Bordin Marsinkul is one of those people who is serious about leveraging his creative skills in his life. A graduate of the Academy of Art in 2006, he does his own comic series, works the anime convention circuit as an artist (2-3 cons a month), teaches, and just launched his own convention, Hyper-Con. I've talked with him on and off over the years and figured an interview was in order!
1) You do an amazing amount of fannish things. How how have you made them profitable?
Well to be honest, I didn't think of selling them from the beginning since, i didn't know if fan art can be sold. But after did some research in convention I know that they are legal as long as you don't copy prints some one else work and claim it as yours. So I decided to roll with what ever I had, and keep drawing a bunch of other character. It became profitable, since you only draw them once and you can keep on reproducing them and sell it over and over again. And I happen to catch a lot of media and fans attention with my art style and how I portray there favorite characters.
2) How do you manage the convention circuit with such an intense schedule?
I have to be on top and makes such list ahead of time. Mark my calenders, set an alarm clock. Make connection to find out what's next. And prepare to register at least 4-5 month in advance for some shows.
3) How do you market and promote yourself? What are the best ways for ambitious profans to promote their work?
I promote through Deviantart at first then comes to attending lots of anime convention. And now I use the function on Facebook plus Twitter on top of it. Passing out lots of business card, draw for people and give them a good drawing show. But the most imprtance thing is " No matter how big or famous you becomes, never forget where you came from. So I always goes back to small show, becasue that's where I came from and start out with."
4) What is the most profitable part of your efforts?
I believe is when I draw commission for people. Because I know for fact that, the person who pay me to draw, that person is going to hang them up on their wall, showing off to their friends, or even a gifts. So I want to make sure that I did the best i can to deliver that art and make my fans happy to receive something cool! and to show of to many others.
5) Does your fan/art work pay the bills, or are there other ways you support yourself?
Fanart it self does not pay the bill. You have to be different in your art style as well. Sure many people can just copy images derectly out off other images or even draw some fanart close to the original creator. But being different in style is the most importance thing. Here's a basic outline of what style defines to me: type of line quality, colors, composition, poses, and creativity with fans characters
6) For people who want to do their own fannish business, what are the important things for people to do?
Define you style as I mention above. Keeping up with what's happening in anime world and pick series that you like. Make something new out from it.
7) Any other advice for ambitious profans?
I say don't give up! Never let others tell you that it's not going to work. Keep on doing it, even you don't make a profit at all. Remember, you go to shows to show off your work not to make a living out from it. Don't expect that you are going to a show to make it big right away, be humble to fans and friends. Never look down on others. See how other professionals are doing. Makes lots of connection, contact and don't be afraid to talk to strangers that just standing there looking at your work from distance, call that person over and introduce them to your works and talk about what you are here for.
Thanks Bordin! And all you readers be sure to check out his website at HyperBooster.com, home of HyperBooster studios!