How to make a games/concept art uni portfolio?

1

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

aspalax

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Sadsgeep

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

Hi there, I have a masterpost about compiling portfolios, with some specific advice for Game Art and Concept Art. You can find that here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7597072

My main suggestion will be to include some examples of fundamental skills in your 2D work, to support your 3D (which sounds great!). This might be still life or figure drawing work - the key is that it's observational and not from photo reference. I write more about that in my overview :smile:

PowerPoint works fine. Be aware that universities all often have differenet requirements - some may accept .ppt or .pdf, but others might want it submitted through their portal, etc - so always double check.

I would try and add some basic annotations about your decision making process and the media you used, but a few sentences is usually sufficient.

Reply 2

Uni of Staffs

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Sadsgeep

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

Hi! We have lots of advice about creating portfolio's for Concept Art for Games and Film: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/admissions/interviews/bahons-concept-art-for-games-and-film

We also recently reached out to our Course Lecturer, Mel, who shared more information on what to submit in your portfolio here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7639917

Hope this helps, reach out if you need more advice!

Reply 3

Teesside University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Sadsgeep

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

Hi there 👋

It's great to hear that you're considering Teesside along with other universities to study at.

Here are three top things to consider Ff or your portfolio for Games Art and Concept Art:

1.

Highlight your creative journey: it is important to show the evolution of your projects from the initial concept to the final piece.

2.

Showcase your thought process: Explain your creative decisions, the challenges you faced and how overcame them.

3.

Include briefs and titles: This demonstrates how you responded to the brief and creates talking points about your decision-making. It’s also a great way to help interviewers ask you questions and understand your skills as a creative.

You can find out more information on our blog here 👉️ https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/students/2023/04/21/preparing-your-creative-portfolio/

let us know if you have any questions and we'll be happy to answer them.

-J

Reply 4

eten1105

6

Original post

by Sadsgeep

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

Most ppl just structure it sort of randomly. For my portfolio I more structured it based on my personal development in my creative practice. So it was a little more chronological in terms of when i did different things but again it doesn’t have to be like that. The descriptions are normally a sentence or two long and just say what the piece is, what your brief was or why you did it but if u want to go more in depth, you can.

The biggest thing to remember is that your portfolio is there to show who you are as an artist and how you work.

Reply 5

Norwich Uni Arts

Official Rep

9

Original post

by Sadsgeep

I've applied to study games art or concept art at a bunch of universities, and I'm now being asked for a portfolio. I've applied to Leeds arts, Norwich arts, Abertay and Teeside.
I know what I want to put into it: I've got some environment art, some character, and some basic 3D modelling from a product design project. I'm pretty sure I'm covering all my bases but I'm open to more ideas. However, I have no clue how to structure it.
I'll be doing it online, so I'm thinking a PowerPoint would be easiest? Then, when laying it out should I just put it all in there, or should I add annotations? If so, what am I supposed to say?
I'm so confused.

Hi there!

Hope you're well. I'm Charlotte, a third year GD student at Norwich Uni Arts. That's so exciting to hear that you're looking to apply here!

If you need any help or assistance with your portfolio, please feel free to email the admissions team at [email protected] - where they can help out as much as possible.

Best of luck with everything! Feel free to ask me any questions,
Charlotte, Student Ambassador 🙂

How to make a games/concept art uni portfolio?

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