Portfolio Critique for University application
quad damage
Hello everyone!
I am a 3D artist, who is currently applying for university to study Digital games with a specialization in Game arts. The application process is a bit more complicated here, since we have to send a portfolio in, make a game concept for a given topic and then we get to the interview. In the past few months, I've been working on my portfolio and filled it with different works that I created in the past few months and years. I would really appreciate it, if someone could give me a feedback about it, since I am really determined to get accepted at this Uni ( even though the game concept is the most important thing, it is also vital to have a good portfolio that shows my skill range etc). Thanks in advance!
https://www.artstation.com/artist/curlscurly
I am a 3D artist, who is currently applying for university to study Digital games with a specialization in Game arts. The application process is a bit more complicated here, since we have to send a portfolio in, make a game concept for a given topic and then we get to the interview. In the past few months, I've been working on my portfolio and filled it with different works that I created in the past few months and years. I would really appreciate it, if someone could give me a feedback about it, since I am really determined to get accepted at this Uni ( even though the game concept is the most important thing, it is also vital to have a good portfolio that shows my skill range etc). Thanks in advance!
https://www.artstation.com/artist/curlscurly
Replies
You could perhaps get rid of the "various environment illustrations", as it looks a bit weak compared to the rest, imo. But I dont know if that kind of 2D is a requirement for the school?
Cherry Blossom is really nice! Quite a level up from the rest
Good luck!
Thank you! I just finished it yesterday
I'm visiting CGL in 2 months, actually, so could probably give more insight after that, but you probably shouldn't worry
Thank you too! I know that I am not on an industry level yet, but I am also not applying for a job yet
One of the biggest things studios care about is how well you follow concept. I would definitely include the concepts or references you based your work off, you must have something like this. Also for hand painted stuff like this, I would show your texture sheets too, because it will give people a better idea how efficient you are with uvs and and breaking stuff up. It would also be nice if you put it in sketchfab or marmoset to allow users to rotate around and see everything clearly.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with school, but if money is no object and you enjoy a more social atmosphere thats totally cool. Its just that anything you would learn in school can easily be learned online, so I'm not a big advocate of schools. Taking a couple of inexpensive art classes might be worth it though.
I don't think you should show anything unless its your best work or on par with your best work (unless your concept for 3d is just your own rough sketch, always show your concepts). If you feel your sketches aren't that good, they probably aren't. So I'm going to have to disagree with philipp on that one. But again, I'm speaking mainly for what studios look for. Your work is really strong overall, keep pushing yourself and I'm sure you will do well!
[edit] just noticed you did use sketch fab on some of your stuff. So you already are doing that which is great!
Self-study is feasible, Games is an industry of skill, not degrees. If you can produce quality content much better than a graduate, and you have some personality, you can get what you are looking to achieve. Maybe not popular opinion
Keep it up! Im sure that you'll land a job sooner than later
EDIT: oh wow, just noticed that this thread is from march, so the application is probably already done by now
Update on what happened: I got accepted at my university and I am attending it since October. Our course is divided into different specialisation tracks (Art, Design,Programming) and every Semester, we create games within 2 months in small groups. The course duration is about 3 years.
@BradMyers82 Thank you for your indepth feedback and suggestions, I really appreciate it! I will definitely include the Concepts as well. I only put the link to the original concepts in the descriptions, having them visually included is definitely better. I will also put my texture sheets into each project from now on (and update).
Regarding school, universities are basically for 'free' in Germany. You only pay a small fee for your train tickets basically. I mainly wanted to attend university to be able to learn more about the game development process from people in the industry. However, this school isn't very much of an Art school and will later on focus on 3D animation in the Art specialisation track. I am used to self-study everything I do and I don't think I will learn much about environment art during my course (which disappointed me, since that's what I want to do in the future.).However, I will look into some online courses as you mentioned and do that in my free time!
@PraxisPixels Thanks a lot!
@shabba To be honest, I am not 100% sure after attending uni for 3 months if I will get what I was looking for. I think I underestimated my skill set and thought that in an university environment, I'd be able to learn more, since we got really skilled professors, who work in the industry. However, as mentioned above, the course seems to focus very much on 3D Animation and Character art. I decided for myself that I want to focus on Environments, therefore I feel a bit stuck in that regard.
A lot of my Game Art friends from outside of Germany said the exact same thing to me just like you, so it doesn't seem to be an unpopular opinion at all. It really made me think, thank you for voicing your opinion!
@jose.fuentes Thank you for your kind words regarding my portfolio and work! I will definitely have a think about getting a job maybe instead (since that seems to be what most people are suggesting me). I got a couple of job offers in the last months, but I declined them because of my uncertainty regarding going to university or start working.
@Shyralon Thank you! Yeah I think I overestimated the requirements for the application. I am one of the only people in my class who does 3D art, most students are concept artists here. Wish you all the best with your current studies!
@travisdreams Haha, glad about that positive reaction! thanks so much!
@Bletzkarn Thanks a lot! Good luck with your job!