Art: The Alley - Helpful Hints

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Helpful Hints and Suggestions first time Artists/Writers

• Bring friends or an assistant. If you’re a solo artist, try to bring friends with you to help watch your table. This way, you can get up to eat, use the restroom, see the rest of the con, etc. The Alley staff cannot watch your table for you, so bring a friend or three.
• Stay up to date at The Alley BBS! Located at: http://board.otakon.com/viewforum.php?f=33 , it is here you’ll find constant updates and answers to many questions.
• Reserve in advance. Last year early reservations counted for 100% of all space in The Alley. There were a few cancellations, but certainly nothing to count on.
• Get there early. Check-in and initial set-up always takes time. Lots of time. If you get to The Alley at 9:00am, you’ll have time to check in, unload, set-up and even get “settle in” and/or lunch. You might be there until Midnight, so use this time constructively!
• Keep your artwork in a binder or book of some sort. And keep it open on the table for fans to flip through and see what they like. Remember the Adult Material rules!
• Bring Business Cards. These are great cause they can feature your style/ art they're cheap to make and allow people find or contact you during and after the convention allowing you to make more sales and get your name out their. We suggest bringing a hundred or so and make sure it has your web site, e-mail or deviant art account on it so that people can find more of your work after the convention is over.
• Making additional prints. Be aware of how to get to and from the closest copy places so you can make more prints quickly and easily in the event you sell out of any. Such as the Kinkos located on Charles Street.
• Bring materials for Commissions. You don't want to be caught with out paper or a specific red pen when some one wants a commission so bring plenty of supplies. There are also some local art supply stores: MICA Art supply. Utrecht, and Plaza Art store all easily accessible via the light rail in case you need any additional art supplies.
• Bring a calculator and change. One and five dollar bills go fast.
• Hand out flyers, business cards, and contact/web site information. It helps people get in touch with you after the convention.
• If you have any art for auction in the Art Show, you should mention it. Many attendees often spot something in the auction and want to meet the artist.
• The room will be secured at night and no one will be allowed in. Exhibitors may leave their items on or under their table, or they may wish to take it with them overnight. Bear in mind, however, that neither Otakorp, Inc. nor its personnel will be held liable for loss or damage to materials left in The Alley.
  Bring a drop cloth to cover your table with at night if you will be leaving your things behind.
• Bring a handcart to run your goods in from the car, if necessary. The Baltimore Convention Center will not provide handcarts. There is access from the loading docks directly into Hall F, where The Alley is. Vehicles are not allowed in Hall E. If you need access to the loading docks, please let the Artist Alley staff know in advance so you can be put on the BCC Security's list.
• Don’t leave your table unattended during Alley hours. Not only will you miss potential sales, you risk damage and theft to your possessions
• Don’t raise your prices because it is a convention. You’ll probably be competing against other artists for prices.
• Don’t sell prohibited merchandise “under the table” or “take orders” for prohibited merchandise to be filled minutes later. Do not take orders for bootleg merchandise to be shipped at a later date. If we catch you doing this, you will be removed from The Alley immediately.