Again, apologies to the lack of updates. I’ve been focused on the webtoon, and now I’ve been “working the scene”. Most “normies” call it networking.
Networking is ultimately a skill, made all the more inconvenient and troublesome when it requires taking time out your day or week to travel great distances to large gatherings. It’s hard to get your voice out there among the crowds, to manage and establish face-to-face time, and create a rapport that can sustain itself well after its over. It’s maintaining connections through emails, twitter accounts, blogs, Skype calls, and even MORE face-to-face meetings. It requires traveling, moving, handshaking and smiles, listening and communication and making large impressions. It’s a lot of work, mostly out of your own dime and time.
I have a love/hate relationship with networking. It used to be a hate/hate relationship; the first hate turned into love once I gained some confidence and embraced my overall love for traveling, meeting people, and drinking beers (alcohol is a great ice-breaker). Still, there’s something off-putting about the idea of networking being so prevalent a method for creating and discovering job opportunities. It would be fine if it was simply on par for the course, but networking has become ipso facto the way to make it in. The problem is that it actually has nothing to do with the quality of work or the individual. Quality people and products should stand on its own. But hacks and shoddy material make the most headway because of individuals who can talk a good game, and manage to be in the right place at the right time. Wonder why there’s so much crap in Hollywood? Because a guy knows a guy who knows a guy, and no one can say “No, this is a stupid idea” to a winning smile.
But I’ve come to accept this truth, and I’m hoping I can provide a winning smile as well as a genuinely enjoyable webtoon and future scripts that people actually enjoy. I have another event this Saturday. Gotta brush the pearly whites.
Here’s a bunch of networking contact info of mine:
My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501651
My LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjohnson1585
My Twitter: www.twitter.com/kjohnson1585
And here are some links to friends of mine’s Facebook pages. Be sure to especially be a fan of Joe Murray, Frog in a Suit, and KaboingTV!
Joe Murray’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeMurrayStudio
KaboingTV Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KaboingTV
Frog in a Suit Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/froginasuit
I’ll be back to posting long-winded analysis of stuff very soon!
#1 by Suz on November 18, 2010 - 3:48 am
I hear you Kevin.
Although, I think the internet gives more an even playing field in a lot of ways. If someone is talented in writing and/or animation, he can post his work and be appreciated all over the globe.
I come from an industry where the “Good Ol’ Boys” would get together and play golf. If you were a man with a decent swing, you were golden. It is amazing how many people can be blinded by a good show or fast talking (with nothing to back it up).
It’s part of business, you have to show what you are worth… people are not always able to recognize the value of someone (until they are gone).
I think it is clear that YOU have talent. It is exhausting but you have put together a great portfolio with this site and all of your other projects. Keep it up! I noticed you right away!!!
#2 by Admin on November 19, 2010 - 4:06 pm
Hey Suz, thanks for that. Trying to put together a few things that will hopefully up and running by January. My smile isn’t winning but I think I can do the work needed of me!
#3 by Jon on November 23, 2010 - 2:48 am
Hey, I think you’re pretty awesome at networking. Don’t give it up. I see a big break soon in your future. Just remember to let me ride your coattails.
#4 by redfoxfan on December 4, 2010 - 6:59 pm
Following your twitter page right now.
Mine is red_locker, by the way. :3