I'm looking to become a level designer, or do you mean that level design and environment artists are one in the same? (I thought that depends on the size of the studio)
Your portfolio should be about gameplay design, how a player navigates space, how challenges are presented and overcome, etc. Not about the look or setting. Those things are visual. Visual fidelity is the responsibility of the Art Director, not the Level Designer.
If you want to go for real level design, learn unity and unreal, make maps for CSGO, new UT, Portal and so on. You don't need to create your own assets for your levels and you likely shouldnt. Blockout Levels are good too, but a mix would be best. Pretty much all good level designers come from a mapping background. Profit…
I answered your question from your op: ....with a disclaimer :) If you're going more for design....I'd use an existing game editor preferrably from a popular game. Good luck
This is what I’ve been told by my level design teacher: * Level Design is about 2 things: * Can you create believable spaces – This is doesn’t mean realistic, as not all games are realistic, but it means that you need to be able to create spaces that have history and have realistic structure. Your levels should tell a…
I'm no enviro artist but if you take into account current trends in making game enviro I'd boil down an entry level folio to showcase three main things: - mastery of substance designer - in engine - zbrush hi res (the in engine showcase obviously would show lows, textures, bake quality, and proof of familiarity with game…
Enviro artists and level artists definitely aren't the same thing, though they certainly can be. It's pretty natural for someone in one of those roles to learn the other and do both. If I were you I'd decide which one I want to be. If its an Enviro artist, then by all means make art, otherwise just focus on nailing the…