About Us

I'm Nico, and this is the Fan Niche.

My inspiration for starting a small art business was simple enough- As Artist Alleys have always been my favorite part of live events, and I too, am an artist. The name 'Fan Niche' comes from my desire to see more obscure fandom properties represented in these spaces. Why spend all my time tearing my hair out over the lack of certain merch, when I could be the one to make that merch instead?

It's this philosophy that drives my customization policy. I will always have commissions open for every product I offer- And I will always offer those commissions at discounts for existing media properties. For example, if you wanted a commission worth $60 USD for a keychain of your OC, it would still be $60. But if you wanted that keychain of an existing media property, I'd cut that to $30, as I can then add it to my inventory. And if you wanted a different character of a media property already represented in the shop, it would be further reduced to $20. As somebody who has deep love for media with small fandoms, I absolutely want to be able to provide affordable options for others in this boat with me.

Speaking of others in this boat with me, as the Fan Niche grows, we've also invited others to contribute to the business. My friend Ren has a few products in the inventory, and is an incredibly helpful assistant at live events. My partner Cain has yet to add anything to the inventory, but has been incredibly supportive and helpful in every imaginable way. I hope to be able to continue lifting up other artists along with me. By being the one to deal with all the logistics, I can enable my friends to grow at my side without being bogged down in details.

Growing up, I always wanted to create for a living. For a time, that seemed unrealistic- But as I focus on building my small business and improving my art, I see a future where that's a reality. When you buy from the Fan Niche, you help us- a group of queer and disabled artists- get one step closer to that future.

Fandom Branch:

Prideful Fandom is 'The Fandom Branch' of Nico's Fan Niche, and the collection which aligns most closely with the original form of the business- Selling fan merchandise at anime and video game conventions. Prideful Fandom is where you'll still find anything connected to an existing media property, to furry fandom, and to LGBTQ+ Pride.

Products you'll find in Prideful Fandom include keychains, stickers, pins, standees, figurines, apparel, and more.

Fashion Branch:

Comfi Kei is 'The Fashion Branch' of Nico's Fan Niche. While this isn't the only place on the site you'll find apparel, it is where you'll find a certain mission statement. Alt Style Is For Everyone! I've been interested in cool fashion for years, but I always had trouble finding pieces that worked for me. At the intersection of being autistic, disabled, transmasc, and larger than a US Medium, it felt like there wasn't a lot of room for me to experiment. Any given piece I picked up could turn out to be too small, too uncomfortable, or too feminine for my comfort... So with Comfi Kei, I seek to gradually grow a catalogue of comfortable go-to pieces that anybody can be happy wearing. Partnering with the manufacture company Merchize, I'm able to design unique patterns for casual clothing items in soft polyester weaves. Comfi Kei items are priced such that I'll still break even during sales- If they're out of your price range and you're somebody who feels blocked out of other alt fashion for any reason, please reach out about discounts.

Fantasy Branch