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Andrew Pepoy's Advice about the
Portfolio Review Process
WonderCon’s Portfolio Reviews are great opportunities for aspiring
professionals because this is their chance to have editors and art directors
offer feedback, critiques, and in some cases, work. And while these reviews are
old hat to certain attendees, many more are making their first moves and need to
learn the ropes.
“You can be the best guy for the job, but if you’re not good at getting your
name out there, you’re not going to work,” says Andrew Pepoy, a 15-year
veteran inker who moderates the annual “Professional
Networking” panel at Comic-Con International. “It’s basic common sense in most cases,” he says,
“but as I tell people in the seminars, if there’s even one thing I give you that
you haven’t thought of, maybe that’s the thing that will help get you the
job.”
Here, then, is Pepoy’s prep list for visiting the WonderCon
Portfolio Review.
1. Be prepared.
Make sure that what you’re showing the reviewers is prepared and
ready to go, because you’re not going to have a whole lot of time.
2. Keep it neat. Having a portfolio
helps. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something you can easily
lay in front of the editor or art director.
3. Start at the top. Place your best pieces up
front; if they want to see more, have a few extra pieces, but don’t overwhelm
them.
4. Okay? No way! Don’t show stuff you
think is just okay. Only show the best. There’s no real magic number
for how many pieces but they’ll be able to tell from 4 to 7 good
pages. If they want to see more, they’ll ask.
5. Show variety. Don’t show just action
sequences. Have people walking down the street, traffic, buildings, etc.
Show that you can do something other than fight sequences.
6. Make it “To Go.” Have a sample packet with a
cover letter and business card so that if the editor shows interest, you can
leave that with him or her. The editor will remember you, and you’ve also
left him a way to get back to you. If it’s going well, ask them for their card.
7. Network 24/7. Talk to the people around you, fi nd out what kind
of luck they’ve had at other reviews. Trade suggestions and swap cards. You never know
where that tip is going to come from that lands you a job.
8. Be polite.
No matter how wrong or harsh you think the reviwer is, don't argue.
Be courteous and professional. Thank the person for their time and just
go on to what will hopefully be a more positive experience with the next editor.
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