Portfolio Guide: Game Art and VFX

This Portfolio Prep Guide: Game Art & Animation edition is designed to specifically help individuals who are considering in applying in our Game Art & Animation program. Successful game artists must have stellar writing capability, the ability to communicate your creative ideas effectively, and evidence of putting a genuine effort in a secondary skill. If you haven’t applied yet – don’t fret! Read this guide before you apply to see if you would make for a good fit. Let’s begin by breaking down the main things we’ll be looking for.

Be creatively driven. We want to see what makes you, you.

Creature created by Trevor White (Game Art and Animation)

Do you daydream intricate stories? Is it easy for you to create mystical creatures or characters? Do you enjoy giving those creatures or characters a story and create their appearance? Artists possess the ability to create the world that will serve as the backdrop of their creatures and characters. They also love to design how those creatures and characters walk and talk in that world through animation.

What makes art pieces deemed as portfolio-worthy? Your future instructors at AIE wants to see you demonstrate a basic understanding of visual design and drawing skills. This means to thoroughly study art concepts and practice line control, shape and form. They will also want to see self-expression within your art. You don’t have to know Zbrush or Maya like a pro, however, dabbling in those programs, or similar software will get you noticed.

When designing the appearance of a character or creature, think about their story. Overall, we want to see what makes you, you.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

While these pieces are expected from a potential in a Portfolio for a Game Art and Animation student, the artist must be able to communicate their creative process behind their art pieces or animation samples. Show your creative drive and process through written. Having the ability to effectively communicate your inspiration and creative process verbally is just the first step. Any artist can showcase their skills, but you must be able to communicate within a team. Clearly describe your artistic goal to others. If you have documents that contain your art pipeline process, you’re on the right track.

Go beyond being a fan of a single franchise.

Creature created by Lucas Bartee (Game Art and Animation)

A must for every artist is not only to have a love of video games, but the video game industry. All artists strive to improve their craft, and those who are driven to create art professionally have an interest in what happens behind the scenes of a game. Branch out and play different genres, especially video games you wouldn’t typically play. You may find inspiration in the least likely of places.

While all artists have their own inspirations, those inspirations help influence their own original style. The most sought-after artists are those who aren’t afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and adopt different drawing techniques from a variety of styles. Artists who stand out from the rest out are not only talented and skillful, but open-minded.