Breaking in isn't as hard as it seems. First, you need to decide what you want to do and what your goals are. Do you want to sell your art in shows? At conventions? Get published? Do comics? Pin-ups?

Once you've decided which path (or paths) you want to head down, there are many different ways you can go about reaching your goal.

If your goal is getting into art shows, just look for local conventions in your area. You don't have to be a professional to get into an art show. Just contact the con staff and ask them about registering. Once you reserve the panels, you're all set. (It might be a good idea to purchase a mat cutter and some mat boards if you plan on doing this on a regular basis. A good one costs about $100, but you'll make that up in the money you save by cutting your own frames instead of buying precut ones.).

For conventions, first, reserve a table or half a table. Some conventions offer free "artist alley" space. Print up copies of your artwork and organize them in print books and portfolios. (For prints, try buying a spiral ring notebook and some plastic sheet protectors. Arrange your prints in the notebook and label the prices on them. Portfolios are just collections of prints, held together by staples, or grouped in magazine bags, or in clear plastic binders.) Talk to other artists you feel are of similar caliber to you and find out how much they charge. Nobody's going to buy your artwork if it's overpriced.

Getting published isn't as hard as it seems. There's hundreds of small press fanzines or APAs that publish art from all sorts of people. It's also a good launching point for bigger things. Also, don't be afraid to write or E-mail people whom you admire. Ask them questions about how they got started. Remember that artists are all human beings, and many of them are eager to help people with talent.

Just remember, don't give up. Persistence pays off. Keep your ears open for advice and criticism about you and your artwork. And do your best to develop a good professional attitude. If people don't like your attitude, they'll be less likely to help you out or purchase anything from you.

Well, that's it for the Classroom. From here you can go to theMain Page, or back to the Classroom Page.
I hope what I've written here helps you out. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to E-MAIL ME! I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, and if you think you have something to add to these pages, please, I'd love to hear from you!