Hey there! In our previous post, we chatted about the two factors that can make or break your game art career: your portfolio and your interview skills. Today, we’re going to dive deeper into some common problems that we see with game art portfolios. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you avoid them and create a killer portfolio that showcases your skills and personality. Let’s get started! 😎
Creating an amazing game art portfolio can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step in landing your dream job in the industry. We know it can be tough to stand out in a crowded field, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re going to discuss the 6 most common problems we’ve noticed with game art portfolios and how you can avoid them.
We know you’ve got skills, but it’s important to showcase them in a clear and focused manner. Don’t be all over the place with your portfolio. Instead, make sure that your portfolio showcases your strengths and your personal style. You’ve got this!
If you’re applying for a job at a studio that specializes in first-person shooters, for example, it’s important to showcase work that demonstrates your skills in that area. Make sure you tailor some portfolio pieces to the specific job you are applying for. If all your art is all cute anime animals, applying to Blizzard is not the right fit. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because of this!
We get it, you’re proud of everything you’ve ever created, but quality is more important than quantity. Showing unfinished, old student art, or low-quality art can hurt your chances of getting hired. It’s better to showcase a few strong pieces of work than a large number of mediocre ones. Trust us on this one!
We know you love showing off your process, but it’s equally important to showcase your finished work. Published games display finished art, not models that are missing textures etc. Save your WIPs for social media, keep your ArtStation or website polished. You don’t want to leave potential employers wondering if you can actually complete a project!
Don’t overwhelm potential employers with too much content—especially if the quality level is random. Be selective in what you choose to showcase and make sure each piece is presented in the best possible way. A little organization goes a long way!
Finally, don’t forget to show your process! This is so important! This can help demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving skills. Make sure you include sketches, rough drafts, and any other process work that helps tell the story of how you created your final pieces. This is what we do on the job!
So yeah, that is a lot. We know creating an amazing game art portfolio takes time and effort, but it’s only worth it if it is done right and gets you results. By avoiding these common problems, you can create a portfolio that clearly showcases your skills, process, and helps you make an impact on Hiring Directors. Good luck and happy job hunting!
If you need help, look no further. We do offer career and portfolio coaching. Book a call with us and gain clarity on your career goals!
