you get a series of un serious artisans through the lack of any accountability standard. I understand however that it is hard to make fair with the huge increase of attendees to NDK, and was merely trying to open the discussion of a future improvement of the system. I am also not the only one concerned as I have spoken with a few others who do not see the fairness and not all were returning artists.

[JAIMONSTER]

Im just gonna express my 2cents from this whole thing before it explodes...

First, I have to say that this new system is something totally unexpected, something that completely changes the face of the game, and at the same time something that its rather interesting/scary/exciting. I think that this new system brings more good than evil to the community as well. Why? Well, first of all, senior artists get that recognition from the fact that we come back because we love/need/care for NDK. Second, gives the new emerging talent a fair chance to come and join us without the stress of the Midnight Deadline/missed chance. Sure, we brought this ourselves... But at the same time, change was needed since NDK is starting to grow bigger and bigger each year. [AND They have kept AA Tables the same price for... what, 6 years now?].

Its not about WHO MAKES THE BEST, its about WHO WANTS TO COME. No longer people will be shunned because they think that their trinkets might be rubbish compared to artist X who has all the awesome crafts. No longer people will be kicking themselves for forgetting about this. Think about how less stressed the Staff will be now that they will have time to enjoy and review the apps, and at the same time relax a little bit without the endless rush of artists who missed the mark by one second.

It makes things easier for everyone, and the ones who return have nothing to fear/complain about! We had our chances to enter... and if not? Well, someone on that table over there [The one with all the new cute faces] will surely thank you for the opportunity. Plus, AA will still be AA since we all are kind of family... Arent we? =D Family that stays together, Stays strong.

I believe NDK did the right thing. And we will support it [Jaimonster + Gigi].

[Amaya-Murahashi]

I wasn't trying to be rude, just voicing concern on what I saw a bit problematic. Just to clarify so I was not misunderstood , by un serious I did not mean the skill level or style, as I see them as separate things. But anyway all that aside, sorry if I was offensive as I did not intend any of my tone to come off that way.

[The Enigma]

I agree with Shadow and Jaimonster. I think this is a good way to really make things fair. This way everyone has the exact same advantage, except for previous table owners who, rightly enough, have a slight edge so that con-goers will see familiar faces in the AA. I really like that we don't have to send the application in at midnight. It makes it easier for those with slower computers, and those who have work the next day!

And I think it's great that everyone has a chance to try it. Jaimonster is right, the people who apply are the people who want to come. And that in itself makes them "serious" enough to be a valid part of the artist alley. I'm glad for the opportunity that every level artisan has to participate and enjoy the AA. Those who are heavily concerned with business will have the chance to make a little cash, and those who are more concerned with the experience will also have the chance to meet people and enjoy the con from a new standpoint. Personally I can't think of a more impartial, judicious way to handle the AA applicants. I applaud this new system and look forward to it!

[darkshardsyuki]

Im just gonna express my 2cents from this whole thing before it explodes...

First, I have to say that this new system is something totally unexpected, something that completely changes the face of the game, and at the same time something that its rather interesting/scary/exciting. I think that this new system brings more good than evil to the community as well. Why? Well, first of all, senior artists get that recognition from the fact that we come back because we love/need/care for NDK. Second, gives the new emerging talent a fair chance to come and join us without the stress of the Midnight Deadline/missed chance. Sure, we brought this ourselves... But at the same time, change was needed since NDK is starting to grow bigger and bigger each year. [AND They have kept AA Tables the same price for... what, 6 years now?].

Its not about WHO MAKES THE BEST, its about WHO WANTS TO COME. No longer people will be shunned because they think that their trinkets might be rubbish compared to artist X who has all the awesome crafts. No longer people will be kicking themselves for forgetting about this. Think about how less stressed the Staff will be now that they will have time to enjoy and review the apps, and at the same time relax a little bit without the endless rush of artists who missed the mark by one second.

It makes things easier for everyone, and the ones who return have nothing to fear/complain about! We had our chances to enter... and if not? Well, someone on that table over there [The one with all the new cute faces] will surely thank you for the opportunity. Plus, AA will still be AA since we all are kind of family... Arent we? =D Family that stays together, Stays strong.

I believe NDK did the right thing. And we will support it [Jaimonster + Gigi].

I couldn't have summed up the changes better myself so thank you, this post just made my night. ^_^

I wasn't trying to be rude, just voicing concern on what I saw a bit problematic. Just to clarify so I was not misunderstood , by un serious I did not mean the skill level or style, as I see them as separate things. But anyway all that aside, sorry if I was offensive as I did not intend any of my tone to come off that way.

Thank you for clarifying, some of your first post wasn’t completely clear and I wasn’t exactly sure what you meant, your following posted cleared that up nicely. If you have more questions or concerns please ask them, you may not be the only one who wanted to ask.

[Amadis]

I wrote a lengthy journal on WanderStudios deviantArt explaining my feelings about it to my other group members, and some of the points I made have even been made unnecessary by the new clarification of how the lottery system works:

There are those of us who really take this seriously and we know that the people who claim that we're being treated special because we got a table when they didn't, are wrong.
We were diligent and paid attention to the forums, and we had our applications ready, and we were awake at midnight and we got things done. We worked hard to secure a space because it was important to us.

