Does anyone have examples of what a portfolio should look like for Games Art NTU?

Just curious as I'm planning to apply for the undergrad course soon and NTU doesn't really offer examples (unless I'm terrible at searching for them)
Open day made me aware that we did need about 9-10 pieces split into at least 3 examples of environments,props and characters but I'm just unsure of the quality they'd expect and how much detail about it you should include like several concept iterations, references, maybe even thumbnails if you've made an illustration for the finished character or prop etc

Reply 1

aspalax

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Hello! First off - it's great that you asked about what they expect to see at an open day, that's a really good head start.

My standard portfolio advice is: always read their particular portfolio guidance, it will often be linked on the course information page under entry requirements. On average, it is between 8-20 (9-10 in your case) "pieces" which you should consider annotated "pages" or slides of work, including development/iteration work for that piece. Include a combination of examples of iteration/development/design work(often the kind of thing you might do in school), some drawings from life (e.g. still life, figure drawing, technical drawing) and imaginative work (work that demonstrates combining ideas imaginatively). Some places might request a variety of mediums, and this is often course-dependent. In the case of Game Art they often want to see evidence of your ability to work in 3D space - be this physical modelling like clay or sculpture or prop-making/craft work, or digital 3D modelling examples.

In regards to your specific questions:
What quality do they expect?
You want to showcase your best work to give you the best chance at a place on the course. You want to be proud of the pieces you're showing off - while still being able to acknowledge where you can improve, if you're asked in an interview. It might be worth looking at examples of Game Art portfolios online, even if they weren't applying to the same university as you.

How much iteration work to include?
In general, they are really interested to see your development work - it's a good idea to include lots of it if you have the ability to - yes even sketches and thumbnails. There will always be pieces where you feel like you have more of this than others - that's normal. I get that sometimes it does feel like you have too much though, and there's no way you can format it all nicely! In those cases you might want to focus on the stuff that felt like it really contributed towards the final design - if you did 8 sketches and 4 of them contributed features towards the final design - maybe just include the 4.

Hope this is helpful to you - good luck with your application!

Reply 2

Nottingham Trent University

Official Rep

Original post

by chinozono

Hi @chinozono,

It's great to hear you're thinking about studying Games Art at NTU!

There's some fantastic advice above from @aspalax, and we should soon have our updated portfolio advice for Games Art on our portfolio advice page. In general:

•

We'd like to see a mix of different media, showing you're not afraid to try something new or develop new skills.

•

It's helpful to see your creative process displayed, how you work, as well as your inspirations and considerations, so don’t just include the polished end-product. We want to see how you got there.

•

How you present your work is also important. We want to see that you can communicate ideas and concepts well and capture attention.

Most importantly, we want to see your passion and creative ways of thinking reflected in your work. No two portfolios are the same, and it should be a reflection of you. Whilst preparing your portfolio, fill it with projects you are proud of and enthusiastic about.

I hope this helps, let us know if you have any questions!

-Yaz