Dissertation on Concept art

[Rist]

I am currently contemplating what to write for my third year dissertation for uni and part of me wants to write about the film and game industry, specifically the concept artists role. Its an art and design course I am in if that is of help. Also it is only 6000 words so its not a huge essay.

Here are a few questions that I am wondering about:

Is this a strong topic to write about?

Are there academic materials out there that will help with this?

Have some of you written about this field?

I guess the reason I am cautious about writing about this is because I do not know where to start. If I wanted to write about Van Gogh, all I need to do is research books on him and then others will flow. Where do you start with a topic like Concept art?

I would never dream of asking you guys to do my research for me. I think all I am aksing is to put my fears at rest and say 'its a great topic to write about'!

Here is my current thoughts on an approach to this:

Research the early films that used these artists, look at those artists. Follow the career of these artists, looking at how they evolved and the difficulties they overcame. Look at the change in the role, and the change in techniques applied. My art tutor wants me to create a debate, so maybe; debate about how the role of the artist pushes the vision of the film to new heights, maybe to compare a film like Blade runner to another early film that did not use any concept artists.

For an essay like this I am suspecting I will need to look at the film industry history and see how they implemented such artists. This rather than searching out concept artist books in general.

Am I on the right tracks? Do you think going this route seems 'safe' for a dissertation? What would you have done (if you care to share)?

Thanks!

[Musselfarmstudios]

I had a friend who's grad school thesis was on this topic . . . it reminded me of a glorified history report more than anything else. He ended up referencing a few illustrators, a Disney Art Director, Sony Art Director, some students to name a few sources.

A good starting point would be the old Disney Book The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, it talks about the roots of feature film/ cartoon concept art and the methods learned by trial and error.

Possibly think of the differences between game concept art and film concept art . . . maybe even the difference between film concept art and animation concept art.

the divide between digital and old school and how they really can't exist with out each other.

the difference between artists with an illustration background versus a fine arts background . . . because they will approach the subject in different ways. (I'm not saying one is better than the other but they do have different approaches to the same problem . . . it goes back to there training)

The Education of a Concept Artist . . . what path is the one of least resistance.

Hope this helps . . . it was fun to think about . . . good luck!

[Rist]

Hi, thanks for you comments.

I have that Disney book! I bought it a few years ago when I went to Disney World. I never gave it a chance to read. Is it not strange how a book I bought 1000's of miles away a few years ago might contribute to my dissertation?

You bring up some good debates I can start thinking about. I like the idea of writing about the differences between game and film concept art. I think I need that knowledge if I want to some day go into the industry.

Thanks, any more advice would be appreciated!

[Peter Coene]

A good starting point would be the old Disney Book The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
Sorry, I still shed a tear when I hear those names.

[Musselfarmstudios]

Sorry, I still shed a tear when I hear those names.

I know what you mean, so much we owe to those two even the rest of the nine old men. Let alone Walt who had enough sense to start a department solely meant for visual development. You gotta love the old school.

"I have that Disney book! I bought it a few years ago when I went to Disney World. I never gave it a chance to read. Is it not strange how a book I bought 1000's of miles away a few years ago might contribute to my dissertation?"


That's called Serendipity!

As far as I'm concerned in regards to concept art I look at this book as a bible. It sets up what the pipeline is all about and gives a good base for any collabaritive project, its very timeless.

I'll keep thinking on things that you might be able to use, hell, I know that they are things that I definitely plan to use . . . so we'd be helping each other out!

[Rist]

Thanks!

I never knew the book was that good. I'll start reading it tomorrow.

[Rist]

I hate to ask, but I do feel lost in this area of study, that of which I want to know about!

Are there any academic books on artists such as Giger and other famous artists from the past?

I think to write about something you need some text to back it up, and certainly that is the case of a dissertation/thesis.

Because my tutors background is fine art, I am literally alone on this. I am fine with that, but I do hope some of you that have found some academic material that discusses the changes in film and game because of concept art and technology, would share there findings.

What do others think about Giger as a role-model and prodigy for future concept artists?

This is an interesting subject, yet a difficult one to tackle and to make sure I cover the criteria needed.