Get your 3D portfolio right and get hired

Summary

This video script offers valuable advice for artists on crafting a strong portfolio to secure jobs in the industry. It emphasizes the importance of showcasing only the best work, aligning it with the hiring studio's style, and demonstrating a clear process. The speaker also suggests having both a general online portfolio and a tailored one for specific clients, highlighting the need to tell a compelling story about oneself through the work. Additionally, the script touches on the importance of the human element and the artist's style, which should be consistent with the narrative presented during interviews.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Importance of Portfolio**: A strong portfolio is crucial for artists to showcase their work and secure jobs.
• 🌐 **Platform Choices**: ArtStation is a popular choice for portfolios, but other platforms like YouTube, personal websites, or social media are also viable, as long as the content is strong and discoverable.
• 📖 **Storytelling Through Work**: Artists should use their portfolio to tell a story about themselves, demonstrating their skills and personality through their work.
• 🏆 **Quality Over Quantity**: Focus on showcasing only the best pieces that align with the type of work one wishes to be hired for, rather than posting a large volume of work.
• 🔧 **Adjustability**: Tailor the portfolio to fit the specific needs of the job or studio, adjusting the content to match the style and requirements of potential employers.
• 👀 **First Impressions Matter**: A hiring art director may quickly decide on a candidate's suitability based on the strength of their portfolio pieces, so it's important to present the best work.
• 🔍 **Detail and Process**: Including various stages of the creative process, such as wireframes and textures, can demonstrate an artist's skills and attention to detail.
• 🎭 **Diversity of Work**: Showcasing a range of work, including props and characters, can indicate versatility and adaptability in an artist's skill set.
• 🤝 **Collaboration and Personality**: The narrative of the portfolio should align with the collaborative nature of the work environment and the artist's personality.
• 📧 **Engagement and Support**: The video creator offers to provide further assistance and feedback on viewers' portfolios, encouraging interaction and support within the community.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to discuss how to set up a strong portfolio for artists, particularly 3D artists, and how to present oneself in the best possible way to secure a job.

Why is ArtStation considered a good platform for a portfolio?

ArtStation is considered a good platform for a portfolio because most people in the 3D industry have their portfolios there, making it a central place to showcase work.

Can a portfolio be limited to just ArtStation?

No, a portfolio can also be on other platforms like YouTube, a specific website page, or a Facebook page, as long as the content is strong and easily discoverable.

What should an artist's portfolio convey about them?

An artist's portfolio should convey not just what they make, but also who they are and their story, as it helps in telling a story about themselves during interviews.

Should an artist post all their work in their portfolio?

No, an artist should only post their very best work, not all of it, to avoid overwhelming the viewer and to focus on quality over quantity.

How should an artist adjust their portfolio for an interview?

An artist should adjust their portfolio to align with the type of work they are applying for, such as focusing on character modeling if that's the job they are interviewing for.

What is the importance of having both a generic portfolio and a specific one for a client?

Having both allows an artist to showcase their work broadly while also tailoring their portfolio to meet the specific needs or preferences of a potential client or employer.

What should an artist consider when deciding what to post in their portfolio?

An artist should consider the type of work they want to be hired for, the style and quality of the work, and whether it fits the expectations of the studio or hiring party.

Why is it important to show the process in a portfolio?

Showing the process, such as wireframe, shading, and texturing, helps demonstrate the artist's skills and understanding of the work, providing a comprehensive view of their abilities.

How does an artist's portfolio relate to their interview and storytelling?

An artist's portfolio sets the stage for their interview by providing a visual narrative that aligns with the story they want to tell about their work and their style.