Hot Swap? What is that?
Hot Swap, verb
“The ability to change out components without shutting down or otherwise rebooting a system.”
Or, in this case, change out artists/crafters without closing the Vendor Hall.
Hot Swap Seats are a set of tables set up in our Vendor Hall for short-term use. There are not meant to be occupied full time by the same artist all weekend long, but rather allow artists to come and go.
These tables, similar to an Artist Alley but located in our Vendor Hall, are intended to be a place that an artist/crafter can set up at with some examples of their work. They are not designed for large scale, elaborate, setups.
Please note, if you have been occupying a space for several hours and there are others waiting for their turn, you may be asked to move on and/or share.
Hot Swap Limitations
Hot Swap are limited to a small standing sign (or similar) with the artist name, and basic information such as prices, gallery URL, etc.
No electricity/power is provided.
You must completely clear your space if you will be gone longer than 30 minutes; anything left behind will be removed by the Vendor Hall staff. If you need a break longer than 30 minutes, please check in with the Vendor Hall Operations table and let us know your plans.
Allowed Display Equipment
- Sketchbooks
- Print Binders / Samples
- Product Samples
- Tablecloth/runner
- Grid Cubes (max height, 2 cubes)
Disallowed Display Equipment
- ALL Banners – overhead, behind or table mounted. No banners, none whatsoever.
- Extensive cube towers/displays
- Elaborate displays
Texas Sales Tax Permit
You must have a Texas Sales Tax permit to sell in the Hot Swap; this is universal for all spaces where money changes hands at any Creature Arts event. The State of Texas wants their cut.
Price
The price of a Hot Swap space is… Free!
No charge!
Nothing!
Nada!
Zilch!
Seat Size
Hot Swap slots are half of a 6′ x 2.5′ table, and includes one chair; more chairs will be available. You can have non-artists guests with you so long as you do not crowd your neighbors.
How Does It Work?
Just walk into the Vendor Hall, go to the Operations desk, and say ‘Hi, I’d like to sign up to Hot Swap’. We will gather information from you, and then (if there’s a free spot) you can sit down and work! That’s it! When you’re done, you pack up and go on your merry way.
What Can I Sell?
This area is intended for artists and crafters. Goods should be art in various forms, be it from drawings to chainmail. Our definition of art is very, VERY broad, and encompasses nearly any creative avenue you can think of, including music.
These should be goods that you, yourself, have created. Some items produced by third parties is allowed, i.e. t-shirts and enamel pins, but see restrictions below.
Allowed
- Commissions
- Artwork
- Sweaters/scarves you knitted
- Pottery you made yourself
- Chainmail
- Charm, dakis, or other manufactured items where you created the base artwork.
- Did you make it? Allowed.
Not Allowed
- All items listed as restrictions on the Vendors page
- Reselling items, ie. comics, Funko POP, games, tshirts, etc.
- Dakis or other items where you did not draw the art yourself
- Books/Manga/Comics (unless you authored/drew them)
- Plushes or Stuffed Animals from 3rd parties; these should be hand made.
- If you didn’t make it, don’t sell it.
Special Note: 3D Printed Items
3D printed items are not appropriate for this area, with the exception of:
- Original Designs
- Printed items that have been painted/customized. These will be classified the same as painted figurines e.g. Warhammer 40K.
NOTE: ‘Customizing’ does not include basic swapping of filament/colors. If you have performed complex multi material printing, and you’d like clearance on if this is allowed, please email examples to dealers@furrysiesta.org.
If the original design came in one color and you just printed one in red, one in green, and a hundred in metallic rainbow, this does not count as customization.
To sell 3D printed items you MUST have a commercial license from the pattern creator.
What Are The Differences Between Fiesta’s Artist Alley & Siesta’s Hot Swap?
| Siesta | Fiesta | |
| Sign Up | First Come, First Served | Lottery |
| Price | Free | $20/day (if selected) |
| Size | 3′ | 4′ |
| Hours | Same as Vendor Hall | Does Not Close |
| Sharing a Table | Yes. If you fits, you sits.* | Strictly Limited |
| Display Limits | No Vertical Displays** | Vertical Displays Allowed |
* Don’t overflow your space. Be courteous.
** Neither events allow standing racks or displays, all displays or goods must be kept on your table. Additional stock may be kept behind or under your table.
Why not just call it ‘Artist Alley’ like everyone else?
Because we are special snowflakes that like to be difficult, OK?
In all seriousness, Creature Arts hosts both Texas Furry Siesta and Texas Furry Fiesta, two events with very similar names. Our big sister event, Fiesta, has a long-established Artist Alley which functions much, MUCH differently from what we have at Siesta.
The difference in naming conventions between the two events is to help break any expectations that we function in the same way as Fiesta’s Artist Alley.
Questions, Comments, Concerns
Please email us at dealers@furrysiesta.org