Befriending everyone -- a guide to get jobs anywhere

[SandraMJ]

So I saw a thread wondering how to get an art-related career in the comic industry, and I believe I can share the tricks I've learnt in my two years of experience. I'm only 19, I have only a highschool diploma and no art-related instruction whatsoever, and yet I work for the most influential comic agent in Spain, I live in a flat of my own, and I travel the world due to my job. And the secret, other than practice, is this:

MAKE. FRIENDS. ASK FOR ADVICE.

I'm a reclusive introvert, the kind who wants nothing of the exterior world. I spent years and years practising on my own, and wondering why nobody saw my effort, until one fine day I decided (was basely forced to) join a comic club in my town. Those were what-- 10 contacts? But those 10 contacts put me in contact with artists. And each artist, upon seeing my job, put me in contact with others and so on and so forth until my contacts were suddenly an ENORMOUS network, far FAR from my little town and the comic club were I once showed some poor art. Luck was no part of it. Practice was only 50% of it.

I encourage you all -- let's be friends! Let's know more about each other, about what we all can do, and count on each other to be better, to have more chances to follow our dreams. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or contact others, or that's the way I think!

I hope this helped!

[scottwuming]

This is great, thanks for sharing!

I'm a reclusive introvert too and right now I'm managing that so I can put myself out. Since I do BL, the niche especially for original BL is really very small. Worse, I live in a very conservative country so it's difficult to just singlehandedly promote my stuff around. Luckily, we finally get a YaoiCon and so I decided I should get more involved in it. I joined their anthologies and got my comics published. Not only did those who bought the anthologies knew of my existence, but even the invited guests did and it was a great honor. I've been interviewed, asked to conduct seminars (lolwhat) and such since then. I'm clearly not to the point where it's safe to say my comics can make a good career yet but I'm surely getting there.
Sadly, I met a major setback recently for working under a publisher which I had creative differences and professionalism concerns with. I lost a lot of money there too but time invested wasn't exactly a waste since I learned a lot in the process. Despite that, I'm still very optimistic about my future in comics.

[SandraMJ]

Ah, that's wonderful!! It's always a shame finding trouble with an industry because of the country where one lives >.< Certainly a country such as Japan would be very open to that (even here in Spain, half the new recruits of the comic club are yaoi fans)

I always recommend looking for an agent who looks out for your rights, both legal and working-wise, as they make sure you're always treated fairly. Regardless, I really hope that things will work out next time, and you're right, you'll be savvier next time

If I can ever help with anything, please, tell me! Comic artists united!

[keii4ii]

"Friends" is too strong a word for me in this context... but I won't deny the value of networking! I've known people who went to art school primarily for the networking boost. Which may sound crazy given the high tuition, but like you said, networking is as important as having the actual skills when it comes to building a career.

[TristanJensen]

I'm pretty introverted, but I've been hoping to change that and make some friends, which is something I've never been too good at. I figure I'll try making friends online because I'm homeschooled and several miles away from the nearest town.
But I do have some connections to some artists like Arron Horkey (he does some mind blowing stuff) since he's my dads cousin. Though as far as I can remember, I haven't met him in person for a while. But when I do I'll ask him for some advise like you mentioned.
I guess I'll focus on putting myself out there (I've done it plenty here on Tapastic, its been really fun) and work from there.

Thanks for posting this, it was really helpful

[Aspie_Gamer]

great thread. once my comic Life of an Aspie gets going, I plan on being a lot more active on here.

[cyanste]

Yep ... change befriending to networking and you have the magic to getting a job.

You don't even have to change from being an introvert, just fake it till you make it (and you can go back to being normal once you leave the interview. ) Once you know the hiring manager or the director related to the position, you have a leg up.

[SandraMJ]

@cyanste @keii4ii Actually, networking alone many times just doesn't do the trick. As the Japanese say, roughly translated, "jobs are given in the bar", which means in this case that friends often give their friends jobs, even if there are other waaaay more skilled people around.

I stay away from pubs and all like they were a plague, but any time there's a con I make sure to do my best at meeting other authors and having lunch with them or any such thing.

That's mostly why I used "befriending" instead of "networking" (or at least, be hyper-super-nice even though you don't consider them as friends, that'll certainly make an impression they remember!)

@TristanJensen as cyanste said, don't change being introverted! That's how you are, and that's wonderful. It sure does take us a lot more effort to keep up with others socializing, but with a connexion as strong as that, you're already in a pretty good position!

[keii4ii]

That's mostly why I used "befriending" instead of "networking"

I just don't use the word "friend" lightly. XD If I were to show up at your door in the middle of the night in my time of need, and you make me feel like I'm being a burden, you're not my friend. We might get along perfectly fine, we could be great "buddies," but not friends. But that's getting off topic.

Also, networking goes way beyond simple exchanges of names/ Twitters/ emails. I think there's a bit of overlap between your definition of "friends" and my definition of "networking." Things like having lunch together and socializing can definitely fall under networking IMO. No matter what you call it, though, I agree that even introverts like us should do it. Not only is it beneficial, it's honestly a lot of fun when you're with people who share your passion! (unless you have like 20 people at the lunch. Then I just want to get out of there since I can't even have a coherent conversation...)

