#info: application post

[ancomicmarket-blog]

ProTip: Art Styles

If you’re thinking about applying to the Comic Market, a common mistake artists make when applying is attaching art samples in different styles. Now, we get it, you wanna show off your different styles so staff know you can do both realistic drawings and stick figure comics. 

That’s cool. Makes sense.

But for your application we stress to artists that you must submit two similar works. Not one realistic drawing and one chibi. Not a landscape and Sailor Moon. 

Two similar, comparable, parallel, matching, resembling, uniform styles. 

We do this for many reasons; one being it makes the application process faster. And really, isn’t that what we all want? 

But the main reason is checking for fraud. 

So... yeah. That’s a thing.

We need to be able to look at both pieces and go yes, so and so clearly did both of these! Good job so and so! We’re no Sherlock, and to make things easier, we’ve made this an official step in the application process. 

Two different styles? Nope. Do not pass go, do not collect your ticket or your bento.

Similar styles. A-OK. A+ Senpai has noticed you and appreciates you reading the rules!

[ancomicmarket-blog]

ProTip: Art Samples Doneness

Much like meat, art has different levels of doneness. You got your rare, medium, well-done, and make it rain garnish because this thing is hitting the table, son. And in the same way doneness plays a part in ordering meat at a restaurant, doneness is also incredibly important when filling out your ANCMarket application.

NUMBER FOUR in the application requirements is: 

Provide links to 2 similar and finished (works that are ready for sale) art samples along with their lottery ticket request.

Post about having similar art styles here. 

So what do we mean by finished and ready for sale? Well, same with ordering that meat, we want to see your artwork ready to hit the table with garnish. Some people might want your line art or blocking, but we want your well-done, finished product you’d be proud to have on your table during AN.

For example (thanks YamiJay!):

You could sell the one on the right but not the one on the left.

Uncolored is fine if you plan on selling your work that way (same with stylistic designs), just remember you have to submit something you’d be willing to sell in its final evolution. Don’t try and send us Charmander telling us it’s Charizard.

Remember, we ordered that well done steak. If it’s rare (and incomplete) when it hits our table, we’re going to a different restaurant.

[ancomicmarket-blog]

ProTip: MerchList

So you’re planning on applying to the comic market but you’re worried about your Merch List? Say no more, we got you covered. 

What our guidelines say:

Supply a preliminary merchandise list.

And to quote The CM Coordinator:

As for the merchandise list, the purpose of it is to get your merchandise checked ahead of time through staff so that you avoid having to go through the process at the convention. It's also to avoid the surprises of "Oh! I didn't know I couldn't sell this here!" This information is also mandatory to your contract. So if you sell something that isn't listed in your contract, then you are selling something that was not agreed upon the rental. If you end up not selling an item in your contract, then you're not really breaking it so there's no need for us to come after you for not selling something you said you would.

What this means:

We want to get an idea of what you’re planning to sell. Yes this list can change and no it doesn’t have to be final at this point. As it says above, we’re trying to help make sure you don’t lug something all the way to the convention only to find out it can’t be sold and needs to be pulled. 

Tipception: A list of prohibited merch can be found on the CM forums at all times.

But CM staff, I’m still a little confused. How detailed does our list have to be?

Including this because it’s a common question. Do we need to know the anime/manga/comic/show etc etc your art is from? 

Nope. Again, at this point we’re looking for a general list of what you plan on selling. Focus being what medium your work is gunna consist of (Paper. The answer should always be paper for the ANCMarket).

Example:

Prints

Laminated paper keychains

Paper printed stickers (Avery print paper)

Mylar cover buttons 

Tipception: Taken from our guidelines on acceptable merchandise:

Clarification: paintings done on a canvas or canvas board, laminated paper magnets, Mylar/paper buttons, Japanese-style paper-based masking tape, acrylic snap-on case with paper inserts/laminated paper art key chains are allowed.

Honestly, take a look at the ANCMarket guidelines if you’re worried about your merchandise list. Detailed lists of what is/isn’t accepted can be found there and on the CM Teahouse forums.

TL;DR: Tell us what material your merch is made of. (Paper though. It SHOULD be paper).