What to Include in a Portfolio
When building your portfolio, you should show a broad range of skills across the realm of game art design. Therefore, you must include a range of drawings, 3D designs, and projects completed using the most relevant software.
A solid game art portfolio should include high-quality samples, a variety of styles, and personal projects. Ultimately, it should underline the creativity that you bring to the table while highlighting what it can achieve within the context of your business.
Industry Standards
Experts Andy Gavin & Jason Rubin said “the designer has to accept the third party opinion over theirs. Every time”. So, you must ensure that your portfolio is designed to showcase technical skills in a way that speaks to the recipient. Adhering to industry standards is, therefore, essential. Not least because it shows your professionalism.
Some of the key things to do are;
Include at least 15 pieces.
Start with your most recent work.
Include organized work that shows the progress of ideas.
Add ‘work in progress’ pieces if relevant.
Showcase a range of skills and ideas.
The Power of Presentation
As well as including the right types of artwork, you need to ensure that the portfolio is presented correctly. A well-designed portfolio will leave a lasting impression on potential employers or clients. Better still, it means they can consume the content more conveniently.
You can support your portfolio with sketchbooks to show the development process. However, everything should be kept organized and together. If using online portfolios, opting for a dedicated portfolio website is the best option. USB sticks and other media are a bad idea. Showcase your Creativity
World building and environment design allow you to showcase creativity and storytelling, which are key factors when building a game. From concept art to finalized projects, ensuring that your portfolio is built within the context of video games will serve you well.
Ultimately, employers are gaming enthusiasts. So, if your game art can get them excited, it will do the same for players. Recruiters know this and will look more favorably on a portfolio that builds a narrative of what you can do rather than simply show a collection of random designs.
Making a Portfolio as a Design School Student
As a design school student, your portfolio may be lacking professionally commissioned work. However, the key to getting a job is to show that you have the required creative flair and talent. Artwork related to existing games, maybe from the game studio you’re applying to, can work wonders.
Other creative solutions include getting a game development studio to turn your artwork into a working title. This mutually beneficial relationship can level up your portfolio.
A strong game art portfolio is one of the most important tools for getting a job in the industry, not least because it provides a visual representation of your talent and can capture the person’s attention with immediate results.
Besides, a well-designed portfolio showcases your passion. When supported by the right qualifications and a strong interview, your hopes of success will soar.
