Not sure what belongs in a portfolio, or whether that you’ve already made is even worth showing? You’re not alone, and it’s a question worth asking properly rather than guessing.
What We’re Looking For:
We asked Az Valastro, Senior Lecturer of Games & Animation at JMC Academy in Melbourne exactly that, and here’s what they had to say:
‘What we want to see in a portfolio, above anything else is that you literally can't be stopped. That you want to make things, not because you have to, but because you wouldn't be you if you didn't.
The thing we get asked the most is "I've not made something in the field I want to get into before - what do I put in my folio?". And to that we always ask: "But what else do you make/do?". For us, when someone doesn't have anything to show that's worrying because we find it hard to believe that someone who is creative wouldn't have anything to show. We aren't looking for something specific, just a few of your favorite things you've made - this could be illustrations, animatics, game paper prototypes, game mods, photography, traditional art/sculpture, music, stop motion animation - the list goes on.
One other thing - if what's in your folio is different to what you are applying for, tell us why!’
Az Valastro
Let’s Walk Through The Process
Lissa Barnum our Senior Lecturer in Design, will talk you through it!
‘A good portfolio does not need more than 10 pieces. If they are students, they can make a strong folio with 5 pieces, as they should not feel at odds since starting out on their professional venture.
With each piece, there should be a descriptor its purpose, its story:
- Name the client if there is one.
- What was the objective to be met
- What processes were employed to perform the final outcome.
If there is process available that completes 'the story' - during the interview experience, it's good to explain how one arrived at the solution, so say a logo, by showing its evolution, makes for a much more engaging 'chat' than only showing the final, beautiful, artefact.
The progress of process is what counts, demonstrates the line of one's thinking. That will be someone hirable.
If the folio is being sent as an e-folio or on a website, there must be a comprehensive story accompanying each case - that way if someone looks at your work and you are not there in person, they will better appreciate the body of work.’
Ready to Build Yours?
If you’d like some guidance putting all of this into practice, our Portfolio and Audition Masterclasses this October are built exactly for that. You’ll get hands-on feedback from our industry professionals and leave with a clearer sense of what belongs in your folio and how to tell its story properly.
