SUSEY CHANG
7th Term
1. How was getting ready for CTN?
What did you expect from CTN?
How did you like it?
Did you show your portfolio?
1. I'm not sure what I expected, except for seeing
the countless booths of talented artists. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my CTN
experience very much. I didn't bother preparing a portfolio because my
main purpose there was to learn whatever the professionals had to share.
2. How was the crits? Was it helpful?
What would you do better or different next time?
2. It really is a great place to network and get
great advice though. The advice from workshops and talks were wonderful.
I wished they never ended. Now that I experienced the reality and
purpose of CTN, I know what to prepare for the next time i go.Any tips or funny stories?I guess for tips for CTN, take advantage of the talks
and workshops. Do everything you can there. Prepare yourself for a fun,
hectic, adventurous weekend. And most importantly, listen, learn and
have fun!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
CTN INTERVIEW JENNY CHUI
Jenny Chui
Let's just say 6.5 Term
1. How was getting ready for cTN? What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it? Did you show your portfolio?
1) Getting ready for CTN was stressful because I kept thinking about my portfolio. Putting together a portfolio, within a deadline, that was acceptable with what I had so far is difficult. I had a lot of non-art center people (because they are the target audience) look at it and a few art center teachers look at it before I finalized my portfolio. I expected CTN to be a place where I would be able to shop my portfolio around and to get feedback. I liked CTN a lot!!! Yes, I did show my portfolio.
2. How was the crits? Was it helpful? What would you do better or different next time?
2) The crits were quick and helpful. Very quick. Each reviewer had a timer on and you got a max of 10 minutes. I wouldn't do anything any different next time. I was pretty prepared.
here's my portfolio!!
Any tips or funny stories?
TIPS!!!~~~~~~~
LEARN HOW TO TALK TO BUSINESS PEOPLE!! Half the people I showed my portfolio to are NOT artists!! They are in HR!! You NEED to learn how to talk as if it was a formal interview. You have 10 minutes to prove to the recruiter why you deserve their contact information. Choose your words wisely, do NOT speak unless spoken to, and be ARTICULATE when asked "what do you want to do?"
I can't tell you how many reviews I've eavesdropped on where the person being reviewed kept saying "like." STOP SAYING "LIKE" EVERY 5 SECONDS. It makes you seem uneducated and unprepared.
DON'T BE TOO SCARED TO SHOW YOUR PORTFOLIO. The worst thing you could ever do is spend all this time and energy in a portfolio that might be going in the wrong direction!!! Have your portfolio reviewed by several people every term!!! Even if your portfolio isn't finished, you need to know what works and what doesn't work along the way.
jennywwchuiportfolio.blogspot.com
Let's just say 6.5 Term
1. How was getting ready for cTN? What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it? Did you show your portfolio?
1) Getting ready for CTN was stressful because I kept thinking about my portfolio. Putting together a portfolio, within a deadline, that was acceptable with what I had so far is difficult. I had a lot of non-art center people (because they are the target audience) look at it and a few art center teachers look at it before I finalized my portfolio. I expected CTN to be a place where I would be able to shop my portfolio around and to get feedback. I liked CTN a lot!!! Yes, I did show my portfolio.
2. How was the crits? Was it helpful? What would you do better or different next time?
2) The crits were quick and helpful. Very quick. Each reviewer had a timer on and you got a max of 10 minutes. I wouldn't do anything any different next time. I was pretty prepared.
here's my portfolio!!
Any tips or funny stories?
TIPS!!!~~~~~~~
LEARN HOW TO TALK TO BUSINESS PEOPLE!! Half the people I showed my portfolio to are NOT artists!! They are in HR!! You NEED to learn how to talk as if it was a formal interview. You have 10 minutes to prove to the recruiter why you deserve their contact information. Choose your words wisely, do NOT speak unless spoken to, and be ARTICULATE when asked "what do you want to do?"
