Time to game up for Comic Creator Connection

27 JUNE 2017

The chance to meet your creative soulmate is back. SDCC's Comic Creator Connection gives you the chance to go speed-dating amongst unpartnered creatives just like you, letting you interview potential comic creators to find the perfect person to draw your ideas or write your story.

Unlike a novelist or painter who can take their creations from conception to birth on their own, comic creators usually need to collaborate with someone. Rare is the person who can not only draw, ink, color and write but do all of them skillfully. Comic Creator Connection gives you the opportunity to examine a potential collaborator's creative style and personality and possibly strike up a partnership.

Who Can Go

Anyone, but you should have some kind of solid offering before you sit down at the table. If you've never written or penciled in your life but might want to some day, this isn't for you. This is for emerging professionals looking for collaborators who can do the work. Yes, it's okay if you're just starting out and have no real credits to your name, as long as you're committed to making it happen.

How It Works

You spend a few minutes with prospective partners to assess each other's style, skill and personality. The compatibility is there or it isn't. If it is? Exchange contact info and samples, with something to visually jog their memory later. If it's not? Be polite and thank them and say you'd like to think about it. If you get shot down, be gracious. Usually both people kind of vaguely thank each other when they know it's not a match.

Where and When It's Happening

Friday from 7:00-9:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Both sessions will be in the Santa Rosa room at the Marriott. You need badged access for that day - this isn't open to outsiders.

How to Sign Up

Email programs@comic-con.org and tell them if you're an artist or writer and which day you'd like to attend. Artists can go both days; writers, you have to pick just one.


What to Bring

• Water
• Business cards with a link to your digital portfolio
• Digital business cards if possible to connect right there
• 20 copies of a good art or writing sample
• A good pitch that sells your project and offers your skill set/credentials without bragging
• A succinct summary of your goals, your influences and your availability
• Something to take notes on
• A positive attitude and realistic expectations

What to Expect

The potential to make new friends and contacts. If you go in guns blazing and tell everyone you're the next Brian Vaughan, or if you expect to meet the next Fiona Staples and will accept nothing less, your Comic Creator Connection experience will not be a success. Instead, get to know the people you're meeting and be gracious even if you think they're amateurs. If you do make a career for yourself in this industry, you'll be surprised at some of the people who come up with you - so try to stay on decent terms with everyone. And don't let your ego get in the way; ask your new comrades how they're networking and getting ahead. You'll find out who's publishing new writers, which house is looking for inkers and other tips that established pros often have no clue about.



Other Tips

You'll meet anywhere from 1-2 dozen people, so don't expect to remember everyone's face, name and work style. Collect cards, connect on social and jot down a numeric level of your interest on a scale from 1-10. If you have a digital portfolio, include a photo of yourself or accurate drawing so other people can remember you more easily.

It's always awkward rejecting someone to their face, so have a few diplomatic lines prepared when you know you never want to work with someone. If you yourself are paralyzed by the fear of rejection, well, this is a low-stakes way to work through it.

Ask questions. Just because someone has a pretty sample doesn't mean they're responsible, finish projects, listen to other people's ideas or handle business intelligently. If you like someone's work right off the bat, dig in and find out if they've got chops beyond talent. Definitely ask if they've been part of remote collaboration in the past and what their project history is. If their creative past includes 7 drafts that died of starvation 60% in, consider that a red flag. Ask if they have a demanding day job, 5 kids or something else that claims all their time.

Bring hard copies. Showing off on your iPad and shooting them a link is all well and good, but giving them something physical is more likely to keep you top of mind. Offer enough samples to showcase your versatility and package them in a way that protects them and maybe makes the recipient feel guilty about tossing it. I once was at an event where I received samples from 11 writers, and one had packaged hers like a restaurant menu with elaborate design and thick plastic. I kept it (and remembered her) for a long time just because I felt bad about throwing it away.

Is it worth going?

I've heard mixed reviews on Comic Creator Connection the last two years; it seems to depend on who shows up that day, what you expect, and what you offer. You can always hit up the All Stars panel on Saturday at 10 in room 23ABC to see how other people have walked away with a successful collaboration in hand. Overall, I'd say that carving an hour or two out of your Con is worth it.

Jack Kirby is enthroned on the Souvenir Guide cover

31 MAY 2017

100 years ago, someone named Jack Kirby was born to co-create the world of comic books and superheroes as we know them. To acknowledge his spirit birthday - and honor another famous comic book cover - Bruce Timm and Todd Klein offer us a Souvenir Book cover that's markedly different from past covers.

You can see the original cover they drew inspiration from below: #141 Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen, on sale for 25 cents! I love old comic books so I'm down with this.  What do you think?

 

First-timers, you may be wondering what a Souvenir Book is. The "Souvenir" part sounds a bit frivolous, as if this is just a glossy keepsake, but the annual Souvenir Book is something you'll enjoy reading - full of interesting articles and art. You'll receive your copy when you arrive at the Con.

We're finally past the aggravating part of Comic-Con season and into the good part. Can you feel it?

Submit your work for the Souvenir Book

2 FEBRUARY 2017

Much like Punxsutawney Phil, I'm going to make a prediction: I think this year's San Diego Comic-Con is going to be great. I just have a feeling. That doesn't mean we'll all get rooms at the Marriott Marquis, or be carried to the front row of Hall H on a palanquin, but I do feel like the programming, the guests, the surprises, the overall experience, will be exciting and satisfying for most attendees.

