Concept Artists

Concept artists work on big projects (such as films) where some element of visual or special effects would be needed to create fantasy creatures, weapons, or invented elements/designs. They are basically illustrators that help production designers/managers envision their ideas through their drawings.

Concept artists need to create many detailed yet clear illustrations throughout pre-production, and also be able to adapt them as the filming process progresses and things change. Artists are given an idea for a character, element, environment, or item, and along with input and feedback from production designers and researchers, illustrate the idea and start bringing it to life.

concept art

Often, if the film/game is based off an existing book/film, the concept artist will examine the original source themselves, and also work closely with specialist researchers to ensure the finished drawing is as true to life (or the idea) as it can be.

They may also have an involvement with development, producing a series of drawings to help sell the idea of the game/film to potential financiers and distributors.

To be a concept artist, you’ll need in-depth and current knowledge of different illustration software packages, an eye for accuracy and be able to visualise 3 Dimensional space. You’ll also have to be skilled in film imagery, have an interest in film, design and architecture. You need to work as part of a wide team, communicate your own ideas well, take on board and interpret others’ ideas. And you’ll have to be flexible, things will need to be adapted or changed when asked.

Although there is no formal qualification to become a concept artist, an arts school course in graphics, fine art, or illustration, or something with a focus on graphics/aesthetics and conceptualising ideas would be useful and something employers would look for. You could also enter a company as a trainee/junior and gain hands-on experience in the field. You could progress to be a team leader, a Senior Artist or a Lead Artist.

This job could match my skill set as I’m creative and open minded and would be able to easily visualise others’ ideas and also input my own. But I would need to work on my art/drawing skills.

More Info

 

Leave a comment