Broken Frontier

I left comics for a long time.  One man, pretty much single-handedly got me back in and foaming at the mouth: Brian Michael Bendis. To me, as a frustrated screen and television writer, his work was a breath of fresh air.  Every issue captured the spirit of an hour drama while still heeding the tenets of comic writing.  His work was dynamic, exciting and most of all, inspiring.  So, when I made the decision to make the leap to comic book creator, there was only one man to talk to.

I joined up on the Bendis Board, the infamous and beloved community devoted to the man, and started to build up a reputation on the board.  I had my web comics as a way to show off my work.  Then, at the first con that I was attending that Bendis was also attending, I took the chance to introduce myself.  To say it was an awkward fanboy moment would be flattering to me.  I told him how much of an inspiration, how talented, and how yada yada yada he was to me.  And then I slipped it in.  “I have this project I’m working on, I’d love to get your feedback on it.”  I went from bleating fanboy to opportunist in a wink.  He smiled, offered to take a look at whatever I would send him, and thanked me for reading his books. 

Alright, so that’s my “First Time Meeting Bendis” story.  Let’s look at it as a guide on how NOT to meet a professional. 

Convention season is all about two things, assloads of dollar books and meeting pros.  Now, meeting those pros can go two different ways: either as a fan or as an aspiring pro.  It seems a bit silly, really, but that first impression of you as an admirer or as a fanatic will always stick with you.  Presenting yourself in the most professional way possible will at least get your foot in the door.  The same logic and prep work goes into how you present yourself on message boards as well, but let’s start at getting ready for the con.

When you’re getting ready to go to a show, first things first, dress nicely.  Not suit and tie nice, but wear a shirt that’s clean and unoffensive (although, I’ve been known to go to shows in my “Drop Dead” t-shirt, but I do a horror comic, so it’s apropos).  Make sure you’re pit stain free and ass crack hidden. You’d be AMAZED at the number of scruffy guys who come up to our table and say “I wanna get published.” Doing it and looking the part of a professional is much better than being remembered for being so scruffy or messy.  Along with this, shower, brush your teeth, all those things that being in a mecca of comic-geekdom tends to put the kibosh on.  If it’s a multiple day show, bring multiple sets of clothes, and please god, shower in between. 

Okay, basic hygiene lecture out of the way.  Get business cards, nice business cards.  Not printed on your home printer.  You can use any number of tremendously affordable online services, or even Kinko’s and get something nice.  Lay it out, have a good design.  Nothing cookie-cutter, but nothing too extravagant or confusing either.  Having a card, while not REALLY a dealmaker or breaker, does give you that extra air of professionalism and is a sign of your commitment to the profession. 

Next piece of advice: when you go to talk with a professional, be courteous, be concise, and be professional.  If there’s a long line of people to talk with someone, DON’T INTERUPT IT WITH YOUR CONVERSATION.  When they seem to have a second, you step up, introduce yourself, and let them know what they mean to you as a creator.  Then, ask them politely to look at your materials.  Don’t make them feel obligated, don’t make them feel like they have to get back to you.  The fact is, if what you did is good and they have the time, they will get back to you.  The high pressure sell isn’t necessary.  Most professionals will tell you flat out whether they’d look at it or not.  If they say “No” be assured they have a good reason and leave it at that.  Don’t badmouth them, don’t tell your friends what a “dick” a creator who turned you down is. It’s not worth it when it comes back and bites you on the ass.  Just remember, the pro is doing you a favor.

You have to make sure that the materials you give them - this is important - are as professional as humanly possible.  I know that printing samples is expensive, but there’s literally dozens of alternative ways of doing it, and it’s worth doing it properly.  If you give some poorly photo-copied, uncollated, crumpled paper with no contact info, don’t be surprised if the pro you’re speaking to isn’t particularly enamored with looking at your product.

Alright, I’m out of space for this week, but next week, we’ll continue down the road of making sure that you do everything right this con season.  See you in seven.