Notes from Games Industry Mentor Ep07 Podcast

Portfolio's are hard to build in terms of what to put in in my opinion, it's a challenge knowing what to include;
Be it, pieces of work that are popular at the time.
Classical

as strong as weakest piece.
layout and navigation ... very easy
content easy to access
only best work
variety different type
job specific examples

don't have old school work
don't have work that your mates don't think is good ... piece 6 is no good ... remove or present in different way

It's all about initial impression.
tailor the work towards the job your after
Make best first
don't have sub categories

Smaller Studio, easier to move up if your good ... need to be a multi tool
Can find yourself in a small studio - you can develop yourself.

Middle Studio, you're less likely to move up ... specific skill is fine. You'll see best of the best.

Very little text. << Better

Obvious thumbnails**

Very easy navigation**

Make sure you don't need to download**

Web design skill is not at all neccesary **

Streamline the portfolio as best as you can **



Have a business card. for conferences.

How tailored should your portfolio be.

Know your top 5 studios ... Make stuff that's similar ... gives  a variety of styles.

Work on stuff your passionate about.

Hyper-reaslitic style is the most marketable style at the minute.

Sleep on your level designs, have a friend or tutor look at it and make sure they're not gonna be trying to make you feel good. Ask for strong crit.

Get feedback from people you trust throughout the process.. too much feedback can be bad. \Filter the good feedback.

check in once a week after applying for a job. Send and E-Mail ... don't call. Tell them when you're gonna call if you do call or when you're gonna re-email ... ask when you should follow up or tell them when you're gonna follow up. Always ask a question if they're on the phone.

The interview will be mainly about what kind of person you are. too see if you'll fit in they've already seen how good you are through your portfolio. Still be prepared to answer technical questions and know your field. Keep in mind how you work under-pressure, because you will be ... so try not to be an A-Hole.