Content of Portfolio

Chiffy

Hey guys, I'm a student currently building my portfolio up from work I've done in school, however, I'm not sure what else I should choose to put in it. I don't want to choose to make characters from already made games because that'll put off other companies who might think I'm more interested in that company rather than their own, which is not what I want obviously. So, am I supposed to come up with my own character creations by looking at different reference I find? (Seems like more of a concept artist's job?) Or do I find concept art that I get permission to use from an artist that's not from a game company and use that? I'm just unsure I guess as to where I come up with what exactly I'm going to model. I already know I need a variety of characters, as I want to be a character modeler. Would appreciate advice, thanks guys!

chrisradsby

Just find some reference and/or concept art for characters. Sometimes it might be good to ask for permission from the creator of the concept art as well, but yeah. I always use concept art as reference and then try to do my own thing as well. Putting things together, making some kind of reference-sheet for different clothing etc.

Chiffy

Oh so it's always good to have your own kind of spin from the concept art? Like just putting together various things from different references to create something unique? Thanks for the advice by the way

ZacD

It's good to show you can follow a concept, that's what art tests test, and what companies are looking for. But you do want your work to stand out, so pick an interesting concept that hasn't been done before.

If you can mix multiple concepts and reference well, go ahead, but be careful.