I can't tell you how many reviews I've eavesdropped on where the person being reviewed kept saying "like." STOP SAYING "LIKE" EVERY 5 SECONDS. It makes you seem uneducated and unprepared.
DON'T BE TOO SCARED TO SHOW YOUR PORTFOLIO. The worst thing you could ever do is spend all this time and energy in a portfolio that might be going in the wrong direction!!! Have your portfolio reviewed by several people every term!!! Even if your portfolio isn't finished, you need to know what works and what doesn't work along the way.
jennywwchuiportfolio.blogspot.com
CTN INTERVIEW BRYAN WONG
Bryan Wong
1. What term are you, or when did you graduate? Talk about your experience at CTN. How was getting ready, what did you expect, was it accomplished, what surprised you, what would do different or better next time?
1. I graduated Spring term 2012, so it's been almost 2 years now.
1. What term are you, or when did you graduate? Talk about your experience at CTN. How was getting ready, what did you expect, was it accomplished, what surprised you, what would do different or better next time?
1. I graduated Spring term 2012, so it's been almost 2 years now.
Preparing
for CTN was a lot of work. I knew I wanted to have enough of my graphic
novel done to sell at CTN, so I pretty much stopped looking for
freelance work for a month or two. I was treating it like an investment
in future work and connections, this would be the first time most people
would be seeing my work, so I really wanted to make a solid first
impression.
There's a lot more to it than just filling out forms for a table, you need to come up with promo material, figure out what merchandise you're going to need and which vendors you're going to be using for that merchandise, make sure you've got enough business cards to go around, and make sure to send it all with time for shipping.
It was a lot more expensive than any of us expected, but we wound up getting pretty solid results, even when we were going with our cheapest options. I'd say if there's one thing that really helped us in making sure that things came together correctly and on time, it was graduation. During my graduation term, I scheduled a good week or so worth of time to make mistakes, backtrack or compensate for unforeseen complications, and I wound up needing almost all of that time. We treated preparations for CTN with the same sort of time considerations, so our team never panicked when we had to go back and fix something, we knew we had time.
The nice thing about doing this convention for the first time is knowing what to expect for the next time. If at all possible, I'm going to check out the space I get to present in next time prior to setting up, we vastly overestimated the amount of room we were going to have and wound up having to awkwardly wedge our banners together as a result. Space is at a premium, especially when you're sharing a table. What I'm really looking forward to is all the stuff I'm not going to have to make again, I've still got tons of copies of my graphic novel (only $8 a piece, plug plug), business cards, displays and a banner that I won't have to worry about picking up again. Other than that I'm going to pound vitamin C like crazy the next time I'm at a con, when you're around that many people from all over the place it's hard not to get sick.
2. Will you do it again? Was it good profit?
There's a lot more to it than just filling out forms for a table, you need to come up with promo material, figure out what merchandise you're going to need and which vendors you're going to be using for that merchandise, make sure you've got enough business cards to go around, and make sure to send it all with time for shipping.
It was a lot more expensive than any of us expected, but we wound up getting pretty solid results, even when we were going with our cheapest options. I'd say if there's one thing that really helped us in making sure that things came together correctly and on time, it was graduation. During my graduation term, I scheduled a good week or so worth of time to make mistakes, backtrack or compensate for unforeseen complications, and I wound up needing almost all of that time. We treated preparations for CTN with the same sort of time considerations, so our team never panicked when we had to go back and fix something, we knew we had time.
The nice thing about doing this convention for the first time is knowing what to expect for the next time. If at all possible, I'm going to check out the space I get to present in next time prior to setting up, we vastly overestimated the amount of room we were going to have and wound up having to awkwardly wedge our banners together as a result. Space is at a premium, especially when you're sharing a table. What I'm really looking forward to is all the stuff I'm not going to have to make again, I've still got tons of copies of my graphic novel (only $8 a piece, plug plug), business cards, displays and a banner that I won't have to worry about picking up again. Other than that I'm going to pound vitamin C like crazy the next time I'm at a con, when you're around that many people from all over the place it's hard not to get sick.
