So, things are different for me. I am a professional that was working in the industry that started using ZBrush in my workflow many years ago. I tell all artists, it is about the final product and making the client happy, not always the tools that you used to create the product. ZBrush was a godsend when I discovered it, and it is a big part of many of the artists within my two companies’ workflow. However, there is so much more that goes into being a 3D artist. It is the skills to do the job and understand the project.
Like a carpenter building a house, I don’t care if you use DeWalt or Ryobi to build my house, just get it done, make sure it will hold up, and make my home beautiful. LOL!
Now, learning ZBrush is fantastic, but what you do with it is even more critical.
Here is what I would ask if I were interviewing you. This is me, and not everyone will agree.
What is your industry focus? Gaming [Gaming is a whole different set of skills that I am not qualified to talk about.]? Movies, Animation Shorts? Advertising? - Focus is essential, and that is what your portfolio should show, your area of focus.
What is your goto animation program? Maya? C4D? Max? In my studio, I would require that you know Maya and C4D.
What are your rigging skills?
Do you ONLY sculpt?
Can you export your models? Based on your images above, it looks like you haven’t mastered the exporting of stills yet. I only say this based on your pictures above, and you might have capped the screen this way for some other reason. Make sense?
Now, I have always shown my work to others, even when it is has been subpar. The reason is I want to learn. I want to be critiqued. My problem is I start things, show the work in progress, and then never show the final image. LOL! My point is, don’t be afraid of the criticism. We get thick skin from it and learn from the best.
When do you show your book? When it is filled with enough examples of work that can demonstrate to an Art Director or recruiter that you can work on their specific project. If you are going for a medical animation job, make sure you have medical in your portfolio. If you are going for advertising, make sure you have effects and commercial looking things.
I have over 30 years working in this industry, and I am amazed by all of the talent out there today! You have talent, I can see it. I think you just need a little more focus. Again, this is coming from me, who works on a different side. Many others will tell you something completely different. Take in as much as you can and learn. Remember, you can learn on the fly, many of us do. I know this was a bit of a ramble, but I hope it was somewhat beneficial. Feel free to follow up with questions.
