How to Focus the Portfolio, Vehicle Artist?

Jerry_Royals

Hi, I'm trying to figure out the best scope or focus for my portfolio. I enjoy hard surface modeling. I'm currently working on BMW E63 and have modeled a German WW2 plane in the past. Is it okay to stick with vehicles (tanks, cars, bikes, trains)? And disregard characters and environment art? I'm hoping this is possible. I enjoy building models that contain a system of their own and many parts.

I'm currently working on new content so I can get back out there and apply. I've had an internship in the past and have a few connections. One connection works with vehicles all the time. No idea if I'll be able to grab a position though. I'm looking for companies in gaming or any real time software.

Pretty sure vehicle artists are a thing...idk.

tynew

I know vehicle artists are definitely a thing. Although you have to be really good to make an impression like this guy: https://develterematthias.wordpress.com/

gsokol

Yup, vehicle artists are indeed a thing.

Keep in mind though, not every place has them, and they can be a smaller part of the team...so vehicle art jobs might pop up less frequently than environment art.

DireWolf

@tynew. Holy shit. I almost wet my pants. 3DS MAX... wow.

Jerry_Royals

Oh, that's good to know. Maybe I'll continue vehicles but work on environments too. That's a crazy link right there.

MeshMagnet

Check out this guys work too:

http://polygoo.com/vehicles/

DevMatt

Hey Jerry_Royals do you have any vehicle that you can show me ?

Shrike

if going for a vehicle position, i would go for a varied composition like this

1. Showcase grade perfectly clean car (your BMW)
2. Worn and dirty rugged sci-fi vehicule from a very strong concept (else dont do it and take a HMMV or something)
3. Your old military plane with aging as texturing showcase, polished up or reworked
4. Real Military tank (clean or dirty)

So you had pretty much every spectrum filled, from pristine clean to worn and dirty, and with a plane, a tank, a imaginary vehiqule and a real car you would leave nothing to be desired if they are of quality, and instantly show that you are all about vehicules. Quality over quantity

Jerry_Royals

Thanks Shrike for the informative breakdown.

@DevMatt the BMW I'm working on has an ongoing thread at the moment: http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147504

This is the Messerschmitt Bf 109 plane. Need to get to the texturing. When I start texturing I will most likely start a WIP thread for it. If you have any critique on either definitely go right ahead.

Kevin Albers

Probably any artist who can do a good job on vehicles can also do a good job on environment assets. However, here is something to think about-

Since there aren't a lot of 'vehicles only' jobs compared to environment artist jobs, you might want to consider getting a job where you do a combination of environment assets and vehicles. If you portfolio doesn't include anything but vehicles, someone looking to hire you might think that you hate doing anything other than vehicles, so they might not hire you for the combination position.

Therefore you might consider adding at least one nice environment prop to your portfolio, but it's not essential.