Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Flatbooks are Rarely Returned
When you submit a flatbook for job or internship applications, there is a very
good chance you won't get it back. Many people apply to game companies, and
unless you go to extraordinary lengths to provide shipping or offer to come pick
up your flatbook, getting it back isn't always possible. Be savvy about your meth-
ods for putting together a good-looking flatbook without spending a fortune.
Printing color pages on a home computer system is totally acceptable. Choose
a good quality paper. Avoid using bond, and instead try using a glossy, bright
white paper that is photo quality (or close to it). Something like that will show
off your work the best.
If you don't have a printer at your disposal, plenty of printing companies
(FedEx Office, for example) provide this service at a reasonable cost. If you
choose a commercial printing company, request a sample printed page first
to check how the artwork looks.
Binding Flatbook materials
Once you get your pages printed, how do you submit the work?
Again, review the submission policies and recommendations for any com-
pany you're applying to. If the company doesn't specify how it wishes to receive
printed material, then we suggest printing your pages (like the example shown
in Figure B.1) as a standard U.S. paper size—8.5ʺ
×
11ʺ—and placing them into
a folio or binder.
Many binder brands on the market are inexpensive and lightweight (remem-
ber, you probably need to mail it). We're partial to the folios available from
Staples (although many similar stores let you physically buy the item or order
online).
Shop for a presentation folio that has pages (10 pages usually works well
because you can insert your printed pages back to back) and also a pocket for
your DVD (on which you burn your reel) and a business card. Often, you can
neatly place your printed resume and cover letter in the folio as well.
Your folio should be clean and neat. Aim for a sturdy, professional-looking
presentation, but don't spend more than a few dollars on it. Remember, you may
not get it back!
If you buy a folio that contains pages you don't use, cut out the extra pages
before you ship. The only things you should ever include in a flatbook are pages
with work. Don't send empty pages.