2. Will you do it again? Was it good profit?
2. I'll definitely
do it again, Max, Eric and I have already started talking about which
con to hit next. Money-wise I expected I'd either operate on a slight
loss or break even on CTN this year, so I was expecting not to make all
of my money back, which I didn't. Still, I moved a pretty decent amount
of books and prints, nearly ran out of business cards and made a lot of
great contacts, all of which are pretty good for a couple of no name
recent grads at their first convention. At this point, as someone who's
trying to grow his name recognition and the audience for his story, I'm
all right with taking a slight financial loss for a lot of really great
exposure.
Just in this particular instance, though. If anyone's thinking about paying me for a job in the form of "exposure", just understand I'll be doing that job in the form of "not doing it."
3. Did you learn anything new from doing this? Any tips for people that may want to have their own booth on the future?
Just in this particular instance, though. If anyone's thinking about paying me for a job in the form of "exposure", just understand I'll be doing that job in the form of "not doing it."
3. Did you learn anything new from doing this? Any tips for people that may want to have their own booth on the future?
3. I learned that
it can be pretty exhausting to sit and talk for 10 hours straight. Even
for someone like me with an on-again off-again love affair with the
sound of his own voice, you get tired pretty quickly. I'm hoping that's
something I can just build up a tolerance for over future conventions,
because by a certain point every day I felt like I was verbally
devolving into Tarzan-speak. I'm also thinking I've got to get myself
something that can scan credit cards, I lost a handful of sales because
people didn't have cash on hand.
I'd absolutely say getting a booth at CTN was positive experience, and to anyone thinking about doing it next year I'd say go for it, but make sure to err on the side of being over prepared. Make inventory lists of everything you're going to need (and then check them twice, Santa style, because you definitely forgot something), figure out the size of the space you'll be taking up, plan things as far in advance as you can.
If you're going to be sharing a table, make sure it's with someone you get along with, someone reliable, and someone whose art style complements yours. Communication on a team is key, Max, Eric and I would try to get together once a week in the months leading up to CTN. Mind you, a lot of that was to watch Breaking Bad.
Bring a sweater, too. Max, Eric and I wound up exhibiting in the tent outside, and it can get kind of chilly in the evening. Maybe bring something to snack on while you're at it.
Have fun!
I'd absolutely say getting a booth at CTN was positive experience, and to anyone thinking about doing it next year I'd say go for it, but make sure to err on the side of being over prepared. Make inventory lists of everything you're going to need (and then check them twice, Santa style, because you definitely forgot something), figure out the size of the space you'll be taking up, plan things as far in advance as you can.
If you're going to be sharing a table, make sure it's with someone you get along with, someone reliable, and someone whose art style complements yours. Communication on a team is key, Max, Eric and I would try to get together once a week in the months leading up to CTN. Mind you, a lot of that was to watch Breaking Bad.
Bring a sweater, too. Max, Eric and I wound up exhibiting in the tent outside, and it can get kind of chilly in the evening. Maybe bring something to snack on while you're at it.
Have fun!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
CTN INTERVIEW JENITH B. SHON (BUMSUK)
Jenith Bumsuk Shon
1. What term are you, or when did you graduate? Talk about your experience at CTN. How was getting ready, what did you expect, was it accomplished, what surprised you, what would do different or better next time?
1. I graduated spring 2013.
As an attendee, I was there twice. And this was my first participant experience. I really hadn't expected much from the event. But, later I thought this could be a good reason to rebuild my portfolio. So, I started drawing and painting. It was really fun for me just the process itself because after the graduation from Art Center, I didn't do anything. Anyway, after I finished (I thought I did....), found I missed some things like where to print or how many, or else. I was expecting i could find some relationships or connection related with job. But, luckily just few days before the CTN, a company offered a job test, and I passed it. They wanted have details for the job, but the day they wanted was the first day of CTN, I had to postpone it to next monday. Well, I accomplished what I wanted even before.... So, my goal had been changed a bit from connection to observing and learning.
