Tip for print artists: Have a binder out on your table with all your print designs, use coloured round stickers to indicate what sizes they come in so customers can flip through and choose. No vertical display space needed!
Thank you for this! I’m doing my first con in March and I’ve been trying to figure out how to condense my stuff to a 6-foot table. I’ve now got a flat-foot photo backdrop in my cart. Had no idea they existed! Someone tripped over my tripod-legged backdrop this fall and it sent some of my art flying. 😂
Shower curtains also surprisingly work as an emergency table cloth. The solid color fabric ones have slits in the top for the rings which means that the holes will be pretty much invisible. Plus the shower curtain can double as a way to hang prints/apparel in the future so once you outgrow them for some proper tablecloths you can still have use for them.
Thank you for breaking everything down so clearly! I'm just getting started with local events, and it's a lot to think about on top of the actual product line...
I was searching on how to display my antique clothing buttons and came across this. Im sure I will never have to do any sort of displays like in this video, but I found your art displays amazing and I love your color formats. This has given me some inspiration for displaying things at home in my personal collection. Thank you!
I have been watching videos like this on and off for months in preparation for doing artist pop up shops, and this is by far the best most detailed video. Thank you.
Super informative content! I have no idea how I even ended up here, but this was a very fun video to watch during my lunch break. You have a great stage presence, your video is structured very thoughtfully, and there's basically zero filler or fluff. You were introducing new concepts and ideas to me without going too fast, which kept me engaged throughout the whole video. I also had a bunch of "ah ha" moments that I really enjoyed. I could totally see you becoming an artist alley consultant or something!
My current setup for keychains is using thumbtacks on corkboard and people often just rip them off, sending the thumbtack flying...I'm definitely going to try the command hooks with hot glue for displaying them instead!
Really appreciate that you made this video! I'm an Canadian artist that has been selling for many years and my display needed some much needed TLC since 2020. I've also re-branded with now too many charms and stickers to fill in my old set up with no proper way to display them in a better way. This was a great refresher for things like branding with a solid display. This was also super helpful to me because I don't focus on prints as much, but I do sketch cards instead. So I'll find a good way to display them one day!
I've been doing Artist Alley tables for about 3/4 years now plus a little before COVID and this is by far the best guide I've seen on the topic! Thank you so much! I've been wanting to refresh my table because I just have way too many characters to try to display in different size/media options and was frustrated that my table just looked the same no matter where people looked. I feel like I've gotten so many more ideas now! As a side note, I do stickers and prints primarily while also offering my originals (traditional artist 😅) and the wire cubes have been my best friend! Just recently got the covered ones with sticky dots for my stickers. Stickers are seriously the best thing I've done for my business. People are obsessed and it is my best seller! Because of that, I've invested in a cricut and sticker paper/laminate so I get to make them at home for an even lower production cost. I can't recommend stickers enough. It can feel daunting when you start but consider that you really need a cheap option at your table since a lot of people are more prone to holding onto their money at big cons where they have to pick and choose what they buy. Stickers allow them to feel like they got a special piece of art for not much money at all!
Thank you so much!! I asked before about the adhesive tabs behind your display and I'm really glad you covered how you use them. I think in another video you mentioned keeping higher priced items higher and lower priced items lower, I've kept it in mind since ! I've tabled at very small cafe events and after every one I always have so many notes on what worked vs what didnt. I look to your channel for inspiration and this might be my favorite video of yours so far
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on these sorts of things! I'm not sure if you've thought about making a video about this, but I'm sure people would be interested in hearing the steps on how to start a business like yours! Such as what permits are needed to start, tax things, etc... It's kind of the boring things, but really necessary!
Glad you found this helpful :) While that video shouldn't be considered legal or financial advice (for legal reasons), I wouldn't mind sharing some of the paperwork I needed to start my business in California!
@@Mualcaina i second this! im a new pin maker in california but so not have any sort of licenses yet. it would be pretty cool to see on your end how u got started!
This is so helpful! I'm not necessarily going to sell at a convention, but this gives me a great idea for what I need to do to make it look nice! Thank you!
Omg thank you! I had been wanting those boards for my booth this year and didn’t know what they were called ;-; you’re the best and so amazing for sharing with other sellers 💓
I'm new to vendor events, and I'm realizing it takes a lot of money just to get started. >.< I'm going to have to slowly start implementing these over time. I don't have a tent yet, and only one little grid set up with a non-branded table cloth. So...yup we'll have to work up to some of these bigger ticket items especially since just getting everything is pricey like business cards, marketing materials, displays, vendor fees, table, chairs, lights, weights, etc.
I've been trying to get ideas for going to craft shows and have been stuck on how to display my stickers and pins. This video is perfect! Great modular ideas, and as an anime con-goer, it makes me feel right at home.
This has been super helpful! I’ve done a couple small pop up markets and I got another one coming up this week. This’ll be my first time using the square shelves so it’s great to have this video as a reference to use ❤
Im so grateful I found this video. I’m actually doing my first con this year and it gave me a lot of good advice! Thank you sm💖 (Your art is adorable btw! I hope to buy from you in the future ^^)
I have my first con coming up in November so I’ve been collecting resources, ty for the helpful video! Gave me some good goals to work toward for my table 😊
This was such a helpful and informative guide! I had no idea some applications require pictures of your set up, sheesh, it must be hard to get into some.
Thank you for this video! You truly inspire me to become an Independent Artist, and I hope I get to be in an Artist Alley in the near future ^^ Keep up the amazing work!
Hi! At 7:10, where did you find the rigid boards? Rewnyd Print Studio does not have them so wondering which site those can be purchased from. Thank you!
This is so helpful! I do have a silly question though; what do you for for set-up and take down in 3 day events? I have done 1 day conventions and use to setting up before the event starts and taking it down slowly before it ends. What would one do for multiple day events? Take only the art work down, but leave the displays up, and reset everything up the next day? Or do you not do anything at all? (I would be afraid of someone stealing my work)
Me and my friend love how the cube paneling looks in a lot of table set ups, and want to put only display stuff on the outside of it, but how do you prevent theft of the display items? You kind of put a big wall with a small window in front of you and your items, so I'm curious how you work with not being able to have full visibility over your table?
Hey Maulcaina thank you for the tips I wanted to ask you what are the containers called that you have you stickers in to help organize them? And also the grid(not the storage grid) that holding them?
Hi there! I've been binging your videos I LOVE THEM! I have a question- I wanted to open up a small business and sell at a con eventually. I have tons of ideas but my problem is, would it go against some laws to sell products based off of characters? I saw a lot of your merch had anime characters. Would I be able to sell lets say pet toys that are based off of anime characters? I keep seeing its illegal but then I keep coming across shops that sell and I remember buying at conventions and people had anime merch and Im just so confused on how it works! Thank you for any feedback, Id really appreciate it!
I were on my 2nd con as a seller 2 days ago and I'm (obv) very unhappy with my current booth. My biggest problems are that I'm easily stressed and always feel like I got no time for stuff, also my things are sooo heavy brooo like I dont even have all the stuff I need by now.. but I already feel like dying every time😿 and the last problem is that Im not a very aesthetic person when it comes to decorating or setting up a booth like I'm so god damn bad at this lmaooo this video was quite helpful but I got several heart attacks noticing what I still need to have a good looking booth😩💔
omg thank you so much i got so many new tips! one that im trying to do myself is the corgi example? she printed it and foam board? how exactly do you do that when u go to print shop? im not sure how i would ask?
Hi! excuse me but I was wondering what you meant by "clamp it on your table"? Is there an extension that allows you to do that? What would it be called?
HI, do you have any advice on how you would display custom cards? Having my first Artist alley con and I dont sell any stickers or pin just Custom Playing cards ( EX: Pokemon/Yugioh etc) should i display them like pins and stickers?
Quick question, is there a template you used for your ridged boards, or did you hand measure and design all the squares and stuff for them? Wanting to give boards a shot for my badge display but wanted to see if there was a template out there before I tried to hand draw nice squares aha
I was wondering how you find applications in time before they close? I just did my first con and I'm trying to get into doing more! If you have any advice, that'd be awesome!
One bit of advice I'll offer is if your table is overshadowed by a neighbouring table, compensate by being happy and polite to passing customers and say, "I've made this all myself" which surprises me that people still go to cons not knowing artists are there?!?! Totally not my own experience or something. >_>
Help do you need a license to be able to sell a tabling event its my first one and first time getting myself out there. Im still starting out so i haven't sold lots. Please help.
Hi I have a few questions I am not trying to start a business or anything I just want to sell art but do I have to make a table display or can I just wear a backpack and sell my art and do I have to tell the place that is having the convention that I'm selling art or can I just go in and sell it I just want to sell art I don't want to make it a business I'm young I need some help on this stuff
I’ve been painting sence I was a infant and I’m self Taught disabled 30 year old artist sence the 90s and I was told don’t buy too much to make your table pretty if you still Don’t have a lot of money every day . Save your money use what you have like of you have already displays , get display cards and bags nothing else even if you don’t have display jewelry cards and even if you paint just bring your art and lay them on the table or in a container. Don’t waste so much money to do display and make your table pretty . Not every one has that kind of money doing that it’s a waste
Since I dont carry a lot of merch im able to just take it and all my signage and stuff back to the hotel room with me. any display thing that gets left there for any reason gets zip tied to the table as it'll take longer to steal and draw more attention to thieves
I am posting here because I do not know if there is an option to contact you. I am wondering if you would consider making me a past item you sold on Etsy? My daughter is celebrating a special milestone and I cannot find your item ANYWHERE! Can you help me? I’m not certain how to get my email to you without posting it! I did find an old gmail address to you and sent a message but I’m unsure if it is still active. Please advise if time permits THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I am sorry Maulcaina. I like how this helped you, but you are speaking in terms that aren't very accessible for BEGINNERS but rather artists that have already been going. Branding, though a basic part of your identity, I do not see any reason for any beginner to spend money on custom banners or displays. I really do appreciate what you are able to bring as an intermediate, but i have the feeling like what you are suggesting is not very realistic.
Tip for print artists: Have a binder out on your table with all your print designs, use coloured round stickers to indicate what sizes they come in so customers can flip through and choose. No vertical display space needed!
Thank you for this! I’m doing my first con in March and I’ve been trying to figure out how to condense my stuff to a 6-foot table. I’ve now got a flat-foot photo backdrop in my cart. Had no idea they existed! Someone tripped over my tripod-legged backdrop this fall and it sent some of my art flying. 😂
Just letting some newbies know! U DONT HAVE TO HAVE ANYTHING CRAZY FANCY. You don't need A banner and stuff if your literally just starting
Shower curtains also surprisingly work as an emergency table cloth. The solid color fabric ones have slits in the top for the rings which means that the holes will be pretty much invisible. Plus the shower curtain can double as a way to hang prints/apparel in the future so once you outgrow them for some proper tablecloths you can still have use for them.
Aahhh I didn’t expect to make a cameo~ I’m glad the hot glue trick is so helpful!! This whole video is gold, thank you for putting it together!!
Yes!! It just occurred to me that I first knew you from TikTok before I knew you for your vlogs 😂
Thank you for breaking everything down so clearly! I'm just getting started with local events, and it's a lot to think about on top of the actual product line...
Glad you found this helpful! It's definitely a lot to think about, but it gets easier as you do more events and figure out what works best for you
Literally did a con last week and feeling like I needed a display refresh. This video came at the most opportune moment, thank you!! 🌸
Glad you found this helpful!
I was searching on how to display my antique clothing buttons and came across this. Im sure I will never have to do any sort of displays like in this video, but I found your art displays amazing and I love your color formats. This has given me some inspiration for displaying things at home in my personal collection. Thank you!
I have been watching videos like this on and off for months in preparation for doing artist pop up shops, and this is by far the best most detailed video. Thank you.
I'm glad you've found this helpful! Thank you for watching :)
Super informative content! I have no idea how I even ended up here, but this was a very fun video to watch during my lunch break. You have a great stage presence, your video is structured very thoughtfully, and there's basically zero filler or fluff. You were introducing new concepts and ideas to me without going too fast, which kept me engaged throughout the whole video. I also had a bunch of "ah ha" moments that I really enjoyed. I could totally see you becoming an artist alley consultant or something!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review!! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
My current setup for keychains is using thumbtacks on corkboard and people often just rip them off, sending the thumbtack flying...I'm definitely going to try the command hooks with hot glue for displaying them instead!
It's definitely a game changer!
