The trio also stressed the importance of thick skin and knowing how to talk to people. When showing others your work, it is important to realize that everyone has an opinion and, even though we don't like to admit it, everyone's opinion is valid. You may not agree with what they have to say, but the ability to look at your own work objectively is a core skill. Kirkham was particularly insistent that new artists not try to play off advice by saying, "It's my style." Whoever is looking at your work - especially people working in the industry who know what they are looking at - will be able to distinguish a stylistic element from something that is badly drawn.
As far as portfolios go, artists should have at least 3-4 pages of continuity to show they can tell a story visually. As Kitson put it, "Anyone can be a great artist, but not everyone can be a great comic artist." While it is tempting to fill the pages with non-stop action, editors are actually more interested in seeing "slower" moments - like a conversation between Mary Jane and Peter at a restaurant. Action sequences and splash pages are one thing, but keeping the energy going in a conversation shows real skill.
The panelists also encouraged would-be artists to put themselves in their work and try to do their own things. The best way to get Marvel or DC's attention is to do your own thing and build a following. As an example, Kitson mentioned Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's success with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which began as a self-published series before blowing up the way it did. Yates followed by saying your self-published work doesn't necessarily have to be good to get someone's attention.
Once you're in, all three said you never become complacent with anything or think you're better than anyone else. Kitson mentioned knowing an artist who got an issue of Wolverine, only to let the success go to his head. Once you've earned the label of being hard to work with or egotistical, it is a hard thing to lose. Artists should also constantly look for ways to improve their work and not worry about matching any one style. Managing to keep deadlines is also a major plus.
To close, Kirkham said, "If you do good work, companies will keep you around. Otherwise, they'll drop you." The key is being consistent, punctual and staying up to date. For Yates, it was all about having the drive and not being afraid to get yourself out there.
