Tailoring Your Game Art Portfolio.
Jamie Hubbold, Level Construction Designer at TT Fusion and Robert Wells, Programmer at Blue Beck both visited the University of Bolton to give a talk on their experience with the games industry, being recent graduates. Jamie Talked about how he treated ever assignment like a portfolio piece and how he researched and tailored his work towards his ideal role within the industry.
Being talented at something doesn’t always mean a certain career, presenting your work plays a big part in selling yourself to a studio. “Knowing how to create and present your portfolio when you apply to a game company, is just as important as having awesome 2D or 3D skills.” (Casen, 2016). Having good skills but with poor presentation can lead to a struggle for work.
When applying for a studio with a signature art style, it can sometimes be in the best interest for the applicant to tailor their work to resemble the studios art. Having a portfolio full of super high poly assets won’t be of interest for a mobile developer. “No one wants to hire an artist who would rather be making other types of games.” (Fox, 2012). Showing a wide range of skills in your portfolio is great, but adding a few pieces relevant to your application will show that you’re passionate about the studios work.
Having work from other creative industries isn’t always bad. It shows that you understand other creative mediums, however, keep it apparent that game art is your focus. “Art such as graphic design or photography can demonstrate your breadth of talent.” (Fox, 2012). Showing an understanding of multiple creative industries can benefit when applying for smaller studios, as you’re varied skills will be utilized more as opposed to a larger studio that would have roles dedicated to those extra skills.
Casen, S. (2016) How to Make A Kickass Game Portfolio. Gamasutra. [Online]. Available from: http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/SaraCasen/20160617/275211/How_To_Make_A_Kickass_Game_Art_Portfolio.php. [Accessed 10 April 2017]
Fox, B. (2012) Creating A Winning Game Industry Portfolio. Gamasutra. [Online]. Available from: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/165645/creating_a_winning_game_industry_.php?print=1. [Accessed 10 April 2017]