What Makes a Good Animation Portfolio?

A strong animation portfolio should showcase your best work first, focus on storytelling and timing, demonstrate a range of styles, and be tailored to the kind of animation job you want. Keep it concise, polished, and easy to navigate.

Why Your Animation Portfolio Matters

Your portfolio is your first impression, often before you speak to anyone. Whether you’re applying to an animation studio, freelance gig, or education, your show reel and supporting work need to show your skill, not just tell it. Studios get hundreds of submissions so yours needs to stands out.

Top 10 Animation Portfolio Tips (That actually get you noticed)

  1. Lead With Your Best Work

Recruiters and clients often make decisions in the first 30 seconds. Put your strongest shot first, and end on a high note too.

  1. Keep It Short and Focused

Your demo reel should be 60–90 seconds maximum. Include your best work that showcase a variety of skills and projects. Cut anything that’s not helping your story or skillset shine.

  1. Tailor It to the Job

Applying for a character animation role? Don’t lead with motion graphics. Customise your reel and portfolio page for each job. Pick out key points and required skills from the job description and make sure this is covered in your portfolio.

  1. Show Variety, but Stay Cohesive

Include different kinds of animation (character acting, FX, motion design, UI animation, etc.) only if they match your brand and goals. If you’re aiming for 3D film, don’t mix in 2D corporate explainer work unless it’s relevant and enhances your application.

  1. Include Breakdowns

Show that you understand the process. Briefly explain how you approached key shots, especially in team projects:

  • What was your role?
  • What problem did you solve?
  • What tools or techniques did you use?

  1. Polish the Presentation

Use a clean, minimal website or portfolio platform:

  • Make sure it is user friendly
  • Make navigation intuitive
  • Simplicity is favoured over chaos
  • Use Vimeo or YouTube with custom thumbnails and captions if needed.

  1. Keep It Up to Date

Periodically update your portfolio with any new work, removing anything that is no longer your best work or is outdated. One amazing 30-second shot is better than 4 minutes of outdated content.

  1. Include a Short Bio or ‘About’ Section

Who you are is just as important as what you do, recruiters want to see how you would fit into their team both socially and professionally. Keep it simple:

  • Who you are
  • What you specialise in
  • Software you use
  • Location and availability (optional)

  1. Make Contact Easy

Include:

  • Email address
  • LinkedIn or Instagram (if professional)
  • Optional: Resume, downloadable PDF portfolio