Art Talk | WHY TO AVOID CTN EXPO!!! | Stephen Silver
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- #boycottCTNX when you share your stories. Save your money people, there are other affordable animation expos coming to town. One this year and one coming next year. Why I cannot Support this expo of once again. The artists that exhibit are not the issue, they are what make the gathering good. Connect with artists NOT CTN. Too many people getting screwed including the managers that make the show successful. Stop supporting this madness. Value artists and art.
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Pop on by EVERY MONDAY as I share a new Art Talk discussion. A place to inspire, encourage and help guide you in attaining your goals. Here I will be discussing my philosophies and experiences, industry tips on how to improve your art as well as the discussions on the business of art. Art has value.
As I stated on the first vid, volunteers are also treated like crap just as much as those who exhibit. I last volunteered on 2015 I was was scheduled to work all 3 days(only had 3 free hours to walk around the exhibit hall for the entire weekend), many of us were not given breaks or lunch breaks, we were not allowed to go on panels on our free time, and we were never given enough info to help assist attendees and exhibitors when they ask for info on panels and locations of certain events.
What pissed me off the most is that at the end of the convention, they had an impromptu cake and champagne to celebrate the success of it at the center of the exhibit hall but it was only for exhibitors. The volunteers were not allowed to be a part of it for not being exhibitors: as many of us approached to get a slice of cake, one of the leads of Tina ran in front of us and yell, “STOP! It’s not for you!” Many of us were pissed and sad about it. They had enough cake slices for everyone who was still there(Many of the exhibitors already left because the event happened an hour after the convention ended).
Seriously don’t go.
Thanks August for sharing openly. Its so important for people to hear about the volunteer mistreatment including having to wear other volunteers unwashed yellow shirts.
Sorry mate
Over cake? Dude....cake is like 50 cents a slice! As a group of volunteers you could've pooled money together and set up your OWN meet up!!!!!
My main reason why I stopped going is mainly due to price. I know most of the time it felt like well to do or rich and well connected people can only go. It’s like an exclusive club that only those within the industry or have already a foot in the door are allowed to connect with one another. A High school clique if you will. As someone whom is still trying to figure things out, it’s very disheartening.
EXACTLY!!!
Thanks once more for putting your neck on the line for the industry. The industry is blessed to have you.
I paid extra for the opportunity to get a portfolio review because I live on the east coast and literally never have a physical opportunity to see industry people where I live. I waited over an hour to get my appointment card to go, then stood in line for over two and a half hours past my appointment time before stepping out of line and giving up. I never even saw where the end of the line was. Also for a convention that's been around almost 10 years I was REALLY surprised to not see any signs anywhere for panels. Halfway through the weekend someone ducktaped pieces of paper with directions throughout the hotel.
Hi Stephen,
I'm a newbie to the industry. I have yet to attend a convention and was hoping CTN would be my first, however, you have convinced me not to attend. I strongly believe in supporting what is right for all. Supporting events like those just bring them to even greater power and influence. I will definitely attend GZA, it sounds like a terrific experience for myself and others. I found your video through a friend who avidly watches your videos. I'm happy that you shared this information, deeply appreciated.
Thank you for being so honest and forthright! I'm an animation student and was fretting the upcoming cost of CTN. I thought it was necessary to learning more but the price is pretty outrageous... I went to GZA and loooooved it!!!
It’s getting really expensive, and I live in LA. I paid $75 bucks last year, I got a seat to one panel and stand for another and access to the exhibit area. People that paid $25 only had access to the exhibit!
I met Stephen a long time ago at Warner Bros and he is the most positive I knew back then. So what he is saying can't be ignored.
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I've never heard of this expo until now, and I just want to thank you for warning people about this kind of backstage stuff that was going on. I won't be going to this kind of event knowing this information.
