Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
- hemlock_Inyx
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Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Once again my Fellow Artists we gather to wait at the starting line. In the mean time what has everyone been up too? I took the summer off and feel really out of the loop on what is going on with Artist Alleys anymore.
- Hiryuu
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Ah here we are again! I've spent the summer working, and not much has changed at the alleys :3 Excited to get back to Boston hopefully ;-; My flight got canceled into Boston last year and I couldn't get there.
- hemlock_Inyx
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Wow Hiryuu, that sucks, I hope you ripped the Airline a new one.
I'm looking forward to getting back to the Alley too, I have a huge project in the works that I need to fund. It's going to be an intense year!
I'm looking forward to getting back to the Alley too, I have a huge project in the works that I need to fund. It's going to be an intense year!
- Hiryuu
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
They refunded my flights, thankfully...but that was it :/ But Anime Boston is one of my favorites mainly for the people that come to the AA. Not only are the artists super friendly, but the attendees are so sweet. I was kind of fearful of Boston my first go because of 'northerners' xD Bad prior experiences. But omg they were just the best. Wanted to hug them all .3.
- Rindi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
*waves* West Coaster here, and I'm up early due to being super jet-lagged. Which I guess is good? ^^
I hope I get a table! AB is still my favorite con, even if I'm no longer a local. :]
I hope I get a table! AB is still my favorite con, even if I'm no longer a local. :]
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I am not as much a regular at alleys but I am really looking forward to Anime Bostons. I am hoping that by the con I will have a few more custom plushes for display, and maybe even one of the muppets I have been working on.
Come check out our cute plushies and cool art at Fluffy Kitten Studios
- Willowanderer
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I love going to AB even though it tends to be expensive.
So anyone have any favorite artist's alley stories?
So anyone have any favorite artist's alley stories?
Cosplayer, Cartoonist, Artist-for-Hire, and maker of plush blankets to keep Fandom warm. http://willowanderer.deviantart.com/
- hemlock_Inyx
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
And it's that time to hurry up and wait. Glad I have soda and a pan of brownies.
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I am staying at my friends college dorm right now and he is nice enough to cook me pancakes. We went out ball room dancing last night.
Come check out our cute plushies and cool art at Fluffy Kitten Studios
- Willowanderer
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Provisions laid in. *nods sagely*
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- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Hanging out, hoping to get in as well. We ended up missing this past year because we were just too far down on the waitlist.
Good luck everyone!
Good luck everyone!
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Is anyone else having issues with the AA page loading? Not that this does not happen every year... -makes a mental apology to Anime Boston for the friendly DOS attacks-
Come check out our cute plushies and cool art at Fluffy Kitten Studios
- Hiryuu
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Yeah I just got through after the page stuck in connecting for about 5 minutes :/ still no app though, it's fine.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Suggestion for Alley Staff for next year: make the page upon which the AA Signup link will be posted, a super basic/plaintext page. With no widgets!!! So that the server load is less with all the refreshes.
- hemlock_Inyx
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
It's the ton of artists waiting and refreshing the page like mad.
- Smallapple
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I've been to Anime Boston for years and years and I've always wanted to be in the AA! It would be my first time ever, heh, I'm nervous! ovo;
- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
The application page is loading ridiculously slow for me too, but the AA page and AB front page are still working fairly well, and they usually drop a notice there too at least.
And I'll second the suggestion to not include widgets on the application page in the future.
And I'll second the suggestion to not include widgets on the application page in the future.
- Rindi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Heh, during my very first Anime Boston AA in 2009, I met 'Crazy Dragon Guy'. His 'original character' was totally based on himself, and he believed he was a dragon in human form. After rambling on about this for way too long, he tossed some money at me, but not enough for an actual commission. Not really knowing what to do, I drew him a little pencil doodle. The next day, he came back, considered the image, and nodded in satisfaction. Then he autographed it and told me to show it to other people as 'inspiration'. I haven't had such a wacky interaction since. xDWillowanderer wrote:So anyone have any favorite artist's alley stories?
