Even though I learned it is quite the opposite, and at times it can be get frustrating, I find being a con artist and working at artist alleys actually pretty fun and rewarding! It's nice to make some profit (my standards are low, so if I make my table back, I'm a happy camper), and it's also wonderful to meet and make new friends in the arts industry! Meeting new people, as well as finally meeting internet, is the fun part.
I will go over what I do to prepare for a convention: travel tips, mental notes. These can apply to one day events to multi-day conventions.
1-2 months before:
- I order prints, stickers, buttons, etc. Production for a lot printers and charm/accessory manufacturers can be slower during the summer time (it's con season)! So I like to plan ahead. For last minute prints, I always go to my local printer. For business cards and backing cards for my pins, I always take advantage of deals at vistaprint.com and stock up.
- I restock on office supplies: scotch tape, packing tape, zipties, pens, sharpies, AA batteries.
1 week before:
- Double check with my hotel (for out of state conventions) to see if my booking information is up to date and correct.
- Pack! I do not cosplay while I work as a vendor anymore. It's way too sweaty and uncomfortable for me. So, I always pack cute and comfortable outfits. I like to dress a tad bit nicer and more fashionable, because I like to look presentable.
- TMI TIME - For physical health: I drink more water, and watch my diet to try to have a "normal and regular digestion." I can not afford to get sick, and taking care of my body before a con helps me prevent con crud. Also, I do not want to work my table with an upset stomach. Usually, 3 days before I go on my trip, I do a "cleanse" to get the extra gunk out. Then during the weekend I feel refreshed.
- If I happen to be on my period, I bring extra pads, baby wipes, and Midol with me to the con floor.
1 day/night before:
- Put everything in the car. (Duh).
- Fill up on gas.
So, what do you bring?
For all events I work, I always bring the following:
- Prints (duh!). My large, display prints are placed in a booklet-like portfolio. I also have the display prints that I hang on my photo stand display, laminated, taped together accordion-style, and stored flat in a cheap folder I made with thick cardboard. The stock prints are stored safe in an aluminum briefcase. I put foam on all sides of the insides so the prints will not bend or dent.
- Stickers! I store my stickers in a trading card binder, and I keep that inside the briefcase with my large prints.
- Mini prints are stored in a mesh bag, and that is also carried inside my briefcase. I also keep the displays here too, which they are also laminated and taped together accordion style for easy set up.
- My acrylic charms, buttons, and enamel pins are stored in a tackle box I got from Home Depot.
- I keep the "essentials" in a tupperware: pens, Sharpies, scotch tape, packing tape, zipties, business cards, wire cutters, AA batteries, tea lights, coupon organizer (I keep my change in this), fanny pack, hand santizer, breath mints, ibuprofen, business card holder, battery power bank, USB and Apple charger cords,
