Comments on: Interview With A Recruiter: Portfolios

By: Interview With A Recruiter: Applying to Studios | Karen J Lloyd\'s Storyboard Blog

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:58:38 +0000

[...] She is the Head of Recruitment/HR at the studio and is giving us her advice on what she likes to see come in the doors when she has to do some hiring. You can find the first article on making a good resume here and the second on portfolios here. [...]

By: Ivan

Ivan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:09:42 +0000

Ah. Totally. Thanks for clearing it up.

By: Karen J Lloyd

Karen J Lloyd — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:17:24 +0000

Hey Ivan! Glad you loved it.

I think Anne is being pretty general with the line quality thing. She’s probably referring more to design work than storyboards. So don’t get too caught up in doing super-clean boards. It’s not that necessary. Some roughness is good for boards!

For the site/portfolio, I think she means put that best stuff front and center right off the bat. Don’t have some mediocre stuff on the front pages and hide the amazing stuff in the middle or at the end (like some grand finale). Get it out and let’s see it first. I believe she is means this for ANY portfolio.

Hope that clears things up.
K

By: Ivan

Ivan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:09:14 +0000

Hi Karen,

Awesome article. Love you for it.

“If you’re new, showing off good line quality” -> does that mean clean lines?

“On that site show them your best stuff. It’s not a cop out. Don’t ‘lead up’ to it.” I don’t understand what this means. Won’t you put all your best stuff in your portfolio? Does she mean the website can have additional stuffs?

THANKS!

By: Karen J Lloyd

Karen J Lloyd — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Hey Rufin,

That sounds like a pretty good plan of action!

Drawing cars is such a pain in the butt, dontcha think?
Or is that just me…?
K
(Hey, those Weebly sites seem pretty good don’t they? Nice job!)

By: Rufin

Rufin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:23:02 +0000

Need variety.. aha! back to the drawing board. Come to think of it I rarely draw buildings and automobiles these past few months. In terms of getting yourself out there, I may try looking for and collaborating with grad film students this summer. Always great to receive such great articles from you Karen.

By: Karen J Lloyd

Karen J Lloyd — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:34:07 +0000

@ Brian – Anne is actually being more general in her article, so it doesn’t necessarily apply to storyboards. I think she’s referring more to design/character work.

You don’t need that kind of *super clean* line for your storyboards. I’d keep it as a ‘clean rough’. Too clean and you lose some of the flow and ‘looseness’ that looks so great in boards.

So say “ta ta” to Preston for now.

@ Aidan – Yes. Yes, I will.

Great points you bring up. I think it’s even more acceptable/needed to have an online portfolio these days. But still check submission requirements for the studios you’re applying to. A lot of them still want a hard copy one as well.

Guess I really should get on that ‘online portfolio thing’ myself, huh?

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:07:52 +0000

I actually didn’t know that I needed smooth line quality in my boards, but I’m glad I’m working on it lol. Helloooo, Preston Blair…

By: Aidan Casserly

Aidan Casserly — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:29:20 +0000

Very good advice. Also, having a website is great because it’s that much easier than sending out EIGHT THOUSAND PORTFOLIOS. Many times a reviewer may just give you a two second look, so having it on a website may save you some trouble (and money). I know, because I’ve been sending the things out and applying for every single storyboard job I’ve seen for two years now, with only a handful of results.

I really hope I’m not sounding like a bitter, “doom and gloom” type…I just know what I’ve seen! Personal projects are definitely a must [check out "Sita Sings the Blues"].

Listen to Anne, because she’s smart. Listen to Karen, because she’ll do something silly and disturbing if you cross her.