- hemlock_Inyx
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Watching Facebook and Twitter....this is the worse part, waiting for the slow page to load.
- Willowanderer
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
What size space is everyone hoping for?
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- Hiryuu
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
6 foot here...hoping for ;-;
- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I think one of my favorite moments was actually at my first AB ('07). I was there with my 4-month-old daughter and a friend of mine, and had taken a break from the table to visit the Dealer's Room before wandering the Alley for a bit. I had my daughter strapped to me in a baby carrier, wearing her little moogle hat, and was getting enough oohs and ahhs as it was. But unbeknownst to me, by the time I made it back to the Alley she had fallen fast asleep, despite all the noise and crowds and everything. The look on Nikki's face when she noticed was priceless.
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I dont think I have had any crazy stories like that rindi, most of my AA stories usually revolve around my now former tablemate and his bouts of procrastination... So many head aches on that front. Luckily I now have a new table partner who I am much more happy with.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Existent.Willowanderer wrote:What size space is everyone hoping for?
- Willowanderer
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I don't think they have a lot of control over how the page looks, widgets and belike; after all, it's part of the general AB page, which needs to look slick and fancy for everyone.
Even with us all trying, the Artists of AA are a very small part of the con. I was shocked to discover there were people who never set foot in the AA, even though it's like the best part.
Even with us all trying, the Artists of AA are a very small part of the con. I was shocked to discover there were people who never set foot in the AA, even though it's like the best part.
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- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Good answer.Nightengale wrote:Existent.Willowanderer wrote:What size space is everyone hoping for?
All I need is 4 feet. 6 was lovely at AAC, but I can (and have, several times) manage with only 4 and so that's generally all I ever ask.
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Though my first year I did have one good story. It was the last day and I wasnt sure if I would be able to sell my nyan cat plushie without marking it down which I couldnt really afford to do. Things were mostly calm when a woman odviously excited ran up to our table asking if we still had the plushie, when I responded yes she happily and politely shoved the money in my face then left. But seeing how happy she was made me happy too. It had made my con.
I am looking for 6 feet because I share with another artist usually.
I am looking for 6 feet because I share with another artist usually.
Come check out our cute plushies and cool art at Fluffy Kitten Studios
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
It's possible for them to link from the main AA department page to a single page coded without the AB site template, just plaintext or minimal formatting with the pertinent information and links. This is in fact possible and really ought to happen one of these years since the server load and refresh rate are always such big issues.Willowanderer wrote:I don't think they have a lot of control over how the page looks, widgets and belike; after all, it's part of the general AB page, which needs to look slick and fancy for everyone.
Even with us all trying, the Artists of AA are a very small part of the con. I was shocked to discover there were people who never set foot in the AA, even though it's like the best part.
- Rindi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
@masterofplush: Heh, I had been reading all sorts of horror stories from other artists in preparation for my first 'big convention' so I was somewhat prepared for weirdness. I'm glad to realize now, though, that that experience was an anomaly. Most of the people who stop by my table are really awesome - I love getting to talk about something that I'm passionate about.
@Willowanderer: 6 feet of space suits me best, but really, I can work with anything.
@Willowanderer: 6 feet of space suits me best, but really, I can work with anything.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Yeah, this. AB is *not* an app to be greedy with. App your minimal size for your minimum AND your maximum -- I've had excellent luck with doing this and in fact have never not gotten in, when I've used this method.Kogarashi wrote:Good answer.Nightengale wrote:Existent.Willowanderer wrote:What size space is everyone hoping for?
All I need is 4 feet. 6 was lovely at AAC, but I can (and have, several times) manage with only 4 and so that's generally all I ever ask.
- Willowanderer
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Seeing people run away happily with my goods is like my favorite part. The happy dance this one cospalyer made after wrapping herself in a Companion Cube blanket (she was so happy she forgot her prop and had to come back for it) is most of the reason I decided to move to mostly blankets.masterofplush wrote:Though my first year I did have one good story. It was the last day and I wasnt sure if I would be able to sell my nyan cat plushie without marking it down which I couldnt really afford to do. Things were mostly calm when a woman odviously excited ran up to our table asking if we still had the plushie, when I responded yes she happily and politely shoved the money in my face then left. But seeing how happy she was made me happy too. It had made my con.
