Anime North 2009 Report!

[zanazac]

This was the first AN since 2003 where I didn't participate in the artist alley, and I have to say it was really refreshing! :)

Instead of getting a table and sitting behind it for the entire convention, I opted to go with the art show Gallery Momiji and showcase and sell several of my works on canvas. Up until the night before the convention, I

Comments

[lanisatu]

Glad to hear you had a great time :)

I know exactly what you mean about pricing! I went to TCAF this year, and I was surprised to see 8.5" x 11" prints selling for $10. At least they were mostly on a nice paper or card stock. It drives me crazy when people sell prints on flimsy paper.

I don't usually buy prints because I feel like I should be displaying them (though I like your binder idea!). I already have a bunch of posters in a closet that I've been meaning to frame and hang, but getting large frames always ends up being tricky.

I haven't gone to AN for a few years. It's good to hear that the art show worked out for you. I think the problem for me is that everyone expects fanart at an anime con, so you can't make money unless you're selling fanart of popular series. Which is kind of a shame, and that's one of the reasons I stopped trying to get into the alley.

I really want to look into getting space at TCAF next year and sell assorted prints there. It was so interesting to see a wide variety of styles and subject matter from mostly independents and self-publishers. Inspiring too :) It really makes me want to make sure I get the first issue of Green Corner in a printable state so that I could start selling pamphlet style comics next year. It would be very exciting to see it getting out there :)

Are you planning to go to Fanexpo this year at all? I haven't decided yet if I want to attend. I kind of want to see the programming first.

[zanazac]

Yeah, that's one of the sad realities with anime conventions. Fanart sells. It's almost like saying sex sells... XDDD

TCAF sounds really inticing to try out! :) I'll have to keep an eye on that for next year.

I haven't gone to Fanexpo for the last two years, and that trend will probably continue. I just sort of lost interest in that convention altogether. Although going down for the Saturday only might be a possibility.

[lanisatu]

*lmao* it's sad but true!

I was so glad I went to TCAF this year. Free admission too, always a bonus :)

Here's the TCAF website if you want to bookmark it. Also, here's the blog of Christopher Butcher, manager of the Beguiling. I think he might announce things before they go on the TCAF site. Or at least his blog has a feed. I guess he's the one to contact about getting a table at the event, I'm not sure. I figure it's too soon to ask about that!

I've generally gone to Fanexpo more for the sci-fi events. It's not worth attending for anime anymore, hasn't been for years. I skipped last year because the programming didn't seem worth it for the entrance fee. I heard later that they made the mistake of scheduling the Brent Spiner I&I in a small room. *sigh* they never learn...

I haven't gone to AN in years. It's a longer ride by public transit for me and I tend to go to cons alone for the most part, so I try to only go when there's a good number of events that interest me. But maybe I will try it again in the future :)