-By Lauren Panepinto
If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you’ve heard reference to the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live convention every year in Kansas City. It’s one of my favorite cons of the year, and I really applaud Arnie & Cathy Fenner for making it such a great experience. Every year they put a great deal of thought into growing the con and making it more rewarding for the attending artists, and I’m excited to talk about the part of the show I’ve been helping to develop.
Last year, Marc Scheff & I debuted our Drawn + Drafted Bootcamps on Social Media and Self-Promo, on Portfolios & Websites, and on Contracts and Money. We were thrilled that they were so popular, and we were asked to expand the program into more bootcamps and workshops this year. Well, in typical Lauren & Marc fashion, we got very excited and—egged on by the fabulous Shena Wolf—ended up developing an entire track of educational programming and revamping the Portfolio Review Process. What can I say, we’re glutton for punishment.
Portfolio Reviews: For many students and artists young in their career, portfolio reviews are a critical part of moving their career forward. Spectrum has always been fabulous at reaching out to industry professionals, and this year is no different: there will be 17 official portfolio reviewers seeing portfolios on saturday and sunday. Then there are countless more pros wandering around the con and very happy to give new artists advice. We’re also upgrading the portfolio review experience for both reviewers and reviewees. Signups will go live on APRIL 22nd!
Kate Irwin, Richard Whitters, Jeremy Canford
Who died and made them boss, anyway? Come listen to a panel of the best A.D.s in the biz talk
about how they see their role in the business of art.
Dan Dos Santos, Karla Ortiz
the differences between publishing, gaming (digital and physical), film, etc. and how to
prioritize your portfolio for the jobs you want most.
them, giving tips on how to put your best work forward, and how to be confident in
presenting yourself and your work well under pressure.
to share your art. Jon Schindehette of Thinkgeek and ArtOrder & Marc Scheff
of Drawn + Drafted will help you choose what will work best for you.
community builder Jon Schindehette of Thinkgeek and Art Order with members of the Denver
Illustration Salon in this workshop that will show you how to get creative people
to work and play together.
can’t be restored unless we openly discuss the unique challenges facing women in our industry.
Join three woman art directors in an open discussion of how sexism impacts business, how we
can push through obstacles, and how we can stop holding ourselves back.
NOTE: Men are very welcome to observe this workshop, but the moderators will be keeping the
focus on women’s issues and women’s voices.
on how to start building your own platform and intellectual property and release
it into the world.
world, including tips on how to create a show concept, dealing with contractual obligations,
writing a bio, marketing the show and your work, dealing with framing, and everything else
you need to be successful in a gallery setting.
of websites and social media, using examples from the audience.
how to sell yourself while keeping your art the star of the show though the power of design
and finding an authentic voice.
you can eat healthier, move more, feel better, and work more productively with Marc Scheff
So if you were on the fence about attending, there’s still tickets and time to plan your trip! And if you’re already coming, I hope this starts getting you excited. There’s more programming and events to be revealed soon, so make sure to keep checking the SFAL website and Facebook page. See you in Kansas City!
I really hope I can attend a SFAL convention some day! It seems like you guys are doing some wonderful things with it.
Jesus. I'm never going to be at my table am I? 😉
Dang! I hope there is not much overlap with these, I'm not sure I'd be able to get my hands on a time turner to let me do as many as possible… 🙂 What a great line up of stuff, though, I'm stoked!
Question on the Portfolio Review sign ups, though: You said it goes live on the 22nd… from your description, I'm assuming this is NOT a F5 button mash type of sign up like with the Illuxcon portfolio review spots?
Oh nice! That casual area for meet-n-reviews is a superb idea. I always felt so wonky just walking up to folks at their booths, iPad in hand.
Definitely gonna be getting in on that IP development and Fitness boot camp as well. Gonna be a fun year!!!
So excited! Can't wait to see everyone again 🙂
Can't wait. I haven't been back since the inaugural year, but this year it's going to work! I had a review with you back then, Lauren, and hope to see you again!
🙁 I need a teleportation device or a money tree – either will do! Enjoy everyone thats going! You'll have a ball!
🙁 I need a teleportation device or a money tree – either will do! Enjoy everyone thats going! You'll have a ball!
Art Directors scare me. This really great to see. SFAL the place to be.
holy crap, please tell me (and others not able to attend) that you guys will take video of these panels for us…
Right!? Very scary.
Please do have video available!
Leave an honor-system cash box?
We've staggered everything we could, so you can at least catch halves.
The reviews are still considered in first-come order, but no it's not going to be a button-mash event. There will only be about 75-100 openings overall, but we'll be matching best fits after taking into account the answers to a short questionairre
Oh stop you two! Lol. Don't scare the newbies.
I'll ask about video…maybe we can set up a live feed…hmmm
Looks like you've found a way to make more work for yourself Lauren. You must be ecstatic.
Question about portfolio reviews — I'm neither young nor young in the career, but I'd love to show my work to and get feedback from some of the great artists who will be attending. This is my first SFAL. Is there an alternative to signing up for reviews? Would it be acceptable to email individuals directly and politely ask?
Thanks!
I'll give my two cents. That wouldn't hurt Heather but I think you'll find most of the artists with tables will welcome you. The times I've been it's been a really open atmosphere and walking up to an artist and asking for a look at your portfolio is welcomed. It's not like a big comic con where a big artist might have lines the whole weekend, You can usually find a spot to drop in and at least set up a portfolio review time.
“Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.” 🙂
I DONT KNOW HOW THIS KEEPS HAPPENING!
I second that!
Thanks, bill and Lauren!
Yeah dear I am a regular reader of your blogs. I heard a lot about the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live convention from you. Truly I want to attend this event at the domestic convention center in Kansas City. Thank you so much for the details!