[Skeezer]

Hi guys, I'm putting together my portfolio. I'm shooting for concept/storyboard artist for movies and/or games. I'll be sending my stuff out soon, but I was wondering if anybody could give me any suggestions, or tell me what kind of response I could expect to recieve from this. Basically, if you were hiring, would it catch your eye?

Here's some, stuff. Kind of small. I'll post larger versions if you guys want, but I've posted a lot of these images before.
















-Skeez

[Strawberrysauce]

Sorry, im too scared to post anything constructive, its that good, just what i would like to do, .... ah .... maybe someday.

i'd give you the job!

anymore?....

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----- SHAMHEAD ----

[Enayla]

Oh wow, Skeezer! Such a lot of good stuff here I don't know where to begin. Out of all of them, I think my favourite is the last one... it shows a great variation of style. Really sweet It would certainly catch /my/ eye.

Only thing I have a little problem with is the nude model. Her shoulders look a bit odd - but apart from that, that picture is just as good as the others. Great skin tones!

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��.You have a kind of sick desperation in your laugh.��

[faustgfx]

the wall behind the "nude model" looks excellent..

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sky high with a heartache of stone you never see me 'cos i'm always alone/ministry
the law of lead now reigns!@#!/earth crisis

[email protected]
icq#35983387
http://faustgfx.0wns.org
webcam trend

[toast!]

wow skeezer that s really good ; you are really talented
No crits for me, all of the stuff is almost perfect
My only suggestion would be to include some landscapes/building and some industrial design stuff. I guess a concept designer must be able to draw anything (color and value knowledge isn t so much important; markers and grayscale shading are the deal). I know you can draw this kind of stuff, it would be a shame if your portfolio doesn t include this.

I would hire you immediatly if i were an art director

cheers,
Toast

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givemoilafonk!

[SlightlyTwisted]

Cripes!

That's a fantastic selection, Skeezer, shows a lot of variation and flexibility, an altogether excellent portfolio.

My personal favourite is the green chap up the top. He has so much personality! That said, though, every single page here is top notch stuff. Good lick with whoever you send it out to, although, you shouldn't need it.

[[CSM]]

The stuff looks good, but as stated above you should probably include some drawings of architecture / environments, especially when applying for game companies. Small game companies tend to have their "regular" artists do concept art in the first parts of the projects, and then carry on with other graphics for the game, so I guess your best shot is with bigger companies.

Good luck anyway, you show some real talent there.

/[CSM]

[Jason]

I think your fairy is strong enough to be on an individual page. Im not to keen though on the pictures running out side of the boundry lines. just a prefrens.
-edit I would sugest also, if your interested in the gaming indestry. tyr to get your hands on a 3d package and give a couple examples of what you can do in 3d.
jason

[This message has been edited by Jason (edited March 08, 2001).]

[tayete]

Come on, don't be shy! Your work is too good! You should be paid for listening to job offers.

[MeatyCheesyBoy]

I won't comment too much except to say good work. I don't think that I'd include any 3d work as suggested but I probably would include some architectual and industrial stuff. But you've got more pages coming since ILM allows 20. (I wasn't aware you were looking at game companies as everyone keeps mentioning) <----- oops... I tend to gloss over posts from people I know.

[This message has been edited by MeatyCheesyBoy (edited March 08, 2001).]

[Jason]

quote:

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Originally posted by MeatyCheesyBoy:
(I wasn't aware you were looking at game companies as everyone keeps mentioning)

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quote:

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Originally Skeezer:
I'm shooting for concept/storyboard artist for movies and/or games

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Skeeter: you asked that we give you input on what you might expect when sending these out. Ill try to be very honest with you. If you send them to larg companies, ilm, pixar, disney. You will most likely get a respons. A post card of sorts that lets you know they got your stuff and they will give you a call if needed. You are doing some thing that can be very helpfull to you. Its called networking and your are doing it on this very forum if you know it or not. Usuall one finds a job becouse of a contact they have. Get to know people in the indestry, send them your portfolio. You have some realy nice work. Lots of talent. Make sure it gets to those who are needing it. Other wise it often times gets discarded. Not becouse its not any good but becouse of the bulk mail. Also, try to get it to an art dirrector, not just the HR diparment. The HR person has to screen lots and lots of portfolios befor an art director ever sees it.
Genraly one does not start out being a consept artist. I sugested adding a little 3d becouse it gives more veriaty to what you can do. YOu deffinatly are able to draw and put your ideas down on paper. It shouldt be any problem for you to put them in a program. I hope what i am saying is helpful. Deffinatly! Deffinatly dont get discouraged in any way by what some one might say or even if you have to contact more people than what you expected whith your work. It will eventualy work out. Consistansy and hard work goes along way. YOu deffinatly have the talent to be in the bis.
jason

I work with a couple of dudes who cant draw half as good as you skeezer. How do they get the job? Networking!!!
email me if you whant to chat some more or if you just whant to tail me Ive said to much.

