[Mr. Stagger Lee]

I want to get in to classic art schools and I'm putting together a portfolio. My work as a modeller/texturer at a game company takes a lot of time and strength and I don't have that much time to do any stuff of my own, so I have to build the portfolio from scratch.

My question is; what is good to have in a portfolio? As much as possible yes, but is it good to do as many things/techniques as possible or is it better to concentrate on one thing etc etc.

Any suggestions would be welcome!


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/Mr. Stagger Lee

[Ben Barker]

Figure drawings are good, and in that same vein so are skeleton drawings. I would back the rest up with drawings/paintings from life, and sprinkle some fantasy in there too, just to show that you can be creative. Not to much, since 'classical' art schools to me conjures up images of very traditional artowrk. Have an even blend of color and black/white, and maybe one or two prints of digital paintings.
I'm guessing you're putting it on slides? Shoot for 20 (or 1-2 slide jackets full) of your best pieces then, which means you should probably DO 40, the sort them out. Even 15 great ones would be better than 30 medium ones.

That's my advice, take it for what it's worth. I'm 19 and I still don't know my ass from a hole in the ground.

[Mr. Stagger Lee]

Ok, that's kind of what I figured as well. I have tons of quick real life sketches, just have to throw something together with lots of colors. Methinks.



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/Mr. Stagger Lee

[schwinn]

I have done the art school thing a couple times so i have some experince in putting together a portfolio.

First of all, no more than twelve pieces. I never had more than ten. When it comes to a portfolio less is more. It has to be your best.

I grouped my stuff. I had a couple oil paintings, a couple illustrations, a couple figure drawings, couple still lifes. I would vary the media as much as possible as well. Pencil, charcoal, paint, digital.

i would stay away from too much fantasy unless it is really incredible. Meaning monsters and wizards. In the game industry it is cool, but traditionally these topics are considered kinda cheesy and a little immature. i am a game artist so i have seen both sides. If you have unusual topics it is OK just avoid the monster on the mountain top eating the Knights head type thing.

I would include life drawings. Figure and Still, both loose and tight. Skeleton studies always look neat. Try and really do it from life. When you copy a picture you can usually tell.

Presentation is also important. If it is slides have them ordered and labeled and in some kind of case or folder. Make it as pro as possible. Also if you have an interview be able to say a little something about each piece. What inspired it, the method used etc.