Opportunities often happen through contacts. But if you are like most
people who know nobody (at least nobody who you think can help
advance your career), then you have to make your own connections.
It may surprise you that getting connected can start right in your own
neighborhood.

Ways To Connect

Take art classes.

You may find art classes at your local library, community center, or
museums. There, you can meet other artists and get feedback on your
work. If you are in high school, ask your art teacher if you can spend
more time in the art room either after school or during your free
periods. Talk to your guidance counselor about which art schools have a
good graphic novel program. It’s never to early to plan for your future.

Check out interactive websites.

If you don’t have a computer, then use one at your local library. Many
comic companies have interactive websites. You can submit your pages
to online contests. You just might win! (Make sure you are submitting
your work to honorable companies.) Many up-and-coming graphic
novelists have made good contacts through these contests. It is also a
good way to see what other artists/writers are doing.

Visit museums.

Learn from the masters! Go to a museum as often as possible. The more
works of art you look at, the better your eye will see. Go back and look
at paintings that you have studied before. Look at them as if for the first
time. Do you see something new? Something that you have never seen
before?

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