One of the biggest challenges you face with an environment art portfolio piece is putting in narrative and emotional intent. Especially with a static scene that wont provide exposition, characters, audio. Just the image of a space. Each one is it's own challenge.

The real challenge is instilling an emotion or idea that is articulated to people that are looking at it. Anyone can put a sticker on a prop and call it "storytelling" but it doesnt have meaning if it isnt part of a larger concept that is being conveyed in the scene.

It's a lot of hardwork but its important to remember, at the end of the day, we are making entertainment. People need to feel engaged in our work, beyond just the pretty aesthetics. Aesthetics only get you so far. You need that emotional roadmap to guide your visuals.

The craft of making visually appealing art is only one part of the job. The other is being a showman. And to entertain, you have to know what makes people tick and engaged. That takes work and effort to formulate a plan.

And I don't mean for this to be a knock on artist who dont value this idea. There are some who think the craft is it. And that can be true. But theres some who think without that emotional connection, the craft is missing substantial meaning and purpose.