Post-San Diego Comic Con 2012

Back from San Diego Comic Con!

Before I get down to business about the con, I’ve got some new art on the site. Here is just a small taste, so be sure to check around for more.

All right! Back to the con!

First, let me just get this out of the way: it was awesome and everything you will ever dream of. We met some awesome fellow fans and some really cool exhibitors. Everyone was just happy to be there. The good vibes were flying.

So, as some of you may or may not know, I hung out at the portfolio reviews on the first official day of the con (it went well, thanks for asking). While I was sitting there, I thought about how I wish I knew more of what to expect. Each con has their own way of doing these, and sometimes it can be exhausting keeping what’s what in line. I decided to do a write-up of the whole process. I’ve had a few awesome artists give me some helpful advice or materials along the way—shout out to Mike Deodato, you rock!—and if this helps anyone prepare I’ll consider it a job well done.

For some thoughts and musings on the portfolio review scene….First things first: Each con is different.

Not only is each con different in the set up, but different companies/people go to each one and look for different things. The more you know ahead of time, the better off you’ll be.

San Diego is by far the most organized regarding portfolios. They have to be with how many people are there. The con publishes what companies will be there and what days and times. They also say what each is looking for so you’ll know if your portfolio fits the criteria. The con also keeps up the previous year’s companies and info so you can get a ballpark idea.

Portfolio reviews were in the Sails pavilion and were run by a really awesome group of workers and volunteers. So, you arrive first thing in the morning and fill out your information on a slip for each company you wish to see at least a half hour before they are scheduled to start. A list is generated randomly and each company goes through their list at their own pace. If they go through the first list quickly, more names are added. If you’re on a list, your name is called three times before they move on to the next person. Just be aware of what’s going on around you because they are trying to see as many people as they can.

Talk to the people around you!

I met some really awesome folks while we were all waiting. It helps pass the time and you can learn a bit about the companies reviewing. You may also make some really cool connections.

If you do get on a review list, be polite. I can never understand the rude people, so just be polite. Remember to thank them for their time. Whether they like your stuff or not, they took the time to look through your portfolio. Thank them for it.

Some general portfolio tips:

1. This one comes from Glass House Graphics—printers tend to print dark. Adjust your files accordingly.
2. Have something nice to display your work in. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but I find something with a decently hard cover is most effective. It’s unlikely to bend and ruin your work.
3. Consider writing a cover letter.
4. Have all of your information on each piece of art. You never know if something will get separated.

These are just a few things I’m starting to pick up. Hopefully one of you will find this helpful.

Feel free to ask me questions! I’m by no means an expert, but I like to chat about art.