[SandraMJ]

Certainly, maybe I should have started with "acquainting" now that you put it like that Though I do believe that growing to be eventually friends with other artists is definitely necessary for the reason I mentioned in the post above. A mere acquaintance (say... 80% of my contacts) will only give me a job based on my skill, whereas a friend will give me a job based on the fact that our friendship allows us to have a better connection and understanding of how each other works, or just something as simple as "Hey pal! I have a gig, wanna work together?"

To me, the definition of networking includes merely a presentation and showcase of your job, and little more than a talk. In those, making an impression is essential, and there's little chance of becoming closer (I met David Lloyd in London last year and I know he didn't care at all to talk more with me, for example, haha). I only tend to have lunch and spend more time with people I really consider friends (but that's because I rarely eat out unless I'm in a con, each one's definition varies as you said, haha)

[cyanste]

Oh no! Networking is a little different. Networking is kind of like befriending someone, but you're both aware of your positions and are not looking to become friends. If you become friends, cool.

It's very common when you go to expos and cons, you're not going to become friends with a hospital director, BUT they will remember you, remember your skills and pass on your resume for a job that pays you 25% more...

[SandraMJ]

Gotcha! English isn't my native language, so sometimes I make mistakes with certain subtleties and word choices >.< Regardless, most definitely, gotta look for those jobs that pay you more than what you're currently getting:P

[L4213]

its so hard to network and get out of your bubble when you're introverted. im not as introverted as i picture myself but i have blown many oppurtunites just because im too shy to speak up. do you guys have any ideas how to practice confidence? DX

i also have troubles following up with someone i just acquainted. for me thats the hardest part because of my introvertedness. honestly its really stressful when you know you could do it but lack the confidence to do so~

[SandraMJ]

Well, what I usually do is making up a "character" for me -- that is, pretend you're someone else for the duration of the talk. Fake it till you make it, as they say. I pretend I'm very confident and can talk easily, and though it's hard at first, you'll get the ball rolling eventually

[L4213]

really? the advice people usually give me is to "be yourself" and just be natural. i always thought that pretending to be someone you're not could be harmful in the long run. but i dunno, i've never really tried it. i mean i have a jolly easy to talk to nature and i can keep conversations rolling along well. its just that first step of starting the conversation thats my biggest obstacle.

[SandraMJ]

Well, of course! You should always be yourself -- but when you're in times of need, you need to be a different version of yourself. If you're afraid, you need to believe you're stronger. If you're angry, one needs to be a calmer version of themselves. The same goes for confidence -- as long as you're in need, you need to pretend you can be okay with that or at least that's the advice my first boss gave me, as he had to LITERALLY drag me into conversations, otherwise I'd just stay away from everyone.

[windikite]

I know the power of networking/meeting people, but I can't imagine it helping me, someone who might not have marketable skills. I may think I'm pretty good or whatever, but I doubt many people can honestly say that they see their own art as convention-worthy you know? Do you have any advice geared towards people who don't know how to compare their art or see it as being related to a job?

A second thing about networking in art, do you think any artist alley people would be willing to try selling someone else's print at their request to see if their art was in fact marketable? Do you know of any people who partner with artist to sell their stuff?

[SandraMJ]

Generally speaking, to know if your art is marketable or not, at least in the mainstream American comic market, you should send a portfolio with your best stuff to an editor or agent (either by email, or presenting it to them in a con), so that they can tell you what you should improve/change in order to begin working. They generally provide examples to help you, or at least very specific criticism, so be prepared to listen to all of it and accept it, as they aren't looking for the very best, but for people who are willing to give their best and improve.

Regarding your second question, it depends, I've seen many amateur artists who have a table do that, even making big artist associations sometimes, but people who already have a job only bring their own prints/originals and portfolio. I'm Spanish, so I don't have any specific amateur connection over there, sorry.

Regardless, you lose nothing trying and asking others if they'd be willing to do so, so you should give it a shot

Hope this helped!

[windikite]

Thanks, I will see if I can look around for anyone.

[Jrej]

Great advice here!
I do think the key to a sucessful art career is making "friends" in the business!
That's also what we are doing here on the forum of Tapastic on a small level.
Who knows... These are fellow artists that we could meet in real life!

I have to say working full time in comics has never been my plan A.
I guess I realized how hard it would be and concentrated on a more accessible career.

However I do have a passion for story telling in any form and if I had an opportunity to do it full time or as a side business, that would be awesome!

I enjoy for now the freedom of being my own creative boss. (Whithout the money aspect)

I did go to Fan Expo Vancouver in hope of talking to people and giving away flyers. But I chickened out and ended up spaming the area with my quickly taped, poorly printed, press kit!
Turns out it's really hard to stop random people in the street to share your project.

Advertising on the internet should be working better for our kind of work anyway, right?