Recently I advertised two new job positions here at Blender Guru, and over the course of 3 weeks received over 200 applications! I loved seeing all the work that the blender community was producing and was flattered that so many people applied.
But I couldn’t help but notice several repeated mistakes that many artists made. I’m sure that most of you will probably go on to apply to other studios, so it would be wrong of me not to help you out as best I can.
I’m doing this with the best of intentions… Please don’t take anything you read here personally. They are simple mistakes that any artist could make (heck, even I’ve made them!).
So here goes… How to Make Successful Portfolio or Demoreel:
Portfolios
- Put Your Best Stuff First - If the first 3 images on your site are “duds” your employer isn’t likely to look any further. Always sort by order of quality.
- Remove the Fluff - Don’t include old works that are obviously worse than your newer stuff. It’s poison that will taint your good works and make your employer think twice about hiring you.
- Make your Portfolio One Page – If you have 20 images in your portfolio, and your reviewer has to click 20 times, waiting each time for the image to load, he may just give up. Put it all on one page and he’ll love you for it. (here’s my portfolio to show you what I mean)
- Don’t use a Flash Website – …ever! Flash websites are the most infuriating platform to host anything. Not only is it annoying to use, but it sends a message to your employer that you aren’t keeping up with current industry trends.
- Link Directly to your Portfolio - About 50% of applicants sent me a link to their website homepage. Not only is it annoying to hunt for the appropriate page, but I may find the wrong page and judge your work off the “WIPs” category.
Examples of Great Portfolios
- Andree Wallin – The portfolio to end all others. This is a portfolio that does everything right. I can’t imagine he ever has trouble finding work.
- Aeiko – Incredible graphic design portfolio.
- ShinyBinary – World renowned typography artist.
- Проснись - More of a blog than a reel, but it’s still works and it’s one of the best.
From the portfolio of Andree Wallin
Demo Reels
- Make it shorter – Anything longer than 2 minutes and the reviewer will probably just skip through to the end. Most people can cut out a LOT of fluff. I’ve heard some people recommend “Cut it in half, then cut it in half again.”
- Music Doesn’t Matter – I didn’t believe it when I first heard it, but it’s true. 9 times out of 10 your employer will mute your reel. Include music if you want, but don’t waste time trying to find the “perfect” track.
- Credit what you did - In the corner of each shot, list exactly what you did for that shot (compositing, lighting etc.). Even if you did everything, say “Everything”, as it will answer the internal question in every viewer’s head: “What did he do in this shot?”
- Include Breakdowns – They demonstrate that you have an understanding of the different elements that make up a shot, plus you it makes you look like a pro. Every bit counts! Great example here at 0:26.
- Include commercial works - Not everyone has commercial works, but if you do, flaunt it! It’s basically a testimony from the last studio that hired you. Your reputation will shoot up immensely.
Examples of Great Demo Reels
- David Vercher 2012 - Direct and to the point. Clearly labelling all shots with what he did. A dream demoreel.
- Janak Thakker - A large amount of commercial shots shows that he can be trusted. There’s no sound but it’s not necessary.
- Richard Spriggs – The sheer quality of works combined with the fast paced nature of the reel makes it great to watch.
- Alvise Avati – A reel by a world class creature animator. This reel of 100% hollywood movies shows he has a lot of experience and has what it takes to join a professional environment.
From the portfolio of Andree Wallin
But the Most Important Thing of All!
…is the work itself. If your work is average you won’t get hired. Period.
Following my advice above won’t guarantee you’ll get a job. In fact far from it. At the end of the day, the most important thing about your application to any studio is your actual work.
Post your portfolio or demoreel on forums and ask for critiques. You’ll get them. And chances are you won’t always like what you here. It’s crushing to have someone come along and rip all your efforts to pieces, but it’s the only way you’ll grow and actually stand the chance of being hired.
I’d go out on a limb and say that 9 out of 10 artists don’t have a portfolio/reel and probably only 5% of those people actually ask for critiques on it. Be one of the ones that does.
So who was selected?
Some of you may be curious who actually did get the job. So at last, here are the two artists that are now working for Blender Guru:
Each of them displayed specific skills that was required for the job, and as such made them a suitable fit for the job.
Got any tips for finding work? Share them in the comments below.
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