Portfolio

How to create an artist portfolio for a career in game development.

Content

• PortfolioContents - what Art Directors want for: Animator, Character Artist, Concept Artist, Environment/Prop Artist, Generalist, Technical Artist, User Interface Artist.
• How to Create a Stunning Portfolio, with Jared Sobotta - article | CGSociety
• Expert Tips on How to Create a Killer Digital Portfolio
• Your Portfolio Repels Jobs by Jon Jones describes the do's and don'ts of artist portfolios.
• GDC 2015 - Killer Portfolio or Portfolio Killer: Advice from Industry Artists (document here)
• Work at Bungie: Getting Past the Gatekeeper details how to make the best impression on Bungie's hiring manager. (Note: reels are not important any more, unless you're an animator or effects or UI artist. All her other advice is golden though!)
• NateWhitePortfolioAdvice by Nate White has a solid summary for recent graduates about what their portfolios need.
• What should be in your portfolio? Polycount forum thread.
• Frank advice about improving your portfolio from EarthQuake (and others) Polycount forum thread.

Methods

We suggest using ArtStation to create your portfolio. It's a great platform, easy to use, standardized, and offers a lot of exposure.

• Wren - Minimalist and free portfolio theme for Wordpress Polycount forum thread.
• Best Portfolio Website Builders Polycount forum thread.
• Need the best free website design site Polycount forum thread.
• Setting up a quick portfolio site Polycount forum thread.
• Quick portfolio site tips for 3D artists building their first site by James Taylor
• Model Presentation has tutorials and techniques for rendering your models.
• Category:Shaders has links to cool shaders for rendering your models.
• Where do you host your portfolio? Polycount forum thread on hosting sites, posts include prices and reviews.

Art Software

• Category:Tools on the wiki lists which art software professionals use.
• Free or low cost 3D and 2D apps on the Polycount forum has advice about free and low-cost software to use.

Getting a Job

• Category:GameIndustry on the wiki has tips about getting and keeping a job as an artist in games.

Generalist vs. Specialist

• Difference between Environment and Prop Artists? Polycount forum thread
• Should portfolios demonstrate versatility? Polycount forum thread
• Percentage of environment artists .vs. character artists at most studios Polycount forum thread
• What's the difference between a level designer and environment artist? Polycount forum thread
• Lack of Environment Artists Polycount forum thread

Examples

• Recently hired in AAA? Show us your portfolio
• Game Art Portfolio Wall by Matt 'mats effect' Nelson
• Your favorite portfolio? on the Polycount forum has links to members' favorite artist portfolios.
• Polycounter portfolios wiki page has a partial list of members' portfolios.

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