Information for Creative Professionals at WonderCon 2010

Comic-Con has a policy of giving complimentary badges for both Comic-Con and WonderCon to creative professionals, those individuals who have enriched our lives with their creative works. We do so to thank those professionals for their contributions and to give fans a greater opportunity to interact with their favorite creators.

Pre-Registered creative professionals are admitted to WonderCon with a complimentary professional pass. This pass is good for entry to all of the events held at WonderCon (space permitting). The pass, however, does not allow for early entry into the Exhibit Hall or programming seminars and does not necessarily guarantee seating.

Each creative professional applying for a complimentary badge is required to submit verification documents every three years. Verification questions and documents may be submitted during the open registration period only. Details are included in the professional registration packet.

To qualify for a creative professional membership, a person must work as a creator (writer, artist, etc.) or be an executive (publisher, editor, producer) in comic books, comic strips, animation, or other related popular arts. Professional status does not extend to support staff (sales, marketing, accounting, managers and administrative staff, IT, facilities, operations, etc.) who are not directly involved in the creative process.

If you work as a professional in a capacity that supports the artists and executives, or one of the many other professionals who do not directly create artwork, we recognize your contribution to your industry, and we applaud the work that you do to support the creative process, however that work does not qualify you for a Comic-Con or WonderCon professional badge.

Who qualifies for creative professional status at WonderCon?

Comic-Con offers complimentary professional memberships to creative professionals and executives in the comic book, book publishing, animation, films, television, gaming, and related industries. (By related, we mean producing material based on comic book, graphic novel, comic strip, animation, or fantasy/sci fi properties). A creative professional is someone who takes an active role in the creation, design, writing, editing, or production of comics, animation, films, books, videogames, or toys. Job titles might include writer, artist, penciller, inker, colorist, letterer, animator, designer, sculptor, editor, publisher, producer, actor, etc. Retired career professionals from comics and related popular arts fields also qualify. Professional status is also extended to those responsible for the content of websites that promote the historic or ongoing contribution of comics to art or society. Determination of creative professional status is ultimately at the discretion of Comic-Con.

VERIFICATION MATERIALS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN APPLICATION FORM

Unfortunately, professional status does not extend to support staff including sales, marketing, accounting, managers, testers, analysts, administrative staff, IT, facilities, operations, etc. who are not directly involved in the creative process.