Becoming an Artist

Welcome!

Want to be an Ai-Kon artist but don’t know where to start?
Read the Tips and Tricks to Ai-Kon’s Artist Faire that a handful of our Ai-Kon artists have graciously provided!

Find all the information and rules for Ai-Kon Artists here.

Ai-Kon’s New Artists Program Information

Ai-Kon is happy to continue our program to welcome brand new artists into our Marketplace!

This program is only available during our Ai-Kon summer event, and a limited number of newcomers are accepted through this program.

New Artists Perks

  • Early application before the General Table Applications open.
  • Discounted table cost compared to the General Tables.
  • Lower competitive pressure.
  • Highlighted placement on Marketplace map.

Please note that you will be sharing an 8’ table with another artist who may be a stranger to you. If you are uncomfortable with this, please apply for a full table under the General Art Tables application.

New Artist Application Guidelines

  • Artists must NOT have participated at any previous Ai-Kon event (as an artist or a vendor) to be considered.
  • All applicants must be 15 years or older to apply.
  • Applicants are required to provide a sample of their work via a social media account/portfolio website/etc. for judging, as well as a description of the artworks and/or merchandise that is intended to be sold.
    • Table displays from previous cons or mock displays are mandatory.
    • Work in progress photos or videos are mandatory. 
  • Each application is carefully juried by the Marketplace Team to ensure a diverse collection of artists that fit within Ai-Kon’s Marketplace demographic.
  • All applying artists will be notified of their application status on January 31st, 2026.
    • If accepted, artists will be emailed a link to our online registration and payment form. Artists must complete and submit the form and payment by May 4, 2026.
  • This application is separate from the General Table application.
    • If you are not chosen as a New Artist, you are still welcome to apply for a General Table.
  • Only the artist registered in the application form is permitted to sell their work at a New Artist table.

Ai-Kon’s New Artist Table Applications open:

January 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm CST

Applications close January 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST

Results will be given via email on January 31, 2026..

 Submit your application here

Ai-Kon’s General Art Table Information

Ai-Kon is excited to welcome back artists into our Marketplace! The following information is applicable for Ai-Kon.

General Table Application Guidelines

  • ALL ARTIST TABLES ARE NOW FULLY JURIED.
    • All artists not accepted will be placed on our waitlist. 
  • Table displays from previous cons or mock displays are required.
  • Work in progress photos or videos are required.
  • All applying artists will be notified of their application status on March 8, 2026.
    •  If accepted, artists will be emailed a link to our online registration and payment form. Artists must complete and submit the form and payment by May 3, 2026.
  • Artists are allowed a single table under their name, and cannot opt for more than one full table.
    • If you require more space, we suggest you apply as a vendor. Please contact the Vendor Coordinator at vendors@ai-kon.org for more information.

General Art Table Applications open:

February 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm CST

Applications close:

February 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST

Results will be shared March 8th 2026

Apply Here: Ai-Kon’s Artist Table Application Form

Please make sure to read the Ai-Kon Artists Rules and Regulations in its entirety,
as they may be subject to change.

Contact the Artist Coordinator at art@ai-kon.org for any questions.