Video game art is a constantly evolving industry, and as a video game artist, it’s essential to have a professional online portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and versatility. An awesome portfolio is a powerful tool that can help you land your dream job, attract potential clients, and set you apart from other candidates, so it’s important to put in the effort to create one that truly represents your abilities. Here are some tips for building a professional portfolio as a video game artist.
Start your online portfolio
There are plenty of “portfolio builder” websites you can use to start your video game art portfolio, but you may want to consider creating your own custom site for a more professional look. You can set up your site with tabs/navigation to look at different types of work you’ve done but be sure to keep it simple. The fewer clicks it takes to get to your gallery, the better. Also, let your images speak for themselves. You can include brief captions or titles but avoid long explanations. Search online for the portfolios of professional video game artists to give yourself some inspiration.
Showcase your best work
Your portfolio should only contain your very best work. It’s better to feature 10 images that rock vs. 50 that are mediocre. Choose a selection of your strongest pieces that demonstrate your range of skills and abilities to show that you’re capable of creating a variety of art styles and able to work on different types of projects.
Highlight your technical skills
Video game art requires technical skills, such as 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting. Your portfolio should showcase your proficiency in these areas. Consider including wireframe or low-poly models to demonstrate your ability to create efficient and optimized assets. You may also want to include renders that showcase different lighting scenarios or textures that demonstrate your understanding of how to create different materials.
Show your creative process
Don’t focus just on the end product – your portfolio should show your creative process from start to finish. Including sketches, reference images, and work-in-progress shots can demonstrate your thought process and show potential employers or clients how you approach a project. Showing your creative process also highlights your ability to incorporate feedback and make changes to your work.
Focus on the video game industry
Your portfolio should demonstrate your experience and understanding of the video game industry. Including assets from video game projects you’ve worked on can help you stand out from other applicants. You may also want to include personal projects that demonstrate your passion for video games and your creativity.
Include a variety of art styles
Include a variety of art styles in your portfolio to demonstrate your versatility and ability to adapt to different projects. You may want to include assets that range from realistic to stylized, from sci-fi to fantasy, or 2D to 3D.
Keep it organized
Your portfolio should be well-organized and easy to navigate. Consider creating separate sections for different types of art, such as character art, environment art, or concept art. Or you may want to organize it according to different types of projects. Either way, a clear and concise portfolio will make it easier for potential employers or clients to quickly understand your skills and experience. Most important, make sure your portfolio includes your contact information, so you are easy for potential employers to find.
Get feedback
Getting feedback on your portfolio can be incredibly helpful. Consider sharing your portfolio with your fellow video game artists or seeking feedback from industry professionals. They can provide valuable insight into how your portfolio may be received by potential employers or clients and offer suggestions for improvement.
Keep it updated
Your portfolio should be a living document that evolves as you grow and gain experience. It’s important to keep your portfolio updated with your latest work and remove any outdated pieces. Updating your portfolio regularly also shows that you’re active in the industry and committed to improving your skills.
Prepare for Your Dream Career at USV
If you dream of becoming a video game artist (coolest job ever!), University of Silicon Valley can help turn that passion into a career. We can prepare you for success in the creative-technology industries by providing an extraordinary, real-world education inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of our Silicon Valley location. We also offer programs in Game Design and Development online.
Check out our renowned Bachelor of Arts in Game Art program, and apply now, request more info, or come visit our campus. Get ready to take your gaming skills to the next level.
