Help! What do you have to do/study to be a Concept Artist?

[Quicksilver]

I'm currently studying AS Art, Graphics and English in college (Wales, UK) atm and have been thinking about being a concept artist for quite some time. However~ all I know about the job is that I *could* design the characters, settings (overall visuals) for computer games and, if I'm up for it, motion pictures. This would be such a great job for me, especially the character design part as I love costume design too but don't necessarily want to go into fashion.

At the moment I've got one commission from a 2nd year fashion designer of whom I'm waiting to send over her designs so I can illustrate further for her.

I asked the Head of Art in my college for advice but he was extremely sceptical of the sketches from my SCRAPBOOK (! I carry it around to doodle ideas/new char. designs) as I didn't expect him to want to see my actual artwork. So far I've been working in manga-style; however, I'm completely open to work in other, more realistic styles. It's just a matter of finding the time to practice. :( I’ve been really uninspired and unmotivated to draw lately so I think I’m getting a bit rusty.

Examples of my work:
Here are two sketches (of the same character) from my scrapbook:
Dragonfly Jester01 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Cherry_Blossom/dragonflyjester01_web.jpg)
Dragonfly Jester02 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Cherry_Blossom/dragonflyjester02_web.jpg)

Speedpaint (2 hours)
My friend from Highschool (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Cherry_Blossom/fran_fin.jpg) (Photoshop – only used one normal brush. Nothing fancy)

Natural media
Fairy (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Cherry_Blossom/fairy_small.jpg) (HB pencil, colouring pencils, soft pastels)
Arcimboldo study (http://www.sweetsunset.co.uk/myart/arcimboldostudy.jpg) (black biro)
Merging architecture from my local area with Christian Lorenz Scheurer’s (concept artist for Final Fantasy IX) style (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Cherry_Blossom/balcony_small.jpg) (HB pencil, watercolour, black pen) <-- for my previous Art assignment on architecture

I have a website but it's painfully old, lol. Feel free to have a look if you like: http://www.sweetsunset.co.uk I might change the "newer" layout again as I'm not all that happy with it. I've been really reluctant to post my work here as I have SUCH a long way to go...but then I keep telling myself that most of the people here are way older than me and far more experienced.

As for questions…

* What would I have to study?
* Are A Levels absolutely necessary? I’ve been given the option to do my Foundation Course next year if I choose so
* Would Universities accept me if I don’t continue to finish my A Levels?
* Do Concept Artists get paid much? I’ve been searching online on my breaks and asking careers advisers but so far I’ve found very little and the advisers knew sod all about the job! >_<

I thought it would be best to ask here as I know there are a lot of amazing artists and I trust that you guys know your stuff. =) So I’d get more thorough answers from here.

Please feel free to post any knowledge you have of this topic: I could really do with the help!

All the best,

~~Quicksilver/Naomi
hoang.naomi@gmail.com

[Koen]

I don't know any art school who have got concept artist educations.
You wil probably have to study on a artschool and pick a illustration education. After this you wil have to find your way in.

But please dont start about money, if you want to get rich become a advocate, or a doctor.

[Quicksilver]

...But please dont start about money, if you want to get rich become a advocate, or a doctor.
Eek, I didn't mean it like that. I was just wondering if it was one of those jobs where you'd get paid enough not to have to get second job/profession. Sorry if it didn't come across that way.

Thank you for your help =) I did some research on illustrators last week so I'll read through that again.

Note: I'm open to criticism concerning the work I posted. =)

[Storyboard Dave]

Yow. So many questions and so little time.

But first off I think your drawing style is fine and you should be able to get into any university or college that offers an art program. Give them 10-15 of your strongest pieces that display your drawing ability, but I would NOT put in Manga/ Anime (we see so much of that stuff it's overwhelming and overdone). Show them that you can draw from observation. Draw the human figure (I noticed that even with your figures, you fall into the trap of not showing us how you can draw hands- a LOT of people your level don't) and give us the WHOLE thing.

Probably the most important thing at your stage now is to continually draw. You can easily learn the technology later. You need to be able to develop that language of communicating visually to people. As far as what you study now in school, I'm not familiar with your country's system but realize that it takes a strong portfolio to get into a major art college first and foremost. Your grades in your other academics do count but the portfolio at this stage (and later on in the business) is still your key to the next step.

Regarding pay, I have to agree that it should not be a concern at this stage. You must first come up with that passion first and foremost, because Lord knows the hours are long and hard at times and if youdon't have that passion, you'll flame out and leave. If you're really passionate about this, the money will come and you'll be fine.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[Koen]

Quiksilver,

No problem, i just misunderstoud you. good luck

[Quicksilver]

Thanks for the advice, Storyboard! I think I'll start doing quick life sketches when I'm waiting for the bus and things like that. They're giving us an assignment on the human form next in Art, so I'm looking forward to that. To be honest, I'm getting a little bored with drawing in anime style, but my commission demands me to do so. >_< Ah well, if it gets me drawing...

Scissor Hands (http://www.sweetsunset.co.uk/myart/scissorhand.jpg) (used my own hands for ref.) A bit too dark, imo.