I am looking for 6 feet because I share with another artist usually.
I think that was my first year in the AB Alley, come to think...
I need at least 6 myself, because of how bulky my product is.
Cosplayer, Cartoonist, Artist-for-Hire, and maker of plush blankets to keep Fandom warm. http://willowanderer.deviantart.com/
- Hiryuu
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
http://us10.chatzy.com/21613253979360 A chat, if anyone is interested
- masterofplush
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Me and my table partner this year have plushes and jewelry. it is hard to have a smaller space but it is do able.
Come check out our cute plushies and cool art at Fluffy Kitten Studios
- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I sell prints and paper fans and my partner sells jewelry and we manage to squeeze into the 4 feet we request. We never ask for less because we know for a fact we can't fit in 2, but we also know we can do 4 so we never really bother to ask for more either. It's a tight fit, but it's manageable.
I do understand bulk, though. Some of the stuff I've seen people squeeze into a 2- or 4-foot space...quite impressive. Certain things like plush pillows and blankets almost certainly need more space, just because of their size.
Nothing sadder, though, than perusing the Alley and seeing a 6- or 8-foot table that looks practically empty because it's got a bunch of tiny things on it and a lot of unused space. Luckily that seems to be quite rare.
I do understand bulk, though. Some of the stuff I've seen people squeeze into a 2- or 4-foot space...quite impressive. Certain things like plush pillows and blankets almost certainly need more space, just because of their size.
Nothing sadder, though, than perusing the Alley and seeing a 6- or 8-foot table that looks practically empty because it's got a bunch of tiny things on it and a lot of unused space. Luckily that seems to be quite rare.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
THIS. It comes down to knowing your merch, knowing your setup, and knowing how to make the best use of your space. A comfortably-filled space is the most profitable, so an overly empty large space will sell just as poorly as a cramped/easily missed small space.Kogarashi wrote:I sell prints and paper fans and my partner sells jewelry and we manage to squeeze into the 4 feet we request. We never ask for less because we know for a fact we can't fit in 2, but we also know we can do 4 so we never really bother to ask for more either. It's a tight fit, but it's manageable.
I do understand bulk, though. Some of the stuff I've seen people squeeze into a 2- or 4-foot space...quite impressive. Certain things like plush pillows and blankets almost certainly need more space, just because of their size.
Nothing sadder, though, than perusing the Alley and seeing a 6- or 8-foot table that looks practically empty because it's got a bunch of tiny things on it and a lot of unused space. Luckily that seems to be quite rare.
Know what you need and ask for that exactly: neither too little nor too much. That's the way to use presentation to your advantage, have the best aisle presence and best sales with the merch you bring.
- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Exactly. I'd much rather browse a comfortably-filled space than one that looks barren because the space is too large for the merch presented. I like the adventure of discovering treasures, kind of like a real-time search-and-find. If the space is too large for the merch, then I can see it all in one glimpse and walk on instead of stopping to look further.Nightengale wrote:THIS. It comes down to knowing your merch, knowing your setup, and knowing how to make the best use of your space. A comfortably-filled space is the most profitable, so an overly empty large space will sell just as poorly as a cramped/easily missed small space.Kogarashi wrote:I sell prints and paper fans and my partner sells jewelry and we manage to squeeze into the 4 feet we request. We never ask for less because we know for a fact we can't fit in 2, but we also know we can do 4 so we never really bother to ask for more either. It's a tight fit, but it's manageable.
I do understand bulk, though. Some of the stuff I've seen people squeeze into a 2- or 4-foot space...quite impressive. Certain things like plush pillows and blankets almost certainly need more space, just because of their size.
Nothing sadder, though, than perusing the Alley and seeing a 6- or 8-foot table that looks practically empty because it's got a bunch of tiny things on it and a lot of unused space. Luckily that seems to be quite rare.
