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How to Get Your Portfolio Reviewed at GDC 2025

By Beth Elderkin | March 5, 2025
For game artists, a good portfolio can be the difference between getting that dream job and waiting for the next opportunity. It's why the 2025 Game Developers Conference is excited to host the incredible portfolio review and panel event. Here's how you can get your portfolio on the list!
 
Our Killer Portfolio or Portfolio Killer panel features a group of art directors and lead artists from across the industry. They'll dive into everything you need to build the perfect portfolio, with real-world examples of how to succeed in getting, and holding, an art director's attention. This is followed by a one-on-one portfolio review with one of the panelists.
 

Why You Should Have Your Portfolio Reviewed

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Having the right portfolio is key because it's not only how developers show work and growth, but it also demonstrates how you can do the job you're being hired to do. These reviews are the best opportunity to get professional feedback on your work, help refine your skills, and figure out the best ways to showcase your strengths. Your one-on-one portfolio review with a seasoned professional will help you with issues like: finding your strengths, identifying weaknesses, matching your portfolio to the job, learning industry best practices, refining your presentation skills, and giving you a confidence boost to pursue that next opportunity.

Who Can Get a Portfolio Review?

Portfolio reviews are available for GDC 2025 attendees of every pass level, including our Friday-only Expo Pass. Whether you're a student about to graduate or an experienced developer looking for a change, you'll find the help you need with your portfolio review. These portfolio reviews are geared toward artists, designers, and other creative professionals showcasing their visual content. 

How to Get a Portfolio Review at GDC 2025

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Portfolio reviews happen after the Killer Portfolio or Portfolio Killer panel, which takes place on Friday, March 21 from 11:10am to 12:10pm PT. The portfolio reviews go from 2:00 to 5:00pm PT and spots are first come, first served. It's highly recommended you attend the panel before the portfolio review, so you know what the reviewers are looking for and how you can deliver it.

Step by Step Process

  1. Prepare your portfolio: Make sure it's organized, well-structured, and that the content you're featuring is up-to-date. If it's a digital portfolio, bring a laptop, tablet, or other device to show it.
  2. Mark the sessions in your schedule: Add the Killer Portfolio or Portfolio killer panel and portfolio review to your schedule through the GDC Event app, so you know exactly where you need to be. 
  3. Attend the panel: A portfolio review is nothing without a good learning session! Arrive on time and ready to take notes. 
  4. Wait for your portfolio review: Our portfolio reviews take place from 2:00 to 5:00pm, and not everyone will be seen right away. 
  5. Implement the feedback: Take what you learned from the panel and review and apply it to your portfolio. You'll be surprised at the results. 

Tips to Make the Most of Your Review

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  • Bring your best and most relevant work: Showcase your portfolio as if you were presenting it at a job interview. Make sure it's as close to what you feel is ready as possible. 
  • Be open to feedback: Our group of art directors and lead artists are here to help you show your work at its best. This might involve some small changes, or even drastic recommendations. 
  • Leave no question unasked: There aren't many opportunities to get face time with some of the industry's biggest game art professionals. Make sure you have questions ready. Write them down beforehand so you don't forget!
  • Follow up: Ask your reviewer if you can send your revised version for feedback. You can also share your portfolio with other attendees.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not enough content (or too much of it!): Think of your portfolio as if it's about to get a visit from Goldilocks: Is it too much, not enough, or just right? Having too small a sample of your work won't impress your potential employers. On the other hand, stuffing your portfolio with too much stuff will make you look unfocused and unsure of the job. 
  • Outdated content: Newer is (typically) better. You want to show your experience with the latest tools and techniques, as well as an understanding of current industry trends. 
  • Lack of focus: If you're trying to find a job in character design, adding a bunch of weapons schematics won't help your case. Keep your portfolio focused on the job at hand. 
  • Ignoring feedback: You don't have to take every piece of advice, but make sure you're open to the critiques you're receiving. Sometimes, change is the only way to improve. 

This is your chance to get your work in front of today's biggest voices in game art, and gain a better understanding of how to construct a portfolio that will get you noticed and help you land that dream job. Register for GDC 2025 to attend.

GDC returns this March 17-21, 2025, and registration is open! Check out our Passes & Prices, and follow the #GDC2025 hashtag on Bluesky and LinkedIn.

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Tags:
GDC, gdc 2025, portfolio
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