Random character design (unfinished) (http://www.sweetsunset.co.uk/myart/lady_web.jpg) (Didn't know what to put on he legs, lol. Tights??)

Maybe I should start sketching on A3 'cause I can never get a detailed (or complete) figure sketch done on A4.

Koen: Apology accepted. =) And thanks~

For concept art I understand that you need a good understanding of the human and animal anatomy, architecture and colour. Soooo if I work on these as well as the fundamentals like shading and such I' be on my way....right? I really want to draw! ;__; But my homeworks are time-consuming and make me brain-dead. :nohope:
/whinging

[Storyboard Dave]

I hope you understand why I want to steer you away from doing more Manga and Anime. It's just been done SO much already and at this point you'll just be copying. Art schools are looking for more than just someone who can re-hash existing art. They want at least some form of creativity and an ability to draw from observation.

If I got paid a nickel (or in your case, a shilling) for every Bart Simpson I've seen at portfolio reviews I'd be filthy stinking rich!

[Quicksilver]

Aye, I agree with you there. I didn't realise how big the hype on anime art became until I saw stores selling books teaching people how to draw in anime.....by Americans! Sorry, but their illustrations are completely off, are of shit quality and don't have any sense of culture to them whatsoever unlike the original Japanese stuff. That's my opinion anyway, judging from the books I've seen. God knows why such terribly drawn images were allowed to be published anyway. >.< Plus, it gives people who don't know about it the impression that that's all it exceeds to.
/rant

Back on topic: I've been feeling a bit limited when drawing in manga style, especially when it came to eyes and anatomy, so it will be interesting finding a style of my own without having too much of an influence of that. I'll draw and post some sketches when I can manage my time a bit better. This week's been a bit hectic!

Any tips? ...Anyone~?

I am completely open to comments and criticism, so please don't feel that you have to hold back too much (other than the anime discussion - I think we've covered that). I'd rather know now than when it's too late.

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it. =)

~~QS

[Storyboard Dave]

Why not incorporate some of your figurative work with an environment? Let's see some surface renderings of objects (think bricks, chrome, wood, etc..). I see some nice figures but they're just kinda floating about aimlessly in space- put them in an environment and tell a story with that it. Set a mood; create a setting and bring together an overall concept.

What about that for a suggestion?

[Quicksilver]

That would make sense, lol. Usually when I try to add a bg to figures it all looks out of proportion/perspective. Will definately try it out though (and stick to it!). Thanks =)

About the only one I remember doing ALL of is this one: Fairy (http://www.sweetsunset.co.uk/myart/fairyesign.jpg)
[looks at the signature] Eek, it's already been 2 years since then?! The feet and face are terrible, and probably a load of other things too. I still like the mushroom houses though. =3

I've almost finished the final piece for my Art assignment and I gotta make a poster (+analysis) for Graphics then I'm free....until tomorrow. I vaguely have something to draw in mind.

[Athey]

Well, this isn't going to be so much about school as much as it's gonna be about the job of 'concept artist' for a game studio.

I work for a Sony-owned game studio in Oregon (USA) and we've got about 70 people working here. Out of the 70+ people we had 1 concept artist. And I say one, cuz he left recently because he had to move (family reasons) and we haven't filled his position yet.

So now we don't even have a concept artist (which is very very annoying sometimes....)


Our concept artist was also our art director. He decided the artistic look and feel of the whole game. From characters to enviroments and color schemes. He did full detailed color paintings of various types of enviroments - architectural and more agricultural, to quick sketches of stuff with rough colors laid in for more of a general 'feel' for something, to fully-colored drawings of characters and misc background people.

He basically needed to be really good at just about everything.

He also knew how to model in 3dsmax and worked his way up to being art director and concept artist. He didn't start out here drawing. He started out here doing something else and since he was really good at drawing & painting, people eventually realized it and his responsibilities sort of migrated in that direction.

I can tell you he made a good salary. But he was officially our 'Art Director' so that played a big role in that.

My impression of game studios is that the position of 'concept artist' is not an easy one to get.

As a concept artist you can either try to get a full-time job with a studio and have a reliable income, or you can work freelance. I personally would have a lot of trouble working freelance, but that's me. Getting a full-time salary job with a studio would be idea, but you've gotta be really good in a lot of areas to do it. You really need to well-round yourself. You've gotta be able to work fast and produce a lot of stuff of sufficent quality, and great diversity.

[Quicksilver]

Our concept artist was also our art director. He decided the artistic look and feel of the whole game. From characters to enviroments and color schemes. He did full detailed color paintings of various types of enviroments - architectural and more agricultural, to quick sketches of stuff with rough colors laid in for more of a general 'feel' for something, to fully-colored drawings of characters and misc background people.
Wow.....At my stage I most probably wouldn't be able to do that, but I'm still learning.

Thanks so much for the info, Athey! :D

I started a sketchbook here a couple of days ago - if you have the time I'd appreciate it if you could drop by: Quicksilver's Sketchbook (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58597).

Thank you in advance. :^^: