Things You'll Need:
- Convention
- Imagination
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Step 1
Attend workshops. Many conventions have hour-long, afternoon-long, or day-long workshops, no matter what
your field is. You’ll gain helpful critiques or learn to critique others’ work in a relaxed atmosphere. This is an especially good opportunity if workshops aren’t normally your thing (too time-consuming, too expensive, etc.), since they are one-shot and are included with the price of admission. There are workshops for writing, art, costuming, and more. -
Step 2
Watch panels. You can visit panels on editing, writing, art techniques, the Internet influence on publishing, genres, gaming, costuming, and roundtables on all sorts of subjects. Usually pros (both professionals and amateurs with experience) conduct the panels, opening subjects to questions and general discussion.
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Step 3
Network. Nothing beats meeting others who are involved in your area of interest – whether writing, art, games, etc. Editors meet others who have more experience and tips, and offer advice to those just getting started. Writers get together and compare ideas (poets & writers, too). Artsist swap techniques. You’ll make contacts in the field or simply meet others within your range of interests.
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Step 4
Attend readings/viewings. Pros and amateurs alike have opportunities to read their works in progress and show their creations in Art Shows. You can even see how an audience responds to your own fiction or poetry, or if your artwork generates interest. You’ll also learn a lot just by attending readings and hearing the style and content, and by visiting the Art Show where canvases, sculptures, models, and all manner of creations inspire your own creativity.
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Step 5
Check out the dealers’ room. Otherwise known as the Huckster’s room, the wallet guzzler, etc. Whatever your interest, the Dealers’ Room has booths for you to visit. You’ll find rare and signed copies of authors’ books, prints of the art in the Art Show, special Con-theme related crafts, costuming items, and more.