2. Will you do it again? Was it good profit?
At the first day of CTN ..... All participants were so surprised because there were much many more people than we expected. It was like Saturday from previous CTN. I was so busy talking and watching people. I realised I wasn't fully ready for the show. Because on my table there were only my business card and portfolio. Not like the other table selling many prints such as their drawings and paintings. I had to be satisfied with just talking to people.
The time went so fast during the event. When I felt really tired, it was already the final day, final time.
Well, I know now what I did wrong, and what I can do better if I go again. (most likely I will.... I hope)
3. Did you learn anything new from doing this? Any tips for people that may want to have their own booth on the future?The Art Center people who did well, have their own style, which go with the industry. All my friends from the school agree current Art Center Illustration Entertainment Art Track is out of fashion, getting too old. The people I know who was the most popular star from the studio, did just whatever the person wanted on his/her portfolio not following teacher's direction.
I felt so lame when I found that at there watching them having nice opportunities. I was so busy just doing the homework and not facing myself enough when I was in Art Center.
Anyway, that was an expensive education for me to realize that SIMPLE fact.
I'll try to have fun and try to practice PROPERLY this time for the next year show.
Yes, I want it again.
If there are people considering if going there, or not.... Just go. Just, shut up and go.... next year..... and I hope I see you there.
http://thebumsuk.com/
1. What term are you, or when did you graduate? Talk about your experience at CTN. How was getting ready, what did you expect, was it accomplished, what surprised you, what would do different or better next time?
1. I graduated spring 2013.
As an attendee, I was there twice. And this was my first participant experience. I really hadn't expected much from the event. But, later I thought this could be a good reason to rebuild my portfolio. So, I started drawing and painting. It was really fun for me just the process itself because after the graduation from Art Center, I didn't do anything. Anyway, after I finished (I thought I did....), found I missed some things like where to print or how many, or else. I was expecting i could find some relationships or connection related with job. But, luckily just few days before the CTN, a company offered a job test, and I passed it. They wanted have details for the job, but the day they wanted was the first day of CTN, I had to postpone it to next monday. Well, I accomplished what I wanted even before.... So, my goal had been changed a bit from connection to observing and learning.
2. Will you do it again? Was it good profit?
At the first day of CTN ..... All participants were so surprised because there were much many more people than we expected. It was like Saturday from previous CTN. I was so busy talking and watching people. I realised I wasn't fully ready for the show. Because on my table there were only my business card and portfolio. Not like the other table selling many prints such as their drawings and paintings. I had to be satisfied with just talking to people.
The time went so fast during the event. When I felt really tired, it was already the final day, final time.
Well, I know now what I did wrong, and what I can do better if I go again. (most likely I will.... I hope)
3. Did you learn anything new from doing this? Any tips for people that may want to have their own booth on the future?The Art Center people who did well, have their own style, which go with the industry. All my friends from the school agree current Art Center Illustration Entertainment Art Track is out of fashion, getting too old. The people I know who was the most popular star from the studio, did just whatever the person wanted on his/her portfolio not following teacher's direction.
I felt so lame when I found that at there watching them having nice opportunities. I was so busy just doing the homework and not facing myself enough when I was in Art Center.
Anyway, that was an expensive education for me to realize that SIMPLE fact.
If there are people considering if going there, or not.... Just go. Just, shut up and go.... next year..... and I hope I see you there.
http://thebumsuk.com/
Thursday, December 5, 2013
CTN INTERVIEW VANESSA FUNG
Vanessa Sinying Fung
7.5 Term
1. How was getting ready for CTN?
I think there are two parts to get ready for CTN. For the first part, my portfolio/ website/ printed book version are updated after every term is over. I also had my business card ready with necessary information. Even CTN was a show, I felt better and more professional to wear business causal. I know this is cruel to say but people are still human. They judge people by appearance first. Here comes the second part. I think having my mind set and ready for any criticism was very important because I was meeting so many people from different perspectives. My first impression at CTN was intimating and overwhelming since there were so many good and young artists there who are also looking for opportunity. I believe being open-minded and looking around seeing what’s out there is very helpful to me.
