Answer: With the new facility comes a new change in what was previously referred to as the Katsucon Artist Alley. As with then, the new KAA is for amateur artists and crafters only, businesses must apply to the merchant’s hall. This year 4 different areas are all under this description! They are the Artist Alley, Webcomics, Industry/Guests/Convention, and the brand new Katsu Crafters Corner!
Question: When I apply for space can I apply for more than one area since I do stuff in multiple areas?
Answer: No. You must choose one area to apply for, keeping in mind the constraints for each area on what you can sell.
Question: What is in Artist Alley (AA) this year?
Answer: The Artist Alley is the largest area in the KAA and remains largely the same as in past years with only a few new changes. It is intended for amateur artists to display, sell and commission their original 2 dimensional artwork. Such artwork should draw upon influences from Japanese culture and society. For more info on changes please read “Could you give me examples of what is kosher in Artist Alley?”
Question: How big are the Artist Alley tables this year?
Answer: Table spaces are being sold as a unit of measure called a Table Unit. 1 Table Unit is equal to a 4′x 2′ area, half of an 8-foot long table. Artists can purchase a MAX of 2 Table Units, that’s 1 full 8-foot table. No artist or studio may purchase more than 2 Table Units no exceptions.
Question: What about Half tables?
Answer: 1 Table Unit is half of an 8-foot table (4′x2′).
Question: How big are the Webcomic tables this year?
Answer: Webcomic tables are 6′ x 30″. Webcomics may purchase a MAX of 1 table. No webcomic or studio may purchase more than 1 webcomic table, no exceptions.
Question: What about crafters? Where do fiber arts fit in?
Answer: In the newly created Katsucon Crafters Corner (KCC)! Crafters finally have a space this year in the new facility where they can display and sell their wares. Space however is limited and crafters may only purchase a MAX of 1 booth, no exceptions.
Question: Ok, so how many KCC spaces are there?
Answer: There are 20 booths available for crafters this year in the Merchants room. Booths are 8′ x 6′ and come with 1 6′ table and 1 chair.
Question: How much are Artist Alley tables this year?
Answer: Before the convention 1 Table Unit costs $50, at the convention the price goes up to $60 per Table Unit.
Question: How much are Webcomic tables this year?
Answer: Tables before the convention are $100, at the convention the price goes up to $120 per table.
Question: How much are booths in the Katsucon Crafters Corner (KCC)?
Answer: Booths are $100 before the convention. Should any still be available on Friday of the convention they can be purchased for $120.
Question: How many chairs does each Artist Alley table have?
Answer: A Table Unit comes with 1 chair. If you purchase 2 Table Units (TU) a total of 3 chairs will be provided.
Question: Will the Katsu Crafters Corner (KCC) be locked at night?
Answer: Yes. The KCC is open the same hours that the Vendors Hall is open and will be locked when the Vendors Hall is closed.
Question: Do you have a waiting list?
Answer: Katsucon Artist Areas does not use a waiting list. Any available Artist Alley or Webcomic table space left over after 9pm on the Friday of the convention will be sold at 9:30am Saturday morning on a First come First served basis. Tables will be sold at their At Convention prices. Payment is accepted in CASH ONLY. No refunds.
Question: Could you give me examples of what is kosher in Artist Alley (AA)?
Answer: Artist Alley is intended for amateur artists to display, sell and commission their original 2D artwork. Such artwork should draw upon influences from Japanese culture. An example of items accepted are items that depict your artwork on t-shirts, calendars, drawings, paintings, prints, comics, doujinshi, zines, sketches, cel art, posters, and other forms of 2 dimensional media etc.
Question: I don’t see buttons on the list, am I allowed to sell them?
Answer: Pin-back buttons are allowed for sale as long as they bare your original artwork only, and not fan art or wording. You are limited to a total of 300 buttons.
Question: Ok cool, but what’s the word on bookmarks, key chains, magnets, cell phone charms, and/or stationary?