Yet one place this year falls oddly short is the anniversaries being celebrated. Each year CCI notes important dates - a famous artist's birthday, the anniversary of a character or comic book - and those themes guide art and narrative work submitted for the Souvenir Book. That's the thick, pretty journal full of articles and artwork you receive at SDCC. Some years are just ripe with these anniversaries. Last year was an abundance of riches.

This year, though, is slim pickings. That isn't to cast shade on anyone or anything being celebrated. It's just a smaller number of opportunities around which to center your work:

The 100th birthdays of Jack Kirby and Will Eisner. Obviously there's a wealth of their characters and achievements to be inspired by. In addition, CCI wants you to share any memories or personal encounters you may have had with these gentlemen. You could be featured in their "Close Encounters of the Kirby/Eisner Kind" series.

Weirdly, CCI says, "This year's book will also salute a number of other comic creators with milestone anniversaries in articles." Um... like who? Tell us so we can write/draw/paint about it, CCI.

Then there's the 50th Anniversary of Batgirl. If last summer's Killing Joke gargoyle-dominated sex scene left you deeply unsettled, this is your chance to reimagine our Barbara in happier surroundings. There's a lot of creative potential for this one, I'd say.

And finally we have the 25th Anniversary of Batman: The Animated Series. Again, this should be a fun basis for creating something - but the trick will be to rise above the pack of Joker and Harley Quinn art submissions. The Ventriloquist or the Clock King would be my choice, but I'm sure you creatives will come up with something novel.

As always, you do not need to be a pro in any sense of the word to submit for the Souvenir Book. Give it a shot. You do need to follow specific formats and requirements, so review this carefully. Then submit your work by 14 April. Who knows - maybe everyone at Comic-Con will be admiring your genius this July.

Interview with Grant Morrison

22 JULY 2016

For those of you who don't know, Grant Morrison is now the editor of Heavy Metal. (You can check out the 2 issues he's helmed at booth 1529, along with back issues.) During the panel, Morrison, Kevin Eastman and others talked about the possibility of another Heavy metal movie (yes, it's possible but it didn't seem much on their minds), the future of the magazine ("more sex and intensified science fiction") and what they look for during the submission process: "the buzz of novelty."

Afterward I talked to Morrison and he shared some advice for emerging writers and artists.

On balancing your own direction with the dictates of the marketplace:

"It's hard not to be dictated to because the world is going that way and there's always middle-aged people telling young people what to do. But the one thing I tell everybody is this: be honest with your own life because no one else has ever lived your life. No one else has ever seen through your eyes. You might have seen something everyone else missed. So it's really important to use your experience - if your parents die, write about it."

On skill in storytelling:

"I'm not an advocate of diary comics. You have to turn your experience into myth, symbol, something everyone else can relate to. Because everyone's had those same feelings. If you can say it in a way that reaches out to people and makes them feel less alone, or makes it more understandable and do it in a way that is genuine and truthful, you will be original. You can't fail. Always be true to yourself and don't do what you're told to do."

On partnering creativity with pragmatism:

"At the same time if you want to be a commercial artist, you have to learn some rules. Because there are rules. If you go in pitching and they demand a three-act structure, you've got to know that stuff. If you want to play guitar, train yourself to play guitar, but at the same time, play it with your heart."

So there you have it, wisdom from one of the most original writers working today. And do check out Heavy Metal - based on some of the work we saw last night, future issues will take you on a very colorful journey.

Yes, you CAN buy that awesome Star Trek art: Interview with Ty Mattson

12 JULY 2016

A lot of art swirls through San Diego Comic-Con each year, and much of it is really good. But every now and then some work comes through that makes the community's collective jaw drop. That happened this year with the cover of the Events Guide - an unforgettable image of Spock.

I had to know who was behind it. So I interviewed the artist, Ty Mattson, about his creative process, the Star Trek Art Exhibit coming to Comic-Con and what it's like to design for pop culture giants like Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Breaking Bad, Mattel and others.  His answers are illuminating for fans and creatives alike. Favorite quote: "The fans are are the ultimate guardians of the brand."

But I know many of you have been wondering about this, so here it is: yes, you can have the above image for your very own. 2 different 18x24 silk-screen prints will go on sale on 20, July, Wednesday on Ty's site: MattsonCreative.com. One is the above art (without the Events Guide, logo, etc) and the other is this:

Hi Ty. What can you tell us about the Star Trek art exhibit and your piece(s) in particular? Are you a Trekkie? 

The Star Trek exhibit is a global art exhibition to commemorate Star Trek’s 50th anniversary. 50 artists from from around the world were selected to create 2D and 3D pieces inspired by the series. 

Spock is an emotionally relevant figure for many nerds - do you personally relate to him?

I’ve never thought of Spock as being emotionally relevant to nerds…that’s interesting. I can see that. For me the relevance is less emotional and more visual. I think Spock is iconic – he represents the entire franchise.

You've done creative work for a lot of brands in the SDCC wheelhouse, such as Cartoon Network, Fox, DreamWorks, Mattel, Jim Henson, Hasbro and Nickelodeon, and shows like Lost, The Big Bang Theory, Dexter, Breaking Bad and others. You also did an officially licensed Star Wars poster series. How nerdy are you and how does that fuel your creativity?

I am a huge fan of the properties that I have been lucky enough to work on. I grew up on pop culture – it had a profound effect on me. My imagination was shaped by the TV, movies and comics that I saw when I was young – and since I was a kid I would respond creatively. I would sit in front of our family TV with a pad and paper, or I would come home from the movie theater and fill sketch books with hundreds of drawings. It’s what I’ve always done, and it’s what I still do today. 

