Kit-N-Kadoodle

thirdchildart:

1. People are people:  Treat the folks you meet as respected colleagues, not magic heroes. You want to work with them someday–treat YOURSELF as a future professional and imagine this encounter as a simple chance meeting in the workplace–you do not scream in excitement at your co-workers.  

Originally posted by foreverangelz

2. If it’s in person, introduce yourself, give an HONEST compliment, tell them what you do, ask a single specific question.

 Random example from real life I have used:  Hello! I’m Megan, a story artist! I really enjoyed your boards in the Frozen Art Book–wish there were more! Do you have advice for someone boarding a musical number?

Originally posted by yourreactiongifs

3. AT THIS POINT, LISTEN.  If they try to strike a conversation, chat lightly!  If they just say, oh, that’s really nice! Understand they maaaay not want to talk more/may be busy/nervous/headed somewhere else. Take what you get with cheer and gratitude, leave them with a sincere thank you, good handshake and/or business card.

Originally posted by boobooandrondo

4. Business cards at conventions are good–  A business card should have your NAME, E-MAIL (or best contact info) and a link to your WEBSITE/PORTFOLIO.  If you’re contacting them through e-mail, this info should be in the signature. Don’t link them to a tumblr where you reblog a bunch of other stuff–if you want to be an artist, have a tumblr/blogspot/portfolio just for art.

Originally posted by thefourladiesandme

5. Be chill.  Confidence is hard. Practice in a mirror, practice with friends, heck, practice with me. Practice makes perfect, because guess what happened to me at CTN?

*Me walking down a random side hall, sees Alex Hirsch*

ME, “Alex!” 

HE looks up, I just about implode and want to scream–do I imagine the gleam of trepidation in his eye that I’m gonna go fanatical?  I remember he is a person and potential future colleague and my calm, collected practice sessions in front of a mirror kicks in.

“Thank you for Gravity Falls. I’m a story artist. Loved being inspired by your show, sad to see it end.”

“Oh, thanks!” he says, and we both go our merry ways, me sort of glowing. Now, that wasn’t networking really and I doubt he’d remember, but it’s laying a foundation for my future in the industry. I didn’t get to leave a card or anything, but I was able to lead @anacrinecomplex to him a few minutes later and SHE got to hand over a very cute piece of Mabel fanart as a gift. Awww.

6. Follow up.  If they give you contact info or reply to your message, pick ONE thing to ask of them–maybe look at your portfolio, read your resume, critique one piece of work, ask for more advice. 

Originally posted by theyellowtracksuit

7. Wait. They are busy. They are already professionals with a fulltime job and personal lives to fit in around it.  Maybe they never get back to you. Maybe they take weeks and weeks.  Patience, do not pester.

Originally posted by peachybts

8. and finally, keep casual contact! If you have NEW work or a change of status, send them a quick 1-2 line update. “I have a new portfolio since we last spoke.  I implemented change a, b, and c you recommended!” This shows you value their advice and would be a valuable addition to the workplace!

Those are my advices. Good luck!

Originally posted by angelisironman

(it’s not law–friendly suggestions)