Welcome artists! If you’re reading this, you’re probably putting together a portfolio to showcase your amazing skills. However, there is one big question…what should you include? Here are some simple and fast tips to help you show off your best work and land that dream job as a game artist. Also, make sure you are not making these Portfolio mistakes and know the 2 factors for getting a Game Art job!
First things first: make sure you’re tailoring your portfolio to the specific job you’re applying for. Take a look at the job posting and include artwork that shows you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. A quick tip, Motion Designers and 3D Artists are not Game Artists, they are not interchangeable.
Take some time to research the game studio you’re applying to and include artwork that aligns with their projects and vision. This will show that you’re not only a talented artist, but that you’re a great fit for the team. Art creation is only a small part of working at a game studio.
Your portfolio is a reflection of your passion and creativity. Make sure you’re including artwork that you’re truly proud of and that showcases your unique style and voice. With that said, it should still meet the visual quality bar of the industry and/or show potential. Part of this relies heavily on…
The video games you play show completed art, so make sure your portfolio does too. It should look and feel “done” with polish. As always, seek out professional feedback to apply to your art to make it amazing! This is what is done on the job. Save your works in progress for social media and only include finished artwork in your portfolio, and…
This is SUPER important. Seriously. So many portfolios DO NOT do this—and you need to. Studios need to know how you create your art and your thought process behind it. Include sketches, screen shots, and any other steps you take when creating your artwork. This will give them a better idea of how you work and what you’re capable of.
If you’re applying as a game artist, make sure you’re showing off your skills in both 2D and 3D art. This will demonstrate your versatility and show that you’re comfortable working in different mediums. In the studio there are always opportunities to lend a helping hand on different projects or different studio initiatives or events too!
Finally, make sure you’re including examples of your art foundation skills such as sketching, design, anatomy, perspective, form/silhouette, color theory, value, composition, texture, lighting, and rendering. These skills are essential for any game artist and will show that you have a solid foundation to build upon.
You spent a lot of time creating the artwork. Spend time ensuring that all your hard work is presented in well designed layouts that are clean, and free from distraction. Care about your art. Care about how it is presented. Take the time to format your images to be the same size/width, use a simple template to label work with call outs or descriptions that support your process.
We hope these tips help you create an amazing portfolio that truly showcases your skills and passion for video game art. Have more questions? Need some advice?