Know what you need and ask for that exactly: neither too little nor too much. That's the way to use presentation to your advantage, have the best aisle presence and best sales with the merch you bring.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Fair enough. Even excepting the personal angle of treasure hunter-esque enjoyment, though, there are solid marketing lessons to be applied to ANY space in which merchandising is practiced. Retail stores are textbooks for how to do it well, how to encourage the impulse buy, how to make everything visible but not waste space spreading it out too thinly. How to price, how to encourage add-on sales, the whole lot of it.Kogarashi wrote:Exactly. I'd much rather browse a comfortably-filled space than one that looks barren because the space is too large for the merch presented. I like the adventure of discovering treasures, kind of like a real-time search-and-find. If the space is too large for the merch, then I can see it all in one glimpse and walk on instead of stopping to look further.Nightengale wrote:THIS. It comes down to knowing your merch, knowing your setup, and knowing how to make the best use of your space. A comfortably-filled space is the most profitable, so an overly empty large space will sell just as poorly as a cramped/easily missed small space.Kogarashi wrote:I sell prints and paper fans and my partner sells jewelry and we manage to squeeze into the 4 feet we request. We never ask for less because we know for a fact we can't fit in 2, but we also know we can do 4 so we never really bother to ask for more either. It's a tight fit, but it's manageable.
I do understand bulk, though. Some of the stuff I've seen people squeeze into a 2- or 4-foot space...quite impressive. Certain things like plush pillows and blankets almost certainly need more space, just because of their size.
Nothing sadder, though, than perusing the Alley and seeing a 6- or 8-foot table that looks practically empty because it's got a bunch of tiny things on it and a lot of unused space. Luckily that seems to be quite rare.
Know what you need and ask for that exactly: neither too little nor too much. That's the way to use presentation to your advantage, have the best aisle presence and best sales with the merch you bring.
Far too few artists use these tactics. That, more than workmanship, is the easiest thing that they *could* be fixing in their displays.
/soapbox
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Oh hey it's a Nikki!~
HI NIKKI
HI NIKKI
- Kogarashi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
You scared her off, Nightengale.Nightengale wrote:Oh hey it's a Nikki!~
HI NIKKI
- snapesgirl34
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
ASDFGHJK IT'S UP. I almost had a panic attack when it took so long to submit (because of the site crashing and being slow). *fingers crossed* good luck everyone!
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I submitted! 11:57.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
11:59.
Lagged like HELL to get it in, though. Was sitting for almost a full minute. @___@;;
Lagged like HELL to get it in, though. Was sitting for almost a full minute. @___@;;
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
12:00, I think.
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Mine's not submitting. ;____;
- snapesgirl34
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Woo, 11:57 for me too! Oh man, so nervous, but at least now I don't have to sit there and hit refresh over and over, lol. Now we just have to wait and see if we got in. XD
- Rindi
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
12:02. I must have clicked submit around 11:57 - it took like five minutes to send. Well, at least it's in. *crosses fingers* >__<
- hemlock_Inyx
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I got 11:58 so here's hoping! Now off to try to get stuff done today. Good Luck to everyone!
- suriyel
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
Wow, stressful much? 11:57 as well tho. Good luck to everyone!
*runs off to finally do other stuff*
*runs off to finally do other stuff*
{ See, we plan ahead, that way we don't do anything right now. Earl explained it to me. }
-Valentine
-Valentine
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
11:59 here.
If this ends up being even remotely like last year, that time means that I still made it in within the "first wave"--and that's even after my first browser crashed and I had to sign up on my backup browser~!
If this ends up being even remotely like last year, that time means that I still made it in within the "first wave"--and that's even after my first browser crashed and I had to sign up on my backup browser~!
- Faceman
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Re: Count Down to 2014 Sign ups!
I apologize for the lag you all experienced. But I believe it may result from people refreshing constantly, including the auto-refresh addons set for low intervals.
I may need to look into limiting how often you can load the server content in a given period of time for next year. So the hundreds of people aren't reloading the page 20 times in a 10 second period.
I may need to look into limiting how often you can load the server content in a given period of time for next year. So the hundreds of people aren't reloading the page 20 times in a 10 second period.