Is it better to show unfinished WIPs or only polished final pieces in your portfolio?

I was browsing a digital art showcase on ArtStation last night and saw this guy who had his whole workflow posted - sketches, roughs, color tests right alongside the finished work. Another artist in the same community only uploaded their absolute best, most refined pieces. Which approach do you think actually helps artists get more commissions? I'm torn because showing the process feels more honest, but maybe it makes you look less professional to potential clients. What's your take on this?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_ward1mo ago

Man I feel like showing the rough stuff actually builds trust with clients who know what they're looking at. It proves you can think through a problem and not just polish a turd, which matters way more than a pretty final image.

mianelson1mo ago

Oh man, that's a solid point but I gotta ask - how do you tell the difference between a client who "knows what they're looking at" and one who just thinks they do? Like, isn't there a fine line where showing the rough stuff actually backfires because the client gets scared off by the mess instead of seeing the process? I feel like that's the real gamble, right? Idk, maybe it's just me but I've seen people totally freeze up when they see a half-baked concept even if the final result would be killer.

martin.riley1mo ago

Heard a story from a buddy who showed a client his messy early sketches and the guy got so nervous he pulled the whole project. Your mileage may vary on who can handle that kind of transparency.