If you're passionate about Virtual Reality (VR), you might want to showcase your skills and projects to potential employers or clients. But how do you create a VR portfolio that stands out and impresses your audience? Here are some of the most important things to consider when you're building your VR portfolio.
Depending on your target market and your preferred tools, you might want to choose a different platform for your VR portfolio. For example, you could use a web-based platform like Sketchfab or Mozilla Hubs, which allows you to embed your VR projects on your website or social media. Alternatively, you could use a standalone app like Unity or Unreal Engine, which gives you more control and flexibility over your VR content. Whatever platform you choose, make sure it's compatible with the devices and platforms that your audience uses.
The first thing when building your portfolio is to decide which skills you want to showcase. If you want to work as an artist, but only showcase code-heavy projects, it might give off some strange signals. I think picking your delivery is important. WebXR can be great to make your projects easily accessible, but it might be hard to implement. Making use of better performance with native builds definitely is fine as well, as long as you make proper recordings to highlight your work.
I think for a portfolio, WebXR is the only way to go. Giving someone an executable/app is considered risky for security reasons. You could make a mobile app, but then you really need to have one for Android and one for iOS. Going straight WebXR gives you reach across platforms. Unfortunately, Mozilla Hubs is nearing end of life so it's not an option anymore. Sketchfab is a nice easy way to show off models, but it's not interactive.
It's like picking the right stage for your one-person show. Whether it’s WebVR, Oculus, or Unity, select a platform that aligns with where your target audience hangs out and ensures your work shines in the best light.
Your VR portfolio should highlight your best and most relevant work for your desired role or industry. Don't include every project you've ever done, but rather focus on the ones that demonstrate your skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. For each project, provide a brief description of the context, the goals, the challenges, and the results. Use screenshots, videos, or interactive demos to showcase your work in action. Also, make sure to credit any collaborators or sources that you've used in your projects.
Like with any portfolio, don't show more than is needed to get your point across. It's not sheer quantity that impresses, it's the quality and the breadth of work. Definitely provide your goals including any restrictions you were working with. A free VR experience at a library will have different expectations from a major motion picture tie-in you worked on.
This is your chance to wow them! Only include your most impressive projects that demonstrate a range of skills and creativity. It’s quality over quantity - make each piece count.
Besides showing what you've done, your VR portfolio should also explain how you've done it. Your process is what sets you apart from other VR developers and shows your unique approach and style. For each project, include a section that explains your design decisions, your technical choices, your testing methods, and your feedback loops. Use sketches, wireframes, prototypes, or code snippets to illustrate your process. This will help your audience understand your thinking and your skills better.
Explaining the process is important and often forgotten. A project can look great, but if the process is super inefficient, your actual contribution is low, or if the code is terrible, this might now be your best piece. Showcasing your process and the underlying techniques showcases that you are aware of this process and are confident enough to showcase it. Experimentation and failure should definitely be included, as long as you have learned from this.
As with most technical jobs, your resume/portfolio needs to highlight which tools you're proficient in, along with your process. Initial mockups, prototypes, feedback, and user testing results makes it clear that you plan your work and that you respond positively to unbiased feedback. These skills will make you popular anywhere.
Behind every masterpiece is a story. Share your journey for each project - the concept, challenges, and how you overcame them. It’s like giving a backstage tour that reveals the magic behind the curtain.
Your VR portfolio should not only showcase your work, but also highlight your value as a VR developer. What can you offer to your potential employer or client? What are your strengths and specialties? What are your goals and passions? To answer these questions, include a section that summarizes your skills, your experience, and your achievements. Use metrics, testimonials, or awards to back up your claims. Also, include a section that tells your story, your motivations, and your vision for VR.
Think about what you can contribute to a team. What are your strong sides both in hard and soft skills? Being aware of this can make you pay attention to those strong points, which can give you a stronger position in the market.
Don't just focus on your past work output, also bring up how you can galvanize a team for the best outcomes, how you relate to clients, and what you love about the work.
Your VR portfolio is not a static document, but a dynamic reflection of your growth and learning. As you work on new projects, learn new skills, or receive new feedback, make sure to update your portfolio accordingly. Keep your portfolio fresh, relevant, and current. This will show your audience that you're proactive, adaptable, and committed to improving your VR skills.
This brings back the initial question about platform. Using WebXR makes it easy to always have it up to date with a resume-like details page with direct links to web-based VR/AR applications, models, scenes, etc. that are relevant. Remember to keep your portfolio not only up to date, but also the fewest items to demonstrate your skills.
Finally, your VR portfolio is not meant to be hidden, but to be shared with the world. To reach your target audience and increase your visibility, share your portfolio on different channels and platforms. For example, you could post your portfolio on your website, your blog, your social media, or your online communities. You could also send your portfolio to potential employers or clients via email or online applications. When you share your portfolio, make sure to tailor it to the specific context and audience, and to include a clear call to action.
Dive into the world of analytics. Understanding who visits your portfolio and how they interact with it can provide valuable insights for further improvement. Also, accessibility is key - ensure that your portfolio can be enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible, including those with disabilities.