THE PORTFOLIO THAT GOT ME HIRED as a character artist (Blizzard)

Summary

In this YouTube Art School episode, the speaker shares valuable tips on how to create an outstanding art portfolio, drawing from their experience as a game artist at Blizzard Entertainment. They emphasize the importance of showcasing your best work, tailoring your portfolio to the job you're applying for, and keeping it updated. The speaker advises on the ideal number of pieces to include, the significance of specializing in one area, and the benefits of using various platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and personal websites to display your art. With these insights, viewers are guided on how to craft a compelling portfolio that stands out to potential employers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your portfolio is your passport as an artist. It's the only thing that matters, not your diploma or where you studied.
• 😀 Aim to have 15-20 strong pieces in your portfolio, but no more than 50. Quality over quantity is crucial.
• 😀 Showcase your best work first. The top pieces in your portfolio should be the first things potential employers see.
• 😀 Fan art can be included, but make sure it offers a unique twist, such as reimagining characters or setting them in different time periods.
• 😀 Specialize in one area of art (e.g., character design, environments) for larger studios, but for smaller studios, a varied portfolio may be beneficial.
• 😀 Tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for. If you're targeting a specific studio, adapt your artwork to match their style.
• 😀 Avoid including rough or unfinished sketches unless they are exceptional. Keep your portfolio polished and professional.
• 😀 Compare your portfolio to the work of junior artists at studios you admire. This gives you an idea of the level required to get hired.
• 😀 Regularly update your portfolio to keep it fresh. Replace older work with new pieces as you improve your skills.
• 😀 Don't let personal feelings decide if a piece stays in your portfolio. Be objective about whether your artwork still reflects your current skill level.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a portfolio for an artist?

A portfolio serves as an artist's 'passport'—it's the most important thing that showcases their skills and abilities. It's what potential employers care about the most, not your diploma or where you studied.

What platforms are recommended for hosting an artist's portfolio?

Popular platforms for hosting portfolios include Instagram, Twitter, ArtStation, and Pixel. It's also a good idea to have a personal website, which can be set up using services like Squarespace or WordPress.

How many artworks should be included in a portfolio?

A good portfolio typically contains 15 to 20 artworks but should not exceed 50 pieces. It's important to balance quality over quantity. If you have too many pieces, remove the weaker ones.

Is it okay to include unfinished sketches in a portfolio?

Generally, unfinished sketches should be avoided unless they are exceptional. If you do want to include them, it's recommended to create a separate folder for sketches so they don't overwhelm the portfolio.

Should fan art be included in a portfolio?

Including fan art can be fine, especially if you give it a unique twist or a new take on existing characters or designs. However, generic fan art without originality is generally not something most studios want to see.

How can an artist tailor their portfolio for specific job opportunities?

Artists can tailor their portfolios by including work that aligns with the specific style and needs of the studio or project they are targeting. This helps demonstrate that you are a good fit for the role.

What should be the focus of an artist's portfolio?

The portfolio should focus on showcasing what you specialize in. For example, if you enjoy working on characters, make sure to emphasize character designs. Specializing in one area is typically more beneficial than having a varied portfolio with many different types of art.

What is the advantage of having a focused portfolio?

Having a focused portfolio helps you stand out as an expert in a particular field. It makes it easier for potential employers to imagine you fitting into their team, especially in larger studios that often have specialized roles.

How can you compare your portfolio to others to assess its quality?

One way to assess your portfolio is to research and review the portfolios of junior artists working at the studios you are interested in. This will give you a clear idea of the level required to land a job there.

Why is it important to regularly update your portfolio?

Regularly updating your portfolio is crucial because it keeps your work fresh and reflects your current skill level. Outdated work can give a poor impression, so it's a good idea to replace older pieces with newer, better works as you progress.