A concept artist is a creative person who creates a digital sketch of a character, object, or location based on an idea. This profession is applicable only in CG – computer graphics (Computer Graphic). The artist works in programs on a computer or graphics tablet. Although in some cases sketches are done the old-fashioned way (on paper), this is rather an exception.
In this article, we will analyze what the profession of a concept artist is like, how this profession works in the gaming industry and tell you how to become a concept artist.
And if you are already familiar with this profession, try your hand at working as a game design intern.
What is the Job of a Concept Artist?
A concept artist is someone whose work never ends up in the final product. The person who inspires the team sets a certain vision and develops a certain image for different tasks: the world, character, creature, just an atmospheric sketch that says what the movie or game will be about.
What tasks does a concept artist solve
A Concept Artist is a specialist who digitally generates a sketch of a character, object or space that has never existed before. Therefore, the artist must have a good imagination and clearly understand the terms of reference of the customer.
Concept artist skills
It all depends on the level of the professional. The higher the level, the more skills the employee must have.
Basic skills:
- Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop;
- A good level of understanding of the basics of design (a sense of form, proportion, color, composition);
- Ability to work in a given style;
- Drawing concepts, props, locations, characters and effects;
- Understanding composition, framing and styling;
- Understanding light, color, rhythm when building a frame;
- Ability to draw by hand in different styles.
For the Senior, Knowledge of Adobe After Effects and 3DS Max is added.
Concept Artist and Game Space
In the gaming industry, the work of a concept artist looks something like this: a large team of dozens of people is given a project, and they begin to make sketches, concept art. We can say that this is the most important stage in creating a full-fledged final picture.
Yes, there are many specialists working on concept art who have their own ideas in their heads. There are also concept artists who work alone, however, this is a kind of exception to the rule, because the person who was hired on this project alone must have incredible experience and knowledge in order to create suitable concept art on their own.
The specialist must have two categories of knowledge:
- Universal. This is an understanding of human anatomy, lighting, color theory, spatial thinking;
- Technical. Here you need to master the tools of Photoshop, be able to draw on paper and understand the basics of 3D. The main thing is that you need to be able to work in Photoshop, and at a very high level.
In addition, there are 4 types of concept artists:
- Environment artist. He draws sketches of locations: land, trees, mountains, houses, rooms, interior items;
- Character artist. This specialist should be able to draw any characters: people, fantastic creatures or animals;
- Universal artist. He is good at drawing environments and characters.
- Technical artist. This is a specific direction that is applicable only for the SCI-FI setting. The artist must perfectly understand the structure of technology, cars, weapons, be well versed in perspective and 3D.
How to become a concept artist
Where to start learning this profession? We will list all the possible options on how to become a concept artist from scratch:
- Self Education. It includes watching videos from YouTube, free courses from various sites, educational literature, foreign tutorials. The advantage of such education is free of charge, and the disadvantages are the lack of a system, you will have to spend many years studying the material, knowledge may be unnecessary when applying for a job.
- Online courses. There is a training program for this specialty, and you can learn a profession from scratch. Advantages: low price, short training period, relevant and structured knowledge, teachers give and check homework, during study, the emphasis is on practice, creating a high-quality portfolio, obtaining a state diploma. Sample, 100% employability.
And finally, a little tip: to quickly become a good specialist who can work in a team with other graphic designers and model unique ideas, we recommend taking online courses under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
