Starting your career in a globalized world, where thousands of artists and developers have already made their mark, can feel overwhelming. You’ve got talent, drive, and ambition, but how do you rise above the noise? The truth is, it’s not about instant success—it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and always putting yourself out there.
Let’s dive into some practical ways to build an online presence, and along the way, I’ll share some of my personal experiences. I may not have all the answers, but I’m learning, and I’m doing my best to find my place.
1. Building a Portfolio: Where and What to Showcase
I’ve spent countless hours working on my portfolio, and to be honest, it never feels like enough. Every time I update it, I find something to improve or add, and that’s the beauty—and the curse—of being an artist or developer. But the key here is not to focus on perfection. It’s about progress and showing off your growth.
Where Should You Build Your Portfolio?
Behance: Adobe’s Behance is a fantastic platform for artists and freelancers. It’s where I’m building my own page, displaying concept art and game designs I’ve been working on. The range of talent there is inspiring, but it can also make you feel like your own work is never quite enough. I’m learning to push through that feeling because comparison is inevitable, but it’s also a great motivator.
ArtStation: If you’re an artist looking to get noticed by the big names in the industry, ArtStation is the place to be. It’s clean, professional, and filled with job postings from companies like Epic Games. While I know I’m not ready to land one of those jobs yet, building my profile here feels like laying the groundwork for future opportunities.
What Should You Include?
Developers: Show off completed projects, prototypes, and even code snippets. GitHub is your friend here. Keep things clean and organized—your portfolio should reflect your ability to deliver functional and polished projects.
Artists: Showcase a variety of work—concepts, sketches, 3D models, animations, and finalized assets. Your portfolio should tell the story of your style and range.
I’ve been working on a character design for my first game project, Hop, and I love looking back at the early drafts compared to the final result. It reminds me how far I’ve come, even though I’m still at the beginning. This portfolio isn’t just about impressing others—it’s a way to track my own journey.
2. LinkedIn & Networking: Creating a Professional Presence
LinkedIn may not be the most exciting platform for creatives, but it’s a staple for recruiters and a great way to network. It’s something I struggled with at first—no matter how much time I spent tweaking my profile, it never felt “good enough” compared to the seasoned pros. But that’s the point: it’s not supposed to be perfect right away.
How I’ve Been Using LinkedIn:
Profile Setup: A solid profile picture, a clear headline (mine says “Aspiring Game Developer | Concept Art and Game Design”), and a summary that captures who you are and what you want.
Project Links: Adding links to my portfolio and projects, like Hop and a 2D pixel-art game I made featuring my cat Luna. These give potential employers a quick look at what I can do.
Networking: I’ve started connecting with other developers and artists, following studios I admire, and commenting on posts to stay active. The more I engage, the more I realize that networking isn’t about having the perfect résumé—it’s about staying visible and being part of the conversation.
I’ve also signed up for Game Jams and internships. These are golden opportunities not just for experience but for networking. Every connection you make counts, and LinkedIn is where you can maintain those relationships long-term.
3. Facing the Challenges: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
This is probably the toughest part of the journey so far. When I look at the work of established artists and developers, I sometimes wonder, What do I have to offer? I haven’t accomplished much yet, and I constantly feel like I’m lagging behind.
But here’s what I’ve learned: everyone starts somewhere. The artists I admire didn’t start out creating masterpieces—they started as beginners, just like me, just like you. Comparing myself to others is natural, but I’m trying to use it as fuel to keep improving rather than letting it discourage me.
The only way I’ll fail is if I stop trying. And that’s not going to happen.
4. Keep Swimming: The Road Ahead
So, how do I stand out in a sea of talent? By continuing to swim, to push forward, to create, and to learn. I’ve got projects like Hop and my pixel-art side-scroller under my belt, but that’s just the beginning. My goal is to keep making games, to keep drawing, and to keep growing.
For anyone else reading this who’s also starting out, the road ahead can feel long, but remember: it’s the effort that counts. Show up. Create. Learn. Fail. And keep going.
I may not be destined for greatness, but I’m going to tell my stories—through games, through art—and if I can do that, then maybe that’s enough. I’ll leave my mark in my own way.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read this far, thank you for taking the time. Maybe a few years from now, I’ll look back at this post and see it as a reminder of where it all began. For now, it’s a testament to the journey, and I hope you’ll stick with me as I keep moving forward.
The question remains: Will you keep swimming too?
