What I Learned From My First Artist Alley of the Year

~Real Talk, Lets get into it 🌸

With every new season comes change but as a business owner Summer can be one of the busiest seasons with market and convention prep! 

🌸 First Time Realness 🌸

This was my first Artist Alley this year! I was so excited and happy to vend! However the reality is I was denied for markets before I was accepted here.

🌸Expect Competition🌸

The convention circuit is becoming more and more competitive and to guarantee success for the upcoming summer my biggest suggestion is apply for as many as you can. With power houses like Anime EXPO and San Diego Comicon who get hundreds of applications, looking locally can increase your chance of acceptance and reduce traveling cost.

🌸Denial is A Longgg River, Don't Give up🌸

As a small business owner mainly doing Artist Alley and Exhibitions, the biggest complaint I hear from other business owners is the number of denials they receive. When you're just starting out you don't always have the social connections or visual on your brand to be recognized and invited to events. Many conventions also have guaranteed rebook, where if you rebook immediately you will guarantee your spot for the event next year. This limits the amount of room there is for new artists and businesses coming up like me.

Don't let this discourage you, eventually it'll be you with the guaranteed Rebook.

🌸Apply, Apply Anyway, Apply AGAIN🌸

 I apply for every local convention in my state and will be vending at several local events this summer including

🌸Ypsilanti Pride

and

🌸 MIanime

Stop by and say Hi 🌸

 

 By applying to local smaller anime conventions and local markets it increases my chances of acceptance and there is a lot less competition. Even if your denied apply again next year, apply for other events they host. Most importantly don't give up and know your time is coming. 

Thanks for Floating by 

 

🌸 Stay Confident. STAY KAWAII 🌸

~XO Simone