How do you create a great art portfolio?
I want to go to an art school to major in animation. What are ways to improve my portfolio? #design #arts #animation #fine-art #illustration
3 answers
Andy’s Answer
Hi Sydney,
Glad to see that you're thinking about your portfolio. For the purposes of getting into school it's important to show your potential. Obviously you won't know everything otherwise you wouldn't need school. It's important to show your process. Show how you've gotten to where you're at, include process sketches, life drawing, story boards for animation as well as the finished product.
One important thing to keep in mind is to be honest. For work portfolios you'll want to be harsh in your critique of the pieces that you include. You'd only want to show your absolute best and make sure to tailor it to the company to which you're applying.
Another thing to think about for school applications is showing your range. Show that you can do subtle character and facial animation in addition to big action sequences. And include examples on your range in style as well, from cartoony to realistic. In the workplace you won't necessarily get to work on the exact project that you'd like so you'll need to be able to adapt and match whatever the art style and animation is.
I hope that this helps. Good luck putting together a great portfolio.
Zaara KittenChops
Zaara’s Answer
great advice from Andy Wang above. One more thing I would add that I would think about showing what is unique about you, what would make you stand out from the other applicants. Once you know what that is, once you know what your best asset is, focus on that at least in part of your portfolio. If you make the joy of your work visible in your book that is the best. Show off what you love doing the most. Show off the fun you are having!
Enjoy your creativity!