When you start out in 3D modeling and animation, you need to create a demo reel to convince potential employers that your style and personality will fit well with the company’s aesthetic. Here are some tips for putting together a great artist demo reel to help you land your dream job.
25 Tips for Creating an Animation Demo
Potential employers don’t want to see every model or animation you’ve ever done; they only want to see your best work. A rule of thumb is that you want your pieces to exude a consistent level of polish and expertise. If you have a piece that is clearly less than your best work, you should either rework it to bring it up to par or pull it from the reel altogether.
If your work is good, you don’t need an animated 3D text effect to introduce it. If you insist on adding some sort of introductory clip, make it short. Instead of showing off, show your name, website, email address, and a personal logo for a few seconds. Add the information again at the end of the reel and leave it up for as long as you think the hiring directors should remove it.
The biggest mistake many artists make with their demo reel is not giving insight into their inspiration, workflow, and process. If you worked from concept art, show the concept art. If you’re as proud of your basic topology as you are of your final product, show your wireframes. Don’t go overboard, but try to elegantly include as much information about your workflow as possible.
