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So! I gave a bunch of portfolio reviews for the CalArts portfolio day yesterday. I thought it would be helpful to write out some of the feedback I felt like I was saying multiple times. And also give some general interview advice! (All of this is just my opinion) THREAD!!
Firstly, let's talk about super general portfolio advice:
1. Organize the crap out of your portfolio site. Make sure that you separate out your characters, backgrounds, life drawing, and story into different tabs. I would stay away from the "carousel" format. I like to see all
1. Organize the crap out of your portfolio site. Make sure that you separate out your characters, backgrounds, life drawing, and story into different tabs. I would stay away from the "carousel" format. I like to see all
of the images laid out and scroll through vertically.
2. Don't make ANY of your artwork too small on the page. I saw a lot of teeny tiny prop designs... I want to see them! Make them huge on the page!! Some of the best work I saw yesterday was hidden by a tiny thumbnail image.
2. Don't make ANY of your artwork too small on the page. I saw a lot of teeny tiny prop designs... I want to see them! Make them huge on the page!! Some of the best work I saw yesterday was hidden by a tiny thumbnail image.
3. Put your absolute best work right at the top. See how your friends/teachers react to your work. What is there favorite? Is there a trend? I want to see that stellar work immediately! Some of the best work I saw yesterday was all the way at the bottom of people's sites.
4. Include work that you personally care a lot about, and have fun making. If that means there's only 5 pieces in your portfolio, that's fine. I can tell when someone puts something old or random in just to fill up space. I can feel it when someone isn't into some of their work.
5. Show off your own voice and perspective. I want to know who you are! If you make something really unique and specific to you, I want to see it! Don't be afraid to include a different tab with personal work. I like seeing random ass collages or photography or crafts that you
make in your free time on your site somewhere.
6. Having notes, reference, and callouts is awesome! I love seeing it.
Secondly, general interview advice:
1."Tell me about yourself." Is probably the most important question! Give a 30 second introduction where you say your name,
6. Having notes, reference, and callouts is awesome! I love seeing it.
Secondly, general interview advice:
1."Tell me about yourself." Is probably the most important question! Give a 30 second introduction where you say your name,
the type of work you're interested in making professionally, and maybe something that inspires your art.
2. Don't get down on yourself or say negative things about your work! We want to hear you speak up about your work. But it's okay to positively bring up places where you
2. Don't get down on yourself or say negative things about your work! We want to hear you speak up about your work. But it's okay to positively bring up places where you
feel you could improve.
Once again, these are just my personal thoughts. I was giving portfolio reviews specifically for the animation/visual development/illustration industry. If you don't like any of this advice, don't take it! It's totally okay to pick and choose!
Once again, these are just my personal thoughts. I was giving portfolio reviews specifically for the animation/visual development/illustration industry. If you don't like any of this advice, don't take it! It's totally okay to pick and choose!