What is it like to create art within the parameters of a well-known fictitious universe? Do you ever run into a conflict between your vision for a character or message, and the standard fan or creator interpretation?  

That’s a great question and I think it gets at what I’ve been exploring in my art for the last few years. There are definitely rules. Sometimes you can break them…but you have to break them correctly or else it doesn’t work. I did a series of silk-screen prints for Dexter a few years back – each print reconstructed the story arc of a season visually incorporating details, icons and scenes from the show. The style was very different from the visual language that was typically associated with Dexter, and there was initially some pushback that my interpretation was "off-brand”. However when the artwork was released it was very much embraced by the fans – which is the real test if you’ve got it right. The fans are the ultimate guardians of the brand. When it comes to a well-known fictitious universe, I think that if you can figure out the heart of it – DNA of the story – what makes it unique at a core level, and stay true to that, then the interpretation will resonate regardless of the style. 

Interpreting a well-know property is a tricky business though. You’re meddling with something that millions of people hold very dear. So there is pressure there, but it’s nothing like the pressure that I put on myself to create something that is actually worthy of the property itself. In my work I always want to bring something new and original to the table – to interpret the property, not just imitate it. This is a huge challenge as a fan because you respect that universe so much, the last thing you want to do would be to dishonor it with some inappropriate interpretation.

I did a Star Wars series last year where I really struggled with this. I wound up approaching it from a mid-century modern point of view, where I combined my love of modern graphic design with my affection for the original Star Wars trilogy. I thought it would be interesting to answer the question of what a Star Wars poster might have looked like if the movies were released in the 1950’s. You can see them on my site (MattsonCreative.com) and decide if they are successful or not. 

SDCC has become a magnet for creatives who are looking for mentors and collaborators, as well as instruction and networking. Do you have any advice for emerging visual artists who are hoping to hook into what is essentially a humming beehive of creative expertise? What about career navigation general - what's your advice for young designers and artists trying to do meaningful work in a competitive landscape? Any guidance on balancing practical & economic concerns with creative ideals?

More good questions! We could talk about this for a long time. But I think the most important thing is to stay in touch with the things you love – the things you’re passionate about. I’ve never really thought about the idea of formal “networking” at Comic Con, I’ve just come down because I’m a fan of this world and I’m enthralled at all of the creativity. I love to be around it. 

The best advice that I could give an young designers is to take the initiative. It’s unlikely that someone else is going to hire you to do your dream project. You just have to do it. Regardless if you’re hired or commissioned to do it. The best projects that I have ever worked on were self-initiated. We have unprecedented tools at our disposal in this day and age to share the things we make…so I would encourage younger artists to combine their passion with their talent and explore what that looks like. 

Where do you draw inspiration from? 

My childhood is an endless source of inspiration for me. Like I said, I grew up on pop-culture and I have vivid memories of my first encounters with films like Star Wars and Superman. Comic books were a big part of that as well. My mom would drive me to the comic book store in 1985, and the artwork and stories from that time made a big impact on me. Experiencing Disneyland as a kid was also something I will never forget, and later in high school I worked in the park because I wanted to be around that creativity. 

There were many illustrators and authors that inspired me as well, too many to list here, but books and book covers were important to me. In college I discovered the work of graphic designers like Paul Rand, Saul Bass and Alvin Lustig, and you can see their influence on my work as well. 

What will we see from you in the future?

Lots of fun stuff in the works currently on the client-side of things for Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Sony, Universal and others, which will come out in the next year or so. My client work keeps me so busy that it’s actually difficult to find the time for self-initiated projects…but I certainly have a long list of ideas. 

Thank you, Ty!

Ty will be signing at Acme Archive's booth on Friday from 10 am - Noon and at Cartoon Network from 1 - 2:30 pm. You can also see the worldwide debut of the Star Trek art exhibit 50 Artists. 50 Years during SDCC at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts at 363 Fifth Ave #102 in San Diego. The exhibit is free and will be open Thursday-Saturday from 11 am - 8 pm and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. No tickets are needed - you can just wander in.

See you there next week.

San Diego Comic-Con marks the worldwide debut of the art exhibit 50 Artists. 50 Years. at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts in San Diego’s Gaslamp District (363 Fifth Ave #102, San Diego, CA 92101).  - See more at: http://www.startrek.com/article/star-trek-50-comic-con-details-revealed#sthash.6a5GkdbT.dpuf

ECCC Artist Alley is open to newcomers again

1 APRIL 2016



A lot of emerging artists were annoyed with Emerald City Comicon this year for shutting them out of Artist Alley. ECCC is known as a very prestigious place to exhibit and the fact that 2016 had no applications for newcomers was a sore point in the industry - especially since it's supposed to be friendly to indie creators. At the same time, its very prestige is the reason table space is in such high demand, putting ECCC in a tough spot.

So this is good news: Emerald City Comicon will accept Artist Alley applications for 2017. It doesn't mean you'll get in, necessarily, but they are making more space available (and fewer double tables) so you definitely have a shot.

Applications are open from 30 May to 1 August. Applying sooner rather than later is probably smart, though veterans and those artists who've been wait-listed for a while will get priority. Good luck.

Will you be in the Souvenir Guide this year?

21 JANUARY 2016

Writers and artists, your chance is here. Submissions are open for the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con Souvenir Guide, that annual paperback full of articles and fan art that you receive alongside your program guide.

Here are the anniversaries being celebrated this year that you'll want to reflect in your work.

