Portfolio advice
From someone who makes terrible portfolios
(but knows in theory how they work)
- Keep them short, 10-15 pieces. The more stuff you have, the more likely your potential employer will get bored and skim over the stuff you really want them to see
- If you’re on the fence about anything, take it out. Only the best.
- Don’t apologize for anything or talk about how you could have made it better. The most sympathetic response you’ll get is “then why didn’t you?”
- If you have a storyboard portfolio it may be a little longer because you don’t want to break up a sequence. Just take the best sequences though, don’t give them a whole film.
- Some places want a jack of all trades who can fill in any role. Some places want someone to do a dedicated job and only that job. It helps to know what kind of a place you’re applying to and tailor your portfolio to match. (usually bigger studios care more about dedicated jobs, smaller places want people with more diversity)
- Put in stuff that is original and memorable. Even if you aren’t the most technically proficient, your ideas can still stand out.
- People remember things that make them laugh.
- Put your absolute best stuff at the very beginning and the very end, so they start and finish with the best possible impression.
- You’ll have a better success rate if you apply to places that you know are hiring. Most studios operate on a skeleton crew between big projects and aren’t looking for new staff.
- Don’t send a new portfolio unless it’s a significantly different. Like at least 75% new material. And hey, if they remember your first application and see what a marked improvement your new one is, they’ll know you’re a quick learner.
