CTN Spotlight on... David!
CTNX: Hi David, it's great to speak with you! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
DBW: I'm an illustrator and a storyteller with a love of animals and science fiction, originally from the woodlands of Northborough, Massachusetts, now living in Sun Valley here in California.
CTNX: When and how did your relationship with CTN begin?
DBW: I first attended while completing my masters degree in San Francisco. having been to other conventions with only a corner cut out for artists, i immediately fell in love with CTN convention and its artist-centered focus. There really ought to be more conventions that pay respect to the work we artists do.
CTNX: What have your positions been with CTNX and what have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
DBW: I've been an attendee many times (even a VIP attendee in 2015), last year (2016) was my first time as a staff member, mainly doing entrance and door control for the exclusive parlor room lectures and book signings. it was a great time, and my work in the past as a RA and camp counselor was useful (haha~).
CTNX: What are your ultimate career goals?
DBW: I am an illustrator, comic artist, concept artist, and puppeteer ( I keep busy!), and would love the opportunity to work on industry projects with companies like Disney, Marvel, Henson, ILM, Pixar and others in the Los Angeles area like Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon. aside from that dream I also want to do more work in publishing of my own comic stories and i've begun production for an upcoming youtube puppet show!
CTNX: How does working with CTN help you meet those goals?
DBW: honestly meeting new friends and potential contacts is invaluable, both for social health and professional goals. I've also gotten some really great portfolio reviews, which have been very encouraging for my career goals.
CTNX: What have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
DBW: I was impressed at how much is accomplished with so little staff behind the curtain. Its a fairly small operation from what I can tell, but it still manages to tackle a huge event.
CTNX: What do you look forward to most in the coming years regarding your career?
DBW: In truth i'm excited to get my foot in the proverbial door. I know i'm ready to perform and surpass expectations once I get the chance. CTN is one of the things that encouraged me to move to Los Angeles-- having lived here for a year now I have had some amazing opportunities, and although I am still trying to get a position in the larger industry, my experiences so far are with no regrets. (and for the bird enthusiasts, I've had no egrets either.)
CTNX: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
DBW: See my work at www.davidwentworthart.com
CTNX: It was a pleasure to talk with you David!