Staffordshire University London (SUL) concept art students exhibited their work at Comic-Con in London earlier this year, the bi-annual event typically held in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The event features a wide variety of activities, including panels and workshops, autograph signings, screenings, and plenty of opportunities to buy art, merchandise, and cosplay.
The students were exposed to the real-life experience of exhibiting at Comic-Con, but also gave them a taste of what it's like to work as a freelancer. It was required to set up and manage your own booth, interact with potential customers, display artwork, and handle payments. This was undoubtedly a lot of work involved but was also a great way to learn the ropes of freelancing. Megan Otton, a 2nd year Concept Art student recalled, “It helps us gain exposure and, in an industry, where your connections hold as much weight as your skills, it helps you put a foot in door by meeting other professionals as well as potential clients".
Those who exhibited also were able to speak to a lot of industry professionals and get some insight into what it's like to do these events and live as an artist full time. They learned about the challenges and rewards of freelancing, and they got some tips on how to succeed in the industry.
By attending the event as an exhibitor, it gave concept art students at Staffordshire University London (SUL) work experience as a freelancer. Concept Art student, Millie Sewlyn, found that the event was an “amazing experience for the students” and that freelancing “allowed us to try and be independent artists while studying, and to talk to others exhibiting to see their experiences and how they got to the place they are”.
Tom Dryland, another Concept Art student at Staffordshire University London, echoed Millie’s sentiments. "From an artist's angle, it definitely gives you a jumping off point for a potential freelance career," he said. "It lets you meet people who are also doing tabling as well as interacting with the public."
The event was a huge success for both the concept art students and the ambassadorial team at Staffordshire University London. The students were able to exhibit their work and network with industry professionals, while the ambassadorial team was able to talk to many prospective students about the university and answer their questions. As the only university to sponsor a booth at Comic-Con, Staffordshire University London was able to garner the interest of many attendees who were interested in learning more about the university's courses.