artist alley at comic conventions...how do they work?

[Plasticplayhouse]

Ok so I'm going to my first major con and plan on trying to get some turtle sketches from Kevin and a few other artists. How is this done? Do they all offer to do sketches, do they take credit cards or cash only? I'm assuming that I wait on line, talk to the artist for a few seconds, and place my order for what kind of sketch I want. Then ill walk around a bit and pick up my sketch a couple hours later. Does that sound about right?

[Powder]

You've more or less got it right. Just aisles of tables with artists at 'em, with banners up for ID purposes. Usually each brings some books, prints, and original art. You can walk on over and shoot the sh*t, get yer books signed, buy stuff, and usually get a commission taken. It's real easy and fun to navigate around. Usually there aren't lines, except with biiiiiiiig names. Cash only.

[IamtheKnight]

That sounds about right. I think that they take cash only.

[pihb]

Eastman does free sketches but be prepared to wait. For sketches by other artists, some do commisons, and some will do full on in depth drawings that you can pick up later. Most take cash because debit machines are expensive as hell to operate.

[Roseangelo]

Eastman does free sketches but be prepared to wait. For sketches by other artists, some do commisons, and some will do full on in depth drawings that you can pick up later. Most take cash because debit machines are expensive as hell to operate.

There are actually really cheap credit card solutions that can be done with smart phones. There are some fees involved that the seller pays, so they will usually require a minimum purchase to give you that option. But it's best to plan with cash.

It's best to talk to artists right away at the start of a day. Most of them take commission lists, and some of the lists will fill up immediately (depending on who it is). But you don't pay for the piece until it's finished.

[Archon_Turtle]

Keep in mind that while Kevin does "convention sketches" for free on the spot, I have never seen him take on a full commission drawing at a convention. I've only seen commissions done via his website. Primarily because he does so many sketches in a day, he doesn't have time to sit and draw for really reals.

[Plasticplayhouse]

Great info! Thanks everyone.

[DonatelloFan]

If you've read a few of my posts on here, you know how much I'm in love with David Petersen's TMNT art for the Micro Series covers. I contacted him about doing a commission (which he only does at conventions). He confirmed (for him, at least), he takes a few a day (because I'm assuming they're very detailed), and has a sign-up list early in the day, with it being first come, first served.

Is it crazy that I want to travel from Middle TN to Charlotte, NC in June (almost 16 hours total drive back and forth), spend around $400 for gas and a 7"x7" commission by him, and come on back home? I'm pretty sure it is, but if I have the money to do it, I really would like to. Sadly, that's the closest he's coming to Nashville, so it's basically the only shot I have. To get there at the beginning of the day, I'll have to leave my house at like 3am...

[Mayhem]

Yeah... this is why I get in line at 7:15am one morning at San Diego so I can get a commission from David ;)

The only exception he has ever made was when visiting London in February, where he took the commissions in advance and drew them before arriving.

[DonatelloFan]

May I ask if he did a TMNT drawing? And if so, can I see it? I mean, if I do have the money, I'll be spending a LOT of money on a fairly small drawing. I want to make sure he puts the detail in it that I'm looking for. I don't want to go all that way for a sketch...

[Mayhem]

If you want a TMNT related drawing, I'm sure he'll do them. He was doing quick turtle sketches at LSCC, so I imagine if you want to commission something on that front, it wouldn't be a problem. Just have to make sure you're one of the first three or four to his table at the opening of the doors each day.

To get an idea of what detail and level of complexity he puts into the commissions, you can see the ones I've gotten from him on my CAF page (http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetailSearch.asp?Artist=David+Petersen&GCat=43641)...

[DonatelloFan]

Very nice. After PMing a guy who just got a sketch from him, and confirming that a sketch wasn't a commission, I'm definitely going to Charlotte, NC (15 hour round trip drive) in June to get one from him (if I have the gas money for it).

Even his SKETCHES are amazing!!! Him, Michael Dooney, and Dan Berger are my 3 favorite TMNT artists, with Kevin Eastman being REAL close. But if I get a commission by Petersen? As you could read in my 'Buy/Sale/Trade' thread, it's one of my 'dream' wants.

To get there when the doors open, I'll have to leave Middle TN somwhere around 11pm just to get there when the doors open. The Sun will be in my eyes for the last few hours of the trip. That sucks.

[pihb]

There are actually really cheap credit card solutions that can be done with smart phones. There are some fees involved that the seller pays, so they will usually require a minimum purchase to give you that option. But it's best to plan with cash.

It's best to talk to artists right away at the start of a day. Most of them take commission lists, and some of the lists will fill up immediately (depending on who it is). But you don't pay for the piece until it's finished.

I have seen a credit card app swipe used on iPads at concerts so I know thats an option.

[Mayhem]

Very nice. After PMing a guy who just got a sketch from him, and confirming that a sketch wasn't a commission, I'm definitely going to Charlotte, NC (15 hour round trip drive) in June to get one from him (if I have the gas money for it).
Just think what's usually involved for me, and go for it heh ;)

David being here for LSCC in February was only the second time he's been on my turf (or anywhere near it for that matter, 2009 was the first time he'd been officially doing anything in Europe and I helped to organise it, which made me proud) instead of me flying out to the US, and it's always good to see him and Julia.

[Archon_Turtle]

Is it crazy that I want to travel from Middle TN to Charlotte, NC in June (almost 16 hours total drive back and forth), spend around $400 for gas and a 7"x7" commission by him, and come on back home?

As someone who has spent vast amounts of money and traveled insane distances in the name of this hobby...No. It isn't crazy. It's passionate. Never let anyone tell you different.