Setting up my own portfolio has been something that I've wanted to do for ages now, and this project is the perfect opportunity for it. I also plan to create a business card for myself, and any other things that I can use to advertise my art.
So I've tried out a few different websites for hosting portfolios so far in my search to find "the perfect one". I will be evaluating each one's pro's and con's, and in the end I'll choose the one that fits the best.
Unfortunately I'm somewhat limited because I have no knowledge of html coding. I do plan to learn as much as I can, but right now I don't feel that I have the time as this is my third year, and I only have about a month and a half left.
So far I have portfolios at:
DAportfolio
ImagineFX (which is more of a gallery, and currently only has 3, very old pieces of work on it.)
CarbonMade
Today I plan on trying Wix which is a free website builder which apparently does not require knowledge of coding. A good friend of mine has set her own up, which can be found here , and I'm quite impressed with it so far.
As I said above somewhere, I'll be updating each gallery/portfolio and evaluating what I think of them in individual posts.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Art for others
I love drawing for other people, and I love putting my own style on characters that aren't my own. It's a refreshing challenge, and it always pushes me to do well because I don't want to disappoint or hand over bad art. I think it's also good practice for when I will hopefully get into the concept art industry, because I'll need to be able to draw other characters and styles efficiently and quickly.
This first piece is gift art for my lovely friend Zoie, of her fantastic character Eduardo. I wanted to draw a portrait with emotion, and I was quite happy with the out come of this one.
This second piece was a trade over on deviantart with a lovely artist called Goosechimera. It took me a long time to finish this one, mainly because I think it's only know that I've really got into the swing of things with Photoshop. I remember really struggling with the colouring on this, primarily I think because I tried following a tutorial. Tutorials are great, and I love seeing other artist's techniques and process, but I found it very unnatural to apply it to my own art.
Saying that, I did learn important things from it, namely about how to push your tones and values.
This first piece is gift art for my lovely friend Zoie, of her fantastic character Eduardo. I wanted to draw a portrait with emotion, and I was quite happy with the out come of this one.
This second piece was a trade over on deviantart with a lovely artist called Goosechimera. It took me a long time to finish this one, mainly because I think it's only know that I've really got into the swing of things with Photoshop. I remember really struggling with the colouring on this, primarily I think because I tried following a tutorial. Tutorials are great, and I love seeing other artist's techniques and process, but I found it very unnatural to apply it to my own art.
Saying that, I did learn important things from it, namely about how to push your tones and values.
Pieces for my portfolio
So on the side from working on commissions, trades and my Neg 2 project, I've been trying to do pieces that I could use in my portfolio. So this is what this is. It was also a practice with colours and backgrounds. I'm really starting to feel a lot more confident and comfortable with painting backgrounds, and they seem to be coming more naturally to me these days.
So this is Trevor, and I'm not really sure if this piece is strong enough for my portfolio, but it was good practice and fun either way.
So this is Trevor, and I'm not really sure if this piece is strong enough for my portfolio, but it was good practice and fun either way.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Reference Sheet commission
So to my surprise I received a commission about a month and a half ago. I finished it a while back, and I felt stupidly proud of myself that I had made the first money ever from my work.
So here's the process I went through for this piece. I was pretty much given a free rein with this character, which was to be a white eastern style dragon with a blue mane and markings. Everything else I got to decide for myself, (I kept the commissioner update with everything, and luckily she like all the decisions I made).
First step was obviously a sketch of the dragons proportions, size, anatomy, etc. And rough ideas for his markings.
Next was working out the layout of the actual reference sheet, and making sure everything flowed and fitted correctly.
Base colours added.
Working in detail. I found painting a white dragon quite challenging, which I enjoyed. I had to find the right hues that would work to create shadows without it compromising the white and making it look like a dirty or off-colour white.
Final product. I gave the commissioner a choice of different background colours, and this is the one she picked.
This character is © Kilo112205, and may not be used by anyone without her permission. Similarly, the art is © to me, Rachelle Fryatt and may not be used, changed or distributed anywhere without mine or Kilo's permission.
So here's the process I went through for this piece. I was pretty much given a free rein with this character, which was to be a white eastern style dragon with a blue mane and markings. Everything else I got to decide for myself, (I kept the commissioner update with everything, and luckily she like all the decisions I made).
