Looking for some general feedback on my resume and portfolio
I was hoping to get some general feedback on my portfolio and resume. I won't bore you with too many details about me here as it should all be on my website but here's a bit...
I completed my Computer Games Technology degree in May and loved it. I have also been lecturing for the last year to the level 3 game development students. Not something I had always intended but I did enjoy it and am grateful for the experience. For the last couple of years I have been working freelance when I get a chance. Projects have included 3D animations, 3D architectural/Design renders and a large interactive product library project created in Unity.
I am looking to continue my career at a game development studio. I am best with 3D modelling, texturing and animation so I feel a role as a 3D artist is most suited to me and is something I really enjoy. However I have spent a lot of time coding in Unity for the last year or two and at times feel I enjoy that more than the artwork! I know I should be focusing towards one role and shouldn't be too general so I am kind of expecting some comments on that:)
I was thinking that as there are quite a few smaller companies around here (South West, UK) then there may be some roles that would allow me to get stuck in with different aspects of development. But I can see why advertising myself like that would put bigger companies off when they are looking for specialists for each role.
Anyway, I would really appreciate any comments or feedback.
http://www.jamesbispham.co.uk
Thanks!
I completed my Computer Games Technology degree in May and loved it. I have also been lecturing for the last year to the level 3 game development students. Not something I had always intended but I did enjoy it and am grateful for the experience. For the last couple of years I have been working freelance when I get a chance. Projects have included 3D animations, 3D architectural/Design renders and a large interactive product library project created in Unity.
I am looking to continue my career at a game development studio. I am best with 3D modelling, texturing and animation so I feel a role as a 3D artist is most suited to me and is something I really enjoy. However I have spent a lot of time coding in Unity for the last year or two and at times feel I enjoy that more than the artwork! I know I should be focusing towards one role and shouldn't be too general so I am kind of expecting some comments on that:)
I was thinking that as there are quite a few smaller companies around here (South West, UK) then there may be some roles that would allow me to get stuck in with different aspects of development. But I can see why advertising myself like that would put bigger companies off when they are looking for specialists for each role.
Anyway, I would really appreciate any comments or feedback.
http://www.jamesbispham.co.uk
Thanks!
Replies
I'd recommend working on some more practically applicable projects if you'd like to work in games. More real-time projects. Perhaps, also, something a little more... Exciting? Some of these are nice, but they're not really instantly impressive. Still worth showing, of course, but sometimes the person looking at your portfolio needs a piece that really sticks with them, and I'm not sure archviz-esque renders of daily interiors done in mental ray do that for most games studios (this result in a realtime engine on the other-hand might be impressive, but if you're aiming for a small studio...). It doesn't really show how your skills apply to games on a broad scale.
Also an essentially entry-level candidate, your resume probably doesn't need to be over one page. I skimmed over it so maybe someone has some more valuable input (I might try to revisit it when I'm not at work) but it really seems like you're padding with unnecessary and redundant information. You don't need to go into technical details in your resume unless it was a main component of the job; they can ask you if they're interested.
Just a little input, I guess. Looking forward to seeing more projects from you, all in all, and hope you can find work soon.
Not to sound harsh, but your portfolio doesn't demonstrate that you are ready for a jr position. You are going to have to up your game. Finished, polished, pieces that show you under stand the fundamentals. Show wires, show UV layout, show maps.
simplify your portfolio into a series of images that show off your best pieces- take out everything else
Good Luck!
Thanks for the feedback, really helpful! The external shot has gone for now, I wasn't sure on it myself, never really got finished like the others.
I agree I need to add more game related content, I will be working on some over the next couple of weeks. Definitely need to show some different styles!
Resume is also down to a page now, much better.
Thanks again!
I was lecturing mostly theory, not any coding, some OOD, 3D animation, concept art. Business and project related modules, that sort of thing.
I understand what you are saying, thanks for the feedback. I am working on some game-related assets where I can show decent UV's, wireframes etc.
I do already have some of course but as soon as I have done a new project I feel like older stuff isn't good enough anymore. I may dig out some older work and tidy it up to get some on the folio sooner.
Edit....
I've attached a couple of older models, not sure if it is worth sticking them in the portfolio for a bit of variety until I have made more...
Cheers!