Questions for pro concept artist

[Eric0322]

hello, I was just thinking about a few questions about the lives of concept artists and the work they do.
First question I have is, How hard/easy was it to find work as a concept artist? Were you able to find work right out of college, during college even, or did it take a long time until you were able to find work? I know the entertainment industry is growing rapidly so I imagine companies are constantly looking for artists for games, movies, comics and books, so I would think it wouldn't be so hard to find work.
Next question is, How much do you make as a concept artist? I know that every company is very different but I'm just looking for a ballpark range.
Finally, What kind of work environment is it? If you work for a company, do you have hours that you have to be there each day, like a 9 - 5 thing, or is it more like make your own hours. Or do you even work at home most of the time?
Just some questions I've been wondering, thanks guys

[otis]

Work is always easy to find.
You don't need a college education.
You can make six figures.
What work environment? It's not even work!

[Seedling]

Hi Eric,
Answers to some of your questions can be found in the games industry thread that is linked to in my sig.

The job of concept artist can either be done in a full-time in-house setting, or it can be done freelance, depending on whether the company needs a full-time concept artist, whether they want a hot-shot professional for a short time, or whether it is most budget-appropriate for them to use a current employee who has been doing some other sort of work for them.

Competition for concept art jobs is steep. Concept artists need to be able to draw *everything*, and should either be able and willing to fill other illustration freelance roles, or should be able and willing to fill other full-time roles, such as modeler/texturer.

Most successful artists make a good average living. Which is to say, not six figures. Some do make more, but you had better not get in this industry for the money.

Hopefully as an artist you enjoy what you do, but even the best of jobs still has some drudgery.

No college degree is necessary as an artist, but you have to learn the skills from somewhere, and college is one possible place to get those skills.

[Eric0322]

thanks for the replies, very educational
don't worry i'm not in it for the money if thats all I cared about then i'd go to school to be a lawyer or something, I draw because I love doing it, these were just some questions I had since im considering doing this kind of thing for a living, thanks again

[Seedling]

Welcome!

There are a glut of laywers on the market right now, by the way. New laywers are having a hard time finding jobs in the field. :-P

[otis]

If you are considering it, then you probably already know you should be doing it now.
BTW, it is possible to make ALOT of money doing what you love.
As much as it's possible to make nothing doing somthing you don't love.