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Making connections/getting a job at a comic convention
Arfenhouse
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
As a forward, I'm 22, I'm young and stupid, I'm still learning new things every day, and I realize my portfolio isn't the most amazing thing on the internet.
I'm going to the Wizard-hosted New Orleans Comic Con this weekend. I will be going with my laptop with my portfolio up, a gallery of my work loaded on my phone for quick viewing, a stack of business cards, and some resumes. My goal for the weekend is to get a solid contact, someone I can talk and communicate with during my last semester of college at LSU. You know, networking, all that. It'd be AMAZING to get a job offer (as we've all heard that story of that one person who got hired at a convention), but I won't be holding my breath.
I guess what I need help/advice with is how I should actually approach industry people at the convention. I don't really know what else to say. My nerves are going crazy and I guess I need some mature and rational voices. Which would be all of you. This is just a rare opportunity and I'm trying to take advantage of it.
As an aside, I'm thinking of becoming a more active PA forum member. So, hi everyone.
I'm going to the Wizard-hosted New Orleans Comic Con this weekend. I will be going with my laptop with my portfolio up, a gallery of my work loaded on my phone for quick viewing, a stack of business cards, and some resumes. My goal for the weekend is to get a solid contact, someone I can talk and communicate with during my last semester of college at LSU. You know, networking, all that. It'd be AMAZING to get a job offer (as we've all heard that story of that one person who got hired at a convention), but I won't be holding my breath.
I guess what I need help/advice with is how I should actually approach industry people at the convention. I don't really know what else to say. My nerves are going crazy and I guess I need some mature and rational voices. Which would be all of you. This is just a rare opportunity and I'm trying to take advantage of it.
As an aside, I'm thinking of becoming a more active PA forum member. So, hi everyone.
Arfenhouse on
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If you want to get a job, ask who is hiring. If you want some input on your art, ask for input on your art. If you want to meet people, introduce yourself.
Well the artist's corner is for art input. I guess what I'm asking is:
A. What else should I do to prepare for the weekend and/or speaking with potential employers?
B. Most artists at booths are there to promote their own work, and I don't want to devalue that, but I'm not going there to gush over Eisner Award Winners. I want advice on how to talk to these guys and make connections and create opportunities, not just get written off as some artist kid begging for a job.
http://www.arfenhaus.com
http://arfenhaus.blogspot.com
"So how did you get started?"
"Who did you first work for?"
"How long have you been in the industry?"
"Do you have any advice for someone trying to _____?"
You need to strike up a conversation first and foremost.
THANK YOU. I was drawing a complete nervous blank on what questions to ask. I know you're probably going "uh, duh", but I needed some starter questions.
http://www.arfenhaus.com
http://arfenhaus.blogspot.com
Im assuming you are looking to get a gig as an artist.
Ive been to a few cons so...
A printed portfolio would make your life much much easier. I dont like the phone Idea because its just so small, Ive also seen Art Directors/Editors refuse to look at work on a phone. The reason a printed portfolio is better than a laptop is simply because its faster. That extra time spent getting the lap top ready is time they would have spent looking at the work. Also.. you are going to run the battery out.. and waste time having to charge it.
Be prepared for a lot of rejection. Dont take shit to personal. Looking briefly at your website my judgement that the body of work is a bit immature. I cant immediately discern what market you are trying to pull work from (Dont worry I was exactly the same and still have that problem)
Hit up the artist alley for advice as well. Or whatever they are calling the place where artists get booths to sell their stuff.
If there are multiple people working at a booth you like, try to a couple of them at different times of the day. More exposure..
I would absolutely love to have a printed portfolio. I was thinking about taking some of my smaller artworks, but to be honest I'm not looking to get into anything traditional media-wise. Most of what I do is digital, and I definitely don't have the money to print out a quality portfolio.
I'm okay with rejection, like I said my main goal for the weekend is to just get an industry contact or two, someone who I can keep in contact with for when I'm out of school, and someone who I can show progress to so they see my level of commitment to the industry.
As far as the immaturity of my portfolio, I completely understand. I'm finishing up a Painting and Drawing program at LSU, working full time, all that. Once I get out of school, I'm going to be spending most of my free time learning and learning and posting stuff on the AC and learning more. I've just realized that I need to gtfo out of school.
http://www.arfenhaus.com
http://arfenhaus.blogspot.com