For portfolio pieces is it better to do something different and original, say a banana pistol. Or something more practical like an AKA 47. Of course assume they are the same quality. And I think we need a stickied 'portfolio questions' thread.
I'm thinking the more piratical route is a much better decision when looking for a job initially... I mean I know a lot of "memorable" pieces that I've seen... Anubis being one of those... and obviously there is no way an employer would see that and say "we must hire him/her" (at least I don't think they would). I think…
An employer will want to know that you can take direction and follow concepts or reference. Making a recognizable object demonstrates just this. You show that you can reproduce a real-world object. This is incredibly important for most games, so I'd recommend slanting the bulk of your portfolio in that direction. Showing a…
This is one route. Also, 4-5 pieces is often enough to get a job. I say, why not make both? Have a couple of "normal" but awesome assets, and then some more original stuff. I try to keep an even balance in my portfolio at all times, constantly updating different parts of it, trying to show that I can do a little bit of…
I think someone without much experience should start off making practical things from real world images. This way you can practice making textures that are realistic and you have a lot of information in your reference to go by. Although this doesn't mean you have to do something boring, there are plenty of visually…
There are employers that don't give much about it if you can accurately reproduce a given realworld object but lack the creativity and understanding to create something new and tastefull. So I guess you should incorperate both types of portfolio pieces. The ratio between both types is more or less up to you as it shows…
Two words: penis tank, in no particular order. Edit: Seriously, I was thinking about this this morning. It's really up to you how you start your portfolio, whether it be with traditional assets or more "creative" ones, whatever that may be. Pick the one you most enjoy, but push yourself over time in the other direction. If…
It doesn't matter. There's no secret portfolio strategy that's going to make life wonderful again. Just make shit that's mind-blowing. If that's a challenge still, you're not dedicated enough. Try selling off a kidney or something to pay the bills for a while so you can sit at your computer for 7 or 8 years learning all…