Hey gang, gearing up for your first artist alley adventure? You're not alone in the excitement (and maybe a little panic) when it comes to ordering stock! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you make confident decisions, set your table up for success, and turn those “what do I bring?!” jitters into pure anticipation.
🛒 Smart Stock Strategies for First-Timers
Ordering your con stock can feel like gazing at a blank canvas, full of ideas but where to start?
Here’s how to fill it with choices you’ll love (and that your customers will too):
1. Estimate Quantities with Confidence
It’s tempting to order everything, but start with a focus on your best pieces. Aim for smaller quantities (10 to 20 prints per design is a solid start) and see what resonates. You can always ask other artists for tips, scroll through photos from previous events, or DM us, we’re more than happy to share some friendly advice!
2. Balance Variety and Quantity
Offering a mix of prints, stickers, and trinkets keeps your table exciting, but remember not to stretch yourself (or your budget) too thin. Choose a handful of designs in different sizes or formats, and focus on what you’re most passionate about. Having a smaller, curated selection is totally fine for your first table!
3. Sourcing Reliable Suppliers
Picking the right suppliers is part adventure, part strategy. Check out reviews, ask for artist recommendations, and try small sample orders before you go big. Here are a few options our community loves:
Vograce: This is a popular charm supplier from China known for their great quality, but you’ll need to plan ahead because orders can take a few weeks to arrive. It’s smart to ask around and see if anyone is organising a group order as joining in can help you save on costs!
Tanong Printing (Mascot, Sydney): This print shop is run by artists who truly understand con deadlines and customer priority. They deliver stock directly to conventions and frequently organise group orders through their Discord server. If you prefer, you can also reach out for regular printing services outside of group orders. DM us if you’d like an invite, or connect with them for regular printing outside of group orders.
Aussie Con Artists: This is a supportive social media group managed by local Aussie artists. It’s the perfect place to ask questions, get advice, and find encouragement from a truly wonderful community. Join in to connect with fellow creatives and share in the camaraderie!
ArtistBooths (that's us!): We’re here to help you set up shop with booth displays, accessories, and all the bits you need to shine. Right now you can grab 15% off with our SMASH Chibi collab, it's perfect time to dec out your table!
Bonus tip: Always order your stock a few weeks ahead to avoid the dreaded pre-con scramble! If you happen to order more than you need, it’s the perfect motivation to set up an online shop or stash those extras for your next event. This is the beginning of your creative journey, so keep that momentum going!
Putting It All on Display: Booth Panels to the Rescue
Here is the information broken down into bullet points for better legibility:
Key Features of Artistbooths Modular Display Panels and foldable Hooks
BOOF modular cube panels (Show-Stopping Presentation):
Available in a range of eye-catching colors (vivid pinks, blues, classic black, crisp white, and more).
Ideal for turning your table into a show-stopper.
Allows you to mix colors or coordinate them to match your signature style.
Foldable Hooks (Ultimate Self-Serve Setup):
Designed to be paired with the display panels for a seamless setup ( via adhesion strips to panels or via clip onto wire grid panels).
Creates a super easy self-serve environment for customers to browse and shop.
Boosts Sales: Helps drive impulse buys, especially with "grab a deal" signs.
Improves Customer Experience: Encourages more hands-on shopping, increasing the chance customers will fall in love with your art (e.g., that extra print or keychain).
Saves Time: Features a clever foldable design for faster pack-up, smoother bump-in, and no fiddling with bulky hardware.
⋆ Convention Logistics & Inspiration
Pick-Up Option (Sydney Artists):
If you are an artist in Sydney, you can pick up your panels and hooks ahead of the convention at our Alexandria pickup location.
This allows you to skip the last-minute scramble and set up on your own schedule.
Inspiration:
Check out our Instagram @artistbooths for creative booth ideas, colorful setups, and inspiration from artist alley professionals.
Your table could be the next to wow the crowd!
Con-quest Checklist
Plan your artwork lineup and pick out your star pieces.
Think about how many of each item to order (start small and build from there).
Choose trusted suppliers and check out their samples.
Order early so you’re not caught short, production and shipping can take longer close to con season. Check for any international holidays as well!
Make your display work as hard as you do! Our booth panels are perfect for showing off your unique creations, and our handy foldable hooks let you set up self-serve stock so customers can browse and shop with ease, even if you’re busy helping someone else.
For bump-in, be sure to pack a hi-vis vest and enclosed shoes. Many venues require these for safety during setup, and they’ll help keep you protected while you get your booth ready for action.
Check out our Instagram for tips, supplier spotlights, and endless booth inspiration.
Bring your imagination, a positive attitude, and a spirit of adventure!
Great Suppliers to Check Out
If you’re on the hunt for quality stock and display options, make sure to look into well-loved suppliers like Vograce Tanong, and our own ArtistBooths (that’s us!). We’re here to help with sturdy booth panels, clever foldable hooks, lots of setup ideas, and advice to make your first con a breeze. Even better, we’re offering a 15% discount on all ArtistBooths setups right now if you’re heading to SMASH Chibi, so there’s never been a better time to get sorted. Let us know how we can help bring your creative vision to life!
You're Ready, So Go for It!
Congrats, superstar! Placing your first stock order is a creative milestone, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. Remember, it’s all about learning, experimenting, and having fun while you share your work with the world.
Free planner resources
Don't forget a thing, we created a free downloadable resource to plan your next convention here you can download them to print or draw over on your tablet. https://artistbooths.com/blogs/convention-tips-tricks-australia
We believe in you and can’t wait to see your table come to life!
