Writing Myths #3 Writing Portfolios are the magic way into the industry!!
Get a portfolio said the writing panel/advice/speaker in what is the latest throwaway simple advice that instantly builds a career…. So, let’s talk about them.
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Get a portfolio said the writing panel/advice/speaker in what is the latest throwaway simple advice that instantly builds a career…. So, let’s talk about them.
1/24
1)Portfolios are NOT magic. Simply having one doesn't get you a job. Tey are a tool to be used in chasing work and an increasing number of employers ask for them. Having one can be very useful, but just putting some bits of writing in the same place does not = instant career.
2) People tend to read your email first, then your c.v. and then portfolio. Mess up stages 1, or 2 and 3 may well not matter. Always rework your email, c.v. and portfolio for EVERY application. Focus on what matches that job/company.
3) The phrase should be ‘build’ a portfolio. Then rebuild it. A portfolio is a living thing. Once you have one that is not the end of it. Your writing samples need to grow, evolve and improve.
4) No you can't see my portfolio as I don't have one. Every project is different, so I put together writing for that job. Every time. I’ve worked on 80 games and I do that even now. I advise that you do so to.
5) This thread is building like a portfolio so there will now be more posts than advertised as I've thought of more things to say...
6) Finished writing counts more that paragraph you really like that you did in night class/last summer/the novel you haven’t finished. Complete that Twine game, put on a play, shoot a short film. Get the article online. Fill the c.v. and the portfolio. Show commitment!
7) Whilst you should have a nice concise portfolio to send to places, it is useful to have longer sections easily accessible online and where possible – complete (see above – complete game, not nice paragraph).
8) Spellcheck the damn thing. Yes really, that advice still needs to be given in 2018. I wish I could follow this piece of advice more often myself.
9) Portfolios are not magic gnomes, fire and forget missiles, or super detective unicorns. They will not find you work. You have to find the people and the opportunities yourself and then present your portfolio.
10) Make sure the portfolio answers the most important questions – what do you want to write and why? If you’re white and middle class (tick), is a gritty urban gang thing really your voice? It can be with research and empathy, but who are you and what do you want to write?
11) Make sure your revised portfolio answers the question why you want to write on this specific project.
12) If your portfolio doesn't answer the questions above, an employer won't magically read your mind to know the answers. Your c.v. and email should do this too.
13) Remember that emails/additional letters might not make it through the internal process along with your portfolio, each must stand alone.
14) After answering the questions above look for the breadth of examples you can put online. Sending your Sam and Max clone in to apply for the next Dragon Age game isn’t the best fit. So, look to broaden your portfolio (where that matches points above).
14) As you write your passions, interests and abilities will change. Embrace this and let your portfolio do so to.
15) Get people to review your portfolio and then when they give advice a) listen and b) make appropriate changes.
16) Sorry, I will not review your portfolio, My job, volunteering and family commitments mean that whilst I do some advice and mentoring I can’t offer this on here to the world at large – sorry. I hope you understand that does not make me a total bastard.
17) ANY writing works so if you are starting out (revised and reviewed with points above), put the pieces you have in there and then build out from that starting point. All of the above means you can start a portfolio now - so don't be afraid. Start and build!
18) If you want to work in games your starting c.v. can be writing from other media, but you need to start filing it with games writing asap. Same if you change to other media.
19) Your portfolio should demonstrate your knowledge, passion and understanding of – i) the medium ii) the genre iii) the subject matter iv) yourself.
20) The 'yourself' bit should not be overdone. The employer will decide if you fit the project. If they decide you don’t fit, then you don’t fit, that doesn’t mean you are a bad writer or a failure as a person.
21) Writing tests can be better as they allow you to respond directly to the project. We can talk about writing tests elsewhere, but for starters - Writing tests should not take more than a few hours, or if they do they should be paid! Test = a test NOT FREE WORK/IDEAS!
22) You can spend more time on the test than is set out, at the start of your career/if it’s a job you really want, this can be an investment. But, if they’re exploiting you with the test, they will as an employer.
23) If you want to use a writing test in a portfolio (you did the work), check with the employer. If they say no then if it is clearly a property, you can’t. If it is something you can make generic then change some details so it is outside the IP and boom – portfolio piece.
24) Fan fiction can count as portfolio pieces but can be a double-edged sword. Some people love it, some hate it and many companies worry over IP issues if you send them stories from their universe. Rethink for each application/company.
25) Don’t just blind send a portfolio – find who to send it to, make it fit that company and do the same for your c.v. and email.
