Choosing the right art for your portfolio.

Moltar

I have this notion that most employers want to see amazing art in your portfolio so I have been trying my best to level up my skills to a standard that will grab attention and stand out.  I feel comfortable and confident that I can now achieve said standard but the problem is, the things that I want to model must have meaning to me, those things are fairly simple (IMO) and im worried they wont "stand out" but instead leave people saying, "Yeah it's a simple model, nice texture work though" etc etc.  For example, I have 3 pieces of art set out for my portfolio, The pulse rifle from The Alien 2 film, Armored Carrier from the Alien 2 film and the Riptide Tau Armor  (references below).  

I have mood boards made for each and even went to the trouble of watching the Alien film a couple of times just to get a feel for the objects (nonsense I know but hey thats me, I give a shit) and buying the Riptide model off ebay.  The things I choose to model have meaning to me, in this case, my favorite film and game.  I have put the effort in to achieve what I want but in the end im worried people will just skip over my portfolio and disregard the effort I put in when they see someone else who made a super complicated Mech with ridiculous feet.

Really what im saying here is.. are these models worth it, or should I try for something bigger? I suppose the obvious answer is "if you can go for something bigger, do it" but remember I want my art to mean something to me, designing or finding concept art for a generic thing that means nothing to me tends to upset my creativity and passion for that model..

Tobbo

In my opinion you should definitely be passionate about the pieces in your portfolio. During an interview, questions will probably arise asking about certain pieces in your portfolio. Your enthusiasm or lack of it will show through in both the artwork and in discussing it.

The mech and gun are definitely interesting enough to stand on their own if you can do them well.

You may want to find some 2d concepts or illustrations to model from instead of already 3d work? Not sure about the vehicle.  

PolyHertz

I agree with Tobbo, make what you want, just be sure that it turns out well.

On a side note; that vehicle instantly made me think of this one done by Helder Pinto: http://eat3d.com/forum/contests-and-challenges/high-poly-vehicle-helder-pinto-final

beefaroni

http://polycount.com/discussion/comment/2369782/#Comment_2369782

Moltar

Thanks for the feedback guys.  It's good to know at least part of my selection might be considered worthy.  Even though the Armored carrier is not that complex or outstanding, I will still add it to my folio simply because I think it's worthy   I'll do my best and once im done I'll post my stuff here.

Helders' tank/uberbanevaderchaos thing is awesome!