..I'm a Poser hobbyist, I'd love to hear your criticisms of my work; It can be found
HERE. I've been designing space ships using parts from the collected works of Davorama.
-Mike <8]
Hi Mike,
I don't know if this is the proper forum to discuss your work but here goes. If you want further input then forward your personal email info so we can get in detail.
Here is my professional opinion. Take it as constructive criticism, nothing more. I'll take a position as if I were to hire you.
You need to broaden the types of things you model and show versatility in the shapes that you create. Much of what I see are very similar types of objects (spaceships) of generally the same type of design. These spaceships show simple designs that can be built using simple primitives such as blocks and cylinders instead of advanced modeling tools such as booleans and compound curves and joints.
Show quality instead of quantity. I looked at the majority of your work and it all looks the same with the same level of complexity which means very little complexity. As an interviewer I'd rather see 12 really good pieces instead of 50 mediocre ones. Don't show me everything you've ever done. Show me just your best work. Show one killer image that can win you a job.
Put down the computer and sketch with a pen and paper! This is a pet peeve of mine. I don't know if you designed these or are just modeling other people's work. But these designs smack of tools dictating design rather than design dictating the type of tools needed to get the job done. This is the difference between a computer "artist" and a real artist. In my experience people who have learned the fundamentals such as sketching are far superior to those who just jump on to the computer and start designing away. If your software only lets you create simple primitives then I'd suggest you get a better 3D software. There's tons out there. I suggest Maya. All the film production and game studios use it.
Work on your textures. Show some color skills. These ships all looked half baked and rushed. Good textures make up for crappy models. Good lighting makes up for crappy textures and models. Which brings me to my next point.
Spend more time understanding lighting techniques. Good lighting can really show off your models in a scene and is the make or break element to achieve true photo realism. Study professional lighting techniques of photographers or cinematographers. Understand direct and indirect lighting. Understand the way light bounces and the way it works in shade and in shadow.
Base on your body of work you would qualify as an entry level modeler in a video game company doing mostly background work. Your quality of work cannot be considered high enough to get a job at a special effects house for film.
If you don't want to do only backgrounds or spaceships then you need to show some work on organic objects such as people or creatures. This type of work really shows the level of your modeling skills.
In many larger game companies the jobs are sometimes specialized. These are broken down to modelers (character or background), texture artists, and animators. You should think about what your good at or getter better in one or more skill sets. Often there is a lot of crossover work. Animators are rarely painters or modelers. But many modelers can also paint and composite. Unlike special effects houses game companies usually do not have a specialist in lighting so modelers/painters will do the shots themselves.
If you want to broaden you portfolio and skill set then work at a small or medium size company so you will have to pull double duty with work that goes beyond modeling. You'll become a generalist.
Hope this helps.
.