26) If answering a job ad…read the damn job ad and tailor your portfolio to match. Portfolios aren’t magic and they aren’t set in stone.
27) If all of the above is an issue – why are you trying to work in this industry? Write if you want, but if you can’t be bothered to invest in writing/get up wanting to write/keep writing and boring people about it – why do it as a career/in this medium?
28) Keep doing every step above.
29) Damn, is that the time, I'd better get some work done - good luck out there. And remember....portfolios aren't the magic ingredient. You are.
Follow up - cvs are a different topic, but much of the advice above can be applied. Main advice - keep them concise. Pick out relevant work/work skills for each application.
PPS Diversity in your portfolio means diversity in every way. Don't populate it solely with 30 something, white space marines...
PPPS Do not make an employer work to find things. Do not think a sheet of links = a portfolio. If you can't be bothered to pick out samples to illustrate why you are passionate about this opportunity, why should they give a flying Shetland Pony about you as a candidate? Think...
... Dear (left generic greeting here), I would like to work on your <insert name of you know whatever project> at <some company somewhere>. I am super ace amazeballs as a writer. Here's a link to 10 lines I wrote 4 years ago. Is NOT a job application!
Hmm, thread got split, so picking it up here - 15) As you write your passions, interests and abilities will change. Embrace this and let your portfolio do so to.
16) After answering the questions above look for the breadth of examples you can put online. Sending your Sam and Max clone in to apply for the next Dragon Age game isn’t the best fit. So, look to broaden your portfolio (where that matches points above).
17) Get people to review your portfolio and then when they give advice a) listen and b) make appropriate changes.
17) Sorry, I will not review your portfolio, My job, volunteering and family commitments mean that whilst I do some advice and mentoring I can’t offer this on here to the world at large – sorry. I hope you understand that does not make me a total bastard.
18) ANY writing works so if you are starting out (revised and reviewed with points above), put the pieces you have in there and then build out from that starting point. All of the above means you can start a portfolio now - so don't be afraid. Start and build!
19) If you want to work in games your starting c.v. can be writing from other media, but you need to start filing it with games writing asap. Same if you change to other media.
20) Your portfolio should demonstrate your knowledge, passion and understanding of – i) the medium ii) the genre iii) the subject matter iv) yourself.
21) The 'yourself' bit should not be overdone. The employer will decide if you fit the project. If they decide you don’t fit, then you don’t fit, that doesn’t mean you are a bad writer or a failure as a person.
22) Writing tests can be better as they allow you to respond directly to the project. We can talk about writing tests elsewhere, but for starters - Writing tests should not take more than a few hours, or if they do they should be paid! Test = a test NOT FREE WORK/IDEAS!
23) You can spend more time on the test than is set out, at the start of your career/if it’s a job you really want, this can be an investment. But, if they’re exploiting you with the test, they will as an employer.
24) If you want to use a writing test in a portfolio (you did the work), check with the employer. If they say no then if it is clearly a property, you can’t. If it is something you can make generic then change some details so it is outside the IP and boom – portfolio piece.
25) Fan fiction can count as portfolio pieces but can be a double-edged sword. Some people love it, some hate it and many companies worry over IP issues if you send them stories from their universe. Rethink for each application/company.
26) Don’t just blind send a portfolio – find who to send it to, make it fit that company and do the same for your c.v. and email.
27) If answering a job ad…read the damn job ad and tailor your portfolio to match. Portfolios aren’t magic and they aren’t set in stone.
28) If all of the above is an issue – why are you trying to work in this industry? Write if you want, but if you can’t be bothered to invest in writing/get up wanting to write/keep writing and boring people about it – why do it as a career/in this medium?
29) Keep doing every step above.
30) Damn, is that the time, I'd better get some work done - good luck out there. And remember....portfolios aren't the magic ingredient. You are.
Follow up - cvs are a different topic, but much of the advice above can be applied. Main advice - keep them concise. Pick out relevant work/work skills for each application.
PPS Diversity in your portfolio means diversity in every way. Don't populate it solely with 30 something, white space marines...
PPPS Do not make an employer work to find things. Do not think a sheet of links = a portfolio. If you can't be bothered to pick out samples to illustrate why you are passionate about this opportunity, why should they give a flying Shetland Pony about you as a candidate? Think...
... Dear (left generic greeting here), I would like to work on your <insert name of you know whatever project> at <some company somewhere>. I am super ace amazeballs as a writer. Here's a link to 10 lines I wrote 4 years ago. Is NOT a job application!