First step was obviously a sketch of the dragons proportions, size, anatomy, etc. And rough ideas for his markings.
Next was working out the layout of the actual reference sheet, and making sure everything flowed and fitted correctly.
Base colours added.
Working in detail. I found painting a white dragon quite challenging, which I enjoyed. I had to find the right hues that would work to create shadows without it compromising the white and making it look like a dirty or off-colour white.
Final product. I gave the commissioner a choice of different background colours, and this is the one she picked.
This character is © Kilo112205, and may not be used by anyone without her permission. Similarly, the art is © to me, Rachelle Fryatt and may not be used, changed or distributed anywhere without mine or Kilo's permission.
Creative Futures Week Part2
Creative Futures Week
Day 3
The next talk I attened was on the third day, and was easily my most enjoyable one. "Computer Games- Concept art and illustration in the entertainment industry" by Lee Carter was absolutely fantastic. It was so inspirational, and very reassuring that the industry I want to get into is thriving and growing.
Mr.Carter stated some important things to include in your portfolio are figure drawings, show an understanding of cultures and architectures, and that being able to draw well in these areas are really important.
I really liked how he broke down what concpet art basically is. It should never be perfectally rendered and detailed as long as it communicates well and sparks more ideas. Also, if you spend too long on a piece, your client may feel intimdated to ask for changes and alterations. Working quickly but effectively allows you to produce many more ideas and gives more choice for your client or employers.
The majoraty of his talk entailed him showing us various pieces of his, and how he comes to certain conclusions in his work.
I really liked his paint overs, in which he had been given a boring 3D render of a set that looked barren and boring. Mr.Carter then went over it quickly, and the transformations were fantastic.
The best part of it all though actually came after his lecture. He set up a table outside, and I stood talking to him and asking him questions for a good hour after. He reassured me that the prospects of me getting an industry is good, and to just keep going until I get the result I like.
Something that has been bothering me for a long time is knowing what to wear if I ever got an interview for concept art. He assured me to just dress as I usually would; there are same extreme and exentrict people in the industry who probably won't care how I dress. That and I can't imagine it would be a good thing to outdress a prospective employer.
Mr.Carter also gave some great advice on how to start networking, and how important it is. Going to as many conventions as possible and talking to as many people as I can will further the prospect of me being hired, even if it's for freelancing. A lot of work is found by word of mouth, and by friends saying "I have a mate who is good at this kind of thing, do you want his/her details?".
He also assured me that people in the industry are all really nice, and will more than likely give you a few pointers or feedback as to how to improve. And he said if they're rude or horrible, then they're probably not worth knowing. I can imagine that most people in the industry are very approachable and kind, as they were once in my position. I'm going to make an effort to get over my anxieties of asking for critisism, and start contacting professionals and asking for feedback.
It was also reassuring in a funny way that I'm not the only one who sits at my computer all day working. The amount of time Mr.Carter spends working is incredible, and is really very inspirational.
Mr.Carter kindly gave me his email address, and I asked him if I could send him my portfolio and have some feedback. He said certainly, and I am eagerly awaiting his reply, although I totally understand that he has a hectic work scheduel.
All in all, even though I only attended 3 lectures (my work scheduel is pretty busy right now, and I felt that because I'm in my final year that I couldn't afford to attend each an every lecture), I really do feel that I've benefited from this years Creative Futures Week.
Day 3
The next talk I attened was on the third day, and was easily my most enjoyable one. "Computer Games- Concept art and illustration in the entertainment industry" by Lee Carter was absolutely fantastic. It was so inspirational, and very reassuring that the industry I want to get into is thriving and growing.
Mr.Carter stated some important things to include in your portfolio are figure drawings, show an understanding of cultures and architectures, and that being able to draw well in these areas are really important.
I really liked how he broke down what concpet art basically is. It should never be perfectally rendered and detailed as long as it communicates well and sparks more ideas. Also, if you spend too long on a piece, your client may feel intimdated to ask for changes and alterations. Working quickly but effectively allows you to produce many more ideas and gives more choice for your client or employers.
The majoraty of his talk entailed him showing us various pieces of his, and how he comes to certain conclusions in his work.
I really liked his paint overs, in which he had been given a boring 3D render of a set that looked barren and boring. Mr.Carter then went over it quickly, and the transformations were fantastic.
