Server Roles

Use the buttons below to explore the available roles in our Discord.
Each section provides detailed information about the role and any requirements you’ll need to meet before applying.

Server Role: Artist

Artist Role Requirements

Make sure to read all requirements and rules thoroughly before applying!

🎨Artists: AAN is a portfolio-based curated art community. We are looking for artists who are involved in Artist Alleys or are ready to begin doing so.✏️Authors: Please link us your portfolio, it must be AA related (fantasy and etc, not just editorial work).💃Studios: Each member must apply with a portfolio containing only their own contributions. We will not accept a shared group portfolio.

  • Please make sure your portfolio is Artist Alley-adjacent or your application will be rejected.

  • An active storefront is not required for entry. Artist roles require a storefront OR an up-to-date portfolio.

  • If you're part of a studio, each member must apply with their own, separate portfolio.

  • All artwork in your portfolio must be your own creation and should reflect work that you personally created, officially licensed artwork where you have a paid commercial license from the IP holder. Exceptions to this would be for cases where you hand-make products (soaps/candles/etc) and commission art for the labels. This includes products shown in your portfolio, online stores, social media, and table setup photos.

  • Why are our rules so "strict"? We adhere to the same standards put in place by the Artist Alleys of larger conventions.

Portfolio Requirements

  • Minimum of 15 completed pieces created in the last 12 months.

  • Completed pieces do not have to be huge, complicated pieces that take you months to complete. Anything that would be considered ready-to-sell in an artist alley would be considered a completed piece of work.

  • Variations of the same item (e.g., a cat in 15 different colors) count as one piece.

  • If your portfolio lacks timestamps, we will expect significantly more pieces to verify activity.

  • Acceptable platforms for portfolios:
    Weebly, Carrd, Wix, Instagram, DeviantArt, Etsy, Shopify, or other active storefronts.

  • Unacceptable platforms for portfolios:
    🚫 Google Drive, Imgur, Photobucket, or any other cloud-based drive.
    🚫 Do not send us Google Drive—doing so will result in an instant rejection of your application.
    🚫 Twitter/X links are not valid portfolios.

Guidelines for Accepted Portfolio Content:
Your portfolio must primarily showcase AA-related content.The following are NOT accepted as a majority of your portfolio:

  • Children's books

  • Storyboards, animation, previs, or design work

  • Non-commercial art

  • 3D digital modeling

  • Class projects

  • Portfolios requiring a login (e.g., Tumblr)

  • Inactive/closed stores linked as your main portfolio

Note: We don’t have an issue with any of the types of art listed above. You can absolutely include a few pieces from these categories. However, the portfolio you submit should be curated toward selling or vending in an Artist Alley—not geared toward applying for a job.

Alternative to a Portfolio:
If you don’t have a portfolio, you may submit proof of active, current Artist Alley participation.
This includes multiple booth photos with close-ups of your products, following the rest of our guidelines.

Note: We strongly recommend setting up a proper portfolio website for yourself—not just for us, but for convention applications. A standalone portfolio makes you look more professional, and many conventions require one.

What We Will Not Accept Under Any Circumstances
Your portfolio and merchandise must NOT include:

  • Official logos, names, images, stock art or other copyrighted/ trademarked material

  • Show/Character names on products

  • AI-generated art / NFTs

  • 3D printing of others' models

  • Resin work using molds made from stolen art

  • Reselling wholesale items from Aliexpress or similar sites

Key Points to Remember

Traces and unauthorized use of official copyrighted/trademarked material are strictly prohibited.This includes utilizing screenshots or official artwork (2D or 3D) on products, tracing from screenshots or official art, or using official logos/character names without authorization.For upcycled products, ensure items are clearly labeled as coming from official sources.
For art challenges, redraws, or scene recreations, make sure your artwork is clearly distinguishable from the original in style.

Do NOT use official logos AND/OR names on your products. (This includes, but not limited to, IP titles and character names)Parody or generic names are okay!

Do NOT use official artwork in or on your products. (This includes, but not limited to, screenshots, logos, traces)Redraws are okay, just make sure its in your own style.

Rejected Portfolio?

The mods don't deny applications without reason.
Make sure to re-read the rules and all the requirements.You are welcome to re-apply again during the next entry cycle, as long as your new application better adheres to the rules/requirements.DO NOT privately message mods or admins about your application denial.We will not respond to DMs or #modmail asking why you didn’t get the Artist role. Please compare your portfolio to these requirements before applying again.

Server Role: Helper

Helper Role Requirements

  • The main artist that you assist must already be an active member in the AAN discord with the artist role. If your artist is not active during a 6 month period, we will revoke your role as helper and you will be kicked. Your artist will have to request you again to gain access.

  • You must also already have joined the server. The artist you assist will fill out a Helper Request ticket and, if approved, you will have your role changed to reflect it. (We can't adjust your role if you're not in the server.)

  • The artist you assist must file a Helper Request within the discord. Helpers may only be assigned to ONE artist, and an artist may only have ONE helper.

  • Helpers cannot Advertise their own shop. If you are interested in gaining full access, you must reapply as an artist.

Server Role: AA Staff

AA Staff Role Requirements

  • You must be AA Staff or a Director involved with AA

  • We will need to see credentials (badge, email, name, position). Without these, you will not be accepted.

  • Staff Identities will not be revealed to the group.

