Level Designer Portfolio feedback and possible tips to get in the industry

    Hello all Mapcore community

    http://www.chrismckenddesign.com

    I am a recent graduate from Inter-Dec College in Montreal from video game design.

    I decided to specialize in level design and would like some feedback on my portfolio

    and possibly some tips on making a presentable portfolio for employers or applying

    for the industry.

    Thank you very much everyone.

    I can give you feedback from an employers perspective... especially when i post a job opening and i have to filter through applicants.

    My current favorite portfolio reference is how HP laid out his -> http://www.helderpinto.com/ (currently down).

    Flash is generally frowned upon, its just a bit annoying. You're an LD, not a web-designer. That doesn't mean make a shitty web-site, but it does mean don't try to woo over employers by crazy fancy flash effects and the like... a thumbnail gallery is my favorite. Right now your web-site is a broken mess, you should try to get a template. Elements are broken everywhere, fonts and presentation is poor,

    So...

    1) Videos are the last thing i'd watch. Honestly, unless I saw the most amazing portfolio of stills ever would i spend time to watch a video. Videos are for animators, and should only be used by LDs as a complimentary thing - not the primary.

    2) I always love explanations of a level from the top down, take a pic of your layout, or even draw it out in photoshop. Highlight design elements and your theory behind why you do what you do.

    3) As an LD, art isn't as important. Its important for designers to have an art perspective so they don't design something that will send artists into hell trying to make sense of a level layout. If you're applying at a studio that requires the LD to do the art as well, then it definitely does matter. All depends on where your'e trying to go there. Most studios these days are dividing LDs with set dressers.

    4) you have these extensive in depth analysis about your levels, but as an employers i'm probably not going to read these unless i'm happy with what i've saw and i'm going to interview you. You need to simplify this analysis.

    5) The content itself is something else, you need to really focus on what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are. Remove the weaknesses. Portfolios should be quality > quantity. If you did stuff 5 years ago and are still showing it off, and it looks bad, you should really remove it.

    A good start, but i do recommend you get in deep now and work with the community here. Work hard and pump your portfolio up more!

    Thanks for the advice and critique Kedhrin

    I want to make my portfolio as stand out as possible and

    just have some questions to ask on what you said. So I believe your saying videos are not

    a good start to show on my portfolio.

    The description for the levels are too long also?

    And i thought with the design document that would explain all the design and level choice ideas.

    Thanks alot, I am looking forward to your reply.

    Videos and long descriptions are good but they should only be considered complimentary. You need shorter descriptions and the ability for an employer to quickly look at who you are. You gotta remember, a lot of people hiring look at a lot of portfolios. You need to make sure they can look at your stuff quickly and effectively.

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