I. Entering the Alley
Thundering bass, an echoing room. The overlapping chatter takes up space in the halls, a symphony of light, color and excitement.
These were the words running through my head after the first step into the —thankfully — air-conditioned building in the Anaheim Convention Center. Despite the heat, hundreds of people — including congoers, vendors, artists and more — gathered this past weekend for ANIME Impulse Orange County, a three-day “celebration of all things anime, manga, video games and fandom!”
Indeed: every convention overflows with a myriad of fandom-forward highlights, sights and sounds — from intricate cosplay, to the pounding of sneakers at the arcade and the crescendo of excited chatter as Pokémon cards change hands. Yet, among all of these “convention lifelines,” Artist Alley remains one of the most important.
The soul of a convention, the alley consists of artists from all over, each with varying styles and unique wares. ANIME Impulse dedicated an entire hall for the community–with booths displaying such an immense list of fandoms that there is something for everyone!
II. A talk with the artists
Hosting ten-plus lanes of creatives, Artist Alley is both a staple for fans to connect and an opportunity for artists to create communities, gain industry experience, and showcase their work. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the scene, the alley atmosphere is a welcome relief after what can be months of tireless con preparation. Local artist Michelle (MidlyEgg on Instagram) told us why AIOC is one of her favorites, despite being a relatively new table artist.
“It’s one of my favorite cons, just because it’s more local, all of my mutuals come,” MildlyEgg said. “If anyone wants to start out, I would recommend this con the most just because of the good crowds, good vibes, it’s really fun.”
Not only is AIOC a hotspot for fans, but it also boasts a myriad of crossovers between fandom cultures. Downtown LA-based artist Eddie Kong (thewrabbithole on Instagram), who just celebrated his 10th year tabling, said AIOC’s special features make it attractive to a wide range of fans.
“Yeah, ANIME Impulse is really special because it’s one of the few cons that it’s kind of a few things put together into one con. It’s not just the anime section. You have the K-play. You have the card collector expo,” Kong said. “So I think it’s really good there’s a lot of crosswind. You know, people with different interests can naturally get into the other interests.”
Whether it’s a recommendation for the location or mixing of communities, both artists testify to making genuine connections in these spaces. Media inspires fans, which inspires artists.
“Everyone has, like, their hyper fixation, their obsessions. And I feel like going to conventions gives an outlet for people to be able to express themselves,” Michelle said.
Above all, each booth is like a library tome: all telling a startlingly unique, beautiful story. With artists displaying traditional (or entirely new) mingling with overjoyed congoers, it’s clear the Artist Alley has always been about a diverse community, and how art makes us feel: connected and human.
III. The inside experience: surviving (and thriving in) the Alley
Going to your first Artist Alley, or interested in tabling at one? Let’s break it down from an artist and attendee perspective.
For artists, Mildly Egg (Michelle) has learned that “everyone needs to at least fail a few times” before getting it right, but to “just keep going … the motivation you have…just keep working for it.” Similarly, Thewrabbithole (Eddie) recommends to not get swept up in what’s popular (or pricey), and instead create art where “your love really comes through.”
On the flip side, attendees might find it helpful to see all the booths at least once before purchasing. While it may feel overwhelming to traverse, who doesn’t love seeing all of the artists’ hard work? Additionally, beware of sellouts: AIOC is a weekend affair, meaning items can go quickly, so spend wisely!
Finally, take advantage of Sunday specials: artists wanting to get rid of their stock before the event dwindles down might offer discounts on the final day, so keep your eyes peeled for adjusted prices.
VIII. A living thing
I’ve talked a great deal about the tangible: sighs and sounds, merch, and space as a physical entity. Consider this: rather than the act of purchase, the alley exists as a living creature. Sustained by collective creativity, it will continue to tell its stories for AIOC and many, many more conventions in the future. Especially for a future that needs more art. Art that makes you feel something. Art that makes people bond.
And above all, art that makes people happy.