The best part of it all though actually came after his lecture. He set up a table outside, and I stood talking to him and asking him questions for a good hour after. He reassured me that the prospects of me getting an industry is good, and to just keep going until I get the result I like.
Something that has been bothering me for a long time is knowing what to wear if I ever got an interview for concept art. He assured me to just dress as I usually would; there are same extreme and exentrict people in the industry who probably won't care how I dress. That and I can't imagine it would be a good thing to outdress a prospective employer.
Mr.Carter also gave some great advice on how to start networking, and how important it is. Going to as many conventions as possible and talking to as many people as I can will further the prospect of me being hired, even if it's for freelancing. A lot of work is found by word of mouth, and by friends saying "I have a mate who is good at this kind of thing, do you want his/her details?".
He also assured me that people in the industry are all really nice, and will more than likely give you a few pointers or feedback as to how to improve. And he said if they're rude or horrible, then they're probably not worth knowing. I can imagine that most people in the industry are very approachable and kind, as they were once in my position. I'm going to make an effort to get over my anxieties of asking for critisism, and start contacting professionals and asking for feedback.
It was also reassuring in a funny way that I'm not the only one who sits at my computer all day working. The amount of time Mr.Carter spends working is incredible, and is really very inspirational.
Mr.Carter kindly gave me his email address, and I asked him if I could send him my portfolio and have some feedback. He said certainly, and I am eagerly awaiting his reply, although I totally understand that he has a hectic work scheduel.
All in all, even though I only attended 3 lectures (my work scheduel is pretty busy right now, and I felt that because I'm in my final year that I couldn't afford to attend each an every lecture), I really do feel that I've benefited from this years Creative Futures Week.
Creative Futures Week Part1
Creative Futures Week
Day 1
On the first day of Creative Futures Week I attended two of the lectures; the first of which was "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity! (Applications and Interviews)" by Glen Bertram, who works at the BBC. I find interviews incredibly nerve racking, and it is a constant worry of mine that my lack of confidence will severally impact on my prospects of getting a job. So I felt it was really necessary to attend in the hopes that I'd learn something that could help me bolster my confidence.
Mr.Bertram's talk was incredibly helpful, and really set things straight with how unforgiving the application and interview process can be. He didn't go so far as to deliver a crushing blow to the confidence of those who attended, but Rather painted a realistic picture of how the real world will be. He gave us some really valuable advice on how to improve our prospects of getting an interview, and how to make yourself stand out.
The most valuable piece of information I feel he gave us was about stating experiences on our CV's. Instead of just stating "I am a reliable person", you should always give an example of why that is so. For example "I am a reliable person, and this was illustrated when I took the initiative and opened the shop I worked at when the member of staff responsible for opening failed to turn up." It's an awful example, because I can't remember the one that Mr.Bertram gave, but you get the idea.
You should try and do all you can to sell yourself to your prospective employer, and always avoid negatives. If you don't have any experience in a certain field, don't mention it.
Another really good piece of advice he gave us was to display confidence in an interview, but to remain neutral. If you get the job then you can be yourself. Most people whether they like it or not have prejudices, and if you remain as neutral as possible then you are less likely to offend those prejudices.
Always research the company you're applying to, but don't give them a 20 minute speech about the history of their company.
Practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of other people. Just constantly practicing will improve the flow of your speech and help you gain confidence.
Showing confidence in an interview can often show an employer that you'll work well with other people, and adjust quickly.
Ask questions such as "what do you think my steepest learning curve will be?" Or ask a question about something you've researched, i.e. "I see that you are planning on expanding to Europe. What kind of impact do you think that will have on your employee's?"
Most of the time there will be multiple interviewers on a panel, and you must look at all of them. Sit up straight, display good body language, smile, etc.
Take a bottle of water with you, or accept a glass of water if you're offered one. Take a sip will allow you a moment to compose your thoughts if a difficult question is asked.
A huge factore that Mr.Bertram stressed on was sorting out your CV before you apply to any jobs. That way you don't need to rush around, become stressed, and possibly make an error. Always update your CV with new experiences. When filling out an application form, make sure you state what you can offer them, and make sure they know you understand what they are asking for.
And the obvious one; dress appropriately for what ever kind of interview you attend.
