Just read this (the above few comments) and I wonder if the $20 "book mark" was on my table? I do sell original ACEOs at my table for that price. They measure 2.5"x3.5" and are one of a kind. I don't make prints of those ACEOs. They were also sitting very near my bookmarks which are $4 singly. So if was at my table, I'm sorry for the confusion. I'm still, to this day, trying to figure out good signage for my table. ^_^;.
yeah your table was what came to mind when I read that too, but those aren't bookmarks. They're not even normal ACEO's lol they're fantastic ooak originals! I'm kinda frustrated that this thread is turning into complaints from people who aren't in or haven't visited artist alley (or looked very closely). But I'm also in a bad mood right now so maybe I shouldn't post comments while I am. . .
But, at the risk of sounding boastful, defensive, or entitled:
People! Take some time to look at artists wares and think about how much or little work went into them! How long it must have taken to create a complex and original piece, or how long it took the artist to develop the skills required to do something quickly! Talk to the artists! If you have a question about somethings origin or its pricing you can ask! Most artists love feedback and constructive criticism.
Artist Alley isn't just something to walk through on your way to main events, it can be an event in and of itself! Set aside some time in your con schedule to really take a look and appreciate what the artists do! Please!
Ok something more related to the thread, that just popped into my head due to these last few comments:
Would it be possible to have a map of AA available for the public? possibly as a handout (you could maybe include one with the convention schedules and program book) but if not a handout then maybe a posting at the entrance or something. Kinda like a mall directory; You could organize the tables by their category and then each table could list three to five keywords of things that they do (prints, bags, fleece hats, etc.) or things that make them stand out (zombie portraits, original ACEO's, doujinshi, etc.) The tables already have assigned numbers.
It would also be good to have a recommendation on there that says to check out all the tables and that table keywords on the posting may not reflect actual wares, but that way people looking for a certain thing like say buttons or whatnot could get a general idea of where to look instead of being overwhelmed and giving up instead of finding what they wanted. The directed traffic flow from last year I think would promote browsing anyway as they make their way to their table of interest.
If you did a handout and there's room, maybe on the back, you could print the artist introductions/descriptions that many send in with their applications? Having a handout might also help people find artists after the convention. Instead of posting "I bought this thing at such and such table, what were they called?" in the forums (granted the website has all the introductions and stuff anyway) they could look at their map thingy and say "oh it was the one all the way next to the exit on this side, I wonder if they have contact info on the back.."
I know it's another thing to organize, and that the table layout is organized pretty close to the con, but I think it would be really useful as artist promotion at the con as well as maybe curbing some customer confusion. I know you'd have to make it absolutely clear that artists would still need to check in before setup, so maybe you could post the map/directory AFTER everyone's checked in, or have a notice for latecomers on the map itself for artists to check in before setting up.
I appreciate that AA artists get a listing in the program guide, but I'd love if AA could get a little more promotion at the con as a destination itself and not just something to walk through on the way to something else.
