How can you create an engaging and shareable animation portfolio for the web and social media?

2 Select your best work

The next step is to select your best work to include in your portfolio. This can be challenging, as you might have many projects that you are proud of or attached to. However, you need to be selective and strategic, as quality matters more than quantity. A good rule of thumb is to choose around 10 to 15 pieces that showcase your range of skills, styles, and genres, as well as your most recent and relevant work. You should also consider your target audience and what kind of work they are looking for. For example, if you are applying for a job in a specific industry or niche, you should highlight your work that matches their expectations and requirements.

3 Create a demo reel

A demo reel is a short video that summarizes your animation skills and experience in a compelling and concise way. It is often the first thing that potential clients, employers, or collaborators will see, so you need to make a good impression. A good demo reel should be between one and three minutes long, and include your best and most relevant work. You should also add your name, contact information, and website at the beginning and end of the video. To make your demo reel more engaging and dynamic, you should edit it with a smooth and logical flow, use transitions and effects, and add music and sound effects that match the mood and tone of your work.

4 Optimize your portfolio for the web and social media

Once you have created your portfolio and demo reel, you need to optimize them for the web and social media. This means making sure that your portfolio is easy to find, view, and share online. To do this, you should use keywords and tags to help your portfolio rank higher on search engines and platforms. Additionally, you should use a responsive design that adapts to different devices and screen sizes. A clear and consistent navigation will also help visitors find what they are looking for. Additionally, social media buttons and links can be added so that visitors can share your portfolio and demo reel. Finally, analytics tools can be used to track and measure your portfolio's performance.

5 Update and promote your portfolio regularly

To keep your portfolio fresh and relevant, you need to update and promote it regularly. This means adding new work, removing old or outdated work, and improving your design and content. Additionally, you should spread the word about your work and reach out to potential clients, employers, or collaborators. To do this, follow the trends and developments in your industry and niche, seek feedback from other animators or mentors, join online communities related to your field and interests, participate in contests or events that showcase your work, and create a blog or podcast that provides value to your audience.

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?