How to Be a Concept Artist
A concept artist is one who is adept at communicating an idea in the art world pertaining to scenes that are imaginative and original. Their work is relevant to science fiction and fantasy but may also be used for design concepts. Illustration and storyboarding are key essentials for jobs in this career. The industries of gaming, cinema and videos are key sources for employment.
- Draw using real life concepts. Creating an imaginative world begins with knowledge of the real world. Study the human anatomy to draw realistic and believable characters. Create your own characters by exaggerating realistic anatomy. Understanding where and how muscle work makes your artwork take on life. Animation requires this groundwork from a concept artist.
- Draw real life backgrounds until you have the feel of the realism. Expound the real by creating your own style and imagination creating your won worlds.
- Familiarize yourself with software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Obtain a graphics pad to learn how to draw your art digitally.
- Enroll in a reputable art school that encompasses design, illustration, technical drawing and graphics art.
- Develop your communication skills. Jobs of this type require you to understand what your client is asking from you and conceive a world or character that does not exist yet. Once the set is approved, the concept artist develops and finalizes the design according to his client’s perception. This is basic sketching that is them passed on to a 3D animator when working in the gaming or video world.
- Apply for jobs. Jobs in this field include storyboard artist, character designer, illustrator and animator. Those positions may lead to other jobs such as 3D modeler, 3D animator, production designer or artist. Salaries range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Create your portfolio as you work into positions. Your jobs require a past set of drawings to impress your employer. The art of creating non-existent characters and worlds is what lands your jobs and makes your worlds become reality.