HAZE // concept arts (huge upload)

[Aleksi]

Hi again!

Here are some concepts that I've done for Ubisoft/Free Radical for the videogame HAZE, released few months ago on PS3.
I really dig the concept of this game and worked on it quite two years ago.
A first videotrailer was released for 2006 E3 and my task was to produce some new look for the troopers and the rebels, building an efficient style guide. This was quite a short work session. But really cool and fun.
So I've focused first on the iconic trooper, a futuristic soldier suit. I've used my usual process, thinking first on symbolism, shapes, conceptual idea and using what was already done on the project (like for example the Mantel logotype, based on an hexagon, a shape linked to bee hives...bee are black and yellow...this is also linked to the concept of the big corporation that is controlling people and this soldier...and on and on...-BRAINNNNNNNSTOOOORMMM). And then I've also worked on the rebels, with a strong idea coming from "the promised hand" logo. There is a cool twist in the story of the game talking about the main character and the rebels.
I've also done a lot of overpaints and just quick researches on other specific visual points of the game. Some of them are not polished but it wasn't the goal.
Some of my 2d concept are appearing in the game and in the most recent trailers (including a movie done for the song that Korn wrote specially for the game).
The Mighty Mathias "M@" Verhasselt also worked on this rebels concepts.
Hope you'll like!

[James Kei]

*balls explode*

Great stuff Aleksi, as always.

[Kvick]

Well, I hate korn, but I love these paintings :P.

You continue to be one of my favorite artists, sir.

[Bomba]

Aleksi... your approach and insight of how to conceptualize is outstanding. Its great to hear how deep you take the thought that supports the designs. Just another layer of how complex and amazing your work is. Always a treat to see your postings and appreicate your thoughts & insight.
-Jason-

[young paddy1]

seriously schweet work

love the r&d pages especially

cheerio

[Manu is malin]

one more masterclass lesson !

[Duman]

Wow, these are some fantastic concepts. Really, amazing armor designs and the vehicle are sweet. You have used shapes, and especially colors extremely well in these. The yellow and black is a great combo.
You have really given me some inspiration, time to go draw!

[goran]

great stuff ,thanks for showing ,cheers

[Aleksi]

Hey! Thanks a lot for this cool feedbacks guys!!!! Really!
More than producing polished pictures (lights, colors and so on), I feel most often more "rewarded" when the concepts, the ideas behind the design themselves are powerfull and efficient. A part of the creative process that I like most. Ideas, associations, links, symbolism, finding and making "SENSE"...Ah, what a struggle! One of the first request was to keep parts of the troopers human faces recognizable. But the setting of the story was about consortiums, corporations and people being manipulated, "des-humanized" and considered as numbers. ))) So the idea of no more visible faces and just neutral mask became interesting. (see the first rough color sketch with the entirely black trooper in the jungle with the reflect of another human frightened face on his helmet -quick photograph of my own face- : it was done first quickly "for fun" but then became a marketing asset and a real reference).
If there is something really cool with working on concept arts, IMO it is really this "let's go crazy" step and the challenge of finding ideas.
-------
I've recently posted some covers that I've done for Marvel "New Avengers" in another thread. Here is the last one : still using a classic Marvel cover as reference and my goal was to making it looking more modern (graphic layout) and also with skrull-ized characters. If you know my close friends and family, don't be surprised with some linknesses :)
-------
I'm now working on a new ambitious videogame project (as Art director and co-founder) and we're opening a new videogame development studio in Paris. We're currently recruiting people -for the whole dev pipeline, programmers, game designers, 2d and 3d artists...- so if you're in the area and interested, feel free to send your resume and works samples at : jobs@dont-nod.com

[Maestro Andres]

Fantastic concepts. Always great to see stuff from you. Thanks for sharing.

[OTTA]

Thank you for sharing, This is a great stuff. Nice Job Man!

[TheDirtSyndicate]

awesome work man, your stuff is always a treat. you've always been one of my favorites on this site. wish i lived close, i'd love to get involved in the game you mentioned. i do a lot of graphic design/motion graphics stuff along with my illustration( http://www.thedirtsyndicate.org/08/indexhibitv070d/ )...
hey, maybe i could help out remotely.
user interface type stuff, opening titles, trailers, etc.
when things get that far along give me a shout man. i just went freelance.
:D

[Aleksi]

Some HAZE videos and trailers:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/19898.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33409.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33411.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/18740.html

[Farvus]

Cool concepts. It's also great to see those sketchbook notes in the corner of one image even though they are pretty small. Usually there is only finished art posted while the whole process ideation can be much more interesting (especially for aspiring concept artist). Thanks :).

[Eli B]

phenomenal work, i always enjoyed the way you render faces and colors in a painterly smudged grungy look, the looseness the gestures.. it's all there :).. too bad the game itself was a piece of crap.. this really saves it though.. it shows that the art itself is more beautiful than the generic over produced end product. good stuff you never disappoint.

[Murgen]

Phenomenal work here, I can hear the clicking of guns, the clashing of metal on metal and the pew pews of lazers when I look at these pieces. You know your making good artwork when your images can simulate or imply other senses than just the visual.

[lewiston]

you're a great man!

[teho]

awesome concepts and the plot of the game, but the game isn't so good.

[Magebolrim]

Nice stuff. i love the game and this just about sums up the best of it. :)

[D@niel]

Awesome concepts and designs, a real inspiration!!

[Saturns Gate]

Excellent Attention to detail Aleksi, keep rocking it! :)