Programming
 

Artists' Alley



Updated Information: September 23, 2008:



Permitted Material

  1. Here are some samples of items that would be allowed (if you made them yourself):
    • Artists' Alley Trading Cards
    • Badges
    • Bookmarks
    • Books
    • Cards
    • Cels
    • Commissions
    • Glass Etchings
    • Magnets
    • Paintings
    • Pins and Buttons
    • Portfolios
    • Prints
    • Sculptures
    • T-Shirts (as long as it's not the only thing you're selling)
  2. Items that would not be allowed include, but are not limited to:
    • Commercially produced items (music CDs, anime DVDs, etc.)
    • Costume Pieces (hats, tails, chain mail)
    • Dolls and Plushies
    • Food and Drinks
    • Jewelry
    • Weapons
    • Stickers

    3. Artists' Alley Sign-Up

    1. Do I need a conference membership to participate in the Artists' Alley?
      Yes you do. All artists are required to register for admission to the conference. This is required before you try to sign up for any alley space.
    2. What is an Artists' Alley badge and what does it get me?
      An Artists' Alley badge does not count as conference admission. You must present your conference membership badge in order to receive your Artists' Alley badge.

      What your Artists' Alley badge will get you is protection.

      The Artists' Alley badge is allows conference staff to identify anyone who is trying to use someone else's purchased table without their permission. Basically, this is done to prevent what we call "squatters".

      You and all other artists or assistants for your table must wear this badge when manning your table or it will be assumed that you don't belong at that table and you will be asked to leave. If the person we ask to leave is a squatter, their name will be taken down and repeat offenses will lead to expulsion from the conference.
    3. When will the Artists' Alley sign-up / table purchase occur?
      Sign-ups began on Saturday, August 23rd at 1pm EDT. The web site will be updated if and when Artists' Alley becomes full. Therefore:
      1. If it is before August 23rd, then it hasn't happened yet.
      2. If it's August 23rd or later and we're still taking sign-ups, then we still have space.
      3. If we have sold out, we will say so.
    4. Where will the Artists' Alley sign-up occur and how will it work?
      All Artists' Alley sign-ups are taking place online, right here on the Providence Anime Conference web site. We are NOT offering sign-ups in person.

      The actual process of signing up will work very simply as long as you follow the instructions on the screen, take your time, and don't panic. The process is a two-part form. The first part asks for your information -- please make sure that these are entered correctly. If accepted, this means you have reserved a table pending payment and will be directed to the PayPal or mail-in form to submit payment. Your space is not guaranteed until payment is received.

      Remember to fill all forms with your REAL names. You may indicate later if you would like to be referred to by another name.

      If you are having trouble, don't panic. Contact the Artists' Alley Manager with details on what is giving you trouble and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
    5. Is their a sign up deadline?
      Yes and no. While we're not anticipating hordes of people attacking the server at one time for a spot, we may fill up prior to the conference. However, for the sake of money changing hands, we will stop taking online table sign-ups on September 3, 2008, one month prior to the conference.

      Also, if you have completed the sign-up form, we will give you a deadline of 48 hours to either send payment or to contact us with an explaination. This is so if you change your mind after doing part of the form and decided to back out before sending payment, we know that we have that space to put "back on the market", so to speak.
    6. What forms of payment are accepted
      1. We accept PayPal, check, or money order through online table sign-up. Instructions on to how to do any of these payment types will be given as you complete your form. Note that those who do not have PayPal can still use PayPal if they have a valid credit card.
      2. In the event that tables have not filled up by the September 3rd cut-of date, we will sell the remaining unsold tables at the conference. We will only accept cash for these payments.

    Tables

    1. Sizes and Costs
      6 foot tables will be available for $45 each. (Yes, you get all six feet!)

      Note: Cost of a table does not include conference registration. This must be purchased separately through our Registration section.
    2. Setup
      All tables will be sold as a whole unit. If you choose to share, go right ahead. Also, we will not be cramming tables in. Each table will be an island unto itself with at least two feet of clearance space between it and the next one. This is to reduce crowding and blocking of other artists tables as well as to allow artists to do small demonstrations at their tables if they so choose.
    3. Chairs, Tablecloths, and Table Skirts
      Each table will be set with two chairs. Tablecloths and table skirts will most likely not be provided. Please feel free to bring your own tablecloth and add your own personal touch to make your table unique.
    4. Electricity
      Unfortunately, electricity will not be readily available. If your setup absolutely depends on having electricity, contact us and we will let you know the RICC's prices and options.
    5. Lighting
      Artists' Alley will be located in the prefunction area of the Rhode Island Convention Center. Lighting will be STANDARD lighting during the day and 50% of that at night. This is not counting the large windows with natural light during the daytime.

