[Portfolio Question] Thoughts on using procedural textures found online

Brandon_KyT

When creating a 3d environment for a portfolio from the ground up, what are peoples takes on using procedural materials they find online vs making their own for texturing their scene? Will using materials made by others be frowned upon when presenting a portfolio? 

Yerus

Depends on the content of your portfolio... 
If it's about modeling (or anything else than lookdev), then it doesn't matter the materials and textures;
but if it's about lookdev the you should consider doing your own stuff, ntl I think it's also ok using third-party stuff.

Eric Chadwick

Employers want to know what you're able to do.

It's ok to show kitbash work, as long as you give clear credit for the sources. "Level design by me, models by turbosquid, textures by Substance Source" or similar. This helps your potential employer know how to judge your capabilities.

If you're looking for environment art jobs, they'll want you to model and texture everything. An occasional asset by someone else is OK though (properly credited), since game jobs are almost always collaborative.

Biomag

It would be wise to check the company you are interested in and see what their job descriptions are and what they require. The lines blurry between different studios, some might require level artists to model and texture themselves, some will have dedicated artists for textures, some will have environment artists doing it all except for the level design and placement.

scottycharly

One of my friends did an art test for a big studio in my area. He modeled a building and was to demonstrate modeling skills plus the good use of tillable textures, trim sheets, atlas, etc. They were suggesting the use of online substances for tileable texture. Big studio tends to have surface artists that are specialists at making procedural tillable texture in substance designer while in a small studio you are expected to be more versatile. Anyway, my point is that's is fine as long as you don't pretend they are yours.