-edit oops, wrong button.


[This message has been edited by Jason (edited March 08, 2001).]

[Awetopsy]

ggh..... drool....

oh sorry. Ill try to drool, over here, with a little more dignity.

Awesome folio Skeez... I love it. This is actually insprational to me.

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Freeze, This is a holdup!! Give me all your Talent!!!

[agent44]

very nice. I agree that environments are important to have in there. Everything from castles to forests to post-apocaliptic cities. It would make the overall package that much more appealing.

I also really like that fairy.

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agent44

[Jucas]

Skeeter amazing stuff, Really. As for advice this is what I have found out recently:

The last week I went and met the founder of and up and comming gaming company, called Xenopi Studios Inc. We had great conversation on various things ranging from
the current project they're working on, to most importantly how to get in the industry of game design.

For myself personally I have always been an artist. I have used photoshop a fair ammount and toyed in painter a bit, I draw alot etc. Lemme just say that your skill far surpasses what I have been able to accomplish in my short 16 years on this great green earth. (is the blue earth? the earth is 80% water isn't it?) Anyhoo, you a probably much more prepared than I am to jump into the field, and your portfolio speaks for itself showing your amazing talent.

Here's the deal: Eric Cha (the founder of Xenopi) Told me 95% of all game companies look for an artist with experience with some for of 3D program, whether it be lightwave, maya or 3D studio max. He mentioned that he'd seen many talanted artists, who didn't understand those programs waste themselves. But the ones that did succeed were not nessarilly the ones who were the most talanted artist, but the one who worked the hardest and understood the other stuff.

Sorta fell apart there at the end, but I gotta go to work.

Hope it makes sense.

-JOno


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`What sort of people live about here?' asked Alice.

`In that direction,' the Cat said, waving its right paw round, `lives a Hatter: and in that direction,' waving the other paw, `lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they're both mad.'

`But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked.

`Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad...'

[Jason Manley]

nice stuff...good entry level stuff for sure...but no 3d

most concept artists in the game industry need to make textures as well. some totally kick ass textures that look real will help you tremendously.

While I do almost nothing but paintings and concepts here at black isle, I do find myself painting characters and or doing textures on occasion just to help out. Most of the guys here have a heavy 3d slant and while they acknowledge that a 2d guy is important...they also can draw themselves. the only way to secure a concept only type of position is to have work that is better..a lot better than all of theirs is. if you have skills that they do not then it will be easy to get in..if you are a good drawer and an ok painter then you will need some more textures to balance the portfolio and show that you want to do more than what you currently are posting in terms of types of work.

if you are like me...and only want to draw and paint then keep at it..do some more traditional stuff...drawing from life...more color work...more paintings of scenes...sketching is a talent that most ...if not all...of the artists in the industry already posess. painting is another story.


jason

[Totuus]

- Firstly, SAME (sorry about my english).

- Secondly, looks nice, that "nude model" looks too skinny, like she wouldn't have eaten for weeks/months.
- Thirdly, the back ground of focused power looks nice.

Also i like the bananas.

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Just when things turn to acceptable, you open your eyes..

[Flinthawk]

Nice work, Skeezer, really nice.

Saying that though I'll add my support to what others have already said...get a 3D program under your belt. It's the only thing that sets you apart from anybody else. I, too, hope to eventually work on 2D stuff primarily but what I do on the job, besides painting PS textures, is all 3D work because that's the bulk of what games companies need. Most artists in either industry can already sketch well enough to get an idea across...what companies need is an army to bring those sketches to life on the screen. Infact, I've met lots of artists that aren't even that good at sketching and they know it. Why do they have a job, why are they senior artists...because they know their 3D and that's what most teams need most.

I'm getting paid more than similarly talented people that come out of universities with their Fine Arts degrees...why? Because I'm solid on my computer packages. I went to school with a couple talented guys that had four year Fine Arts degrees. I asked them why they weren't working already and they explained that a Fine Arts degree or the like isn't needed much today. After two semesters, just two semesters, of solid 3D instruction they're getting sweet gigs with companies. One of them just became an Art Lead over at Nintendo...he's that talented but it wasn't until he had some 3D experience that he was able to get into the industry (and what a way to get in, too). Another friend is an incredible traditional artist, his pencils were excellent and he could bust out great looking stuff in no time. After getting just a little 3D experience he had companies in a bidding war over him...before that... nothing.

So if you haven't already, get some 3D going and get it in your portfolio. It's very hard to break onto the scene as a pure concept guy. If you can, more power to you, but anybody's best bet is to diversify. Hope I didn't ramble too bad, heh.

-Flinthawk

[Jason]

Yo flint! were in Eugene are you? IM in Eugene.
jason

while im posting, ill add- hope none of us are being to hard here. You asked us what we thought skeezer so we are tellling you. But! I dont think we would be so frank with you if we all didnt think you have the skills to do it.

