From Graphic Design to Concept Art?

[GregP]

Hello everyone!

I have searched the forums and looked around more than once but I don't think this sort of questioning has come up.

Basically, I'm about to apply to Uni and I'm wondering if going into Design (initially mixed but later specializing in graphic) would be a waste of time in the long term if one would like to do concept art at a certain point.

What I was planning to do was to study graphic design all while using my complementary courses to study fine arts. I also wished to take courses/workshops in the traditional sphere outside of school.

This idea comes from the fact that I love both these disciplines but I'm not sure if I'm cut out to be a concept artist/illustrator. This would be for me a chance to focus on something while still discovering myself, I suppose.

I hope my post isn't too convoluted...

[Storyboard Dave]

I'm sensing a lack of commitment or belief in oneself here.

I guess there's nothing wrong with going in Graphic Design and dabbling at doing the concept work, but I'd question you what is it that attracts you to the concept work?

It might be better spent money wise to take a few classes in each and test the waters if you're unsure. But sooner or later, you should devote yourself solely to one or the other for your studies- not just because you'll have to, but because the competition in both fields are strong. You'll need to have a solid dedicated portfolio in something in order to work.

[rpace]

Education can never really be a waste. Graphic design can be a good support for concept work, especially if you want to specialise in things like future environments where signage and visual media have to be believable.

The real question is what you want to be doing every day; if you want to do graphic design every day and dabble in concept work your focus should be self evident, however, if you really want to be a concept artist and are studying GD as a means to support yourself until you can find a concept job you're making a serious mistake.

You shouldn't undermine your actual goal by spending too much time on your "plan B".

Good luck,

~R

[emifinan]

You know, most art schools have a foundation year during freshman year where all students are exposed to various disciplines and taught the same classes like drawing, design, painting, sculpture, new media, ect. It's not uncommon for students to change their major after foundation year. This might give you time to see where your passion is.

[GregP]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read and post some advice. Now, I'm about to write a looooonng reply to all your posts so get comfy. :grandpa:

Storyboard Dave: I think it's more lack of belief than lack of commitment. I believe you can sum it up as "I think I have a better chance of actually doing something in design than in concept. Just look at all the young and skilled concept artists out there and the number of job posts actually needed." In all honesty, I like both fields (I have studied a bit in both fine arts and design in the program I'm finishing up right now) but at the end of the day I'd rather be a concept artist. In regards to your question on what attracts me to it... Most of the work I see is so powerful that I basically feel transported to that world the artist has created. Along with other artists, you create this self-contained world with its inhabitants, everyday objects/tools, vehicles etc. that get animated, that receive a voice/sounds. You see it unravel in a movie/show/play or even get to interact in it thanks to a video game. To be able to do such things to me is amazing and, as I wrote in the letter of intent for a painting/drawing Uni program I am applying to, I find that an image is worth a thousand words. I also mention that whereas it might seem like a cliche expression to most people I believe :nerd: it's a just summary of the power such art holds.

rpace: Please check the last paragraph. lol I understand what you mean by not wasting time on a plan B and I think in my case it has to do with being afraid of not being able to compete and to live off my art in the future (not talking about driving a BMW, either). I think I might be thinking a bit too ahead right now.

emifinan: I have already experienced what you're describing but not at a University level. Here in Quebec (CAN.), we have something called CEGEP which is one step before University and usually lasts 2 years (pre-Uni programs) and I am enrolled in a program called Communications (basically Visual Arts). I had the luxury of choosing my courses and I took Drawing, Painting, Digital Design, Sculpture and I even get to work on print-making in a small group I helped set up with one of my teachers and my friends from the program. I have had the chance of working in different domains to a small extent and, as I wrote previously, I honestly like all of them but I certainly would prefer to do the work a concept artist works on.

Again, everyone, thank you very much for taking time to answer as discussions like this are really helpful to me and right now are making me want to take a stab at my dream job more than ever... Now back to my painting for my project! :lifedrawing: