Creators After Dark 2026 - Artist Application

The Artist Alley is the heart of Creators After Dark, reserved specifically for independent creators, designers, and artisans who sell their original work and fan-made creations. This space celebrates the unique, personal craft that defines fandom.

This is the right category for you if:

• You are the primary creator of the merchandise you intend to sell (e.g., illustrator, sculptor, jeweler, comic artist, textile artist).
• Your products are typically handmade, drawn, designed, or customized by you or your small, dedicated team.
• Your inventory consists primarily of original illustrations, prints, stickers, hand-bound books, resin crafts, small-batch enamel pins, or custom apparel featuring your own intellectual property (IP) or derivative fan designs.

Note: Payment is not required upon submission. Your application will undergo a review process in which you will be notified of your approval status before payment is applied.

If you are a content creator, please consider applying as a guest as there will be considerations for full/partial table placement upon request.

Mandatory Policies in this Section: All products must be 100% human-made. Absolutely no AI-generated artwork or products sourced via drop-shipping are permitted. Products are expected to reflect a high standard of quality, originality, and direct creative input. The original creator of the art must be present at your Artist Alley table and must match the provided name in your application.

This Agreement outlines the terms for all approved Exhibitors (Artists and Dealers) accepted to vend at Creators After Dark (CAD) from April 2-5, 2026, at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel. These terms supplement, and do not replace, the general Creators After Dark Anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy.

1. Product Integrity and Prohibited Sales
   1. No Drop-Shipping Policy (MANDATORY):
      Exhibitors (both Artists and Dealers) are strictly prohibited from selling products acquired via drop-shipping or from unverified wholesale sources where the Exhibitor cannot demonstrate direct creative input or ethical sourcing/licensing. The intent of the CAD sales floor is to showcase original work, fan-made items, and ethically sourced merchandise. Violation of this clause will result in immediate closure of the booth and removal from the event without refund.
   2. Prohibited AI-Generated and Unlicensed Art Policy (MANDATORY):
      Artwork or merchandise that is created using a text-to-image AI generator or that relies on the use of other artists' images without their express, verifiable permission is absolutely not permitted. This policy applies to all products, including but not limited to prints, apparel, and accessories, and is in place to protect the integrity of human-made art and the livelihoods of the creators we champion. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the immediate removal of the offending products and may lead to a permanent ban from future Creators After Dark events.
   3. Original Work Requirement (Artist Alley): Artists must primarily display and sell original works, handmade crafts, or derivative fan art created by the exhibiting artist(s). Mass-produced items (e.g., standard factory-printed phone cases, generic commercial toys) are prohibited in the Artist Alley unless they feature the Artist's original work.
   4. Prohibited Content: The sale or display of counterfeit, bootleg, illegally pirated, or stolen goods is strictly forbidden. The sale of any items that violate the CAD Code of Conduct (e.g., items promoting hate speech or illegal activities) is also prohibited.
   5. Adult Content Guidelines (18+): As an 18+ event, Exhibitors are permitted to display and sell mature content, provided it is discreetly displayed and clearly marked as such. The Exhibitor is solely responsible for ensuring that only attendees with appropriate age verification (CAD badge) access mature materials.
2. General Exhibitor Logistics
   1. Space Assignment: Booth spaces are assigned by CAD staff. Exhibitors must operate entirely within the confines of their assigned area and must not obstruct fire lanes or adjacent booths.
   2. Setup and Breakdown: Exhibitors must complete setup before the Dealers Hall opens to the public on Friday and must remain fully set up until closing time on Sunday. Early breakdown is strictly prohibited.
   3. Staffing and Credentials: All Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or older. Exhibitor credentials are non-transferable and must be worn at all times.
   4. Liability and Insurance: The Exhibitor is solely responsible for insuring their merchandise and equipment against theft, damage, or loss. CAD, LLC and the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel are not liable for any loss or damage incurred.
3. Financial and Legal Compliance
   1. Sales Tax: The Exhibitor is solely responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying all applicable state and local sales taxes on their transactions. CAD, LLC will not collect or remit sales tax on behalf of the Exhibitor.
   2. Licensing and IP: The Exhibitor represents and warrants that all items sold comply with applicable copyright and intellectual property (IP) laws. The Exhibitor assumes all liability for any claims or actions arising from the unauthorized use of trademarks or copyrighted materials.
4. Termination and Enforcement
   1. Violation: Failure to comply with any of these Terms and Conditions, especially the No Drop-Shipping Policy (1.1) or the Code of Conduct, will result in immediate termination of the contract, closure of the booth, and removal from the Event without refund or recourse.
   2. Final Decision: The Head of Operations and/or the Venue Manager retains the right to make final decisions on the interpretation and enforcement of these rules.

BY SUBMITTING THE ARTIST APPLICATION, THE ARTIST ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO ALL TERMS STATED HEREIN.