How can you tailor your 3D modeling portfolio for a specific gaming company?

1 Research the company

The first step to tailor your 3D modeling portfolio for a specific gaming company is to do some research on their games, art style, genre, and audience. You can find this information on their website, social media, blogs, interviews, and reviews. Pay attention to the details, such as the lighting, textures, colors, shapes, and animations of their 3D models, and how they contribute to the mood, story, and gameplay of their games. Try to understand what they are looking for in a 3D modeler, and what kind of skills and experience they value.

2 Select your best work

The next step is to select your best work that matches the company's style and genre. You don't need to have a huge portfolio with dozens of models, but rather a focused and curated one that demonstrates your ability to create high-quality 3D models that fit the company's vision. Choose models that are relevant to the type of games they make, such as characters, environments, props, vehicles, or weapons. Make sure your models are polished, textured, rigged, and animated if applicable, and that they follow the industry standards and best practices for 3D modeling.

3 Create a demo reel

A demo reel is a short video that showcases your 3D models in action. It's a great way to capture the attention of the recruiters and art directors, and to show them how your models look and behave in a game engine or a 3D software. A good demo reel should be between 1 to 2 minutes long, and include your name, contact information, and a brief introduction at the beginning and end. It should also highlight your best models, and show different angles, perspectives, and close-ups of them. You can also add some sound effects, music, or narration to enhance your demo reel, but make sure they don't distract from your models.

4 Organize your portfolio

The final step is to organize your portfolio in a way that is easy to navigate and view. You can use a website, a blog, a platform, or a PDF file to present your portfolio, but make sure it is professional, clean, and consistent. Use a simple and clear layout, and label your models with titles, descriptions, and technical details, such as the software, tools, and techniques you used. You can also include some sketches, concepts, or references to show your creative process and your artistic vision. Don't forget to update your portfolio regularly, and to remove any outdated or irrelevant models.

5 Get feedback and improve

Before you send your portfolio to your target company, it's a good idea to get some feedback and improve your work. You can ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, teachers, or online communities, and listen to their suggestions and critiques. Be open-minded and humble, and use the feedback to refine your models, fix any errors, and polish your presentation. You can also compare your portfolio to other 3D modelers who work in the same genre or style, and learn from their strengths and weaknesses. Remember that your portfolio is a reflection of your skills and personality, and that you can always improve and grow as a 3D modeler.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?