• 100th birthday of Forrest J Ackerman
• 75th anniversary of Aquaman
• 75th anniversary of Archie
• 75th anniversary of Captain America
• 75th anniversary of Green Arrow
• 75th anniversary of Plastic Man
• 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman
• 50th anniversary of the Batman TV show
• 50th anniversary of Black Panther
• 50th anniversary of the Silver Surfer
• 50 years of Star Trek
• 25th anniversary of Bone
• 25th anniversary of Deadpool

 
This may be too much of a good thing. Will you draw Julie Newmar's Catwoman in all her sultry glory or write about your childhood fantasies of Spock returning you to your Vulcan birth family? Will you pen a Marxist analysis of Veronica Lodge as capitalist swine or paint a brooding Aquaman throwing down with the Silver Surfer in Atlantis?  Hard choices, hard choices. Unfortunately we only have 1 Souvenir Guide, not 10, to do justice to all these themes.

If this is your first Souvenir Guide rodeo, there are rules to follow regarding formatting; be aware that no gore or smut will be tolerated, as this book goes to an all-ages audience, and you can only submit 1 piece of work per anniversary. You can study up on the whole submission process here. But the most important thing you should know is the deadline is 15 April, which isn't that far away. Get cracking on your submission now - and your taxes, always an exercise in brutality for creatives, so you won't have to worry about both deadlines come spring.

CCI has thoughtfully provided all of the past Souvenir Guide cover art to jumpstart your Muse. I can't wait to see what gorgeous work you nerdy geniuses produce.

ECCC offers artists Schoolism Live workshops

4 DECEMBER 2015

Anyone who goes to Emerald City Comicon knows it's all about the creatives. There's a Writer's Block, panels on storytelling, writing, drawing and making comics, a dazzling Artist's Alley and a general sense of passionate creativity. It's not just about big comic book names and a smattering of celebrities like at some other Cons - ECCC caters to its attendees who are book and art fiends, whether they're fans, creators or both.

So this is some exciting news: ECCC will be holding Schoolism Live workshops. Described as featuring "the most knowledgeable and experienced artists in the industry," these workshops will demonstrate art techniques and Q&As and the chance to meet other artists. You can expect to see a range of skill levels there, so don't fret about whether you belong: sign up even if you're still a little shy about your work.

Here's who's on the docket.

7 April
Robert Kondo - 9 am - Noon: Creating Worlds
Mike Yamada - 1-3 pm: Designing to Support Your Story
Dice Tsutsumi - 3:30-6:30 pm: Color Scripts

8 April
Marcelo Vignali - 9 am - Noon: The Fractal Method of Figure Drawing
Terry Whitlatch - 1-3 pm: Creature Design
Bobby Chiu - 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Painting Creatures

Yes, those are very talented and high-achieving artists. You saw Bobby Chiu's cool art in that Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland (and you may have chatted him up at other Cons like SDCC, where he is one of the friendliest vendors around.)  Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi both worked on Monster University and Toy Story 3; Terry Whitlatch and Marcelo Vignali both worked on Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Mike Yamada's work you've seen in How to Train Your Dragon, Big Hero 6 and other movies. You get the idea. These people are operating at the top of their field.

Each day is $120; you can get access to both for $200. Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more. And you don't need an Emerald City ticket to attend. But if you're committed enough to your art to go to these workshops, why would you miss out on all the great panels, discussions and vendors at ECCC? Just say yes to your bliss and immerse yourself in everything Emerald City has to offer.

When you look at all of the ECCC guests that have already been announced (we'll get another celebrity announcement Monday), it's kind of crazy to think we're still only in early December. I really think Emerald City 2016 is going to be jaw-dropping.

Pro applications & other ECCC updates

17 NOVEMBER 2015




We've had another burst of Emerald City news, both for attendees and pros.

Pro half table applications are open. If you're wondering what a half table is, it means you get 3 feet of a 6 foot table in Artist Alley. You also get access to discounted hotel rooms for exhibitors and an Artist Alley badge. Deadline: 5 pm PST on 11 December.

Professional applications are also open. This is for entry to the show and includes "the full spectrum of the Pop Culture industries." Which, practically speaking, is huge so it helps that they list these categories: librarians, writers, producers, publishers, licensers, artists, buyers, editors, creators and retailers. The deadline here is 11:59 pm PST on 26 February but they caution you to apply early - once these badges are gone, they're gone.

Minion information (volunteering) will be posted soon.

The ECCC team wants to know which fandoms should be represented at ECCC for meetups, so go ahead and tell them on Tumblr.

And as a reminder: you can still keep requesting the celebrity and comic guests you want to see. Just check to see if they've already been requested.

Is SDCC summer camp for creatives?

29 JUNE 2015

If you're new to the world of Comic-Con, you may have been surprised by the number of creative workshops and panels in the programming.  This is something that's grown over the years, both in breadth and in volume. Whether you're a screenwriter, video game designer, colorist, animator, novelist or makeup artist, you can probably find several panels offering professional advice at SDCC.

Often this leads to a confluence in the attendee mind: they blur the celebrity wattage of SDCC with these panels and think that they're going to meet illustrious movers and shakers who can make their careers happen. They think they can pitch agents and editors, charm producers and generally slide into an industry through a special side door marked "Comic-Con."

Unfortunately, that probably won't happen for you. But it doesn't mean these panels can't be valuable. Here's how to get the most out of them - whether you're starting out or already have a toehold in your field.

1. Look at the panel presenters. Probably everyone there has some kind of respectable credentials or they wouldn't have a panel at SDCC. But it doesn't mean they're top dog in their industry. Every industry has a subset of "experts" who make a brand out of blogging, presenting at conferences and self-publishing. Some got in on the ground floor of the Internet early enough that they created an impressive digital persona that doesn't correlate to their actual ability to sign and close deals. So just be aware that while you may get good advice from panelists, they may not be the industry titans you assume.

