Hi, I usually try to attend Gencon each year, and this year may be helping in a friends booth. I have seen artists/photographers there before and am curious if they sell much. I am thinking about bringing a few select images/prints. Is there enough interest for Star Wars/toys/still life work there? Would something like this sell:
I play a lot of games and whatnot, but my photography is mostly wildlife, pets, and landscapes. I just started shooting macro, and what I like, others may not. I appreciate any helpful insight as to if this is a fruitless idea on my part. Thanks!
P.S.
if anyone is interested in checking out some of my other stuff, I am in the process of starting up a website and could use some help/constructed criticism! DISCLAIMER:I know pretty much nothing about making a website http://mwhitepix.viewbook.com
You're asking a marketing question.
The fact is nobody here is specialized enough to know the market demand of Gencon goers for your specific product.
You're selling a Yoda figurine?
I can't speak for Gen-Con, but I will tell you this, I goto various anime cons, and there's always dealers rooms filled with anime/geek paraphenalia. I never buy anything there because its overpriced, and I can almost always buy something online. The only time I would ever pick up something on the spot if I want to pick up something for my girl. That means I'm more likely to purchase a hello kitty than something I personally want or need.
If you want my market opinion. I'll give it.
Go try and sell your stuff. But do it to get your name out there, not to make money.
I see crunchyroll, and other well known vendors/websites put up stands in the dealers room for that reason. Other than that, take the lack of response on this website as a potential indicator for interest in star wars figurines. (different markets notwithstanding)
If you're just getting started I wouldn't recommend it. I would wait until you have more experience and examples that you can market to your core audience. If you go to any convention or gaming event to sell your wares you will be behind a table most of the time that the exhibitors' room is open. If you do not already have a solid following interested in finding you at the convention to buy your stuff then you may have a challenging time making back your table costs.
Focus on building up your brand online and selling prints on your website before you venture off to conventions. Good luck.
I should start off by saying that I have been selling my photography for a short time, but have done a bunch of research in an effort to get my business off and running.
I could see a market for this at Gencon or other similar events. However, looking at your flickr, you still have a ways to go before you have a product to sell. I am not trying to be some jerk on the internet when I say that. I actually like some of your other, non toy, shots.
Once you get some more practice I would try selling online to see how much actual interest there is in your work. If you google where to sell photos online, you will get a bunch of ideas. Printing can be done locally, or you can try places like Mpix, adoramapix, and nationsphotolab.
When you get to the point you are ready to go to shows, get together a bunch of images to sell. You will need to print small photos that you can sell for $10-$20 and then up from there. At the higher end you will have to print your best work in a large format and have it framed or done in stretch canvas. These will be the photos that draw people into your booth, not everyone will be able to afford them, but thats what you small prints are for.
Also, your going to need a way to take credit card payments, like paypals card reader or square that you use with a smartphone. Business cards wouldnt hurt, that way you can pass them out to people who might buy something from you later. However, dont put your phone number or other personal info on there, some people just go around collecting business cards to later try and sell you things.
Thank you to everyone for actually replying. Now for a few clarifications: First I wouldn't be getting a booth, I am working in one, so therefore would just have to kick up to the booth owner a percentage of any sales, we already have methods of payment accounted for (it is a brand specific booth that sells games, ie. Avalon Hill, Rio Grand, Mayfair, etc.). Secondly, I am looking at selling somewhat artistic/dramatic photos of lego star wars/toys, not the toys themselves. Last clarification, I am interested in finding if there is a market for a small series of images (including the one I linked) that would be somewhat more artistic. I was fooling around as a side project on the more comical, fun images to those that explored my flickr. Those images would not be part of this line.
That being said, I am asking if a series of 4 images, in a similar viewpoint, with perhaps other lighting techniques to the Master Yoda shot would be worth taking to gencon. I am not planning on framing diorama shots, only a more dramatic toy image. I currently have one more in the series, just need to finish post-processing. The other two are only in my head at this moment. So I guess without seeing the others, would the Yoda shot sell?
Thank you for the links, they are pretty cool.