I don't even know what CTN is, but I am going to watch this
I attended my first CTN last year. Overall, I had an amazing time! I did notice, though, that there were a lot of problems with the organisation of the show, and it was SO expensive! What I got out of it and enjoyed most about it was the people I met and I'm keeping in touch with. I will be attending again this year, and couldn't be more excited to be doing so, but not so much because of the event itself, but because I can't wait to catch up with all the people I met last year, and meet even more people and make those connections. Living in Australia, I feel so far away from the huge film and TV industry that's in California, so it's such an awesome thing to have so many people gathering in the same place at the same time for the same purpose - it's just so unfortunate that CTNX has become what it is. I look forward to hearing how Ground Zero goes this year. If it blows up, and draws the kind of talent that has been at CTNX, I'll definitely be considering making my annual California trip in June.
For the portfolio issue, Volunteers are constantly told if they see a table giving free reviews, we were to call out the artist tell him/her not to do it. I refuse because I didn’t wanted to burn any bridges before I can get in the industry. Also, why would I want to piss off attendees who want to network?
Thanks for sharing. I really felt that was DESPICABLE!!!! just goes to show, its all about making money and not caring about the attendees paying such high prices. So BAD and SAD. you did the right thing by saying nothing to the exhibitors, you would have pissed them off, but then again if you did say that this restriction is coming down from Tina Price, more exhibitors would be exposed to the BS
Stephen Silver Thank you Stephen. Hope to see you at Ground Zero Animation.
I’ll let Eva know, I plan to table next year at GZA! Thanks for helping her and supporting her endeavor!
Came here from Bobby Chiu's video. Wow...
I'm glad there are alternatives now. Here in the Wales we never used to have anything like that. I know people who have travelled to the US to take part in these conventions like CTN. But they are getting more prominent, I think. So are art classes and clubs and groups. A lot more opportunities around now then their used to be here in rural Wales.
But yes, I can't help but notice the artists that I respect who used to go to CTN have not been involved these past few years. It's nice to see other events around that aren't exploitative.
Thanks for commenting
Very interesting, I almost went last year! Thanks for your words of wisdom/experience.
As someone who is very much a newbie to this industry, I appreciate your honesty regarding how this event is managed. It's something I will definitely keep in mind as the event draws closer. However, besides Ground Zero Animation Expo (which I only just learned about thanks to you!), are there any other events you could recommend that are specific to the animation industry? Of those existing events, are there good ones whose attendance suffers mainly due to poor or lackadaisical advertising? What can we do to fix that?
From my own perspective, I've found a shocking (and somewhat depressing) lack of events and resources that would connect animation industry pros to aspiring pros. Trying to connect over the internet with professionals may as well get washed away in the ebb and flow of frivolous and serious inquiries, especially if you would try to link your portfolio. Not saying that connecting over the web has never worked, but we need more in-person events to establish rapport and to create opportunities that make the industry more inclusive. I hope that we will see more of those coming up in the near future.
There is one that will be announced soon coming next year too. A lot of animation artists have booths at comic c conventions all over. So that's always a good option too
Stephen Silver , thanks for taking the time to respond :) Its good to hear that there is another one in the works. In the meantime, yes, some animators do make it to comic conventions. I do worry that those instances are still too few and far between, and the focus of such conventions don't give animators much incentive to be there (unless they are deliberately invited, which also seems to be rare). I would just like to see more animation-centric events that the community can rally around in general, instead of having to settle for one or two that are "good enough" because they are simply the only ones.
You know, I bet one thing that could help would be for con-goers/aspiring professionals to petition their local cons to invite animators. If the con thinks there's enough interest, than it's more likely to happen :)
@@Keylimecreations Lightbox Expo, just went there today, much MUCH better than CTN
Will you do a video about Lightbox? I'm excited about it and maybe there are some who have not yet heard about it as well
I went there today! I LOVE it! Much better than CTN
My university goes to CTN every year. I always thought it was a great opportunity since we are in Pennsylvania and usually can only go to Ottawa and Toronto animation festivals. However as an American it is hard to find opportunities there. Do you have any ideas on this?
Completly agree! I'm from México and I was planning to attend this year but OMG!! the prices are ridiculous! 195 for three days?! for me it's like 300 dollars! :/ ! Obviously I won't be able to go like many mexicans and foreigns like me :c And it's a shame because I LOVE the convention! It was a BIG source of inspiration but now it's a bittersweet experience :'(
I was going to go for the first time but I am so glad I saw your video. I’m just going to stick to Adobe Max and get the free food haha XD
Stephen rarely gets mad, but when he does....oh boy
Artists getting screwed!!!! - Its put on the gloves time. Thanks for commenting
Stephen Silver someone should follow this up with a petition or lawsuit...those things you said in the video were predatory, undeniably.
for sure, but people are afraid.
