A comprehensive game design portfolio is a must-have for anyone seeking a gig in the game development industry. That said, your portfolio takes on even more importance when you're a freelancer.
Freelance game designers rarely go through the process of a traditional job interview, so your portfolio is often your first and last impression. It's your chance to demonstrate your ability to do the job and convince a client that you can execute it at a high-level.
Here's how you should set up your Fiverr profile and portfolio to pique the interest of potential clients and lay a good foundation for success:
People want to know who they are working with.Give some context about who you are — your education, previous experiences, and the skills that set you apart from the competition. This also helps reinforce to the client that you know your stuff. Here are some things to include:
Need some inspiration? Check out this example from Madeline Hui. She includes a well-written bio, details of her education, and a comprehensive list of her skills.
Providing a laundry list of gaming projects you've worked on may seem like a good idea at first, but it's important to remember to provide some context to each one.The person viewing the project won't have a clue what your contributions to the game were unless you lay it out specifically. Here are some things to include to provide context for your projects:
Here's anexample from Chupavix. He does a good job of outlining what the client was looking for and what he delivered.
It can be difficult for a client to decide between two equally good game design portfolios, and one of the best ways to stand out is by building credibility with a few elements like:
This example from Sedmands shows how you can increase your credibility with certifications and previous work completed on behalf of notable clients.
Game design can be a difficult area to articulate and sometimes the client needs to play the game themselves to get a feeling for the project’s complexity.
In your portfolio, adding rich media like videos and downloads to the games you've produced can add substantial value to your offering. Here's why adding rich media helps your portfolio stand out:
Studiogoblin's portfolio offers potential clients multiple images to her projects, as well as stunning videos to sell herself and her work.
If you have past experience working as a freelance game developer, ask former clients to provide testimonials that speak to your skill set, professionalism, and creativity.
Testimonials go a step further than simply listing the clients you've worked with. If a former client takes the time to give a glowing review, chances are other clients will take heed. Encourage past employers or clients to:
This portfolio from Eldadesign shows nearly fifty 5-star reviews from his former clients.
As the freelance game design industry grows, it becomes harder and harder to distinguish yourself from the crowd. By providing a robust portfolio, you can not only prove your game design skills, but also make a lasting first-impression on potential clients.