Also, I'm OK with criticism, it is the only way to get better
Thank you to everyone for actually replying. Now for a few clarifications: First I wouldn't be getting a booth, I am working in one, so therefore would just have to kick up to the booth owner a percentage of any sales, we already have methods of payment accounted for (it is a brand specific booth that sells games, ie. Avalon Hill, Rio Grand, Mayfair, etc.). Secondly, I am looking at selling somewhat artistic/dramatic photos of lego star wars/toys, not the toys themselves. Last clarification, I am interested in finding if there is a market for a small series of images (including the one I linked) that would be somewhat more artistic. I was fooling around as a side project on the more comical, fun images to those that explored my flickr. Those images would not be part of this line.
That being said, I am asking if a series of 4 images, in a similar viewpoint, with perhaps other lighting techniques to the Master Yoda shot would be worth taking to gencon. I am not planning on framing diorama shots, only a more dramatic toy image. I currently have one more in the series, just need to finish post-processing. The other two are only in my head at this moment. So I guess without seeing the others, would the Yoda shot sell?
Thank you for the links, they are pretty cool.
Also, I'm OK with criticism, it is the only way to get better
Regardless of what you end up deciding to do, make sure you get approval from GenCon. GenCon is, in some ways, very strictt about what they allow to be sold and where. If you aren't part of the booth, they may require you to pay for a booth in order to sell product, even if its being sold at a booth that is already paid for. They also have designated areas for artists (which I believe includes photography, but I could be wrong), and they try and keep all that type of material together so that could be an issue as well.
That said, the GenCon folks are great to work with, and will generally be helpful. Its as simple as sending the right person an e-mail saying "Hey, I want to do this, is that OK, and if it isn't what do I need to do to make it ok"?
Getting permission now is better than having to pull it all down because you did some minor thing wrong.
Regardless of what you end up deciding to do, make sure you get approval from GenCon. GenCon is, in some ways, very strictt about what they allow to be sold and where. If you aren't part of the booth, they may require you to pay for a booth in order to sell product, even if its being sold at a booth that is already paid for. They also have designated areas for artists (which I believe includes photography, but I could be wrong), and they try and keep all that type of material together so that could be an issue as well.
That said, the GenCon folks are great to work with, and will generally be helpful. Its as simple as sending the right person an e-mail saying "Hey, I want to do this, is that OK, and if it isn't what do I need to do to make it ok"?
Getting permission now is better than having to pull it all down because you did some minor thing wrong.
Thank you for the insight! I will certainly look into it.
I may have some minor tweaking to do, but it's very close to what I was envisioning
LMK if I should've just PMed you rather than replying.
I think it is a cool shot, but it does need some more work. I think you need to zoom out a tad to get some more background in the image and try to get the image brighter.
How are you taking the picture (camera)? Is the camera stationary (there is some motion in Darth Vader's lightsaber. Is that intentional?)? What is your ISO setting (image is grainy)?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwhitepix/13183306254/
I play a lot of games and whatnot, but my photography is mostly wildlife, pets, and landscapes. I just started shooting macro, and what I like, others may not. I appreciate any helpful insight as to if this is a fruitless idea on my part. Thanks!
P.S.
http://mwhitepix.viewbook.com
The fact is nobody here is specialized enough to know the market demand of Gencon goers for your specific product.
You're selling a Yoda figurine?
I can't speak for Gen-Con, but I will tell you this, I goto various anime cons, and there's always dealers rooms filled with anime/geek paraphenalia. I never buy anything there because its overpriced, and I can almost always buy something online. The only time I would ever pick up something on the spot if I want to pick up something for my girl. That means I'm more likely to purchase a hello kitty than something I personally want or need.
If you want my market opinion. I'll give it.
Go try and sell your stuff. But do it to get your name out there, not to make money.
I see crunchyroll, and other well known vendors/websites put up stands in the dealers room for that reason. Other than that, take the lack of response on this website as a potential indicator for interest in star wars figurines. (different markets notwithstanding)
Focus on building up your brand online and selling prints on your website before you venture off to conventions. Good luck.
I could see a market for this at Gencon or other similar events. However, looking at your flickr, you still have a ways to go before you have a product to sell. I am not trying to be some jerk on the internet when I say that. I actually like some of your other, non toy, shots.
