[The Chainmail Guy]

Firstly, introductions. My name is Brad, and this will be my 8th year attending ACen, first year in the Artist Alley. I've gone to the AA at Midwest Furfest for two years now, and generated enough business there that I felt it's worth trying for 'the big one'. I'm primarily a chainmailler, but I do work in a multitude of mediums including other metal work, leather, and woodworking. I've been slowly trying to incorporate more steampunk items into my lineup, as there seems to be a real drive for them (and it's just cool).

Anyway, I'm just looking for insight from anyone's past experience at this con on whether they seem to move more with pre-made stock or with commissions. In my experience, I've seen it go both ways fairly evenly; some people want stuff they can pick up and take with them right now, and some people want something that's entirely customized for their tastes. I will of course be prepared for both, and I really enjoy the creative process in either case, it'd just be good to have a bit more mental preparation for what's more likely.

[Lord Warhammer]

For your line of products I would lean more towards premade items. If I had to throw numbers at it, I would say it seems like it's 60-40 or 70-30 (pre made to custom commissions).I Haven't been an artist at Acen, but it just seems like the observed trend everyone follows. One thing to note about pre made items, depending on what you make, if you can make blah item but make a slight change to it, people seem to like that also.

[Tokoz]

Having been to and sold at both, I'd say Acen tends to be a more premade-oriented con in general, especially if you're comparing it to an anthro con like MFF!

[thatreevesgirl]

smaller cons are where you can get into doing more custom stuff. ACEN is a place where if you don't have a quick transaction people will just walk away. Be prepared, but offer the custom things too. I liked the suggestion about having it ready to make minor alterations.

[Iris]

On the contrary, I actually buy 90% commissions, maybe 10% stock every year. I've just got so much stuff that something REALLY has to blow my mind to buy it artwise, whereas I can never have enough of art of my own characters.

The 4 or 5 years I sold in the AA I always got more commissions then sold prints (though my custom ponies sold pretty well too). And I know for a fact that some artists end up having to stop taking commissions because they get more then they can handle in a day/the weekend.

And then I realized I was an idiot and didn't read correctly XD I would suggest primarily stock but definately bring some stuff to work on. One thing I've noticed is that people really love to watch the process! When I used to work on ponies or crafts at my booth I used to draw lots of attention with people watching and interacting, which often lead to buys.

This post has been edited by Iris: 12 January 2012 - 08:29 AM