End the Separation of Illustrators from Crafters at Anime North!

This petition is to put an end to the separation of illustrators from crafters at Anime North (an Anime Convention located in Toronto, Ontario). We are asking the staff at Anime North to please bring back Artists Alley and put an end to the Comic Market & Crafters Corner.

Several amateur artists have been forced to abandon one of their passions and make unnecessary compromises due to the strict new rules Anime North Staff has enforced.

Comic Market:
“Absolutely no merchandise that is considered craft or non-paper media with the exception of laminated paper magnets and mylar/paper buttons are allowed to be sold in the Comic Market. Examples of prohibited items include totebags, pillows, t-shirts and other apparel, jewellery, plushies, etc. Please refer to the Crafter’s Corner for the sale of craft merchandise.”

Crafters Corner:
“Absolutely no merchandise that is considered to be illustrated paper media is allowed for sale in the Crafters Corner. Examples include but are not limited to prints, magnets, buttons, and doujinshi. Please contact the Crafters Corner coordinator if you have any
questions about prohibited merchandise.”

This rule is far too strict, leaving no breathing space for multitalented artists. Artists Alley has been around for years and it's always been successful! It makes the convention less diverse and the quality was obvious compared to former years. Illustrators and crafters have always been able to unite until last year (2008). Anime North is the only convention with this rule and it makes absolutely no sense. You pay for the table, you should be able to decide what you want to sell there.

Let the staff at Anime North know you are unhappy with this decision!

Help us bring back Artists Alley!