1. Impact University: How to Write and Draw Comics and Graphic Novels
Date - Saturday, July 26thTime - 6:00-7:00
Room - 7AB
"Some of the biggest names in comics are on hand to teach you what it takes to make it in comics and graphic novels. The star-studded faculty includes Peter David (Dark Tower, X-Factor), Orson Scott Card (Ender's Game, Wyrms), Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil, Sandman), Brian Miller (Hi-Fi Color Design), and Comics Buyer's Guide senior editor Maggie Thompson. Find out the best way to submit your work, learn the dos and don'ts of the business, and participate in a Q&A session."
This is a huge collection of some of the biggest names in the comic book industry and should give a great amount of insight into the creation process and what you need to be doing as a comic artist.
2. Comics Experience: How to Build a Comic Book Art Portfolio
Date - Thursday, July 24thTime - 12:00-1:00
Room - 30CDE
"ComicsExperience.com owner and renowned comic book editor Andy Schmidt leads a panel with special guest star artists on how to build the perfect art portfolio. Topics include when is your artwork ready, what kind of work to include, how to conduct yourself with a portfolio reviewer, and much more, including Q&A."
Make sure you know what kind of shape your portfolio should be in before you take it to a review. This is key for those who are planning on showing their work at Comic-Con.
3. DC Talent Search Orientation
Date - Thursday, July 24th; Friday, July 25th; Saturday, July 26thTime - 12:00-1:00 Thursday and Friday; 10:30-11:30 Saturday
Room - 4
"Learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! Panelists will discuss the different needs of the DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, MAD magazine, Minx, and Zuda. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.)"
If you’re looking into breaking into comics, this is a great way to get some face time with comic book editors. Be warned, you better be extremely polished and have a top notch portfolio to get noticed.
4. The Role of Anatomy in Training Master Artists
Date - Saturday, July 26thTime - 12:30-1:30
Room - 30CDE
"Marshall Vandruff shows how great comic and fantasy artists such as Wally Wood, Jack Davis, and Frank Frazetta learned anatomy before they were able to draw convincing figures from imagination. He'll show how the teachings and drawings of George Bridgman from the early 20th century continue to influence today's artists who want to master the human form."
Knowing proper anatomy will go a long way in furthering your career. Pro’s can pick out weird or misplaced anatomy a mile away. Some artists have made their careers on unusual anatomy, but those are the minority, not the majority.
5. Character Design Workshop
Date - Saturday, July 26thTime - 5:30-6:30
Room - 30CDE
"An introductory workshop focusing on the creation of characters for any medium, including the importance of storytelling, as well as tools to make memorable character designs. Topics to be discussed in clued the use of silhouette, gesture, reference, and attitude will be discussed. This workshop is great for beginners and will provide insight into the world of character design. Information on The Art Institutes will also be presented."
A well thought out character is key to a comic books success. A wrong color here or bad design there can tank a comic book. Take notice.
6. Cover Story: The Art of the Cover
Date - Sunday, July 27thTime - 2:30-4:00
Room - 5AB
"It’s our annual soul-searching question: whether or not you can tell a book by its cover. Moderator Mark Evanier interviews four of the top cover artists in comics (and all Comic-Con 2008 special guests): Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Warlock), Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates, Fantastic Four), J.G. Jones (52, Final Crisis), and Ethan Van Sciver (Flash, Green Lantern). Evanier presents examples of each artist’s cover work and talks to them about the covers and the process of creating them."
The cover is the first thing a comic buyer will notice and is pivotal to having right.These artists are at the top of their game so you will want to be sure to check this one out.
7. Resources for Creators
Date - Friday, July 25thTime - 4:30-5:30
Room - 30CDE
"Panelists give an overview of legal, financial, and technical supports available to creators, including how to get a creative arts lawyer even if you don't have money, guilds and unions, health insurance, studio insurance, business licenses and working with your local municipal departments for networking and support, grants, artist retreats, and so on. Writer/artist Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil) moderates."
If you are going to be a freelance artist, you need to know how to take care of yourself financially and legally. Make sure you know what you will need to do to be your own boss.
8. Comic Artists Guild: An Open Call for Members Nationwide
Date - Friday, July 25thTime - 5:00-6:00
Room - 24A
"Trying to break into the comics industry? Need an outlet for telling interesting stories with words and pictures? Keith Murphey, the founder of the Comicbook Artists Guild (otherwise known as CAG), along with a panel of members representing the East and West coasts, invites all aspiring creators to take part in an enlightening discussion of how CAG can unite talent together for projects of their choosing and how talented people like you can benefit from membership! Never been published? Need to find your own "voice"? Want to start a CAG chapter in your own hometown? Come find out how!"
The CAG is trying to help better the lives of artists all over so be sure to check them out.
9. Steve Rude Painting Workshop
Date - Friday, July 25thTime - 12:00-1:00
Room - 30CDE
"Comic book artist Steve Rude (Nexus, The Moth, Worlds Finest) demonstrates his classical approach to portrait painting with writer and Nexus editor Anina Bennett. This two-hour panel will help you simplify this often difficult and misunderstood procedure, with Rude answering all your questions and explaining the process along the way."
This panel looks to provide some fascinating insight into the painting process, which some artists have made their name on. If you’re looking for a way to stretch yourself, check this out.
10. Storyboarding: Earn over $100K
Date - Friday, July 25thTime - 126:30-7:30
Room - 30CDE
"Mark Simon, author of Storyboards: Motion in Art, 3rd Edition, and an artist with over 2,500 productions to his credit, covers how to get started in storyboarding, three mistakes most new artists make, tips to double your business and will demonstrate the newest Storyboard Pro software."
There are lots of ways for artists to make money drawing and storyboards and character designs is one of them. It is different from creating comics though, so knowing the ins and outs ahead of time will give you an edge.
