Artist Alley 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Artist Alley?

It is a dedicated area for artists selling their original artwork and handcrafted items.This is space typically for those that cannot be part of Exhibit Hall.

What is a studio?

A Studio is the legal entity that is registered as a business entity. Please apply with the same name as your legal business so that we can ensure compliance with WA Department of Revenue auditing.

How many tables are available?

We have 400+ tables available for 2026.

Application Questions

When will applications open for Artist Alley 2026?

Artist Alley applications are open from 10/10/25 to 10/24/25 at 5:59 PM Pacific. They will remain open for 14 days from the day it is available to the public.

If I was an accepted artist in the previous year, will I automatically be accepted this year?

No, all artists will have to apply and will go through the same process.

I submitted an application, does that mean I am automatically in?

Submitting an application DOES NOT SECURE YOU A TABLE. Tables will be awarded once the application process is closed.

I missed the application deadline! Can I still apply?

We do not accept late applications under any circumstances. Please ensure you apply during our application period.

Is there a portfolio review or jury process involved in getting a table?

Sakura-Con welcomes artists of all levels. We review portfolios to make sure it falls within our policy for Artist Alley.

When will I know if I got into Artist Alley 2026?

We do our best to review all the applications in a timely manner. Please be patient with us as we receive many applications.  Email notifications will be sent 6 weeks (at the earliest) from the closing date.

Can I be waitlisted?

Yes, you can. On our application, there is a question where you can inform us that you would like to be waitlisted. Please note that it is not guaranteed that you will be waitlisted.

Is there an age requirement to participate in Artist Alley?

In previous years, we did allow minors to be table assistants. For 2026, we do not allow minors (under the age of 18) into our Artist Alley.

How do I know I secured a spot in Artist Alley?

If you are awarded a table, you will receive information about the contract and payment information. You must return the contract, payment, and Washington State UBI in a timely manner to secure your table. Failure to respond by the deadline communicated to you in the notification email will result in the forfeit of your table.

I received a rejection notice, can I still be waitlisted?

Artists will receive one of the three application status: accepted, waitlisted, and rejected. If you receive a rejection notice that means you are no longer considered to be part of our Artist Alley in 2026. This also includes that you will not be waitlisted for 2026. You are more than welcome to apply again in future years.

What is a UBI? Do I need one?

UBI stands for Universal Business Identification number. It is the number used to submit sales tax to Washington State after the convention.

Since the state may change their requirements regarding retrieving a UBI, please review the WA DOR website to learn more.

Accepted artists who do not provide a valid Washington State UBI will not be able to sell at the show.

Selling Questions

What can I sell in the Artist Alley?

You are selling your artwork which can be in the forms of prints, handcrafted items, clothing, etc.

Can I sell adult/NSFW content?

You are allowed to sell adult content artwork made by you, and you must sell more than just hentai/NSFW products. 

However, certain parts of your artwork must be covered up. If it’s not covered during the show, an Artist Alley staff will come by and cover it up with a sticky note.

What can I NOT sell in the Artist Alley?

Weapons are not allowed.

You may not sell any items that violate copyright or trademarks. This includes official logos, alterations, or reproductions of official artwork, and bootlegs, as well as items that infringe on the work of independent artists.

Fan-art is allowed as long as it follows the above rules.

What is proxy selling? Can I proxy sell?

Proxy selling is where you have someone else take your spot under your artist/studio name because you are unable to attend. Proxy selling is not allowed – doing so will result in a permanent ban from the Artist Alley.

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Table Questions

How many tables can one artist or studio have?

There is a strict limit of 1 table per artist/studio.

Can I bring my own table to make my table space/footprint bigger?

You are not allowed to bring an extra table, even when you have a corner placement. Clothing racks and other floor stands must fit within your designated area as long as it does not block your exit paths in case of an emergency.

Can I move my table to change the configuration of my table space?

You are not allowed to change the configuration of your table space.

Can I share my table?

For 2026, table sharing is not allowed. You also are not allowed to sublet or sell your table to someone else – doing so will result in a permanent ban from the Artist Alley.

When do I need to be at my table?

You must have someone with an Artist Alley badge behind your table for the entirety of the Artist Alley hours of operation. 

Artist Alley staff will be available to watch your table for up to 30 minutes, to help out artists traveling alone.

We require your table to be manned at all times, not only because empty tables look bad, but also because leaving your table empty for long periods of time is unfair to those who were not able to get a spot in the Artist Alley.

How big are the tables?

Tables are 2.5 ft x 8 ft, and come with a white tablecloth and black skirt. There is a display height limit of 4 ft. on the table and 8 ft. on the floor. All displays must be made of sturdy materials. 

The Artist Alley Manager has the final call on whether a display is safe and acceptable in Alley. 

There will be an inspection by a fire marshal before we open.

Other Questions

I will not have any assistants with me during Con, can I give away or trade my extra badges?

Giving away your unused assistant badges is not allowed. If we learn that you have given away your badge to someone who will not be your assistant – doing so will result in a permanent ban from the Artist Alley.

How many assistants can I have?

You can have a max of two assistants. Your table comes with two AA badges (one for the artist and one for your 1st assistant). For a 2nd assistant, you will need to purchase an additional assistant badge by emailing us directly. A maximum of three people are allowed behind the table.

Will Sakura-Con provide internet during Artist Alley?

At this time, you will need to purchase the internet through the convention center website. We are unable to provide internet access to our vendors at this time.

I don’t live in the United States, what do I need to know when I apply?

We are unable to give advice on any particulars but we do get plenty of international artists coming in to sell in our Artist Alley. You will be required to have a WA UBI number.

Can I pack up my table early?

You are contractually obligated to be selling at your table for the duration of the Artist Alley hours.

Can I apply for Artist Alley 2027?

At this time, we are not accepting any early applications for 2027. The official Sakura-con information channels will announce any updates. We also will not have a mailing list of any updates for when applications for 2027 will be announced.

My question was not answered here, how can I contact you?

If your question was not answered here, please feel free to contact our team at artist.alley@sakuracon.org. Please note we will respond ASAP, however during our application review time period, responses might be delayed. Our typical response SLA is 72 hours.