3 answers
Jayla
Student
Texas City, Texas
1
Question
Asked
433 views
How can I become noticed by professional animators with my portfolio? #Fall25
I want to create a portfolio of my character design art but how will I even become noticed by them?
Login to comment
3 answers
Kelly Smyth
Visual development, character design, storyboards
23
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
The best way to get your portfolio noticed by pro artists is to reach out to artists directly! Search for character designers who have worked on movies you like, find their websites and/or contact info, and send them a message! Tell them that you're interested in entering the field (plus state your current experience level ), and that you'd like to ask them about their journey so far.
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone will reply because DMs/emails tend to pile up, and not everyone who answers who be willing to give a portfolio review because of their personal schedule. For that reason, I wouldn't send them your portfolio RIGHT away, that might be too high of a request from someone they just met. You should exchange info about yourselves first in order to establish a relationship. But here's been a couple times where I've set up a first meeting with someone, and they gave feedback on my portfolio without me having to ask! If that doesn't happen, I guess the least you can do is send them your contact info after the conversation ends.
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone will reply because DMs/emails tend to pile up, and not everyone who answers who be willing to give a portfolio review because of their personal schedule. For that reason, I wouldn't send them your portfolio RIGHT away, that might be too high of a request from someone they just met. You should exchange info about yourselves first in order to establish a relationship. But here's been a couple times where I've set up a first meeting with someone, and they gave feedback on my portfolio without me having to ask! If that doesn't happen, I guess the least you can do is send them your contact info after the conversation ends.
Thanks for your encouragement! I really appreciate you for answering.
Jayla
Brian Oliver
Artist/Animator
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Jayla,
Create the designs you love to create. Do it in YOUR style, with YOUR sensibilities. Make your characters live with their own purpose. You might not see results immediately, but as long as you are creating what you do best... someone will notice.
A wiser man than me once said," Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life." Or something like that haha... just follow your passion.
Feel free to share some of your work... I'd love to see it.
Brian
Create the designs you love to create. Do it in YOUR style, with YOUR sensibilities. Make your characters live with their own purpose. You might not see results immediately, but as long as you are creating what you do best... someone will notice.
A wiser man than me once said," Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life." Or something like that haha... just follow your passion.
Feel free to share some of your work... I'd love to see it.
Brian
Patrizio Spadoni
Senior UI Artist at Zynga NaturalMotion
4
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Patrizio’s Answer
Hi, I'd suggest to send a simple one pager pdf document with the basic info about yourself and 1, 2 example of something special in your portfolio, something you feel is innovative and speaks about you, your tastes and your skills. In the last section of the document make sure to include a line inviting to find out more and link to your online portfolio. Keep everything simple but punchy and see what happens. All the best!
Thank you for giving me advice, I really appreciate it.
Jayla