In about 2015, my husband and I sought refunds for our tickets due to a death in the family. We needed to use the money to fly to the funeral. We were within the refund window and everything was refunded properly. A few hours after the funds hit our bank account, Tina personally called my husband (we were longtime CTNX attenders) and started SCREAMING at him. No greeting, no small talk, just SCREAMING. I was sitting next to him when he answered the phone. She screamed that we were ruining her livelihood and that we were awful, selfish people for "stealing from struggling artists and animation lovers." WTH? My husband calmly stated that he was not going to be mistrrated and that she could calm down and talk to him normally or he'd hang up. He had to hang up.
Just...WTF? She literally attacked us for asking for a refund that was perfectly within the CTNX rules. It was bizarre.
That’s Tina, revolting
Use to love going to CTN but the prices and the fact that its on the west coast near thanksgiving was just too expensive. Do you know of any Animation Expos or animation events on the East Coast? Would love to check the Ground Zero Animation glad to see its in the summertime.
Have not heard of any on the East Coast, but with all the talent over there it would be a good place to start one. I do know a lot of animation people go to New york Comic-con
I'm in the animation/toy industry as a freelancer and I live in FL and I feel completely cut off from anything network-wise. I would absolutely love an East Coast convention for a change!
Really agree with the support for diversifying the offering. Technically there is nothing wrong with CTN as it's just a business (aside from the things I hear about the poor communication from the organisers, but I haven't had a first-hand experience). But it is unfair to take financial advantage of creatives who feel like they need to go for the employment opportunities that are offered. It's like that bit in the film A Bug's Life when the ants stand up to the grasshoppers...vote with your feet people! If everyone goes to the free event, it'll be the place to be. Easier said than done, but I'd like to hope the community over there looks out for each other in this sort of collective way.
Start a movement! Good luck :)
Sounds like industry elitism at its finest
Thank you for speaking your mined. This actually Vary eye opining.
Not even kidding, as an illustrator who isn't that great (yet, I'm getting there) people like this really piss me off, fork over money you probably don't have for people to judge your work and potentially not give appropriate criticism. If you're really good something might happen, maybe but not necessarily. You just need to put yourself out there and talk to eachother, you don't need to pay these extortionate fees. Its people trying to take advantage of artists all the time and its getting ridiculous.
For sure
Hmm, as someone that enjoys illustrating and making “Fine Art” I always wanted to go to CTN since the animation students take a trip there every year at my university. But, because of my degree in studio art, I never felt like it’d be appropriate for me to attend since I’m not an animation student. It kinda sucks to hear this news anyway.
Wow I’m upset... I live in Australia and I just bought plane tickets and booked the hotel to go ... 😢
Designer Con is the same weekend in Anaheim. You should check that out too while your here and stop by my drawing party on Thursday in Hollywood
200 $ for Pf review ) omg, how much air for breath cost ?
Thank You.
Silver's Con when?
Oh no no no, but some others coming. Nir to mention the great gzaexpo.com
I went to my first CTNX last year on 2017. It was both amazing and yet at the same time lackluster for the amount I paid for. I went with on a 3 day plus expo pass for like $200. I attended a few panels and lectures though about half the things I wanted to see were all in the same time slot so had to pick and choose. I met a quite a few people and for the most part it was a general response from showing off my work was "Why aren't you working yet?"
To be completely honest, I had fun at an Animation convention. But I want to get into games. It was not my scene. Would I go back? Maybe. Probably not. Who knows, if I have money to burn and time to kill but chances are I won't have either.
dang....if anyone wants a portfolio review...there are literally hundreds of artists online who will give you honest feedback for FREE kids.
200 dollars for portfolio reviews?!
