Warning: That portfolio showcase event at the convention center last month changed how I organize my layers

I was at the Digital Art Expo in Dallas back in March. Set up my tablet to show some work on the big screen and my layers were a mess. Had 40 layers with names like 'layer 3 copy 5' and 'untitled'. Another artist next to me had everything grouped and named clean. His stuff looked way more professional just because it was organized. I spent the whole weekend embarrassed to let anyone scroll through my file. Now I name every layer and group before I even start drawing. Has anyone else had their file structure called out at a showcase?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix5731d ago

You know what, I had the exact same thing happen at a small local show last fall. Some kid probably half my age looked over my shoulder and asked why my layer names were just random keyboard smashes. I felt like such a goober. Now I name stuff like "hair base" and "face shadow" and it takes maybe 30 extra seconds but saves me a ton of headache. It really is a small thing that makes a big difference when someone is watching you work. I even started color coding my groups after that, which felt ridiculous at first but now I can't go back.

michael_green441d ago

People act like messy layers are some kind of crime but I honestly think there's something to be said for the chaos method. I've been doing digital art for about 8 years now and my layer names are still just "stuff" and "more stuff" and it works fine for me. The only time I ever had a problem was when I had to go back and edit a file I made 3 months ago and couldn't find anything. But for live demos or portfolio stuff? Who cares if your layers are named cute. The finished piece is what matters.

vera1951d ago

Oh man, "stuff" and "more stuff" is still way more organized than my "good one" and "dont delete this" folders I've got lying around. I swear the chaos is part of the creative process until you have to hunt for that one layer three months later and your past self was clearly out to get you!