For example, this is something I could see someone framing and putting on their wall http://www.flickr.com/photos/east_mountain/13273990643/in/pool-starwars/
Once you get some more practice I would try selling online to see how much actual interest there is in your work. If you google where to sell photos online, you will get a bunch of ideas. Printing can be done locally, or you can try places like Mpix, adoramapix, and nationsphotolab.
When you get to the point you are ready to go to shows, get together a bunch of images to sell. You will need to print small photos that you can sell for $10-$20 and then up from there. At the higher end you will have to print your best work in a large format and have it framed or done in stretch canvas. These will be the photos that draw people into your booth, not everyone will be able to afford them, but thats what you small prints are for.
Heres some examples of booths http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/booth-shots-to-show-examples-to-newbies
Not photography, but might be a good read http://www.indiemade.com/blog/selling-sci-fi-conventions-interview-veteran-sci-fi-con-vendor-deb-kosiba
Also, your going to need a way to take credit card payments, like paypals card reader or square that you use with a smartphone. Business cards wouldnt hurt, that way you can pass them out to people who might buy something from you later. However, dont put your phone number or other personal info on there, some people just go around collecting business cards to later try and sell you things.
I cant think of much else right now, just do some research and see what you come up with. Check out people who sell photography at art shows/fairs http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles1005/yi1005-1.html
Edit: There's actually some fun photos on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/86420707/lego-minifig-scene-print-yikes
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175406222/lego-star-wars-stormtrooper-matted-and
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177749128/lego-star-wars-abbey-road-5x7-signed
https://www.etsy.com/listing/178729219/ltd-ed-the-other-faces-print-andy-warhol
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173830148/lego-star-wars-stormtrooper-matted-and
BUWGRChilds PlayGRWUB
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BW Multiplayer Control WB
RG Changeling GR
UR Mana FlareRU
UMerfolkU
B MBMC B
That being said, I am asking if a series of 4 images, in a similar viewpoint, with perhaps other lighting techniques to the Master Yoda shot would be worth taking to gencon. I am not planning on framing diorama shots, only a more dramatic toy image. I currently have one more in the series, just need to finish post-processing. The other two are only in my head at this moment. So I guess without seeing the others, would the Yoda shot sell?
Thank you for the links, they are pretty cool.
Also, I'm OK with criticism, it is the only way to get better
Regardless of what you end up deciding to do, make sure you get approval from GenCon. GenCon is, in some ways, very strictt about what they allow to be sold and where. If you aren't part of the booth, they may require you to pay for a booth in order to sell product, even if its being sold at a booth that is already paid for. They also have designated areas for artists (which I believe includes photography, but I could be wrong), and they try and keep all that type of material together so that could be an issue as well.
That said, the GenCon folks are great to work with, and will generally be helpful. Its as simple as sending the right person an e-mail saying "Hey, I want to do this, is that OK, and if it isn't what do I need to do to make it ok"?
Getting permission now is better than having to pull it all down because you did some minor thing wrong.
Thank you for the insight! I will certainly look into it.
BUWGRChilds PlayGRWUB
BUWGR Highlander GRWUB
UBSquee's Shapeshifting PetBU
BW Multiplayer Control WB
RG Changeling GR
UR Mana FlareRU
UMerfolkU
B MBMC B
The next one after Yoda is Vader, Luke and The Emperor.
If you are still interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwhitepix/13438588675/
I may have some minor tweaking to do, but it's very close to what I was envisioning
LMK if I should've just PMed you rather than replying.
I think it is a cool shot, but it does need some more work. I think you need to zoom out a tad to get some more background in the image and try to get the image brighter.
How are you taking the picture (camera)? Is the camera stationary (there is some motion in Darth Vader's lightsaber. Is that intentional?)? What is your ISO setting (image is grainy)?
BUWGRChilds PlayGRWUB
BUWGR Highlander GRWUB
UBSquee's Shapeshifting PetBU
BW Multiplayer Control WB
RG Changeling GR
UR Mana FlareRU
UMerfolkU
B MBMC B