  • Highlighted staff role is available for certain large-scale conventions. Please speak to us via #modmail after acceptance for more information on this.

Server Role: Manufacturer

Manufacturer Role Requirements

  • You can apply for this role if you are a large-scale manufacturer with the ability to handle high demands

  • You must link us your manufacturing website

  • NO MIDDLEMAN BUSINESSES ALLOWED

Server Role: Media Liaison

Media Liaison Role Requirements

  • You must provide credentials and proof of position via social media/linked in

  • You MUST fit into the Artist Alley scene

  • AAN is not a place for you if your company is hostile towards fan works

How this Works

Entry Forms for the group are open from the 15th to the end of the month.

How to Join Our Group:

  • Step 1: READ ALL OF THE RULES.

  • Step 2: Join the Discord. (You won't have access to all the channels yet.)

  • Step 3: Choose the role that fits you best

  • Step 4: Fill out the Entry Form for the role you chose (fill ALL required fields)

  • Step 5: Wait to be assigned to your role! **

The group of moderators will review your entry application and assign you a role. They review your app to make sure that everything aligns to our rules.Make sure you are already IN the discord before filling out the entry form. If you are not in the group, we can't assign you a role to give you access.** Role assigning process can take up to 3 weeks. We know you're excited to join, but please have patience with us. This time may fluctuate depending on convention season, holidays, and the amount of applications we receive in an open period.

Application denied?

The mods don't deny applications without reason.
Make sure to re-read the rules and all the requirements for the role you chose.You are welcome to re-apply again during the next entry cycle, as long as your new application better adheres to the rules/requirements.DO NOT privately message mods or admins about your application denial.

Removed from the server?

We understand that being removed from the group can be unexpected. Please know that we never ban or remove members without cause. Our guidelines exist to ensure a safe and supportive community, and we will enforce them when necessary.When you joined, you agreed to follow these rules, and any removal or ban follows multiple steps to address broken guidelines. We’re always here to support those who engage respectfully, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation in maintaining a positive environment for all members.

Can’t access the Discord?

You were likely banned for breaking our rules—the most common reason being IP violations, though witch-hunting or harmful behavior are also possible.If your social media, portfolio, or booth display still show products that violate our rules, you will not be readmitted. Attempting to circumvent the ban with a backup account or by hiding but still selling the problematic pieces will result in a permanent ban.If you’d like to rejoin, and it has been at least 90 days since your ban, please fill out the appeal survey. [We will post a link for that here shortly. It is currently a work in progress]

Server Rules

💜 Be Respectful!
Respect the mods and your fellow users.
Nobody likes a bully and there will be no tolerance for rudeness, personal attacks, or anything along those general lines.❤️ Contacting the Mod Team
- Use #modmail channel
❌ DO NOT directly DM any mods with an AAN question or for any reason.
DO NOT send mods unsolicited friend requests. Mods will NOT reply to personal DMs.💙 Chat Behavior & Etiquette

  • No sharing identifying info (names, social media, art, posts, screenshots, etc.) without permission. This applies to artists, customers, coworkers—anyone but yourself. Please remember that this is a public server with thousands of people, most of whom will be strangers.

  • Prohibited: Bigotry, racism, homophobia, transphobia, body shaming, illegal or harmful content, and health/safety risks.

  • Also Prohibited: We are now strictly prohibiting posting photos of children under the age of 18. If they appear in the background of convention photos, that’s fine, but do not post your own or others' kids. The internet can be a dangerous place, and in a server with strangers, internet safety remains a priority.

  • No screencaps of AAN discord conversations outside the group. Paraphrasing is fine. Even if screennames are hidden. But absolutely no screenshots. Violations may result in a Timeout or Ban, depending on severity. This policy is in place to maintain a safe space for artists to freely express their opinions on events, manufacturers, etc., within our community.

  • Stay On Topic. Be sure to follow the specific rules for each channel. Off-topic chatter will get a nudge and get redirected towards the proper channel.

  • 📌 Check The Pins In main channels/threads, there is typically important information and/or answers to common questions pinned for easy reference and searching.

➡️ Source Questions
If you see something a person has made or created and you're curious where they had it made, head to #manus_sourcing channel and discuss it there. Respect the privacy of individuals who don't feel comfortable giving their suppliers for any reason. If you're posting an image to an example product or display, be sure to give credit to the original creator!➡️ Fanart Legality Discussions
Fanart is allowed, but discussions on fanart legality are banned to avoid heated debates. It's perfectly fine to point out if an IP allows/disallows fanart for the sake of informing someone so they can make an educated decision, but let's not dwell on the topic of "is fanart legal."➡️ Tax and Law Questions
For tax and legal advice, please consult a professional. This group is not qualified to address specific tax or legal questions.❌ No Posting Twitter/X Links in the Group. #Con_News is the only channel exempt from this rule.

❓ Why Are The Rules So Strict?
Our rules reflect the standards you’ll find in large convention Artist Alleys, where IP protection and artist security are top priorities. Some of these rules protect both the server and its artists. We’ve had to learn from past experiences - like when an IP lawyer joined our old FB group, reported posts, and ultimately got the entire group shut down. To avoid a repeat in our discord server, we have clear guidelines and requirements for roles. By adhering to these rules, we can continue offering a safe, supportive community for everyone.