Whether you choose video game design, motion graphics or film you will need to have portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work. Typically a portfolio is presented as a website and as a digital file that can be downloaded and/or passed out on a DVD.

Portfolio's are short, anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. When viewing a portfolio (often called a "Reel") an art director might give it 10 seconds of their time before deciding to view more or go on to the next artist portfolio. This means that you need to grab the attention of the art director from the start.

Only your best work should be in the portfolio. Each sample should come with an explanation of what you did. For instance, if you did the 3D modeling but not the animation, then you should take credit only for the modeling.

It should have a quick intro identifying you, the artist and a music background. At the end there should be contact information and credits to those who may have contributed to the samples.

The portfolio should showcase what it is you want to do. At the start of your career as an artist this might be hrd to decide. A portfolio that includes a lot of different styles or types of work ( character designs, environmental artwork, motion graphics) might be appropriate for presentation to certain types of clients but not others. You might have two reels:one for specific types of client that you show your specialty, say 3D special effects,and a different reel for clients that shows of your general skills.

Below are a few links to sites that discuss and show different jobs titles for digital artists, portfolio's and portfolio stratagies.