But I can remember when Wander Studios first started out. I waited and waited for information to be posted on the main site and finally, when "ALL TABLES SOLD OUT" was posted without me ever seeing an application anywhere, I pitched a fit! I sent an email explaining our interest and my perception of unfairness in the application process, and somehow we got a space. We were lucky. And after that I never saw any change in the application process or where the information was posted, but now I knew when and where to look for information and who to talk to and when to apply, so it wasn't a problem for -me- any more.

But every year I see new people who say that the process is unfair: they didn't know where to look; their schedule doesn't permit them to submit within 15 minutes of midnight; they sent their app at the same time as everyone else but somehow didn't get a table; they feel like some people are favored over others, especially artists who have sold at NDKAA in previous years (these last ones were wrong, as stated earlier, but if you didn't get a table you probably don't understand the process).

This new system removes all that and gives everyone who applies with quality work a fair chance.


This is pretty much a copy-paste of what I wrote on our dA, but I wanted to post to show our support of the changes.

I'm still worried, simply because AA means so much to me personally, but I understand why these changes have been made and I know that they're being made in the spirit of fairness and equal treatment and that you guys aren't trying to cheat us.
The point is, the best we can do is just have everything filled out and prepared, submit on time, and hope we get a table. Just like before. Good luck to everyone applying, and please wish us luck too...

[angichan]

The trouble being caused is to the people who are depending on NDK AA for a source of income.

I myself do it for fun and camaraderie, (money is a bonus). So I'm okay with the thought of not gainign a table...and there is always the art show (unless their system has changed ;;;; I can't keep up! lol)

But most of the concerns I'm hearing are artists who really need this little bit of extra denero and/or publicity.

Times are rough, we are all in the financial hole, so it's understandable.

[Creativedemi64]

The trouble being caused is to the people who are depending on NDK AA for a source of income.

I myself do it for fun and camaraderie, (money is a bonus). So I'm okay with the thought of not gaining a table...and there is always the art show (unless their system has changed ;;;; I can't keep up! lol)

But most of the concerns I'm hearing are artists who really need this little bit of extra denero and/or publicity.

Times are rough, we are all in the financial hole, so it's understandable.

After talking with the head here I have understood the fairness of this lottery and have decided to back down from the opposing argument against this system. But I will still state that my biggest concern is what angi has brought up, Anime Wasabi and NDK Artist alley are my only source of income. I do commissions on the side but because of the economy I haven't been getting anything and I bet I'm not the only one in the hole.

After reading all these post I do think that the system in all is very fair and I'm impressed on how the staff developed it. I will be ready for the registration and prey that the lottery will be kind. Good luck to everyone.

[Osias]

The trouble being caused is to the people who are depending on NDK AA for a source of income.

I myself do it for fun and camaraderie, (money is a bonus). So I'm okay with the thought of not gainign a table...and there is always the art show (unless their system has changed ;;;; I can't keep up! lol)

But most of the concerns I'm hearing are artists who really need this little bit of extra denero and/or publicity.

Times are rough, we are all in the financial hole, so it's understandable.

NDK is a Non Profit organization.

If people rely on  NDK for income, that is there own choice (risk); However, it is not NDK’s business to guarantee specific people AA tables for the purpose of making income and profit.

[angichan]

NDK is a Non Profit organization.

If people rely on  NDK for income, that is there own choice (risk); However it is not NDK’s business to guarantee specific people AA tables for the purpose of making income and profit.

I completely concur.

and hopefully that is another knot sorted out?

[theshadow]

I completely concur.

and hopefully that is another knot sorted out?

Forgive me, I don't believe we see it as a problem. AA isn't a venue we plan to ever use to secure profit for anyone if we were we would be asking for a portion of the revenue. As previously stated there are at least a hundred artist who apply for tables. If all we did was keep the same artists every year people would bore of it. It would be best that you not view it as a guaranteed place to make profit. Just as with an art gallery it is rare that the same artists appear over and over again. If this is what you believe AA should be then I would suggest you find other venues for your work because that isn't what it is for.

[Osias]

That is a better description of what I was trying to say.

[Greg Hines]

The trouble being caused is to the people who are depending on NDK AA for a source of income.

...

But most of the concerns I'm hearing are artists who really need this little bit of extra denero and/or publicity.

and

But I will still state that my biggest concern is what angi has brought up, Anime Wasabi and NDK Artist alley are my only source of income. I do commissions on the side but because of the economy I haven't been getting anything and I bet I'm not the only one in the hole.

Though we appreciate that getting an Artists Alley table at NDK can have a fairly large positive financial impact for an artist, we simply can't take into consideration whether someone relies on it for their income. We cannot (and will not) shoulder the responsibility of the financial wellbeing of everyone who applies for a table.

[angichan]

and after telling my concerned friends, they seem to have come to peace with the matter now ^^<3

I look forward to the AA this year >_< <33333

[Nogardous]

I'm gonna be trying to get an half table or full table... Most likely a half table but it give me a starting person in artist a fair chance... and yeah I do notice few returing artist each year... But I'm not putting AW or NDK AA as my main source of extra income... I'm doing it because I see an area of the art/cosplay market not really being touch... Like it was said before have it as your only source of income is a BIG RISK...