What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it?
Since I am still in school, my goal is to see what’s out there. I collected business cards from people and marked down what companies are in California. One of the most important thing is to practice talking to strangers. In this industry, communication is one of the most important skill. I liked how CTN allows me to take the courage and talk to different people either professionals or the peer. I gained courage and confidence in a conversation and knew how to present myself as an artist.
Did you show your portfolio? How was the crits? Was it helpful?
Yes. I am glad that I was selected to participate in the Raise the Bar interview where participants can have an one on one interview with different studios. For me, different studios are looking for different things from my portfolio. Of course I am not the best candidates every time but I tried to present my personalities and what I wanted to do most. Also, have questions at the end of the interview. My critique was very helpful. I found that my strengths are color and background design and I needed to show more finished paintings. Although my character design is not the strongest, it is still good to include as part of the projects in my portfolio.
What would you do better or different next time?
I will definitely print out the portfolio instead of showing on the computer because I had some technical problems in the middle of an interview which I felt shamed.
Any tips or funny stories?
If you are in upper term, I highly recommend you to go to CTN because you will be exposed to the public. I will get the early bird ticket which save money. In addition, we have more Art Center students as exhibitors this year where I felt our community is getting stronger! Please go support our alumni/peer, help each other, create a supportive atmosphere for Art Center Entertainment Arts! :)
http://vanessafungart.blogspot.com/
7.5 Term
1. How was getting ready for CTN?
I think there are two parts to get ready for CTN. For the first part, my portfolio/ website/ printed book version are updated after every term is over. I also had my business card ready with necessary information. Even CTN was a show, I felt better and more professional to wear business causal. I know this is cruel to say but people are still human. They judge people by appearance first. Here comes the second part. I think having my mind set and ready for any criticism was very important because I was meeting so many people from different perspectives. My first impression at CTN was intimating and overwhelming since there were so many good and young artists there who are also looking for opportunity. I believe being open-minded and looking around seeing what’s out there is very helpful to me.
What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it?
Since I am still in school, my goal is to see what’s out there. I collected business cards from people and marked down what companies are in California. One of the most important thing is to practice talking to strangers. In this industry, communication is one of the most important skill. I liked how CTN allows me to take the courage and talk to different people either professionals or the peer. I gained courage and confidence in a conversation and knew how to present myself as an artist.
Did you show your portfolio? How was the crits? Was it helpful?
Yes. I am glad that I was selected to participate in the Raise the Bar interview where participants can have an one on one interview with different studios. For me, different studios are looking for different things from my portfolio. Of course I am not the best candidates every time but I tried to present my personalities and what I wanted to do most. Also, have questions at the end of the interview. My critique was very helpful. I found that my strengths are color and background design and I needed to show more finished paintings. Although my character design is not the strongest, it is still good to include as part of the projects in my portfolio.
What would you do better or different next time?
I will definitely print out the portfolio instead of showing on the computer because I had some technical problems in the middle of an interview which I felt shamed.
Any tips or funny stories?
If you are in upper term, I highly recommend you to go to CTN because you will be exposed to the public. I will get the early bird ticket which save money. In addition, we have more Art Center students as exhibitors this year where I felt our community is getting stronger! Please go support our alumni/peer, help each other, create a supportive atmosphere for Art Center Entertainment Arts! :)
http://vanessafungart.blogspot.com/
CTN INTERVIEW CHERRY MO
CHERRY MO
Which term are you? I'm 4.5th term.
1. How was getting ready for CTN? What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it? Did you show your portfolio?
