Tsukicon Art & Content Policy
Last updated: Sept 28th, 2025
At Tsukicon, we celebrate creativity in all its forms; art, music, cosplay, and performance. As a convention built on community expression and cultural respect, we ask that all participating artists, vendors, and exhibitors follow the guidelines below when displaying or selling creative work.
These rules apply to all artist alley and exhibitor participants, as well as guests or attendees who are distributing, gifting, or displaying art in any capacity within event spaces.
No AI-Generated or AI-Enhanced Art
AI-generated or AI-enhanced artwork is not permitted at Tsukicon under any circumstances. This includes artwork made using generative AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, etc...) or artwork that relies on AI-based enhancement tools in a way that significantly contributes to its final visual appeal.
This policy applies to:
- Artists and vendors selling or displaying artwork
- Attendees gifting, showcasing, or distributing AI art
- Printed and digital media displayed at any booth, table, or installation
While we recognize that artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool in digital experimentation, Tsukicon exists as a celebration of human creativity, skill, and intentional expression. Every piece of art should reflect the unique hand and heart of the artist behind it.
Fan Art & Derivative Works
Fan art is welcome, but it must be clearly derivative and transformative. This means:
- No direct screenshots, official key art, or copied logos
- No traced or lightly altered images from original media unless the final product is distinct and not dependent on the trace for its value
- Art must not infringe on trademarks, character likenesses, or brand assets in a way that violates fair use or misrepresents ownership
If an IP holder contacts us with a takedown request, Tsukicon reserves the right to remove any artwork and/or vendor without refund. This applies even if the work in question was originally approved during the application process.
Merchandise & Reproductions (Artists)
Not all art needs to be handmade in the traditional sense. Artists are welcome to sell:
- Prints, posters, apparel, keychains, pins, stickers, etc.
- Digitally illustrated or graphically produced art
- Professionally manufactured merchandise (e.g., screen-printed tees, enamel pins, etc.)
What matters is originality. If the creative work is yours and meets the above criteria (no AI, transformative, derivative work), you’re good to go.
Merchandise & Reproductions (Vendors)
Vendors are welcome to sell a wide variety of products, including figures, apparel, collectibles, accessories, and more. However, all merchandise must meet the following guidelines:
- No counterfeit or bootleg items of any kind
- All products must be officially licensed or original, self-produced goods
- Resold merchandise must not infringe on copyrights or trademarks
- Vendors who operate as resellers only are expected to respect artists and creators by not overshadowing or imitating their original work
We aim to support both independent creators and licensed vendors while protecting the integrity of the fandom spaces we all love. We reserve the right to request removal of any merchandise that violates these guidelines.
Music & Video Content
Any music, video, or multimedia content played or displayed at a vendor or artist table must be used with proper licensing or permission from the rights holder.
This includes:
- Background music
- Anime video loops
- Animated clips used as visual display
Please ensure all content is cleared for public exhibition use. Unauthorized public playback of copyrighted content is not permitted. Be mindful that any music or video content played at your booth should be kept at a reasonable volume to avoid disrupting nearby guests, artists, vendors, or ongoing convention events.
Prohibited Content
We do not permit:
- Any artwork or merchandise flagged by IP holders with a Do Not Sell (DNS) request
- Any art that depicts or implies minors in sexual or adult situations
This includes stylized or fictional characters that may be interpreted as minors
When in doubt, leave it out.
We reserve the right to remove any content or exhibitor that violates these standards.
18+ / Mature Content Policy
We are currently evaluating the demand for adult content at Tsukicon. Should we allow adult-oriented materials, they must adhere to strict display and access policies. These rules will apply depending on where the materials are shown:
A. In the Main Exhibitor Hall
If adult content is permitted in the main hall, it must:
- Not be visible to attendees under 18
- Be censored with sticky notes, stickers, or coverings
- Be stored in a clearly marked, closed binder or portfolio
- Not be mixed in with general/SFW material; NSFW work must be separated and discreet
- Be shown only when requested, and handled respectfully
- Only be sold to attendees age 18+, with ID verification required
- Be packaged in a solid, opaque, non-transparent bag or folder
Our staff reserves the right to inspect and request the removal of any materials that do not meet these standards.
B. In the Dedicated Adult Content Area (If Available)
If Tsukicon offers a dedicated 18+ content area:
- Uncensored adult content may be displayed freely
- Attendees must show ID for entry and will be age-verified
- Vendors may sell adult-themed items, including art books, accessories, and toys
- All adult purchases must still be packaged in solid, non-transparent bags or folders
We will release more detailed guidance if and when 18+ zones become part of the show floor.
Questions & Clarifications
We understand that art is personal, and every piece is different. If you’re unsure whether something is permitted, please reach out before the event and we’ll be happy to review it with you.
Contact: contact@izakaya.moe
Subject line: “Art Policy Question - [Your Name]”
Thank you for helping us make Tsukicon a respectful, inspiring, and truly original space for everyone.
🌙 Tsukicon. Under the moonlight, we gather.