Jon Schindehette’s 10 Ways to Kill Your Career

 

Jon Schindehette’s 10 Ways to Kill Your Career + AMA Notes. 2/25/2014

(notes taken by Angela Schmer)

 

1. Be a tool. Artistic skill and merit are important, however, being a personable individual is as well. Art directors and leaders within the industry, like as in any other profession, desire to work with pleasant people. Your personality and demeanor account for more than you might think. Be friendly, be professional, most of all, be easy to work with.

 

1. Don’t be a tool. Too often, artists can become caught up in their “tool” or media/materials such as with Photoshop. As an artist, you yourself are an important “tool” or mechanism in the creative machine, especially if you are aspiring to work in a studio. So think of your entire being as the “tool” to get things done and don’t get become dependent on Photoshop brushes, etc. to do most of the work for you.

 

1. Be special. There are many, many other individuals out there who are aspiring for the same goals as you are. Why should you deserve special treatment? Be careful to not fall into the mindset of believing you are above anyone else. Artists should be unique, not privileged. Never make excuses such as; “I didn’t have access to good printing…I can’t afford certain materials…I’m just a student” or any other form of “I should be exception to the normal expectations.” Never apologize for yourself. It comes off as highly unprofessional.

 

1. Be a dreamer. Dreams that don’t include action don’t amount to anything. If you have a goal, take the steps to turn it into action. Don’t just dream.

 

1. Be a follower. There are many artist that look “just like” each other. Artists don’t get art directors’ attention by being “just like” another artist that is currently in the field. If you are imitating someone else’s style, they’re going to hire the more seasoned artist, but just a “copycat”. It’s perfectly OK to be inspired by other artists, but don’t become “just like” them. Be unique and make your name worth something more than just compared to someone else.

 

1. Be an island. We only grow when we get out of our comfort zone. Get out there and let people see yourself and your work. Be fearless. Community is key. Connect. Network. Communicate.

 

1. Be a stalker. Know when it is and isn’t appropriate to approach people about your work. Asking an art director for a portfolio review in the men’s room: not cool. Use your common sense of social awareness and appropriateness. Think of every media channel from the standpoint of a professional. All employers will check your Facebook. Make sure it is appropriate.

 

1. Be uninformed. Keep up with what is happening in the industry and don’t fall behind. Understand where trends are going and moving towards. Pay attention and read up. The Muddy Colors blog is one of the best resources to do this for illustrators. Also, be able to tell the difference between good and bad facts and advice.

 

1. Be a round file. Pay attention to what you’re giving out to people. Think about quality. This can take the form of your portfolio, business card, website, image, etc. Make it relevant and significant and always tie it back to you. Think of how any action ties back into promoting and growing your career. If it doesn’t, then reconsider.

 

10. Be someone else. NEVER emulate, look like, or be confused for anybody else. Don’t do what’s safe, don’t work for the grade, work for yourself; your ambitions, your portfolio, and your styles. Imitation will only get you so far. Don’t be afraid of change. Figure out who you are and what your style is and differentiate it from the rest. There are a lot of artist’s out there. You have to stand out among all of that noice. There are only about 300-600 consistently working illustrators out there who receive most of the work. You have to be BETTER than one of those individuals.

 

AMA Notes.

 

On receiving work:

 

Simple rules to live by: Be good. Be nice. Communicate. -Robh Rupple.

This how you start your career. The more we give, the more we learn ourselves. Mentoring is huge. Also, communication is the most important thing in all things that we do. Call and communicate Right away. Never miss deadlines… Ask questions and always make sure you fully understand any assignment or expectation.

 

Art directors do 3 things: They commission great art, they do it on budget, and on time. They are there to guide and answer questions throughout this entire process.

 

Take yourself seriously and respect yourself. Believe in yourself and your work. Show this by communicating effectively. If you fall ill and are going to even possibly miss a deadline, communicate right away.

 

Understand your art directors thought process and get to know your stuff. Know the IP. Gamer geeks get jobs at gamer companies.

Tailor portfolio and resume to each job. Update regularly; about every 6 months.

 

On individuality:

Artists have three things to differentiate themselves: Their name, their signature or mark, and their personal style.

 

It’s important to always pursue your passions. If you aren’t enjoying your work, it’ll show in the final product. If you are an artist that loves creature design and monsters, don’t put a bunch of elves in your portfolio because you think that’s what’s popular right now. If you want to be the “monster guy”, draw monsters. Simple as that.

 

Differentiate within the realm of the industry you want to be in. Tackle ONE distinguishing factor. Figure out what your niche is and become known for it. Do what you REALLY want to do. If you don’t REALLY want to do it, don’t have it in your portfolio.