What does a concept artist do?

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Concept artists come up with ideas for the look of the animation. They draw the very first sketches. Their artwork is then used as a reference point for animators and background and character designers further down the line.

Concept artists are usually freelancers. They produce artwork to a brief from an animation studio and work with them to find a visual style that works. It’s important that they communicate well with the client to understand what they want. They will often have to go back and redo their designs several times before they find something the studio is happy with. Sometimes the first passes are quick and loose for a fast turnaround. Other times, they add more detail and quality. They use computer software as well as hand-drawing and painting to create their art.

Concept art is the earliest exploration of looks and ideas and is often used as part of a pitch to sell a project, film or series, before production is underway.

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What’s a concept artist good at?

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• Drawing: have a very high level of skill at drawing, painting, or using computer software to create artwork, produce varied work, develop your own style

• Creativity: produce innovative work, in the form of storyboards, graphic designs and paintings, that spark the director’s imagination

• Communication: be able to take direction and use constructive feedback to make changes to your work

• Knowledge of animation: have a strong and wide-ranging interest in animation and live-action film and TV, understand the medium for which you are producing artwork and the way in which your work will be used

• Freelancing: find work opportunities for yourself and manage your finances, be self-motivated and work efficiently to deadlines

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Responsibilities

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• Visually interpret ideas and theories into high quality sketches, mood paintings and refined concepts to inspire and guide artists and game designers

• Create designs that are accurate and clear; providing artistic and technical direction for artists and programmers

• Ability to break down concepts into usable designs and layout sheets for modelers

• Work closely with the art director to ensure artistic consistency and styling

 

   Requirements

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• Minimum Degree/diploma in illustration, graphic design or related field; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the gaming industry

• Strong sense of visual design

• Strong background in traditional/digital art forms

• Strong sense of shape, form, and composition in digital mediums

• Ability to create quick, rough sketches of ideas and concepts

• Excellent communication skills. Must be able to thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment

• Strong work ethic, and ability to maintain high quality and consistent progress without constant supervision

• Attention to detail and creative problem solving

 

   Preferences

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• Previous experience in concept design for games

• Basic modeling skills in 3DS Max, Maya, or SketchUp is a plus

• Experience in Agile development

• You have a passion for games, and a desire to be part of the development

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   What we teach

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• Goal setting & project management

• Seeing and observing environment - 5 sensors

• Mindfulness and meditation

• Left and right brain thinking

• Creative thinking

• Left and right brain drawing

• Drawing equipment 

• Drawing - Line, shadow, texture, depth, shape, 

• Color Theory –Primary, Secondary and Transitory, warm and cool

• Painting - (Krita/Photoshop), brushes, color pencils, pastels

• Character Sheets- Character story, Main pose, Turnaround, poses, expression and Props

• Sets - Story creating, basic structure, colors, Mood, props, Light and shadow, creative

• Props- Story creating, basic structure, colors, Mood, props, Light and shadow, creative

• Figure - Gesture drawing, Proportion, body parts and  Shading

• Animals - Pony, Bird, Fish, Lion

    

     

    

 

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