1) I was a bit nervous about going to CTN, because I know I'll be meeting so many professionals and artists that I've been following for a long time. At first I did feel a bit overwhelmed, but when the third day came I was hoping it wouldn't end! It definitely gave me a better perspective on the whole industry and motivated me to make my own work. I did show my work, but it wasn't an entertainment portfolio, so I got some mixed reviews.
2. How was the crits? Was it helpful? What would you do better or different next time? Any tips or funny stories?
2) I only showed two companies my work, and the reviews helped me understand what each company's looking for. Next time I would definitely have an entertainment portfolio ready, and go to all the portfolio reviews.. I might even have different portfolios for different companies.
Which term are you? I'm 4.5th term.
1. How was getting ready for CTN? What did you expect from CTN? How did you like it? Did you show your portfolio?
1) I was a bit nervous about going to CTN, because I know I'll be meeting so many professionals and artists that I've been following for a long time. At first I did feel a bit overwhelmed, but when the third day came I was hoping it wouldn't end! It definitely gave me a better perspective on the whole industry and motivated me to make my own work. I did show my work, but it wasn't an entertainment portfolio, so I got some mixed reviews.
2. How was the crits? Was it helpful? What would you do better or different next time? Any tips or funny stories?
2) I only showed two companies my work, and the reviews helped me understand what each company's looking for. Next time I would definitely have an entertainment portfolio ready, and go to all the portfolio reviews.. I might even have different portfolios for different companies.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
CTN Experiences: Dahye jung
Hello Everybody! Here we have another CTN experience ready to go! This time we are interviewing Dahye Jung. She brought her portfolio to CTN, to show around as a first time.
1. Which term are you?
-7th
-7th
2. How was getting ready for CTN?
- It was my first time going to CTN, but pretty much what I did was preparing my portfolio for the studio portfolio checking, and applied for the Raise the Bar Recruiting opportunities, and I checked some valuable workshops and speaking schedule that I want to join.
3. What did you expect from CTN?
- Valuable portfolio reviews and tips which helping me to improve my art works.
4. How did you like it?
<For the portfolio Review>
- Honestly, a little disappointed. The studio reviews were not precise and not straight-forward enough. Pretty much all the reviews studio gave me were just sweet and very general. Lots of cases were not professional and helpful critiques. Or lots of case, the advice they gave me were I already knew. Also Studio reviews were pretty different depends on studio's style. It could be confused to lots of students. For example, Laika and Disney gave me a really different review to me.
- But in a good side, I can see people's reaction for my works and which pieces catch people's eyes and make people happy and surprised. That was valuable. Because it's kind of hard to get a chance to see professional artists' reaction for my art works out of school.
- And individual artists gave me a better and helpful feedback. But when they are busy, their review was not helpful.
5. Did you show your portfolio?
- Yes. I showed it to the Studios (Sony, Laika, Blue Sky, Disney) And also to the individual artists (Pascal Campion, Steven Silver) and Character Design Portfolio checking with 3 character designers.
6. How was the crits? Was it helpful?
- I answered already on the Q 4.
7. what would you do better or different next time?
- I might checked if there's valuable speeches or my favorite artists next time or not on the schedule. If there's no good speeches or my heros, I might not attend CTN next time. Because studio portfolio critics were not either helpful enough or it was too general as much as I already knew about before. Plus, it takes too long time for waiting. It was crazy!! Disney, especially!
8. Any tips or funny stories?
- Check and research artists and speeches first before going. In my case, since I didn't know many good artists' name, so i missed lots of good speeches and workshops. Make your own schedule(plan) and spend valuable times in CTN. Also for the portfolio review, sometimes individual artists give better helpful critiques than studio, which is helpful for improving my works.
Here is her Online Portfolio: http://www.behance.net/dahyejung
and blog: http://www.dahyejungart.blogspot.com/
and blog: http://www.dahyejungart.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading!
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