2. Be aware that you may not learn anything groundbreaking. We live in a world where a dedicated creator can pick up a lot of tricks and tips on their own from various online forums. You'll notice that many of these panels are 101 and focused on breaking into the comics industry or how to write query letters. That's great for super novices, but not terribly helpful for people who are further into their careers. If you've already done your industry homework, consider sticking to the panels that examine practical matters like legal negotiations and cross-medium production.

3. Be aware when you're getting a sales pitch. Panelists generally don't spend a small fortune to come to SDCC and give panels in the hopes that they'll be inundated with your wireframes and manuscripts to sort through, unpaid, back home. They do it to network, elevate their brand and sometimes to expand their customer base. It's not at all uncommon for a presenter to get  chummy with you and appear interested in your career when really they just want you to become a Facebook fan and buy their books. I see attendees fall for this every year. Last year it was someone thinking a famous writer had invited her out for drinks and career talk; she showed up to find a few dozen people there, fawning over the writer, who didn't acknowledge her.

4. Don't ignore your fellow fledglings. Getting to know the other neophytes in your career can open more doors than you think. One, it's comforting to have friends who understand what it's like to struggle in a harsh industry. Two, they'll often have better advice on advancing today than someone who started out 17 years ago. Three, some of them may become wildly successful down the road. Creative breakthroughs rarely happen in a vacuum so start building your network now. Too many creators view each other as competitors when they should be viewing each other as a community.

5. Don't come with all your materials in hand unless a panel actually requests it - but have a flawless digital game at the ready. Nothing screams AMATEUR like someone who actually shows up with a manuscript or sample pages crumpled and stained from travel. Have some art ready to show on your iPad or phone, and cards that link to your digital assets. But don't expect a panelist or established creator to accept your physical samples and evaluate them. (That said, I have a friend who is gracious about accepting these at his booth and offering feedback - but I've seen people who aren't as kind be quite rude about this.)

6. If you have a question a panelist can't answer, ask where you can get an answer. Sometimes they won't know but sometimes they'll refer you to a good resource or even have someone from their company contact you. Someone else in the room might have an answer for you after the panel.

7. When you do ask a question at the panel, don't dwell on your project. Just ask your question. Writers are notorious for starting out with, "So I'm about 20,000 words into my novel which is about..." and launching into a 4-minute synopsis. One, this is time-consuming; two, it sounds like you're pitching. Often the secret hope is that the agent or writer will say, "That sounds fascinating!" and leap to get you a contract, but trust me, they'll just want you to get to the point.

8. Don't be afraid to take notes. Attendees get embarrassed about this - but if you're hearing genuine pearls of wisdom from the panelists, type away. 

9. If you're a writer - and I know you are legion at SDCC - recognize that you will get the real power agents and opportunities at good writer conferences or BookCon. If you're a comic creator, keep small Cons in mind - it's often easier to make connections there than at SDCC. That's on the floor, mind you; if you have access to the right parties at SDCC, that's another story.

 

10. Creative panels can be great, but in the end they probably won't change your life - so remember to mix in a few fun and frivolous activities and panels too. You're at Comic-Con, after all. It'd be a shame to be so grimly focused on your hot pursuit of FAME that you miss everything else it has to offer.

 

If you're serious about networking at SDCC, I'd advise reading my 3-part marketing series on events, preparation and soft skills. Be warned, it's lengthy. But ultimately Comic-Con is a great opportunity for any creative, from inspiration to connections. You already have a golden ticket in the form of a badge, so you may as well maximize everything it has to offer.

 

 

 

Celebrate nerd ink at the Superhero Sideshow

20 JUNE 2015

On your meanderings around town at Comic-Con, here's a place you might want to stop in: O'Reilly Tattoo. They're throwing a free tattoo art show called Superhero Sideshow - a "Comic-Con inspired art show of San Diego's tattoo artist community with local tattoo artists' original creations using multiple mediums to create their art."

Over 40 artists will be featured, including Todd Smithson of Nothing Sacred Tattoo and Fip Buchanan of Avalon 2 Tattoo. Artwork will be available for purchase.

What: Superhero Sideshow

When: Opening reception is Friday, 10 July - 6-11 pm. But the art will be on display at the gallery throughout the Con.

Where: O'Reilly Tattoo at 519 Broadway

 
Whether you're all tatted up, completely bare or have faded Death and Delirium tattoos from your Sandman phase, this should be an interesting event.

Get your game on for Comic Creator Connection

15 JUNE 2015

The chance to meet your creative soulmate is back.

For those of you who've never participated in Comic Creator Connection, this is like speed dating for artists and writers. You examine each other's creative style and skill and decide if you might have a collaborative future together. Unlike a novelist or a painter, who can take their projects from conception to completion all on their own, comic book creators generally need a partner - unless they're that rare bird who can write, draw and ink skillfully in equal measure. This can be hard-to-impossible for your average young writer or artist who isn't hooked into a thriving community of other comic creators.

Which is where Comic Creator Connection comes into play. One caveat, carried over from last year: artists can do both sessions but writers can only do one.

Where: Santa Rosa room at the Marriott.

When: Thursday, 9 July 7-9 pm and  Sunday, 12 July 1-3 pm. You must have a badge for that day, but that shouldn't be a problem given the days they picked.

