What makes a good game artist's portfolio?

[wanwan]

Hey, I'm basically just out of uni, and as you can understand I am totally naive about the real world!

I have a BA (Hons) Animation & Electronic Media & I want to move into the game art & concept art sector but I would like to know what makes a good and varied portfolio?

Is it better to stick to environments or to show a variety of skills such as charater design, creature creation?

If so, what would be a good list to follow?

Any help would be amazing :D

Thanks again

Rowena

[Zylver]

I'm in the same situation as you, but what teachers and other professionals have told me is to make up your portfolio specially for hwt are they seeking. It's good to have it well organized, and not take too many different and variety of things.
And what's the most important, you need an atractive contact card to give 'em, so they can remember you.

I hope this helps you out :wink:

[wanwan]

I have the business card thing sorted, it's knowing what each company is looking for that is the problem. Is calling a company in advance to ask what they look for a good or bad idea? I want to make sure I fit the bill, but I don't want to appear like I'm sucking up.

It's tricky cause "we" (my year) left uni without a clue!]

Thanks tho :)

[Zylver]

I have the business card thing sorted, it's knowing what each company is looking for that is the problem. Is calling a company in advance to ask what they look for a good or bad idea? I want to make sure I fit the bill, but I don't want to appear like I'm sucking up.

It's tricky cause "we" (my year) left uni without a clue!]

Thanks tho :)

Yeah, I know its difficult, but the basis is knowing what the company normally sells and show them things on their line.
Also a good thing is to let 'em keep a cd (or mini cd) with your artwork in small size and minimum quality (or with watermarks on each picture) for them to keep you in their mind. :wink:

[wanwan]

yup done that too! personalised CV & everything in .pdf format :D

[Zylver]

yup done that too! personalised CV & everything in .pdf format :D
then I wish you the best luck! ^^

[gascogne]

were in a different area of arts (i majored in advertising) but one thing on it is to find a little indie gaming project or whatever that you can start with that does not require experience and through that, you could create a portfolio and at the same time applying and practicing your knowledge. dont get discouraged and work yourself up. true that the most difficult phase of an artist is when they are starting because as some artists say, the arts world is harsh on its new entries. Just pe patient and someday you'll be able to reach those top companies.

and continue and pursue your specialization. most employees pick those that are specifically made for the specific project they are searching. but dont be afraid to try other stuffs.

[wanwan]

well atm im rereading a book that i found inspiring. I won't say the title on the offchance something comes out of it but I'm going to be taking a passage from that and doing some live action, some 2D animated as a portfolio piece.

There is good reason for the distinction btwn the 2 approaches - but it'd give too much away! I'm going to do the storyboards, concept art, scripting, shot design EVERYTHING I can, since the work I did in uni - at the end of the day I'm not happy with it and tbh I'm sick of that project.

This is totally fresh & I'm really enthusiastic in my own mind about it. I don't know - im torn between game & film - but they overlap so much that it's easy to go btwn them - like Feng Zhu with the LOTR work.

The film industry isnt great in Scotland, but games seem to be - hence why I'm going towards games. In global culture now the net is such a useful tool that I could work freelance but what I want is some hands on industry experience first.

I'm even thinking of approaching the author once I have an animatic underway and maybe some live action filmed - luckily my other half has a Panasonic DVX-100A & has access to another one & does like a bit of acting! I have all the tools sitting in front of - time to forget the restraints of uni and hopefully get what I want out of this - and maybe more!

Thanks for your advice - & this is the hardest time. If I can get through this - I can get through anything. I'm not going to give up easily!