How does one become a concept artist?

[flux]

Concept art has always been something that I’ve wanted to do as a career. I have a very small understanding of what is needed to become a professional concept artist so I figured this would be the best place to ask questions. I know I still have a lot to work on as far as technique and digital art goes so I recently started a web comic (www.pixeljunkies.com) with an attempt to sharpen any rough edges I have before I begin constructing a portfolio that I can be proud of. The problem is that as soon as I feel I am ready to start a portfolio I will not know where to begin.

So here are some questions:

What is more important, a diverse portfolio or a degree?

What types of art work should I showcase in my portfolio?

Are there any other programs I should learn besides Painter and Photoshop?

What is the best way to get started?

Any big do's or don’ts I should know?

[Art_Addict]

At some point people get a bit tired of answering the same questions over and over again. If you search the forums a bit by yourself, most of these questions will be answered. for example, just type in ' portfolio' in the search option for the lounge section. You 'll find tons of info.
Best advise i can give you besides draw , draw , DRAW,......!!!!!!!

[VirusArtist]

helpful threads:

http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53169

http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53087

http://conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2&page=69&sort=title&order=asc&pp=75&daysprune=-1
(scroll down)

http://conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2&page=70&sort=title&order=asc&pp=75&daysprune=-1

hope it helps...

Cheers,
Etienne

[flux]

Word!

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I'm not trying to cramp your style or anything, I just figured this would be the fastest way for me to get the answers I was looking for. Anyhow thanks for the links VirusArtist, you are gods own personal warrior. :wink: