Character Artist Portfolio Critique
polycounter
I've been putting this off for a loooong time. Constantly saying, after my next project I'll ask for a critique. But I'm at a point of applying to junior positions and I need some help with my portfolio. I know there are issues but I'm terrified of having nothing to show.
Like I said, I'm looking to apply for junior character artist positions this year so any advice about where to take my portfolio would be greatly appreciated. I enjoy making stylised work, but I'm currently trying to push myself into doing more realistic as that's what seems to be in demand right now.
https://www.artstation.com/leahmcewen
Thanks
Like I said, I'm looking to apply for junior character artist positions this year so any advice about where to take my portfolio would be greatly appreciated. I enjoy making stylised work, but I'm currently trying to push myself into doing more realistic as that's what seems to be in demand right now.
https://www.artstation.com/leahmcewen
Thanks
Replies
The biggest issue so far when viewing your portfolio is that some images are to big for the screen, on Artstation there is a checkbox that you can check that will make the images fit on screen. It is annoying when checking through your stuff that I have to zoom out on my browser to see the entire image.
Then on to the pieces. They are currently all lacking in the lighting department, the lighting is all white and does not highlight the forms or shapes in any way. Also the backgrounds are very plain and boring. Your latest piece has an all black background, a big no no.
The drawback of you having mermaids is that your current anatomy is showing some weaknesses, so for your next piece I would focus on improving in that area. You should also have one more game ready mesh, the mermaid sculpt is okay but it will not help a lot with getting a game job.
So what you can do now is I would look in to the presentations of your stuff, and maybe cut out the ouroboros from your portfolio. And then make one more game ready character! Keep it up you are on a good way forward.
Thank you so much for the feedback. I've changed the view size of the images and removed Ouroboros. I'll look into some lighting tutorials next.
Should I just remove my latest mermaid? It's just a sculpt and was made in 6 days for a challenge. Maybe not portfolio stuff?
In terms of backgrounds, should I be making small podiums/environmental prop things to frame/ground the character?
Do you have a WIP of the banner picture?
That character is interesting and I think finishing that one should be a high priority for you after polishing the presentations.
When it comes to backgrounds and presentations, find an artist with presentations you love and just try to make something similar. There is no right answer to that one, but if there is a style of presentation you love, try to mimic it and then improve it for your own stuff. Sometimes a podium really helps the character, sometimes it is not necessary, that is up to your own judgement.
This is where I'm at with the banner image. Was testing out some stuff in Unreal and then made the Real Time hair that's in my portfolio. But I never came back to it and then I thought about adding faun legs.
I'll look into presentation work too, thanks
Thanks for getting back to me! I've been back at her and added a pair of legs (Well, faun legs). I didn't mess much with the anatomy yet so I'll take what you've said into consideration and try sort out her arms. Thanks again