Killer Portfolio or Portfolio Killer: Advice for Game Artists from Industry Professionals

Explore essential advice from industry professionals on creating a standout portfolio for the competitive game art industry in this 53-minute GDC conference talk. Gain insights from art directors and lead artists at major studios as they reveal common portfolio pitfalls to avoid and provide real-world examples of how to capture and maintain an art director's attention. Learn about effective portfolio strategies, including the ideal number of samples to include, how to present work-in-progress pieces, and the pros and cons of being a generalist versus a specialist. Discover the impact of AI in portfolios, networking tips, and the concept of vertical slices. Understand different portfolio types and learn how to make your portfolio truly special, increasing your chances of breaking into the industry and gaining recognition for your work.

Intro
Common Portfolio Mistakes
Most Memorable Portfolios
How Many Samples
Work in Progress
Outside generalist vs specialist
AI in a portfolio
Networking
Vertical Slices
Different Portfolios
Making Your Portfolio Special