Frequently Asked Questions for Artists
If you have any additional questions that were not answered by the FAQ section, please contact our Artists' Area staff.
Before the convention
What is the Artists' Area and where is it located?
The Artists' Area is a space provided for artists who wish to sell and promote their artwork, as well as draw new works on commission. It can be found in the Exhibition Hall (room 220BCDE).
What are the operating hours of the Artists' Area?
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 11 AM - 8 PM | 10 AM - 7 PM | 10 AM - 5 PM |
What is included in the price of a table?
- ONE Badge is included (Any additional badges need to be purchased at the regular con prices);
- TWO chairs;
- White cloth for the table (We encourage Artists to bring their own cloth to cover their merchandise before closing);
- Electricity and Internet services are not included. You may request it from the Palais des congrès de Montreal.
Can I sell artwork from another artist if I have their permission?
If the original artist has consented to the reselling of their artwork or craftsmanship, they will need to fill in a proxy form and fulfill the requirements and provide that to the Artists' Area staff by July 26th, 2024. You can request the proxy form from the Artists' Area staff by contacting them by email (artistsarea@otakuthon.com).
What is the difference between the Fire Sale list and the Waiting list?
Artists who do not make it through the application process will all automatically be added to the waitlist.
The Firesale list is a separate list for Artists who wish to be contacted last-minute in the case of no-show Artists on the first day of the convention (Friday) and are ready to set up their table for the remaining days of the convention.
I am a minor, can I still apply to the Artists' Area?
No. All Artists applying must be 18 years or older. Group members (helpers) can be 16 years or older. If any Artist of the table sells mature content, all their group members must be 18 years or older.
How many tables can I reserve?
Artists can submit one Premium table application and one Regular table application but can only get ONE of the options.
Should an Artists' artwork or craftsmanship be found on sale in multiple Artist Tables, the Artist in question will be subject to the Three Strike Rule.
Can I purchase an Artist table AND a Dealer space?
No. It is only possible to book ONE (1) table in the Artists' Area or ONE (1) space in the Dealer's Area. Please contact the staff of Artists’ Area or Dealer’s Area if you are unsure which table/space to book.
Can I purchase a table for a single day?
No. Artists must be present at their table throughout the entire convention. Should an artist leave their table before the convention has finished, they will be less likely obtain a table in the following years.
I've submitted my application, but would like to make changes, who should I contact?
In the event of wanting to make changes to your Artist Application form after submitting it, please contact our Artists' Area staff at artistsarea@otakuthon.com with as much information as possible.
First Name:
Last Name:
Brief explanation of what you would like to change:
What can and cannot be sold at Artist Tables?
Can be sold:
- You must own the copyright for all artwork sold at your table.
- If you are a proxy, the artist you represent must own the copyright for all artworks that you will sell.
Cannot be sold:
- Manipulated images and/or images copied from official artwork, and the use of official logos.
- Replicas of existing merchandise may not be sold in the Artists’ Area. This includes but is not limited to logos and emblems from anime and game series such as Attack on Titan, Pokémon Go, Final Fantasy, etc.
- AI generated art
- Food may not be sold or distributed.
Do you accept out-of-country artists?
Yes. However, all artists out of country are responsible for their own respective laws in regard to dealing with seller permits, work visas and other applicable laws and regulations.
I am part of a club, collective, or college. Can I get an Artist Table?
If you are representing a club (ex: a Comic Book Club), or are part of a collective, you are eligible for a table if you have participated in the artworks or craftsmanship that will be on sale.
You will have to go through the same application process as all artists as we do not prioritize or privilege all individuals or groups based on this. There is no guarantee that you will obtain a table.
How do I cancel my table? Will I receive a refund?
If you cannot attend Otakuthon or do not wish to keep your table, please contact the Artists' Area staff as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements. Refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Please note that badges are not refundable, and there will be a minimum penalty of 50% of the table's reservation fee. The deadline to obtain a partial refund should an artist forfeit their table is July 7th, 2024. There will be no refunds issued after this date.
During the Convention
How do I obtain electricity and/or Internet services during the convention?
Electricity, telephone or Internet services may be ordered from the Palais des congrès de Montréal facilities. Please fill out the request forms directly on their website.
Can I bring my own chairs in addition to the ones available at the tables?
Full tables include TWO chairs. No additional chairs will be provided or permitted.
Can I eat at my table?
Yes. Artists can eat food within the Artists' Area as long as they keep their space clean, or cleaning charges may apply. It is highly suggested to bring a garbage bag for any wastes. Please remember to eat and stay hydrated during the length of the convention!
Can I ask a staff member to watch my table?
No. If Artists wish to have someone watches their table, they should plan ahead and register a helper to their artist group before the start of the convention. Only staff and attendees with an Artist badge may operate behind a table in the Artists' Area, so an Artist may not ask a family/friend/stranger without an Artist badge to watch their table for liability reasons.
How many people can stay at a table during the convention?
Only two people are allowed behind a table at all times to prevent overcrowding. If the Artist Group consists of three people, the third person can switch spots with any group member behind the table to provide breaks.
After closing, will my merchandise be safe?
The Palais des congrès de Montréal's cleaning staff will be inside the Exhibition Hall after closing. Security guards will monitor the Exhibition Hall overnight during the cleaning on Friday and Saturday. However, we recommend artists to not leave valuables such as the cash box and very expensive merchandise as Otakuthon will not be held responsible for any losses that occur during the entirety of the convention.
If I have any issues during the convention, who should I go to?
If you encounter any issues during the convention, please seek out any Exhibition Hall staff member or volunteer. They will be wearing the Otakuthon bandana or shirt (red for staff, yellow for volunteers) and will be walking around the Exhibition Hall during the convention. You can also head to the information booth to speak to a staff member.