Really appreciate that you made this video! I'm an Canadian artist that has been selling for many years and my display needed some much needed TLC since 2020. I've also re-branded with now too many charms and stickers to fill in my old set up with no proper way to display them in a better way. This was a great refresher for things like branding with a solid display. This was also super helpful to me because I don't focus on prints as much, but I do sketch cards instead. So I'll find a good way to display them one day!
I've been doing Artist Alley tables for about 3/4 years now plus a little before COVID and this is by far the best guide I've seen on the topic! Thank you so much! I've been wanting to refresh my table because I just have way too many characters to try to display in different size/media options and was frustrated that my table just looked the same no matter where people looked. I feel like I've gotten so many more ideas now!
As a side note, I do stickers and prints primarily while also offering my originals (traditional artist 😅) and the wire cubes have been my best friend! Just recently got the covered ones with sticky dots for my stickers. Stickers are seriously the best thing I've done for my business. People are obsessed and it is my best seller! Because of that, I've invested in a cricut and sticker paper/laminate so I get to make them at home for an even lower production cost.
I can't recommend stickers enough. It can feel daunting when you start but consider that you really need a cheap option at your table since a lot of people are more prone to holding onto their money at big cons where they have to pick and choose what they buy. Stickers allow them to feel like they got a special piece of art for not much money at all!
Thank you so much!! I asked before about the adhesive tabs behind your display and I'm really glad you covered how you use them. I think in another video you mentioned keeping higher priced items higher and lower priced items lower, I've kept it in mind since !
I've tabled at very small cafe events and after every one I always have so many notes on what worked vs what didnt. I look to your channel for inspiration and this might be my favorite video of yours so far
Thank you so much! Glad you’ve been finding these tips useful :)
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on these sorts of things! I'm not sure if you've thought about making a video about this, but I'm sure people would be interested in hearing the steps on how to start a business like yours! Such as what permits are needed to start, tax things, etc... It's kind of the boring things, but really necessary!
Glad you found this helpful :) While that video shouldn't be considered legal or financial advice (for legal reasons), I wouldn't mind sharing some of the paperwork I needed to start my business in California!
@@Mualcaina i second this! im a new pin maker in california but so not have any sort of licenses yet. it would be pretty cool to see on your end how u got started!
This is so helpful! I'm not necessarily going to sell at a convention, but this gives me a great idea for what I need to do to make it look nice! Thank you!
I'm glad you found this helpful!
Omg thank you! I had been wanting those boards for my booth this year and didn’t know what they were called ;-; you’re the best and so amazing for sharing with other sellers 💓
Glad you were able to find this helpful! 😊
I'm new to vendor events, and I'm realizing it takes a lot of money just to get started. >.< I'm going to have to slowly start implementing these over time. I don't have a tent yet, and only one little grid set up with a non-branded table cloth. So...yup we'll have to work up to some of these bigger ticket items especially since just getting everything is pricey like business cards, marketing materials, displays, vendor fees, table, chairs, lights, weights, etc.
I've been trying to get ideas for going to craft shows and have been stuck on how to display my stickers and pins. This video is perfect! Great modular ideas, and as an anime con-goer, it makes me feel right at home.
This has been super helpful! I’ve done a couple small pop up markets and I got another one coming up this week. This’ll be my first time using the square shelves so it’s great to have this video as a reference to use ❤
This is an amazing guide!!! Thank you for making this!
Thank you for this! I am having my first vendor/booth in a few months. I appreciate it!
I love watching these like its something I would actually be able to do
This was incrediby helpful. thanks so much for putting in the time. detail. and effort!
Im so grateful I found this video. I’m actually doing my first con this year and it gave me a lot of good advice! Thank you sm💖
(Your art is adorable btw! I hope to buy from you in the future ^^)
Good luck on your first con I’ll be doing my first con too! mines this week
This was INCREDIBLY helpful!! Thanks so much for these tips!! Also your display is SO cute!! ✨🎀
Good video! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! Hope you found it helpful :)
I have my first con coming up in November so I’ve been collecting resources, ty for the helpful video! Gave me some good goals to work toward for my table 😊
Great video! I really like your set up and it’s very attractive
Great video! I have my first con in two weeks so this will be helpful
How exciting, best of luck with your first con!!
Thank you for your tips! I'm just gonna have my first booth in a few months!
Amazing video chock full of great resources and helpful tips! Thank you!🙏
This video is full of so many useful tips! Ive watched it multiple times now. ☺️
this was very helpful! thank you so much!
