A concept art portfolio helps talented artists to be seen and can even land them a dream job. However, to achieve this, you need to approach the process wisely. Here’s what to focus on:
Quality. The gaming industry has its standards and artists have to demonstrate that they can meet them. Your portfolio has to be of high quality, look good and easy to understand, both for industry experts and for people who simply enjoy a great visual.
Consistency. Being able to work in different styles is definitely a plus. However, a portfolio has to show what the artist enjoys doing the most — or what they would prefer working on. If you want to land a job at a specific company, it’s good to check the portfolios of people who already work there. This could help you understand what looks appealing to the recruiters and what you should put in your portfolio.
Basics. Demonstrating fundamental knowledge is always a good thing. Make sure that your portfolio pieces show that you know the basics. Showcase character concepts with correct anatomy and landscapes or environments with good composition. Trust us, your potential employees will appreciate it.
Process. Stories engage people, so do your best to tell the story behind your visuals. Things like a brief description of the initial idea, first drafts, different color solutions add more depth to your portfolio piece and demonstrate your skills better. If you’ve been doing something for research and inspiration (for instance, studying an animal skeleton to come up with more realistic animal drawings), make sure to mention that too. Such things show your dedication and professionalism and look appealing to the recruiters.
Balance. One amazing piece of work is too little, while twenty of them is definitely too much. It’s important to show just enough without overloading the viewers with lots of visual information. Stick to 5-7 portfolio pieces instead of showcasing everything you’ve got. Obviously, make sure that these are your best pieces.