[Flinthawk]

Heya Jason, I'm working at Pipeworks on 11th St. with a buncha old Dynamix people. I live down at Broadway Place in the downtown area a few blocks from work (but I still drive to work even though it takes only five minutes longer to walk, haha).

[Visigoth]

Wow...Really nice stuff man! I like the layout of each page...It seems solid, concise, and straightforward. Good luck on whatever comes out of your applications!

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Your car is a fiberglass penis extension.

[shardik]

very nice... how are you sending these out?


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-matt

[Skeezer]

Jason, thanks for being harsh, that's what I was looking for.

Flinthawk, I've got experience with 3D Studio Max, and Softimage, however I wouldn't call myself proficient.

Thanks for the support guys.

-Skeez

[Vortx]

Hey Skeezer,

Looks pretty good for an entry portfolio. Are you planning to show more work than this? When i scanned through your art, it looked very scattered. Over-all, your portfolio looks more illustrative than concept. This portfolio could probably get you into a game studio...but like others said, you will most likely need 3d experience.....but his depends on the company of course...bigger companies may not require you to have a 3d background....you can always learn it in-house.

As far as film goes....your portfolio lacks a major area - environment and set design. Think about it....films are all about building sets....and this is what you'll draw most of the time. You usually never get to do character design. Take a look at www.motionartists.com Phil is a great agent in the film biz...just take a look at the resume's of his artists. He'll hook you up w/ big-time movies. I met w/ him about 2 month ago...guess what he said...."all you really need in your portfolio are set drawings...w/ a strong light source." Props and characters are okay, but keep them limited. I am about half way through putting this portfolio together (i can only use about 5 percent of all my old work...i had to start fresh for this portfolio). He wants 30-40 11x17 widescreen format set drawings from different time periods....That's a lot of work! =)

Again, take a look at www.motionartists.com and check out the portfolios....you'll get a sense of what the industry is looking for.

Anyways, keep a long story short, you're just starting out...and this portfolio is very good. I think you should be able to hand a position w/ it.

-feng

[Jason]

Pritty cool site there Feng. Cool work on it. Even though they are all very talented artist, your stuff will blow alot of those othere guys stuff away. They should feel lucky getting some one with your skills. Good luck!

jason

[TheMilkMan]

Hey man dont worry about it your portfolio is tight. I wish we needed a concept guy. I think for movie work you need more matte paintings...but you could deffinatly get some story board work. I would shoot for a game concept job if I where you. I think there are a few companies looking. Like Volition the guys who did freespace www.volition-inc.com and epic games is looking for concept artist also. Look at jobs 4 gamers at daily radar and of course gamasutra and www.3dcafe.com Good luck man I am sure you will get a good gig. Also try the company that Vortex works for looks like they hire a lot of traditional guys do you have 3d expereince??? Ohh and that company is blur studios...

A good way to break in ..is as a texture artist..go for a texture position just to get in somwhere..now I am assuming that you dont already know this..sooo



[This message has been edited by TheMilkMan (edited March 08, 2001).]

[Skeezer]

Thanks Milkman,

Thanks for all the advice guys, I've got a few more pieces up, plus I finnaly got an index page up.
www.geocities.com/isaac_hannaford/index.html

The site is temporary, but it will work for now, and I will be updating it in the next few days.









Thanks for the suggestions. I'll concentrate on doing some set designs Feng, thanks.

-Skeez

[travis travis]

There are jobs doing just concept work in gaming, but way more often artists are employed in the game industry as 'grunts' doing everything from advertising art, to 3d modeling. Film industry has a lot more room for story boarders because they have millions of dollars and want to do things right. You have a nice portfolio but I don't know if that will get you anywhere. Why? Because it's almost always about connections. A job almost always goes to someone the person hiring knows in some way, unless you are a superstar. Sometimes you can break through just by luck, if they don't know anyone... but companies almost always hire someone they know over talent. That's why sending out blind resumes or portfolios can take months and months to possibly get a job out of it.

Start making connections! Put up a website, email people in the biz, look to get involved with anything relating to your desired field... I might go to artschool, not because I feel they have much education to offer me, but for the chances to get involved with companies, and meet people... the other option is to kill yourself becoming the greatest artist on earth... at which point most of those positions you wanted will seem beneath you.

[neebhore]

I would be quite stunned.
You've got alot of talent, i hope you go far, i would like for you to go far. Good luck dude. Have you got anymore??

[Visionary]

Hey dude, I doubt you really care... but that chicken in your village picture... ummm I drew that in... dont you remember? I had SOMETHING to do with that image just write my name in the corner and I'll be happy Go ahead... take my awsome ideas!!!

*I'm J/K*

-Visionary

[zenonithus]

This is some of the best work I have seen. If you're going for storyboard artist, then it would be good to show more mediums like 3d. So it shows that you are more diverse. Like the animatic stuff they used in starwars.