Be Lucky! (Bonus tip at the end)
We all want a great artist portfolio, and the key to landing your dream Big; professional, freelance or honorarium. Below are some tips and strategies to help you land that next project.
1. Show Focus
Finding what area, you want to focus on as an artist takes time and exploration. You may dabble in visual development, 3D modelling, sound design, rigging, storyboarding, etc. But when it comes time to put your portfolio together, showing that you are focused is essential.
If you've done many different things, step back and ask yourself, "What do I like doing best?" If it's visual development, find the pieces representing your best work in that area and put a portfolio showing it.
This will allow creators, studios, and recruiters to understand your work best without making them think.
Here are some great and best examples of portfolios that show clear focus:● Andreas Russo – Sound Designer
● Phillip Rauschkolb – Character Designer
2. Less is More
In short, it's better to have three powerful pieces than three solid pieces and a bunch of not-so-strong ones. As the saying goes, you're only as good as your worst piece. Of course, it takes time to practice and improve your work. But when thinking about your portfolio, you have to be your worst critic, get real and remove the pieces that are no longer your strongest.
Remember, what is your best work today? It may not be your best work in 3 months. Always cultivate and refine your work.
3. Get Active on Social Media
You should consider doing so if you still need to be added to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat. If you think it's too much to manage, pick your favorite two and start posting your work today. This will encourage you to post more regularly, which, in turn, will help improve your work. While doing so, you'll be creating a following of people who get to know your work and who may have gigs that come up. The more you post, the more you refine your work, showing your passion and improvement.
4. BONUS TIP: Help the Person in Need Next to You
In crowded industries, it's easy to feel nervous, unprotective and fearful when getting that next gig. Do you share the news of an opening with your friends in the same field, or do you keep that opening to yourself? When the client says, "Your style doesn't fit what we're looking for; we're looking more for X," do you then walk away with your head down, or do you turn around and say, "I have a friend who does X well, let me make an introduction." Some call this type of thing "networking," but we like to think of it as cultivating a spirit of generosity. Doing something with NO expectation of receiving anything in return is the key. When you cultivate a spirit of generosity, you will not only supercharge your quality of life but also give you a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.
We believe in keeping things simple, and we hope these three tips will help you refine your portfolio and get you that next project that inspires you and pushes your work and satisfaction to the next level.