How it works: You'll get 5 minutes with each prospective artist/writer to suss out ideas, chemistry and compatibility. You can exchange information if you want to continue the conversation later.

How many people you'll meet with: roughly 15-20.

How to sign up: Email programs@comic-con.org and write "Comic-Con Comic Creator Connection" in the subject line. Indicate whether you're a writer or artist and which session you prefer.



Practical advice

Have business cards ready with links to your portfolios and social accounts. Having a photo on your card might seem like a car salesman move, but it will help others remember which one you were.

Conversely, write down a brief description of someone on their card after they hand it to you - just 1 or 2 keywords to jog your memory later as you sort through your cards. Also assign a numeric code or grade based on your interest level - F for someone you'd never work with, B for potential, A for someone who seems like a dream collaborator.

It can be really awkward when one person wants to follow up and the other doesn't. Just be graceful about it and take their card and say, "Sure, let me think about it and I'll follow up." If you're the one getting shot down, just thank them and wish them luck.

There's an "All Stars" panel on Thursday at 1:30 in room 8 where you can hear success stories from previous Connections. These people won't just talk about themselves - they'll also share tips on how to find the right partner.

If you don't already have a digital portfolio, create one. That goes for writers and artists. Make it as easy as possible for someone to evaluate you. If you feel like you need to be present to explain your work, that isn't a good sign - the story should be tangible within each piece.

Listen and ask questions. Don't launch into a long monologue all about you - 5 minutes goes fast. Ask how they feel about remote collaboration. Ask about past projects. If they have a history of projects that die of starvation 60% in, consider that a red flag. Amateurs start lots of projects but professionals finish them.

Don't skip out on the hard sample aspect of this, even if it seems old school and inconvenient. Showing your work on an iPad might seem the easiest thing to do, but it's also the easiest to forget. You want to leave them with something in their hands.

Be prepared for a range of skill levels and achievements. Have realistic expectations and be kind, even if you're appalled at some of the work you see.



What to bring

Fortune favors the prepared creative, to paraphrase Louie Pasteur. I'm going to stray slightly from CCI's recommendations here and say you should bring:

• Two dozen copies of a 1-page writing or art sample. If you want to showcase 2 radically different styles (depending on the kind of project you're envisioning), bring 2 pages - say, a dialogue-heavy script and a more descriptive page for writers, or pages that show off a more cartoony style on one and a more illustrative one on the other. Include your contact information on these in case they lose your card. Organize all this in an attractive and secure way. 
• Water.
• Business cards.
• A digital business card so you and your intended can beam each other right there at the table, rather than risking losing a piece of paper.
• An excellent pitch that sells your project and your ability and focuses on credentials rather than adjectives.
• A clear explanation of your availability - how many hours a week you can put in, your other jobs and gigs, etc. - and a list of your influences, goals, favorite creators.
• Something to take notes on - an iPad, a legal pad, your phone. It will be hard to recall the salient details offered by 20 people when you get back to your room that night.

Events like this generally go best when you approach them as a positive networking opportunity rather than a pass/fail test. You may not meet that perfect collaborator in the Santa Rosa room at SDCC, but you will meet plenty of people who are part of your community. Be friendly, stay in touch, exchange helpful information. Too many young creatives (I say "young" as in career stage - you could be 82 and just embarking on your calling as a comic book writer) think that established pros hold all the answers when it's often people at their own level who can provide the best guidance on anything from submission calls to inexpensive art supplies.

If you approach Comic Creator Connection in that light, you're bound to make some valuable contacts and maybe some new friends. And even if you don't find your creative soulmate at SDCC, you will extend your creative network - a move that always increases the likelihood of finding the collaborators, agents, editors and publishers you dream of working with.

Going to SDCC as an indie comics creator

9 JUNE 2015

People outside the comic book world think of Marvel and DC when they think of comic conventions – if they think of them at all. Yet anyone who goes to San Diego Comic-Con or any other convention knows that indie creators and small press publishers are some of the most exciting aspects of the Con. This is where you can find work that’s often more fresh and creative than anything filling the shelves of your comic shop on Wednesdays. And because Comic-Con is a natural meeting ground for comic fans and the creators who are trying to get their work noticed, it’s a dream of many indies to just get in the door – something that’s gotten harder and harder each year.

Someone who did just that for SDCC 2015 is Chase Cunningham, co-creator of a comics universe called The Cynja. Inspired by his two daughters, Cunningham collaborated with partner Heather C. Dahl and illustrator Shirow Di Rosso on the series. As techies and parents, the three formed the perfect creative team to develop The Cynja – a character who helps kids understand online dangers as they navigate apps and virtual environments in their digital lives. From the book:

 

Hidden deep inside our planet’s virtual world, lurking in the darkened cyber alleys of our digital neighborhoods, a new generation of bad guys has risen. Zombies, worms, botnets – all threaten our happiness and future. But there is hope. A lone warrior battles this new sinister cyber evil. He is the Cynsei. 

The Cynsei is trying to keep us safe. But the guardian of all things noble in cyberspace cannot fight alone. His enemies are too numerous. If the Internet is to escape falling into darkness, the Cynsei needs help. But who would be brave enough to travel into the depths of malicious networks? 

A Cynja, that’s who.

After releasing their first graphic novel last year, the team now publishes The Cynja as a weekly web comic in English and Dutch, along with activity books, blog, subscription newsletter and children's workshops. The series has been so successful that it’s been recognized by PBS NewsHour, the Guardian, Children's Book Review, HelpNet Security, PC Magazine, the National Press Foundation and the former inspector general for the NSA. That's some serious prestige.

