A demo reel is essential for successful job hunting and should reflect the very best you can do. Keep it short — make them want to see more.

If you are an artist, it is essential that you have an outstanding demo reel and portfolio.

What Should You Show?
Before you create your reel, assess your strengths, skills and interests. There are many different jobs for artists. Make sure your demo reel and portfolio are relevant to the job you want. If you want a job as a character animator, your reel should emphasize acting and performance, not compositing. Your demo reel should reflect the very best you can do. Keep it short — make them want to see more.

Many studios have the same basic requirements for submission: a résumé, a cover letter specifying your area of interest, a portfolio (samples of hand skills), a demo reel and a demo reel or shot breakdown.

The shot breakdown briefly describes your contribution to each shot and the tools used. Shot Breakdown Example: Shot 1: Witch Melting — animated the witch melting using Maya; created the textures using Photoshop. If you did everything on your reel, say so. Never claim anyone else’s work.

Everything you submit should be labeled clearly with your name, phone number and email address. Use a font where it is easy to distinguish a numeral 1 from the lower case letter l and in a large enough typeface to be easily read (at least 10 point).

What Format is Acceptable?
Check the company’s website to see what formats are acceptable. For example, Hybride, a company in Canada, will accept reels in DVD format, VHS 1/2" NTSC or PAL. Hybride does not want to receive CD-ROMs or website addresses. Most companies will not open attachments. DreamWorks will not look at jpg files or website links. Check company websites to find out what the specific demo reel and portfolio requirements are for the areas that interest you.

How are reels usually reviewed? At a group meeting, artists review many reels. This means that you must catch their attention from the start so put your best work first. The weakest part of your reel will also get their attention. If you have five years experience in the industry, work you did as a student should not be on your reel or in your portfolio.

A portfolio showing your foundation in fine art and training in aesthetics is advantageous for any aspiring CG artist.

When Should I Submit?
Companies accept submissions year round. If you submit your materials to companies at SIGGRAPH or any other conference, it may be a few months before your work is reviewed as companies get swamped with submissions during this time. It’s better to submit your reel three to four months before a conference. Be patient and keep working at improving your skills. It’s okay to submit new work every six months, as your skills improve.

Quick Tips
For artists, a demo reel and portfolio are more important than a résumé.

Always include a résumé and a shot breakdown with your reel. Your shot breakdown should always include your name and contact info. Your shot breakdown is a written outline that describes each shot and what you did for that segment. You could slate each shot on the reel with this information instead.