This was such a helpful and informative guide! I had no idea some applications require pictures of your set up, sheesh, it must be hard to get into some.
such a professional and informative video. thank you very much
just found you throuhg this video and how have i not found you before!!!! I love your stuff gaaahh!! Hello fellow kawaii lover and artist!!!
You are literally so helpful, thank you so much!
Glad you found this helpful!
So, so helpful!! Thank you
Thank you for making this video! Extremely helpful for an upcoming convention I'll be vending at.
I sooooo needed exactly this video, thank you so much!!!!
you are angel !!! thanks for the tips💕💕💕💕
Thank you for sharing this informative video!! Your art is wonderful and I love your video editing! I'm glad I found your channel 😊
Thank you and glad you found this helpful!!
Thank you for this video! You truly inspire me to become an Independent Artist, and I hope I get to be in an Artist Alley in the near future ^^ Keep up the amazing work!
Great tips! Love your stuff. 😊
Thank you so much! This was super helpful
thank you so much for this! my first con is K-Play Fest / Anime Impulse SD in the upcoming weeks and I've been frantically preparing my display T__T
How exciting! Best of luck!!
Thank you for sharing this!!
Thank youuuuu! These are all great infos!
Hi! At 7:10, where did you find the rigid boards? Rewnyd Print Studio does not have them so wondering which site those can be purchased from. Thank you!
Omg I made the same comment lol we need alternatives;;
thank you for the great video ;) im trying to get accepted into my first con!
Great video! Straight to the point, very informative. I'm glad I found this video on tumblr :) Followed!
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found this helpful!
excellent!
hi! i've been rewatching this video bec i love how detailed your explanations are!
i was wondering if you've ever tabled outdoors?
Yes! Most of my outdoor events have been with 626 Night Market and OC Japan Fair
U r amazing for this❤
This is so helpful!
I do have a silly question though; what do you for for set-up and take down in 3 day events?
I have done 1 day conventions and use to setting up before the event starts and taking it down slowly before it ends. What would one do for multiple day events?
Take only the art work down, but leave the displays up, and reset everything up the next day? Or do you not do anything at all? (I would be afraid of someone stealing my work)
Me and my friend love how the cube paneling looks in a lot of table set ups, and want to put only display stuff on the outside of it, but how do you prevent theft of the display items? You kind of put a big wall with a small window in front of you and your items, so I'm curious how you work with not being able to have full visibility over your table?
Where did you get your tablecloth? I like the idea of it fitting 6ft and 8ft tables, makes it versatile. :)
Which are the reusable adhesive dots you use for the stickers, please? Thanks!
Hey Maulcaina thank you for the tips I wanted to ask you what are the containers called that you have you stickers in to help organize them? And also the grid(not the storage grid) that holding them?
where did you get the heart hooks for your lanyards? I can't find them anywhere wowee
Could you share the dimensions of the tablecloth that you use for both 6ft and 8ft tables? I appreciate all the tips!
Do you have any recommendations of how big of a sheet to get to cover up the booth?
where did u buy the heart hooks?
Hi there! I've been binging your videos I LOVE THEM! I have a question- I wanted to open up a small business and sell at a con eventually. I have tons of ideas but my problem is, would it go against some laws to sell products based off of characters? I saw a lot of your merch had anime characters. Would I be able to sell lets say pet toys that are based off of anime characters? I keep seeing its illegal but then I keep coming across shops that sell and I remember buying at conventions and people had anime merch and Im just so confused on how it works! Thank you for any feedback, Id really appreciate it!
Great vid thanks ❤
I were on my 2nd con as a seller 2 days ago and I'm (obv) very unhappy with my current booth. My biggest problems are that I'm easily stressed and always feel like I got no time for stuff, also my things are sooo heavy brooo like I dont even have all the stuff I need by now.. but I already feel like dying every time😿 and the last problem is that Im not a very aesthetic person when it comes to decorating or setting up a booth like I'm so god damn bad at this lmaooo this video was quite helpful but I got several heart attacks noticing what I still need to have a good looking booth😩💔
omg thank you so much i got so many new tips! one that im trying to do myself is the corgi example? she printed it and foam board? how exactly do you do that when u go to print shop? im not sure how i would ask?
You can ask your local print shop if they can do die cut foam boards and show them photo examples of what you’re looking for!