Recently they were selected by a panel of judges to be a featured small press publisher at Comic-Con. I talked to Chase today about how The Cynja came about and what it’s like to be facing San Diego Comic-Con for the first time.

What can you tell me about The Cynja? What motivated it?

The real idea behind the Cynja came from my partner Heather and I looking at the industry and seeing an absolute lack of material for kids to get interested in cyberspace.  We started talking about doing something cool for kids to get them interested in cyber security and shortly thereafter the character of The Cynja was born. We’re motivated by trying to educate the next generation about the benefits of cyberspace while also providing real knowledge about the science and math that really make the magic of the Internet work.  

When we use the Internet, each of us enters a virtual world where forces of immense magnitude battle for power. Like ancient myths and tales of fantasy and science fiction, this cyber darkness is filled with a new generation of monsters—zombies, worms, botnets and more – but these monsters are real.

How are you participating at SDCC this year? Have you been to SDCC before?

This is our first year at SDCC.  We entered a contest for small publishers that had thousands of entries and we were lucky enough to be selected.  We are truly blessed and extremely excited to be coming to a venue like Comic-Con.

What challenges did you have in 1) creating the comic book and ) getting to SDCC?

Probably the hardest thing was figuring out how to go about publishing the comic and not going broke doing it. It is not cheap to self-publish. But it’s worth it after it all settles out.  

How are you marketing your book?

We have active campaigns going through sites like Twitter, FaceBook, and other social media channels. But we also have our own Circle of Cynjas who are members of our forum who are basically all about the Cynja. We talk with them regularly and they help us spread the message about being cyber smart and cyber safe.  

What advice do you have for indie comic creators?

If you have an idea and a dream, then don’t hinder yourself by thinking, “It might not go anywhere” or “Who will want to read this?”  If you like it and you think it is a cool concept, odds are someone else will as well. The only other thing I can say is to just fight for your cause, whatever that may be, and watch like-minded people flock to you.  

To me, writing a book or comic is one of the best ways we can really leave our mark on the future. That tome will be around long after we are gone and it can speak to someone across the span of time if we do it right.

You can find out more about The Cynja on Twitter at @TheCynja - and of course you can visit them in the Small Press section at Comic-Con.

 

 

 

SDCC rolls out "The Art of Comic-Con"

12 MAY 2015




What an arty summer we're going to have. First we have the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery at the  IDW Headquarters to visit; now CCI is going to dazzle us with "The Art of Comic-Con."

Which is them partnering with the San Diego Public Library to show off art from their archives. I want to visualize CCI's archives as a vast and closely-guarded hangar of artwork, Raiders of the Lost Arc-style. And maybe it is; this is what the exhibit will show.

"Providing unprecedented access to original art by over 60 comics artists, the exhibition traces the history of Comic-Con through art and provides a sneak peek into the evolving process of creating comic art. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to see process drawings in a variety of mediums that were used in souvenir and program books for Comic-Con, WonderCon, and APE, the Alternative Press Expo, artwork that is representative of the comic books and comic art Comic-Con International presents to a growing audience."

That quote gets a bit clunky at the end, but you get the idea. I'll assume that the "sneak peek into the evolving process" refers to digital tools, which could be interesting. If you want to know exactly who will be showcased, you'll see work from Sergio Aragonés, Howard Chaykin, Cliff Chiang, Michael Cho, Colleen Coover, Rick Geary, Gilbert Hernandez, Jim Lee, Dave McKean, Frank Miller, Marshall Rogers, John Romita Jr., Bill Sienkiewicz, William Stout, Babs Tarr, and others.



What: The Art of Comic-Con

When: Saturday, 20 June - 30 August 2015; a reception will be held from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm on 20 June.

Where: the Art Gallery on the 9th Floor of the San Diego Central Library -330 Park Blvd, San Diego.

Cost: free

Obviously this is a great way for non-badged people to soak up some Comic-Con art, but it should also be on the agenda of any comic fan attendees.

Emerald City art contest

10 MARCH 2015




Are you one of the best undiscovered artists ever? Now's your chance to prove it with the ECCC Art Contest.

How it works:

You'll create art based on the Emerald City Crusaders. You'll then post your art to Tumblr, make sure you're following ECCC's amazing Tumblr, then tag them and #ECCC.

The ECCC team will judge all entries. The prize for each winner will be randomly chosen. The selections are...

The prizes:

All software is from Smith Micro Software.

Prize Pack 1: Poser10 (Full), Anime Studio Debut 10, Manga Studio 5
Prize Pack 2: Anime Studio Pro 10, Motion Artist, Manga Studio 5
Prize Pack 3:  Manga Studio EX5, Anime Studio Debut 10, Motion Artist

Deadline:

The Ides of March: Sunday, 15 March at 11:59 pm PST.

IDW moves to San Diego, opens new comic gallery

13 FEBRUARY 2015
 
 
 
 
Consider it an early Valentine's Day gift: not only has IDW Publishing relocated to San Diego, but they've opened a new comic art gallery there as well. Both the offices and gallery will be located in former Navy barracks within the historic NTC in Liberty Station. Harry L. Katz, former Head Curator in the Prints and Photographs Division at the Library of Congress, is the curator.
 
The San Diego Comic Art Gallery will be located within the IDW space but it won't just show IDW work. There will be original art from comics and animation, author and artist appearances, installations and events. The first installation: an exhibit of the work of Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
 
The grand opening is scheduled for 1 June 2015. Which means that yes, the gallery will be open for Comic-Con. I'd be surprised if they didn't host some kind of special event, so make a note to check back on what the SDCAG is doing in July. This already sounds like a top pick for outside events.

