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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.”

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.