Omfg I gotta go to the 626 night market now.
Can u make a video on how you set up the cubes . I can't find anything):
Hi! excuse me but I was wondering what you meant by "clamp it on your table"? Is there an extension that allows you to do that? What would it be called?
How did you get the pink plastic between the wire cubes?
HI, do you have any advice on how you would display custom cards? Having my first Artist alley con and I dont sell any stickers or pin just Custom Playing cards ( EX: Pokemon/Yugioh etc) should i display them like pins and stickers?
hey! do you know where I might be able to find those heart hooks? they're really cute :")
Quick question, is there a template you used for your ridged boards, or did you hand measure and design all the squares and stuff for them? Wanting to give boards a shot for my badge display but wanted to see if there was a template out there before I tried to hand draw nice squares aha
I was wondering how you find applications in time before they close? I just did my first con and I'm trying to get into doing more! If you have any advice, that'd be awesome!
My next video will actually be about finding and applying for cons!
@@Mualcaina Oh, perfect! Thank you so much!
Thank you for this video!! What're the heights of your hanging fabric banners? The 4ft and 10ft ones
They're 1ft tall!
One bit of advice I'll offer is if your table is overshadowed by a neighbouring table, compensate by being happy and polite to passing customers and say, "I've made this all myself" which surprises me that people still go to cons not knowing artists are there?!?!
Totally not my own experience or something. >_>
Totally agree with this, thank you for the tip!
How do you feel about self serve booths?
I checked out the Rewynd Print Studio, but they no longer sell rigid boards due to print issues. Do you know any alternatives?
Also looking for this 😅
Help do you need a license to be able to sell a tabling event its my first one and first time getting myself out there. Im still starting out so i haven't sold lots. Please help.
Hi I have a few questions I am not trying to start a business or anything I just want to sell art but do I have to make a table display or can I just wear a backpack and sell my art and do I have to tell the place that is having the convention that I'm selling art or can I just go in and sell it
I just want to sell art I don't want to make it a business I'm young
I need some help on this stuff
7:26 LITERALLY DIED WHEN I SAW ONE PIECE STOP
where do you have your artwork turned into pins
I’ve been painting sence I was a infant and I’m self
Taught disabled 30 year old artist sence the 90s and I was told don’t buy too much to make your table pretty if you still
Don’t have a lot of money every day . Save your money use what you have like of you have already displays , get display cards and bags nothing else even if you don’t have display jewelry cards and even if you paint just bring your art and lay them on the table or in a container. Don’t waste so much money to do display and make your table pretty . Not every one has that kind of money doing that it’s a waste
I've been frantically looking everywhere for those pink plastic square pieces but I can only find transparent ones, where did you find yours???
This is the one I bought! amzn.to/3QV3y7U
What material are the rigid boards? Doesn’t look like coroplast
do you need to own a web shop to start selling at an artist alley?
My only issue is im not sure what to sell my products for 😅😅
Since I dont carry a lot of merch im able to just take it and all my signage and stuff back to the hotel room with me. any display thing that gets left there for any reason gets zip tied to the table as it'll take longer to steal and draw more attention to thieves
hey first time vendor here! where did you get those cute heart hooks from! i tried looking on amazon but i dont think i put the right keywords in :’^)
I got them from alibaba!
@@Mualcaina I’m so sorry, but do you happen to have a link? I tried searching as well and can’t find them. I even tried reverse image search. 😅
I am posting here because I do not know if there is an option to contact you. I am wondering if you would consider making me a past item you sold on Etsy? My daughter is celebrating a special milestone and I cannot find your item ANYWHERE! Can you help me? I’m not certain how to get my email to you without posting it! I did find an old gmail address to you and sent a message but I’m unsure if it is still active. Please advise if time permits THANK YOU SO MUCH!
would you like to try our enamel pins？We are willing to offer a free chance for you to test our enamel pins.
I am sorry Maulcaina. I like how this helped you, but you are speaking in terms that aren't very accessible for BEGINNERS but rather artists that have already been going. Branding, though a basic part of your identity, I do not see any reason for any beginner to spend money on custom banners or displays.
I really do appreciate what you are able to bring as an intermediate, but i have the feeling like what you are suggesting is not very realistic.
They're not saying you HAVE to have a banner, you can accommodate to what fits your budgets and/or needs