Artists’ Alley

The concept of “Artists Alley” is not something new to the great conventions from abroad. The last decade has determined the development of this idea on an international level, transforming it in a recruitment area for big visual arts and graphics companies or those that publish comics. This concept was introduced for the first time in Romania in 2009 at the Nijikon Festival in Bucharest and, in 2012 in Cluj Napoca at Japan Play Transylvania, then since 2013 it was part of each edition of East European Comic Con.

Artists’ Alley is a special place for individual artists who wish to display their talents in drawing, graphics, painting, design.
Comic Con is here to help young artists and offers them a place where they can sell their own creations, meet fans and sign autographs. Due to the fact that the space on Artists’ Alley is limited, those who desire to take part in this activity must sign up either using the form below or send their CV and a portfolio containing their work at the below provided email, after which those selected will be contacted.

Artists will receive a confirmation of their attendance on the Artists' Alley, only after a portfolio selection. EECC Artists' Alley is a place for individual artists or projects of 2 artists, but under no circumstances more. FanArt posters and merchandise are not considered a project! A digital or printed Comic Books is considered a project that can allow the creators to share 1 spot on the alley. Collaboration projects between 3 or more artists, can request an exhibitor booth at the regular price. Bring only your work, not your friend's work, not your family's work or anyone else than yourself. Copyright infringement will result in losing the artist booth, and restriction from ever attending EECC's Artists' Alley.

The Artists’ Alley is dedicated to those who want to sell their own creations which are comic book, anime-manga, superhero, Fan Art, Gaming, TV series and movie themed. Examples of products that are sold in this area: Comics, Posters, Prints, Pins, Shirts etc.

EECC provides all selected artists with a free space, each with an estimate of 2sqm (~1.2m wide x 1.8m depth ) or more, the artist only have to pay the price of the textile-walls, spotlight, access to electricity, table, chair and tablecloth.

All artists must be of legal age, meaning at least 18 years old

Artists’ Alley Registration Guidelines – East European Comic Con 2025

📅 Event Dates: April 25-27, 2025
📍 Location: Romexpo, Bucharest

Registration Timeline

Portfolio Submission: February 24-28
Portfolio Review: March 1-4
Artist Selection: March 5-7
Confirmation & Contract Signing: March 8-10

Registration Process

Artists interested in joining the Artists’ Alley at East European Comic Con 2025 must submit their portfolios for review between February 24-28.

A registration form will be available starting 24th of February, where artists must upload a portfolio showcasing only the artwork they plan to display and sell at Artists’ Alley.
Artists must also describe their planned products (e.g., posters, stickers, pins, printed T-shirts).
The portfolio review is NOT a selection process but a mandatory quality check to ensure all participants meet the event’s standards.
Artists are solely responsible for complying with Romanian legislation in force, whether related to fiscal practices or copyright laws. They must ensure they are aware of the legal requirements and take full responsibility for their compliance.

Portfolio Review Criteria

When reviewing submissions, we will check for the following:
✅ Recent Work – The portfolio must include artwork created within the last six months.
✅ Quality – Clean lines, proper coloring, and overall professional execution.
✅ No AI/Tracing – Artwork must be original, not AI-generated or traced from existing designs.
✅ Authenticity – No stolen artwork, including “pun stickers” copied from other artists.
✅ Thematic Relevance – Artists’ Alley is for traditional and digital art. Unfortunately, this excludes handmade jewelry and digital embroidery.

Registration Options

Artists can choose between two registration paths when submitting their portfolios:

(A) Skip Selection

If an artist selects Skip Selection and passes the portfolio review, they will receive a contract to review and sign.
Their spot at Artists’ Alley is guaranteed (subject to available space).
If multiple artists pass the review and select Skip Selection, spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on the portfolio submission order.

(B) Selection Process

Artists choosing this option will be ranked based on artistic skill, originality, and thematic relevance.
Only 24 spots are available. The top 24 artists will be selected based on a more detailed evaluation of their portfolio.
Priority will be given to artists with original comic book projects (not just fan art of existing comics).

Portfolio Submission Tips

🔹 Update Your Portfolio – Showcase only the work you plan to exhibit at Artists’ Alley.
🔹 Remove Unrelated Art – We will verify that all submitted pieces align with your planned booth display.
🔹 Respect Copyright & Originality –

You may draw characters from games, anime, movies, or series if the artwork is in your unique style.
Do not replicate characters identically.
Do not sell or submit official character images from the internet.
Do not include or sell photographs of real people.

🔹 Comic Book Projects Have Priority – If you have created a comic book volume or chapter that you plan to sell at Artists’ Alley, include sample pages/screenshots—this will significantly boost your chances of selection.

We look forward to seeing your work and welcoming you to Artists’ Alley at East European Comic Con 2025!