Leave your mark on everything!

How can you make your portfolio stand out from the next guy in line? It’s simple; Make sure your work is better than his!

Ok. So that’s not the purpose of this post even though it is kinda true. Instead Imagine your work is on par with a fellow artist, how then can your portfolio grab the attention of those reviewing it?

Upgrade your Presentation

1. Make it Clean and Clear. Refrain from sending your portfolio out until it is refined and functional. You want your portfolio to show your work and not distract the viewer with broken links, disorganization or poor video/image quality. Clean it up and make it work!

2. Branding and Common design. Integrate your logo, business card, and folder into one well-designed theme. Your contact information should be on everything.

3. Add multimedia. Today, the best portfolios combine a multimedia presentation with hard copies. Build a simple and functional website, print business cards, build a working DVD with menu and Print some of your best stills on good quality photo paper to display in your interviews. And of course include your resume as well. PS. Make sure you brand EVERYTHING with the same logo, color, Imagery and font.

4. Show your best work ONLY.

Organize and label your images

5. Group similar artwork together. Character, Vehicles, Paintings, etc.. Group as you see fit.

6. Include all the important information. What software did you use? Do you have good render times? Did you do all or only part of the work? Make sure you include this information so viewers won’t have questions and assumptions.

In person, give the right attitude.

7. Be positive. Never put yourself down or apologize for your art. This is more of a problem for Artists coming out of school. Understand that if you were called into the interview, it means they thing you’ve done SOMETHING right, don’t forget that. Show instead that you love your art. Share your passion and they will notice.
8. Don’t be a prima donna.You’re never too good, or too famous, of an artist to be nice to others. Sugar can get you everywhere!

Brush up on your salesmanship

Learning HOW to sell is part of being a professional artist. Practice often.

9. Sell yourself first. Most companies have head hunters, but why leave your career options up to chance. Step up and put yourself out there. Start getting involved in the industry community, network, and put your best foot forward. If someone likes you, it could lead to a big break.

10. Persevere through rejection. It is important that that you continue trying, even after the tenth phone call or tenth door slammed on you. Keep going and keep smiling!

-Chad