    Adult Material

    1. Here's a nice change of pace for all the artists out there. Since Providence Anime Conference is a 21+ event, we don't have to worry about minors viewing or buying stuff they shouldn't, nor do you need to worry or fret about judgment calls. ("Does this get hidden or does it pass?") So you no longer have to hide your adult material.
    2. Keep in mind that just because someone is over 21, doesn't mean they have any interest in adult material. We're asking that you keep it tasteful and DO NOT gear your entire table or display towards it.
    3. We suggest that you still keep the adult material separated and clearly marked. That way, people who have no interest in that type of work can avoid it. If they didn't, it's their own fault.

      The bonus of keeping it separated is that you don't have to keep switching things back around for other cons where you still have to worry about minors. At least you no longer have to watch it as closely.

      Basically, remember this rule of thumb: Don't worry about your adult material, but be mindful of it.

    Copyright: Photography and Fanart

    1. Photography:
      There will be ABSOLUTELY NO photography or videotaping of any art -- either specifically or incidentally -- without the artists' express permission.
    2. Fanart
      Fanart is allowed, within reason.
      1. You are not allowed to copy, trace, or in any way reproduce (either by hand or machine) an existing piece of art and sell it as your own.
      2. Fanart must be an original design that just happens to use someone else's existing characters.
      3. While there are laws about how much you can change a picture to make it your own, we are not qualified to judge if you've accomplished that task. Be safe and do not bring any picture that you've modified. Use references as references only and not as a base. If we can still recognize the original piece despite your modifications, we will ask you to take it off the table.
      4. Many artists practice by copying art from their favorite series or books. That's fine, just DON'T BRING IT or DON'T DISPLAY IT. Avoid problems and avoid complaints by just not bringing it. It will not be an issue if nobody sees it. If you still bring it, each one must be individually and CLEARLY MARKED as being NOT FOR SALE. If you are later found selling it, you will be found in violation of the rules. Our recommendation is: Be safe and don't bring it at all.
      Even if we don't catch you breaking the rules, your fellow artists will. We aim towards being a friendly and supportive artist community. Your fellow artists will feel like their own hard work was for nothing if they find others violating the above rules. DO NOT sell anything that is not your own idea.

    Check-in Procedure

    1. How do I check in?
      1. First and foremost, you pick up your conference badge at Registration. Nobody will be permitted in the Artists' Alley area without their registration badge.
      2. Then go the Artists' Alley and present your conference badge to the Artists' Alley staff at the Artists' Alley info desk.
      3. Each person at a table must check in individually, but the first person from a table that checks in will have the table itself marked as checked in.
      4. The last table check-ins will be accepted until noon on Saturday, October 4th.
      5. Individuals can continue to pick up their badges as they arrive, whenever that may be.
    2. Where do I check in?
      Look for the Artists' Alley info desk which will be located at the entrance of the Artists' Alley. We will have a sign at our table to identify us. Do not go to the regular information desk -- they might not know what you're talking about.
    3. What happens if I don't check in the table?
      If you and your friends set up at your table without checking in, not only do you run the risk of being asked to leave because you're not wearing your Artists' Alley badges, but your table may be sold out from under you because it was marked as unoccupied.

      If this should happen, the table will not go to the prior claim who did not check in on time. You had a responsibility to check in and you didn't, so it will go the person who just purchased it. You will have to leave the alley and the money you paid for the table will not be refunded. Should the new owners of the table choose to allow you to stay and share the table, they need to tell us. They will get priority over the space and how it is used.

    Rules and Repercussions

    1. Rules
      1. Abide by the "Copyright: Photography and Fanart" guidelines as established above.
      2. Properly conduct yourself and behave like a mature artist. Do not harass other artists and be polite to your customers.
      3. Check in is required. Follow the check-in procedures established above.
      4. You may only sell and display items from the list of Permitted Material at the top of this page (or items approved by the Artists' Alley Manager through e-mail).
      5. You do not have the right to advertise, quote, or charge a price for a commission, work on it, then change your mind and demand more money when the customer returns for it. It's not good business and it's a breaking of faith and verbal contract. If you find that you aren't charging enough for the work you are doing you can change your prices for the next person who asks.
    2. Repercussions
      1. 1st Offense: WARNING
        You will be given conditions with which you must comply. (Such as taking away all offending material, putting it out of sight, and never showing it again, etc.)
      2. 2nd Offense: EVICTION FROM ARTISTS' ALLEY
        If you have already been given a warning and you have not complied or have violated another rule, you may be evicted and/or banned from the Artists' Alley.
      3. 3rd Offense: EVICTION FROM CONFERENCE
        If you are found trying to get an other artist (knowing or unknowing) to help you sell the material you can no longer even set up, having already been evicted from your own table, you will henceforth be evicted and banned from the convention. We would be within our rights to share your name with other conventions as a warning.
    If you have any questions, they can be e-mailed to the Artists' Alley Manager, Nikki O'Shea Bean or posted in our Artists' Forum.

    If you are looking for information on Artists' Alley Trading Cards, you can find it here.
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