Balancing Conformity And Individualism In Game Art Portfolios

Presenter: Elizabeth Korj

Faculty Sponsor: Britton Robert Snyder

School: Fitchburg State University

Research Area: Communication and Media Studies

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, 163, C29

ABSTRACT

In the Game Design industry, game artists in particular have a specific way in which they get hired for the professional roles that they desire, and usually that involves submitting a portfolio to be approved by the game company. In my research, I delve into the idea that artists must balance between conforming to a company’s specifications and standards to tailor their portfolio, while also balancing the artist’s individuality and right to express themselves as a person through their work. 

So far throughout my research, it was very telling to study and see across multiple job application sites the differences between several different artist-related job applications, such as the noticeable fact that across all sites (especially in the past 5-10 years), concept artist jobs specifically have declined drastically. It is vital to study these trends alongside other trends that will enable me to gather enough information to inform others on how to create exemplary portfolios.

I am currently preparing to send out concise but intriguing emails to request interviews with several game artists and game art directors from popular games in the media, including but not limited to Little Misfortune, Hades, Baldur’s Gate, and more. This information will allow me to gain insight into their experiences of being an artist in the real world, as well as how they have learned to balance the company’s expectations of their portfolio, and especially to attempt to determine the necessary balance between conformity and identity.