Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Artist Alley Contract FAQ
I don’t have a government issued ID. Can I use my school ID instead?
No. Government issued IDs are all that we accept because we need to be reasonably sure that you are who you say you are when you’re selling things at our convention. Government issued IDs require more proof that you are who you say you are than school IDs.
I’m under 18 and want to sell in The Alley, but my parents don’t want to come babysit me. Can I have a friend co-sign for me?
Yes. The person who co-signs your contract does not have to be a parent or relative — they just have to be willing to keep their eye on you and take responsibility should anything go wrong.
I registered for two tables, how many Artist ribbons do I get?
Each table gets three ribbons, so two tables will give you six total. However, please remember that one of those ribbons must go to the artist who registered the table. So that leaves five ribbons.
I like to play music/videos at my table. Will I get in trouble for it?
In general, no. However, you need to remember that you aren’t the only one in The Alley and that not everyone may want to hear your music. If your neighbors ask you to turn it down, please do. If the staff have to talk to you repeatedly then you may be asked to leave.
Why do you want to know about giveaways before the convention and why can’t I tell you at Otakon?
We need to know about giveaways since they tend to attract more people than are usually in an area. This can sometimes cause traffic flow problems, as well as a number of other issues. We like to have staff on hand and ready to deal with any potential problems that we can anticipate. By the time that the convention happens, we have so many other things that we’re taking care of that we simply can’t accommodate last minute requests for giveaways. There is plenty of time before the convention for you to plan and let us know about them.
Can I use a logo in my art if I give credit to the copyright holder?
No. Our lawyers have advised us that logos are fairly complicated copyright issues. In order to keep things simple, we’ve disallowed the use of copyrighted logos. In addition, variations of copyrighted logos which the staff feel too closely resemble the original will be asked to take the art down and not sell any more of it.
What is “Official character likeness”?
Official character likeness is the actual image that was produced and distributed by the copyright holder. For example, a page from a manga is the official character likeness; but a fan created drawing of a character is not. The rule is intended to prevent people from cutting out pages from a manga, or printing screen caps from an anime and selling them as buttons, shirts, etc. You can put your own drawings on buttons, pins, hats or t-shirts, even if they’re drawings of licensed characters. The quantity limits and copyright information rules still apply, though.
Why can’t I sell food that I made?
The short answer is that our contract with the BCC prohibits us from selling any food or drink because Centerplate has an exclusive food vending contract with the BCC.
Why can’t I sell art supplies or a cosplay repair kit?
The Alley is a place where artists can promote their art and interact with fans. There’s really nothing artistic about selling markers, colored pencils or thread. Those are things that belong in the Dealers Room, not The Alley.
My entire studio is coming to Otakon with me, can I get more than two tables?
Maybe. Exceptions can be made to the two table rule if there’s a real need for more than two tables. If you think that you need more than two tables, email artist-alley@otakon.org and explain why you should be given an exception.
Why do I have to sign my fan art?
Over the last few years, copyright infringement issues have become much more prominent at anime conventions. One of Otakon’s responses to this relatively new set of challenges is to take steps to differentiate between art that is sold by the license holder(s) and art that is drawn and sold by fans. To help with this, our lawyers have advised us that having artists who create fan art sign their work would be a good step. Signing the work will make it clear that the piece of art is fan art, rather than a licensed product. Besides, if you’re proud enough of your work to sell it, you should want your name on it anyway. We ask that, as the artist, your name appears legibly on the art where it can be seen (e.g. not in really, really tiny print that nobody will ever be able to read). Ideally, you will also make mention of who holds the copyright.
I won’t get in to Otakon until after noon on Saturday. Can you hold my tables for me?
Maybe. In certain cases exceptions to the No-Show rule will be made. If you think that you have a case that should be an exception, email the Department Head at artist-alley@otakon.org ASAP to discuss your situation. Please remember that asking for an exception in no way guarantees that it will be made, but the only way to find out is to ask.
What do you consider to be very similar to the original piece of art?
This is a very touchy issue since, as the contract says, there’s no magic rule with art. The Department Head will make a judgment call about a piece of art if he has to and will look at things such as pose, colors, background, weapons and other misc. items that are in the piece. If they match up enough with the original, then you may be asked to take the art down.
I think one of my pieces of art may be a problem, can I still bring it to con?
Yes, but you run the risk of being asked to not sell it. Since you probably don’t want to go through the trouble of getting the prints made and bringing them to con on a gamble, if you have a question about a piece of art before the con then please email it to artist-alley@otakon.org and ask if it’s ok or not. That way, if an issue comes up at con and the piece has already been cleared you won’t have to spend time defending your art.
Why is there a limit on the number of pieces of fan art that I can bring?
This is another part of the copyright problems that have been cropping up lately. In talking with our lawyers, we have decided that the best way to deal with the issue while still allowing artists to still make fan art, and still have as much freedom as possible in making it, was to put a cap on the amount of fan art that can be sold by any single artist.
