I get asked this a lot so I decided to post a reply to a note a got. I usually answer these questions as best I can individually but after 74 unread notes....I'll share with the rest of the class, so to speak. Keep in mind, I'm no expert but if I can pass along anything I've learned from my experiences, I'll try.


"Well, there are tons of answers to this question. Indeed, I've got the same question myself since I've yet to work for Marvel or DC but I can honestly say I haven't put 100% toward that.

I've focused on doing indie stuff and have dropped the ball a few times. Ultimately, we have to own up to our part in things, and I have made a ton of mistakes that all we can do is recognize and try not to repeat.

Let me tell you a well known rule of thumb. You can get work and keep work if you have at least 2 of these 3 qualities.


Speed

Reliability

Talent


I can tell you right now, I have struggled with reliability but I can do a page a day and I feel I have talent.

You can be Fast and Reliable and not be as talented as the next guy but you will get more work.

You can be talented and any of the other 2 and it's the same.

The "hard" part is getting in there and proving you can be counted on. The "next" hard part is not messing up when you have these jobs, so you develop a positive reputation. By that I mean, again, having 2 of the 3 qualities. Be
"reliable" and get it done on time, communicate, and follow instruction.

Or get it done "fast" enough that you can get more work and if you make mistakes there is enough time for everyone to fix them.

Lastly of course, there must be some talent, but if it's something you have to work on and it's "good enough" just work harder to improve but be one of those 2 other things. If you have a ton of talent you might slide on not being fast or reliable but talent alone won't get you hired again.

At least not by the same people.

Now, breaking in can be done so many ways, but I'll list tips.

-Do work for free for anyone that will give you exposure. (Until you don't have to)

-Network-This is similar to the first but even if you don't do something for them...get to know people on many levels. They might be someone at some point and remember you.

-DO LOTS of pages, even though you aren't paid or if it's just for you. Not just pinups but sequential work with many different genres. Like, horror, sci-fi, super-hero, ect...A varied portfolio will show you can draw anything!

-Show your work! Anywhere you can post it or display it. Whether it's conventions, or online. Go to forums, deviant, myspace, whatever....get it out there. You never know who's watching.

-There might be more tips but lastly...Be honest with yourself. You might think you're good enough to be published but you might need more work. I've gotten crits from Marvel and DC editors that have me scratching my head,....but hey! They might be right and I can't see it right now. In a few days or months I'll look at my current work and hate it. I usually do. So, when starting out...get the fundamentals down. NOT style..but the basics. Own them. Don't try to leap-frog over the boring stuff to do cool stuff. Always try to be better, always.

I hope this helps."

RV