#table setups

[howtobeaconartist]

Any tips for half-table setups? I keep adding prints and stickers and I’m running out of space. I have a cork board that I put my stickers on, and I like the look but I think it’s too low down for people to see it, but all my prints are up high. I also don’t really want to go above with my grids (or whatever they’re called) bc I’m really paranoid of bumping into it or just having it fall over in general 😭 (not unfounded, did happen to someone at one of my last cons)

Kiriska: I mean, at some point, there's just no room left and you either need to reduce stock or get a full table.

Prints take up a lot of space when displayed individually. It may be worth cutting some less popular designs so you have space to display other things, like stickers. If a popular design sells out, you can then put up a second-tier print in its place, maybe.

If your prints are letter-size or smaller, it may make sense to move some designs into a portfolio or binder, but this won't really work for larger prints on a half table.

It may also make sense to change up what prints you have on display depending on the event. You might also decide to prioritise stickers over less-popular prints at one event, but maximise your print display at another event.

You don't have to do the same setup at every show, and it can be worth it to experiment with different setups when space is very limited. You can even change things up mid-event if you think something isn't working. Good luck!

[patauctor-writesandstuff]

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[howtobeaconartist]

Hello! I want to start doing conventions and I’m trying to figure out a set up I like. Do you have to use only tables or can you use floor shelving or displays? I’d think it’d be unique to use something other than just a table and wire cubes but I haven’t seen anyone else do something similar so I’m wondering if it’s just preference/transport thing or if cons don’t allow it. Sorry ask got a lil long but I’d like to hear opinion!

Kiriska: Different conventions may have different rules, so always check details for a given event, but in general, as long as your setup fits within your allotted space and is structurally stable, it doesn't matter what you're using.

Most artists opt for structures that can be easily transported. It's convenient that grid cubes break down and can fit into suitcases, etc, especially if an artist travels long distances for events. Many convention artists are also in a more transitory period of life (teens-20's) so they may not have as much home storage. If you're living in a college dorm or a cramped apartment with roommates, it's hard to justify having a shelf around that you only use at cons, even if you do a lot of cons.

But if you're local and don't mind transporting heavier/prebuilt structures, that's probably fine. It's more common to see these kinds of permanent structures at craft shows/markets because those vendors are also often older, local, and have larger/more permanent homes and garages to store things in.

Many conventions do not allow you to move or rearrange your table in your space, but sometimes they will let you pull your table back slightly or replace the provided table with your own. In those cases, I've seen artists supplement their provided table with smaller side tables or replace the standard 6' table with a 4' one so they can bring in a clothing rack and have that on the side, etc.

But yeah, check with the con and see what's allowed.

[howtobeaconartist]

Hi, I have been making sticker sheets on my silhouette machine to sell at my next con. I have sold at cons before just not with sticker sheets yet, and i just realized that I don’t know how i’m going to display them. I wanted to know if anyone had some creative ways of displaying each type of sticker sheet that may not take up too much room and doesn’t involve making people flip through a picture book. (My sheets are about postcard size)

Kiriska: Since they're postcard sized, you could display them like postcards. I use these collapsible plywood displays, but you could also get spinner racks.

If you don't yet have a ton of different sheets, you could just lay them flat at the front of your table. This is what I currently do:

Any other suggestions, folks with sticker sheets?

[howtobeaconartist]

Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interests.

Some display inspiration!

[heidiblack]

speaking of cons, I'm very tired after driving 6 hours for MTAC this weekend, so just posting this as is.  If you have questions feel free to message me and I'll answer them publicly (unless you specify otherwise.)