Answer: These items are allowed only if they display your original artwork. Any of the above-mentioned items with fan art, or words/phrases are not allowed in the Artist Alley or Webcomics. If we see them on your table, we will ask you to remove them.
Question: What about comics or books?
Answer: Self published amateur works are completely encouraged and can be sold in both Artist Alley and Webcomics areas. These items are not allowed however if they have been nationally published or distributed, or if they have ISBN numbers. If we see these types of items on your table, we will ask to remove them.
Question: Could you give me examples of what is NOT kosher in AA or Webcoimcs?
Answer: Fiber Arts creations and/or crafts, including but not limited to, models, ears/tails, jewelry, costumes, custom plushies, props, bags, gothic lolita, etc.. This includes chain mail. This list is not inclusive.
Question: Ok then were can I sell my fiber or craft related arts?
Answer: In the newly created area for exactly those arts! The Katsucon Crafters Corner (KCC)!
Question: Sweet I’ve got a place to sell my crafts and fiber arts, but can I sell fan art in the Crafters Corner?
Answer: No. 2D fan art can only be sold in the Artist Alley and Webcomic areas.
Question: I represent one (or more) artist(s) can I sell their art at a table in Artist Alley?
Answer: No third party sales are permitted in Artist Alley. Each artist should be selling their own work, not that of other people. Collaborative works, where multiple artists worked on a single project, are acceptable. If challenged, proof of identification falls upon the artist to validate their artwork. Violators will be removed without refund and banned.
Question: Why can’t I sell stickers or the like?
Answer: The Gaylord National has deemed stickers or any adhesive material as a potential for acts of vandalism on their premises, and therefore they are not allowed for sale or display. DO NOT BRING THEM. Violators will be warned once; subsequent offences will result in removal from the KAA without refund, and possibly the convention.
Question: Do I need to be (pre) registered for the convention in order to apply for a table?
Answer: Yes. As with past years you are required to pre-register for the convention in order to apply for a table. To aid with this, Artists, Webcomics, and Crafters only can Pre-Register through the Katsucon Artist Areas table application process.
Question: Got my Application for a table approved, but I need to add items to my selling list! Can I still do this?
Answer: Updates to your selling list can be submitted via email to the KAA up until January 8th, 2010. As stated on the KAA submission form: Please be specific and detailed on your list of items to be sold as this can affect the speed of your application being processed. Items not listed on the final approved form prior to the convention are not allowed for sale. DO NOT BRING THEM.
Question: Will the AA area be locked during the night?
Answer: No. The Artist Alley area space is open 24/7 during the Convention. Common sense tells you to take valuables with you when you leave your table at night. Katsucon, nor its staff, nor the hotel will be held responsible for any losses or damages to your table while unattended. This includes Webcomics and Industry/Guest/Convention tables.
Question: Oh no! I just found out I cannot attend! What about a refund?
Answer: You may request a refund up to 1 month prior to the convention date. After that point no refunds will be issued. Refunds are sent out within 60 business days after the convention has ended via USPS to the address listed in your application.
Question: Does the convention supply power in AA?
Answer: No. Power is not currently being provided in this area.
Question: Can I have food and drinks in Artist Alley?
Answer: Yes. If you make a mess, YOU have to clean it up. Please try and keep your area neat and tidy. Respect those around you. If you have a problem with someone being messy please bring it to the attention of the Artist Alley Staff.
Question: Who is allowed to sit at/behind my table with me?
Answer: Only the Artist or their designated representative is allowed to sit behind the table. This prevents other artists from becoming crowded out of their own space. You must wear you convention badge at all times where it can be easily seen. No luggage may be stored behind or near your table, please leave it with the concierge.
Question: I have a question about the Katsucon Artist Areas not answered here.
Answer: If you’ve reviewed all of the information on this page and cannot find an answer to your question, please e-mail it to artalley@katsucon.org.
