Zoe's Art Blog

Portfolio advice

coelasquid:

From someone who makes terrible portfolios

(but knows in theory how they work)

• Keep them short, 10-15 pieces. The more stuff you have, the more likely your potential employer will get bored and skim over the stuff you really want them to see
• If you’re on the fence about anything, take it out. Only the best.
• Don’t apologize for anything or talk about how you could have made it better. The most sympathetic response you’ll get is “then why didn’t you?”
• If you have a storyboard portfolio it may be a little longer because you don’t want to break up a sequence. Just take the best sequences though, don’t give them a whole film.
• Some places want a jack of all trades who can fill in any role. Some places want someone to do a dedicated job and only that job. It helps to know what kind of a place you’re applying to and tailor your portfolio to match. (usually bigger studios care more about dedicated jobs, smaller places want people with more diversity)
• Put in stuff that is original and memorable. Even if you aren’t the most technically proficient, your ideas can still stand out.
• People remember things that make them laugh.
• Put your absolute best stuff at the very beginning and the very end, so they start and finish with the best possible impression.
• You’ll have a better success rate if you apply to places that you know are hiring. Most studios operate on a skeleton crew between big projects and aren’t looking for new staff.
• Don’t send a new portfolio unless it’s a significantly different. Like at least 75% new material. And hey, if they remember your first application and see what a marked improvement your new one is, they’ll know you’re a quick learner.

(via kiango)