Although I already knew a lot of this information to a certain extend, Mr.Bertram really expanded on things and helped us understand the process that companies go through when chosen possible candidates for interviews.
The second lecture I attended was "Showreel, portfolio and CV: advice for finding work" by Harriet Buckley. I attended this talk for the same reasons as the first one, and yet again was given some fantastic advice, especially bits that were aimed specifically for the art industry. Although Ms.Buckley's talk was primarily aimed at animators, I still found a lot of her advice incredibly useful.
Firstly she stated that you should have: business cards, a physical portfolio, an online portfolio, possible a blog, and a showreel if you're an animator.
Ms.Buckley stated that you should always find out who you should send an application to, instead of just sending it to the company. This way it ends up on someones desk, and is more likely to be looked at. Do follow up if you don't hear anything back, but don't go to extremes.
You should read the job description carefully, and taylor your CV to fit it. Show that you can diversify, but focus primarily on what that specific company wants.
For animators: Keep your show reel short and sweet. You can leave links to longer films at the end, and if they like your work then they may take it upon themselves to look at more of your stuff.
Online portfolios are more easily access able, and you can leave a link at the end of your CV, but make sure it's all sent. At the same time, a physical demonstration of your work will act as a reminder to the employer. If sending a dvd, then design an eye catching cover that will spark their interest.
Include life drawing in your portfolio, as this will show them that you can draw anatomy. Never leave out hands and feet, as this will show that you are a competent and confident artist.
Show examples that you understand anatomy and perspective.
A4 is a good size for portfolios. Always ask first before sending large resolution images via email. Don't include any weak work, or work that you need to explain. State if an image was for a client, but keep written info on all pieces brief.
Respect recruiters time; a CV should be no more than 2 sides of A4, and the covering letter no more than 1 A4. Don't overload them with information, and focus on the most impressive aspects about yourself and experience. If you have one, take a really strong sketchbook with you to an interview.
Say what you can offer their company, and never as what they can offer you. Don't say anywhere "I feel as though working at your company will allow me to develop as an artist", and don't ever make it sound like you'll up and leave at the first offer of something better. Make them sound like the best.
Flatter to a certain extent, but make sure it's subtle and not over the top.
Ms.Buckley also gave us some good examples of websites and online portfolios for us to have a look at. Wesley Louis (an animator), and Adam Oliver- who's website is a good example of what is effective. A really good piece of advice that she gave was to study other peoples websites and 'folios and analyse what's good and what not, and then apply it to your own. I'll be looking into the two she mentioned and will evaluate them on this blog.
Over all I found the first day to be incredibly helpful, and in their own ways a little reassuring. I feel that knowing as much as possible about the application and interview process may help my prospects of even getting an interview, and if I'm lucky, job.
Day 1
On the first day of Creative Futures Week I attended two of the lectures; the first of which was "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity! (Applications and Interviews)" by Glen Bertram, who works at the BBC. I find interviews incredibly nerve racking, and it is a constant worry of mine that my lack of confidence will severally impact on my prospects of getting a job. So I felt it was really necessary to attend in the hopes that I'd learn something that could help me bolster my confidence.
Mr.Bertram's talk was incredibly helpful, and really set things straight with how unforgiving the application and interview process can be. He didn't go so far as to deliver a crushing blow to the confidence of those who attended, but Rather painted a realistic picture of how the real world will be. He gave us some really valuable advice on how to improve our prospects of getting an interview, and how to make yourself stand out.
The most valuable piece of information I feel he gave us was about stating experiences on our CV's. Instead of just stating "I am a reliable person", you should always give an example of why that is so. For example "I am a reliable person, and this was illustrated when I took the initiative and opened the shop I worked at when the member of staff responsible for opening failed to turn up." It's an awful example, because I can't remember the one that Mr.Bertram gave, but you get the idea.
You should try and do all you can to sell yourself to your prospective employer, and always avoid negatives. If you don't have any experience in a certain field, don't mention it.
Another really good piece of advice he gave us was to display confidence in an interview, but to remain neutral. If you get the job then you can be yourself. Most people whether they like it or not have prejudices, and if you remain as neutral as possible then you are less likely to offend those prejudices.
Always research the company you're applying to, but don't give them a 20 minute speech about the history of their company.
Practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of other people. Just constantly practicing will improve the flow of your speech and help you gain confidence.