Stephen, I'm looking forward to seeing you at Lightbox Expo in Pasadena Sept. 9-11, 2019. I have high confidence in Bobby Chiu of Schoolism and Jim Demonakis, founder of Emerald City Comic Con. www.lightboxexpo.com
I think it’s easier for someone like you to say not to go because you are in the industry already and everyone knows you. But for people like us, who really need to network and want to participate in the recruiting, it’s harder. None of the other options have the same level of career opportunities yet, like the recruiting part specifically. Where else are you gonna go where multiple studios, big and small, accept portfolios specifically for job openings all in one place? I don’t care about buying merch or going to lectures, which is pretty much the only things the other conventions have.
I don't think this is an 'easy for you to say' situation, because even well known artists are getting screwed outta their time, money and efforts. He's trying to inform....But even then, I think at that point you have to think outside the box. There are other ways. You have to be very resourceful about it. Go to other networking events/conventions. You never know who you'll find. Barring that, the internet doesn't limit you from networking.
So many artists and students are essentially barred from going there because they lack the funds. It's SO prohibitive. You have to pay to even get in to the portfolio reviews, and that's a separate price from the admission cost, and that's IF you even get picked. It's a lottery. So that's not even including travel costs and then hotel/accommodations. Nothing is a guarantee, even if money were no object... And it's especially a gamble if you're coming from across the country (like I did) or across the world.
CTN, based on my experience, isn't necessarily set up for people to really find their footing. It's great for meeting other people and making friends, yes (because you'll be in line SO often, it's easy!) But you'll probably have better luck at smaller, more tight knit venues and mixers that have people who care about the community running it. Don't worry. more events are throwing their hats into the ring and you'll have more chances!
Voltie Art i said easier, not easy all together. Portfolio reviews are not recruiting. Recruiting is a separate thing where you apply and recruiters pick people they want to meet with, so that’s what I’m talking about. And trust me, I’ve been resourceful, it’s not about that. Until studios stop making the process exclusive, you’ll have to get your foot in the door anyway possible, and it’s not fair to call younger people who are trying their best “enablers” and all of that. The event is a shitshow, I agree, but it’s still an opening for some people.
Sure people are set up but the recruiting is not what people think it is. Very few people will be hired by recruiters there and I know people who have been sent just to look. That's all they do. They already have the people their hiring. Let's just say it's a false pretense Ro get young artists to pay lots of money. All studios take portfolio submissions
Yes more of these opportunities are coming and especially since more studios are being created
Stephen Silver i actually know a few people who have gotten jobs out of it, so I don’t know. I mean it’s possible that some recruiters are just looking, but I know for a fact that some are actually hiring as well. It’s better than sending your portfolio to the abyss that is the studio online submission system where it never gets seen.
Lightbox expo was much better
Bro. It's time to turn the page.
Ugh no one respects artists, god damn I’m starting to lose my passion for art
Dont do that. Keep doing it for you
Stephen Silver It doesn’t bring me joy anymore, I don’t know what happened, but I feel sad that I’m losing my interest in a hobby that I invested 5 years of love in
Dol _ Don't let this take the joy out of your art!! Take a look at some of your favorite pieces and remember that great feeling you got as you finished them? Making your art is wonderful right?! Stick with it!!!
I made a video compared Lightbox with CTN, check it out!
CTN Expo is STILL a good place to network! :) 5:47 It's NOT price gouging when people are willing to pay!!! :) Charge what the market can bear. :) Setting up conventions is not a charity, it's a business. 6:02 so what? This is life. She organized a platform, why should she waste time with anyone who can't serve that platform? It's mutual. Value for value exchange. Those she talks to benefit as well. 6:55 Dude....you just contradicted yourself. :/
In order to have a productive business, you need to treat your employees and volunteer staff right. Forcing staff to work 17 - 20 hour shifts without break, throwing staff under the bus in front of potential future clients, and then backstabbing anyone who seems convenient at the time isn't anywhere near FAIR treatment.
Where is the benefit of being in a toxic [business] relationship with this woman? Where? We'd like to know. Answer: There is none. No one benefits from toxic employers. No one.
That's a really clumsy, comparing bad business practices, to dudes sexually harassing women in the industry.
Not really when everyone knows what's going on behind the scenes and keeping quiet. Because madness is going on right now I think it makes a point. Agree on not, I feel artists are getting mistreated.