Submit your work for the Art Show

11 FEBRUARY 2015

                                                                   Emil Nolde

So much SDCC news! Today's may only appeal to a small segment of you, though, and that would be the artistic segment - those of you who want to exhibit your work in the Comic-Con Art Show.

"Work" in this case covers jewelry, sculpture, paintings and drawings and just possibly "even something more unusual" in CCI's words. For that category I'd like to nominate something I was emailed about a few days ago: an intelligent robot built by a 14 year old kid in Sweden. I think the future Ray Kurzweils and Martine Rothblatts of the world should have a place at SDCC. Why not?

The Art Show is upstairs in the Sails Pavilion and features original work by both amateurs and professionals. It also shows the books and comics nominated for the year’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Many (not all) of the pieces will be for sale by silent or voice auction so be sure to swing by and patronize the arts.

The show fills up fast, so don't wait - apply soon. You'll need to insure your work, deal with the appropriate paperwork and obey a hundred guidelines. If you have questions, email artshow@comic-con.net or fax coordinator LaFrance Bragg at 619.414.1022, ATTN: LaFrance Bragg, Art Show. Don't forget to address your fax appropriately; you know what a popular communication model faxing is these days. No doubt the CCI office is just inundated and you wouldn't want your question to be lost.

I feel the Art Show is a neglected but beautiful corner of Comic-Con - so once you're dazed from the roar and flash of hours of Hall H footage, consider stopping by the show and enjoying a quieter but still pretty interesting part of the Con.

SDCC Souvenir Book submissions are open

26 JANUARY 2015

It's here: the chance to show off your art and writing chops by submitting work for the SDCC Souvenir Book. You don't have to be a professional, whatever that word means to you, but you do have to be good. You also have to tailor your work to reflect one of this year's anniversaries, which are....

The big 75 for:

• Will Eisner's The Spirit
• Catwoman
• The Joker
• Robin
• Shazam!
• The First DC Comics Heroes: Flash, The Atom, The Spectre, Hawkman, Doctor Fate and Green Lantern

...and the 50th anniversary of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

In other words, DC fans should be able to go full-tilt crazy with stories. Marvel fans - well, this isn't your year so much, but you should find something to write or draw about. Everyone, don't let the fact that there will be an avalanche of Joker-Catwoman work submitted stop you from exploring the same.

Also, be aware that you can't commingle characters from different companies/universes and that you have to keep it clean. So if it was your dream to write a steamy Catwoman-Nick Fury takedown-turned-hookup, keep your filthy thoughts to yourself. Oh, and you can't insert your own characters or try to promote your own company. This is about pure fan-fevered imaginings.

(Random suggestion: It would be beautiful of CCI to post a digital magazine of runner-up work that doesn't make into the book, or just post it on their Toucan blog. I'm sure the pool of work that doesn't get selected each year has some high-caliber pieces in it. Seriously, I think a lot of people would appreciate that as much as looking through the cosplay galleries.)

If you're new to Comic-Con, the Souvenir Book is a very pretty color trade paperback handed out to all attendees. In addition to fan articles and art, it features information of Eisner winners and nominees and is generally a nice keepsake people like to collect.

The deadline for submissions: 17 April 2015. Make sure you read all the rules and regulations on formatting and such before submitting.

Apply now for SDCC 2015 exhibit space

24 AUGUST 2014



It's hard to believe that a month ago today we were all at Comic-Con. It seems long in the past, doesn't it? And in fact it's already time to start preparing for 2015 - if you want to stake your claim on the Exhibit Hall floor or appear in Artist's Alley, that is.

If you'd like to be an exhibitor or showcase your work, now is the time to apply. You can find both applications here - just remember that applying doesn't guarantee you a space.

San Diego Comic-Con 2015 will be held 8-12 July, 2015.

Ready to get reviewed?

17 JULY 2014



If you plan on getting discovered next week, the Portfolio Review is probably the most controlled way of doing that. The schedule is up, so take a look and see if any companies listed seem to be calling your name.

 

What Portfolio Review offers

Industry professionals will look at your work and provide you with feedback. Note that it's Portfolio Review, not Job Fair. If you expect someone to take one look at your work and hire you, you may be disappointed. This is about hearing the opinions of a person who hires people like you. That said, sometimes these meetings do lead to offers.

 

Who it's for

Not just aspiring comic book artists and writers, as everyone seems to think. Some of these companies are looking for:

• animators
• editors
• 3-D modelers
• copywriters and TV writers
• inkers, colorists and letterers
• storyboard artists
• background and concept designers
• motion graphic designers
• illustrators

How it works

 

As you may have guessed, sometimes more people want to take part in this than can be accommodated. Therefore every morning you can sign up to be reviewed by a specific company who's on the docket for that day. You won't know if you got picked (randomly) until 15 minutes before the review time slot starts - and you'll find out by looking at a printed list at the company's booth. If you made it onto the list, you must wait in that area for your name to be called. 

Who will be there

A range of companies, including Disney, LEGO, Nickelodean, Hasbro,Titan Comics, Cartoon Networks, Capstone and Lucasfilms  and lots of others.

Advice

The best thing you can do is tailor your work to the company's objectives. If they're not providing much detail in that department, do some research. Don't think your sheer talent will blow them away - companies scout for someone who can fit into their already established creative ecosystem.  


If you're unfamiliar with having your portfolio reviewed, you may want to study up on the general dynamics. Here's my novella on marketing yourself at Comic-Con and some very good posts from Steve Lieber. Good luck.