Showing confidence in an interview can often show an employer that you'll work well with other people, and adjust quickly.
Ask questions such as "what do you think my steepest learning curve will be?" Or ask a question about something you've researched, i.e. "I see that you are planning on expanding to Europe. What kind of impact do you think that will have on your employee's?"
Most of the time there will be multiple interviewers on a panel, and you must look at all of them. Sit up straight, display good body language, smile, etc.
Take a bottle of water with you, or accept a glass of water if you're offered one. Take a sip will allow you a moment to compose your thoughts if a difficult question is asked.
A huge factore that Mr.Bertram stressed on was sorting out your CV before you apply to any jobs. That way you don't need to rush around, become stressed, and possibly make an error. Always update your CV with new experiences. When filling out an application form, make sure you state what you can offer them, and make sure they know you understand what they are asking for.
And the obvious one; dress appropriately for what ever kind of interview you attend.
Although I already knew a lot of this information to a certain extend, Mr.Bertram really expanded on things and helped us understand the process that companies go through when chosen possible candidates for interviews.
The second lecture I attended was "Showreel, portfolio and CV: advice for finding work" by Harriet Buckley. I attended this talk for the same reasons as the first one, and yet again was given some fantastic advice, especially bits that were aimed specifically for the art industry. Although Ms.Buckley's talk was primarily aimed at animators, I still found a lot of her advice incredibly useful.
Firstly she stated that you should have: business cards, a physical portfolio, an online portfolio, possible a blog, and a showreel if you're an animator.
Ms.Buckley stated that you should always find out who you should send an application to, instead of just sending it to the company. This way it ends up on someones desk, and is more likely to be looked at. Do follow up if you don't hear anything back, but don't go to extremes.
You should read the job description carefully, and taylor your CV to fit it. Show that you can diversify, but focus primarily on what that specific company wants.
For animators: Keep your show reel short and sweet. You can leave links to longer films at the end, and if they like your work then they may take it upon themselves to look at more of your stuff.
Online portfolios are more easily access able, and you can leave a link at the end of your CV, but make sure it's all sent. At the same time, a physical demonstration of your work will act as a reminder to the employer. If sending a dvd, then design an eye catching cover that will spark their interest.
Include life drawing in your portfolio, as this will show them that you can draw anatomy. Never leave out hands and feet, as this will show that you are a competent and confident artist.
Show examples that you understand anatomy and perspective.
A4 is a good size for portfolios. Always ask first before sending large resolution images via email. Don't include any weak work, or work that you need to explain. State if an image was for a client, but keep written info on all pieces brief.
Respect recruiters time; a CV should be no more than 2 sides of A4, and the covering letter no more than 1 A4. Don't overload them with information, and focus on the most impressive aspects about yourself and experience. If you have one, take a really strong sketchbook with you to an interview.
Say what you can offer their company, and never as what they can offer you. Don't say anywhere "I feel as though working at your company will allow me to develop as an artist", and don't ever make it sound like you'll up and leave at the first offer of something better. Make them sound like the best.
Flatter to a certain extent, but make sure it's subtle and not over the top.
Ms.Buckley also gave us some good examples of websites and online portfolios for us to have a look at. Wesley Louis (an animator), and Adam Oliver- who's website is a good example of what is effective. A really good piece of advice that she gave was to study other peoples websites and 'folios and analyse what's good and what not, and then apply it to your own. I'll be looking into the two she mentioned and will evaluate them on this blog.
Over all I found the first day to be incredibly helpful, and in their own ways a little reassuring. I feel that knowing as much as possible about the application and interview process may help my prospects of even getting an interview, and if I'm lucky, job.
It's been a while
So basically I was advised to put my PDP blog on the back bench until the second semester, and after my dissertation was finished and handed in.
Now that's all done and out of the way, I'll be posting regularly about new work I do that has no relevance with my uni project, new experiences, and I also want to post about some inspirational artists that I've been following recently. Also, I've been lucky enough to be commissioned a couple of times in the past 2 months or so, so I'll be writing about those too.
Now that's all done and out of the way, I'll be posting regularly about new work I do that has no relevance with my uni project, new experiences, and I also want to post about some inspirational artists that I've been following recently. Also, I've been lucky enough to be commissioned a couple of times in the past 2 months or so, so I'll be writing about those too.
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