How to build a strong portfolio?

Portfolio

Recently at a meetup with students ( Zista Events ), most of them asked the question about “Building a Strong Portfolio” and how their portfolio can be different to other candidates who apply for the same position. Having interviewed several candidates and reviewing their portfolios, I am sharing a few good practices. If you find this valuable, please feel free to share in your network and hope it helps some.

So why is it important to build a strong portfolio?

Simply putting, a portfolio demonstrates your skills, creativity, and passion for game development or design. And it is the one of the crucial elements if you are aspiring to enter the gaming or the creative space. 

Sharing a few tips on how one can effectively build and develop their portfolio:

Start Small & Build Experience 

• Create small projects: Start with simple games or interactive experiences. This could be a short platformer, puzzle, or a simple mobile game.

• Game jams: Participate in game jams (like Global Game Jam or Ludum Dare). This experience is great for building quick projects and showing how well you can work in teams or under pressure.

• Collaborate with others: Collaboration demonstrates your ability to work in diverse teams, which is a critical skill in the gaming industry.

Diversify Your Projects

• Show a variety of skills: For example: If you're a game designer, create games that demonstrate different mechanics, genres, or systems (puzzle, RPG, adventure). 

• Multiple roles: Experiment with different roles like level design, 3D modeling, or UI/UX design to showcase versatility. Showing that you understand different areas is always a plus.

• Showcase both complete and in-progress projects: Completed games are essential, but showing in-progress work can help potential employers see your problem-solving process and approach.

Puzzle Platformer

Use Popular Tools and Engines

• Game engines: Build your portfolio using popular game development tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot. These engines are widely used in industry, and showcasing projects developed using them will make your portfolio more attractive.

• Version control: Using version control tools like GitHub to store your projects can show your understanding of industry-standard workflows.

• Art tools: If you're focusing on art, animation, or 3D modeling, showcase your proficiency with industry-standard tools like Blender, Maya, or Substance Painter.

Documenting the Development Process

• Showcase process, not just finished products: Include breakdowns of how you developed specific mechanics, designed levels, or solved difficult programming challenges. The idea is to show your problem-solving ability and understanding of game development.

• Including prototypes and sketches: Game design portfolios benefit from showing the early stages of your design, such as wireframes, level sketches, or mechanic prototypes.

Create a Polished Demo or Vertical Slice

• Quality over quantity: A few well-polished games or vertical slices (a small but highly polished section of a game) are better than several incomplete or buggy projects. 

• Playable demos: Include playable demos of your games on your portfolio site. Allow employers to see your work firsthand. 

Specialize Your Portfolio for Your Desired Role

• Game Designers: Show different kinds of mechanics, level design, and prototyping skills. 

• Game Devs/Programmers: Include code samples, GitHub repositories, or specific systems you've built (AI, UI, networking). 

• Artists and Animators: Include concept art, 3D models, textures, and animations. Show your work in a game-ready format, not just raw art, so employers can see how it will translate into a game engine.

• Audio Designers: Share sound design and music projects. 

Build an Online Portfolio Website

• Website platforms: Use website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress to create an online portfolio. 

• Show your personality: The gaming industry values creativity, so the design and structure of your website can reflect your personal style.

• Showcase your best work first: Highlight your most impressive projects at the top.

• Keep it up-to-date: Regularly update your portfolio with new projects, improved work, or additional insights into your skills.

Create a Video Showreel (If Applicable)

• For Artists, Animators, and Designers: Include in-game footage, animations, or environment flythrough. Keep the video concise (1-2 minutes) and to the point.

• Include captions: Add brief captions or explanations of your role in each project, especially in collaborative projects where your contribution might not be immediately obvious.

Use Social Media and Game Platforms

• Itch.io and GameJolt: Upload and showcase your games on these platforms, where others can play and rate your games. 

• LinkedIn: Regularly update your LinkedIn profile with portfolio items, articles, and projects. Networking with professionals can open up internship or job opportunities.

• ArtStation and Behance: If you're a visual artist or designer, upload your work to platforms like ArtStation or Behance to reach a broader audience of game developers and industry professionals.

Include Group Projects and Collaboration

• Teamwork and collaboration: Highlight projects you’ve worked on with teams, such as student group projects, game jam collaborations, or internships. As employers we value teamwork and collaboration skills as much as technical ability.

• Clearly define your role: Make it clear what your specific contributions were on each project to avoid confusion.

Show Continuous Learning

• Online courses and certifications: Include any relevant certifications or online courses you've completed (e.g., Unity certifications, Coursera, Udemy courses). This shows you’re dedicated to learning and improving your skills.

• Side projects: Continuously create side projects to explore new technologies or game mechanics. We love to see initiative and curiosity beyond coursework.

Most Important Part - Get Feedback and Iterate

• Ask for feedback: Share your portfolio with peers, your trainers, and professionals in the industry. Get their feedback and iterate on your projects to improve them.

• Playtesting: Ensure that you playtest your games and seek input from others. Mention this in your portfolio to demonstrate that you understand the importance of user experience and iteration in game development.

Conclusion

Please note that a strong portfolio is not just about showing the final product; it’s about communicating your process, creativity, and technical skills. Start small, diversify your work, document your development process, and showcase your best projects in a polished, professional manner. Having a well-organized and easy-to-access online portfolio will significantly improve your chances of standing out to potential employers.

I hope the information above helps. And if you are reading this, please do share in your network. 

Connect with me here on Linkedin or you can follow me on other channels (@ranbeer_hora)