Big guns.

[Steve T. Laws]

Now, let's say I have this friend. And this here friend wants to tear into the industry teeth and all.

Like a captive in prison, my friend needs to know who to take on to attain a reputation. So, who are the biggest inmates in the gaming industry? Who do I . . . er does HE, have to take on to become something fierce?

[Storn]

Artist, writer, designer, editor? What is he?

I think the answer will be the same in any case. There is no taking on the big guns. There aren't really any to take on. The gaming industry is not a street fight. Its a bunch of companies who basically have small staffs and hire out tons of freelance work to people all over the world.

1) Go to conventions. Talk to pros.

2) Do fanzine work, volunteer services to websites, conventions etc.

3) Build portfolios (whether art or writing, doesn't matter) of great stuff... took me years and i'm still working on it. This is not a matter for the light of heart. This is a decades slog.

4) Be professional. Do NOT miss a single deadline that comes your way. Be courteous to everyone you come in contact with. When at a convention, don't wear a VAmpire t-shirt. Look like you are on a interview. I wear a shirt and tie at conventions. I was one of 3 at all of Gencon. YOu'd be surprised how much deference that will garner.

5) be aware of what makes your vision unique and different, without slamming anyone else. Don't ever say; "that person's art or writing sucks... I could do better." even if you can. Trust me, it is amazing what I've learned from artists who might not be as far along as myself. It is amazingly humbling.

6) I went back to art school at 25. Do not be afraid to keep taking classes to improve your craft.

7) Practice, practice, practice. Preferably every SINGLE day...even X-mas, your birthday etc. This something my art teacher told me in painting class... that he paints every day. Sometimes for only an hour. I thought he was nuts. But guess what, I work at least an hour on my art EVERY SINGLE day. I love it. The momentum carries you along. I get cranky if I don't get a few lines or colors down on something. Just ask my girlfriend... how cranky I was on vacation this fall.

[Steve T. Laws]

No, big fellas that needed taking on? Aw, I had my perverbial toothbrush shiv all sharpened and ready to go.

1:These Conventions, they are elusive to me. Where might I find a calander on such events in me area?

2:Well, I've done a few a while ago, and I've already been forgotten. I suppose I can give it another go around.

3:Yeah, between you and me I am portfolioless. Don't tell the companies I'm submitting to that fact. I'm still unhappy with my work and still have yet to make portfolio quality stuff.

4:No deadlines missed, got it. I think all my deadlin missing days are over. I got them out of my system in High School and College.
Uhm . . . is there no way around the shirt and tie? I feel like such a tool in those.

5:I would ask, nay, INSIST! that you guys shot me should I ever do that. I hate arrogance and God forbid I ever get an annoying elitist ego. I know damned well I have no edge over the next guy and if I do it is fleeting. 'Course, if you turn it around it becomes less terrifying and more comforting.

As for my Kitsch, I think it is hanging a lot of details on lesser quality pictures. Sure the pictures ain't that good, but look at all the details! I got the idea from club girls, you know the ones who look great in the dim, flashing, multi colored light of a club but take them outside and you got yourself sop'mn mugly. That's my art! Don't tell anyone though.

6:Well, I take a lot of workshops. As for classes, I don't seem to take well to those. I suppliment my edjumacation in other ways,though. Frequent trips to the library, art museums, and gallaries keep the essential art vitamin fortification at its max.

7:No problem there. I do about an hour a day. Usually more. I gotta keep in shape. Too many blank days without doing art and I can kiss my art career goodbye. A nice little fear factor of my own.

[NPC storn]

Your stuff is great, STephan, better than you need to get started in the industry. Just get those portfolios into peoples hands. Send some stuff to Jim Pinto, AD, at AEG. I don't know their address off hand, they have a website.

I didn't realize that you were talking about yourself. I thought you were talking about a 'friend' of yours. YOu probably know all the b.s. that I spun out already.

--storn