Portfolio / Showreel
What am I looking for when reviewing a reel or a website.
Abstract
In late 2019, I saw a senior motion designer position at my company; and thought to myself what it takes to be one. I don't think it was a matter of technical skills because everyone on my team seems to able to perform at similar levels. That's when I thought to myself that it was a matter of "experience and the 'eye'; it means being able to spot mistakes and have confidence to approve a design . That is why I decided to write my own guide of what I deemed is good as a way of training my understanding of what it takes to be a senior level designer.
Project / work review
Above is good way to set parameters for what makes a work good.
FAQs
I did a project collaboration in which I was responsible for secondary elements (eg. background) but the production values lies in the the 3D rendering and animation that was not done by me. Can I still put that shot in my reel?
You have to ask yourself what are the implications of putting that shot in the reel:
Clients or employers will definitely ask if you did the 3D stuff or if you can recreate it
You are promoting your peer's work rather than yours so he/she will get the job instead
You are highlighting your weakness rather your strength; you are wasting screen time to showcase your skills and talents!
My peers want to put a shot from a collaborative project you did together in his/her reel even though you were the one responsible for more than 80% for that shot. Should I give them permission?
The situation is reversed now in this case and so is the answer. If they want to put it in their reel sure; they are promoting your work.
However, do have your peer credit you for that shot wherever he or she post the work eg.website process page or showreel video description.
Last updated