Feedback for my portfolio?

Robert_Aldridge

I've been designing stuff for quite a few years, but I've been too nervous to show anything really outside of friends until now. I'm hoping this is gonna be my year. I'm currently doing a 100 days of level design challenge.

https://oblivious212.artstation.com/

Robert_Aldridge

I've watched every GDC design talk they made.

Robert_Aldridge

The tools they use don't have the ability to Grey box they go directly from concept 2 full on modular kits there is more than one way to design.

Hurtcules

So like this one? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBAM27YbKZg

Because around the 38 minute mark they basically state they blocked out the city. 

Robert_Aldridge

Yes they talk about how they use modular kits to block it out though.

Robert_Aldridge

Because as he says they literally don't have the ability to create primitive geometry in their editor.

slosh

Um, in the video he shows a screenshot of the whole city blocked out with basically grey box geo.

ParksMarks

Hi Robert, 
I'm obviously not a level designer, but I thought Id offer some food for thought.
If you're looking for some fresh perspective on level design, I personally found this video series to be really inspiring:
https://youtu.be/4HMtju0BjAo  -open world level design featuring Fallout 4; heightmaps, signposting and meshes
https://youtu.be/s2wQNTQuDDo  -level design featuring prey- in depth analysis of how space works in relation to the player
https://youtu.be/JKn7u09mR8M   -modular reuse theory featuring Neir: Automata

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmX4icpN3HnOOwYtmyYz2w  - a popular  'speed level designer' on youtube. Notice how he's composing his shots, lighting, and often telling a story.

If level design is what you're focusing on, I think these videos will be useful to you. 
If you want to do environment art, theres some handy advice earlier in this thread.
best of luck!

Robert_Aldridge

Yes he says that one of the designers used what was essentially basic buildings to block it out but they are still modular. Have you watched the whole talk?

Robert_Aldridge

Thank you for the resources Parksmarks I have seen a few but I'll check the rest. 

slosh

Robert_Aldridge said:

Yes he says that one of the designers used what was essentially basic buildings to block it out but they are still modular. Have you watched the whole talk?

There's nothing wrong with being modular...the whole point we are trying to make is that they are greybox and that no art has been made at that stage.  Anyways, if you are just trying to make your own game, you can pretty much just do what you want. 

samnwck

Worked for Bethesda on Fallout 4, can confirm they did do a form of grayboxing on major areas, not every location of course because that would be a lot to do and usually not necessary on the smaller areas that a player would be more likely to randomly stumble upon rather than having the story funnel them to that area. They focused the main story areas as you'd expect. 

Most environment artists tend to end up doing set dressing, similar to what you are doing, however they also had different props to make as well from scratch.

EDIT: Didn't realize there was a second page that already showed the above. Woops

Robert_Aldridge

I definitely want to make my own game, but I still would want to apply at a game studio... I don't know about you guys situation but I'm sick of working in a moldy old warehouse damaging my back on a daily basis. 

Robert_Aldridge

How was working with Bethesda samnwck?

Brian "Panda" Choi

Do you think you're able to find less strenuous work, but a job that respects your hours, around Richmond, VA? I can understand how a physical labor job like that can prove to be problematic over time.  Almost happened to me in the past.

Robert_Aldridge

I've tried Brian, the market is tough though I keep looking.