Concept Art Guide for Film & Games Written by Daisie Team Published on 18 July 2023 11 min read ContentsWhat is concept art?Concept art for filmConcept art for gamesHow to start with concept artTools and techniques for concept artInspiring examples of concept artHow to improve your concept art skillsHow to get a job as a concept artistImagine having the power to create new worlds, to breathe life into characters and landscapes that have only existed in your mind. Welcome to the realm of concept art for film and games: bringing imaginary worlds to life. This artistic discipline combines creativity with strategy, transforming abstract thoughts into concrete visuals. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just an admirer, this guide will take you on a journey into this fascinating field.What is concept art?The core of concept art lies in visualization. It's about converting ideas into visuals, a critical step in the production process of films and games. It's not just about pretty pictures; it's about storytelling—using art to convey complex narratives and emotions. Let's dig a bit deeper into what this means.The Role of Storytelling in Concept ArtStorytelling is at the heart of concept art. Artists use their skills to create characters, environments, objects, and more, all designed to tell a story. Think about the sprawling landscapes in "Avatar" or the intricate cityscapes in "Blade Runner". These were birthed from the minds of concept artists. They didn't just draw cool pictures—they crafted entire worlds with their own unique narratives.The Blend of Art and StrategyConcept art isn't just about freewheeling creativity. There's a strategic element involved too. Concept artists need to understand what the director or game designer wants, and then figure out how to translate that vision into art. They're creative problem solvers, using their artistic skills to find solutions that align with the project's goals. So, while concept art is undoubtedly artistic, it's also a strategic discipline.Concept Art as a Collaboration ToolConcept art is also a powerful tool for collaboration. It provides a visual reference that everyone on the team can use. Think about it: reading a script or game design document can be open to interpretation, but a piece of concept art? That's a clear visual cue everyone can understand. It helps keep everyone on the same page, ensuring that the final product aligns with the initial vision. In this way, concept art acts almost like a visual language, bridging the gap between idea and execution.Concept art for filmWhen it comes to concept art for film, the artist's role is to bring the director's vision to life. Concept artists are the first to translate the script into visuals, setting the tone for the entire production. Let's explore more about what this process looks like.Understanding the Director's VisionBefore pencil meets paper or stylus touches tablet, the concept artist needs to understand the director's vision. This may involve discussions about the script, mood boards, and other reference materials. The artist then uses this information to create concept art that captures the essence of the film. Remember the iconic lightsaber from "Star Wars"? It started as a concept art, an idea visualized to fit into the overall narrative of the film.Creating Characters and EnvironmentsConcept artists have a massive role in creating characters and environments. They design everything from the protagonist's outfit to the details of the world they inhabit. For example, in "The Lord of the Rings", concept artists designed each character's unique look and the breathtaking landscapes of Middle Earth.Setting the Tone and StyleAnother critical aspect of concept art for film is setting the tone and style. The artwork sets a visual precedent for the entire production, influencing everything from costume design to cinematography. Consider the dark, grimy cityscapes in "The Dark Knight", which helped set the tone for the film's gritty realism. The concept art played a crucial role in establishing this aesthetic.The Evolution of Concept Art in FilmFrom hand-drawn sketches to digital masterpieces, the world of concept art for film has evolved significantly over the years. Modern concept artists often use digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate, which offer a range of features to bring their imaginations to life. Despite these technological advancements, the essence of concept art remains the same — bringing imaginary worlds to life on the big screen.Concept art for gamesWhile concept art in film helps directors visualize the world they're creating, in games, it does a bit more. Concept artists in the gaming industry not only define the look and feel of the game but also contribute to gameplay elements and mechanics. Let's dig deeper into this.Designing the Game WorldThe first step in creating concept art for games is to design the game world. It's not just about aesthetics — the game world's design directly impacts the player's experience. Think about the vibrant, candy-themed levels in "Candy Crush" or the post-apocalyptic wastelands in "Fallout". These environments are not just backdrops; they are integral parts of the gaming experience.Character Concept ArtIn games, characters are more than their looks; their design can dictate their abilities, movements, and even personalities. Take "Overwatch" for example. Each character's design provides clues about their abilities and roles within the game. A heavily armored character like Reinhardt immediately signals to players that he can take a lot of damage, while a character like Tracer, with her sleek design and cool goggles, hints at her agility and speed.Creating Concept Art for Game MechanicsUnlike in films, concept art for games often extends to gameplay mechanics. Artists might design unique items, power-ups, or even entire levels, each with a specific purpose in the game. Remember the power stars in "Super Mario Bros." or the energy swords in "Halo"? These iconic items began as concept art.The Impact of Technology on Game Concept ArtAs gaming technology has advanced, so has the role of concept art. With the advent of 3D games and virtual reality, concept artists now design in multiple dimensions, creating immersive worlds that players can literally step into. The end goal remains the same — bringing imaginary worlds to life in a way that enhances the gaming experience.How to start with concept artDipping your toes into the world of concept art can feel a bit daunting, but don't worry. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started on your journey to bring your own imaginary worlds to life.Master the BasicsBefore you dive headfirst into creating concept art for film and games, you need to understand the basics of art and design. This means getting comfortable with drawing, understanding color theory, and learning how to use light and shadow. Don't worry if your first few sketches don't look like they belong in a Pixar movie or a AAA game — every artist starts somewhere.Understand Your MediumConcept art for film and games can be created in a variety of mediums, from traditional pencil and paper to digital painting software. It's important to explore different mediums and find one that you're comfortable with. Digital art tools like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate can give you a lot of flexibility, but don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned sketchbook.Start with Small ProjectsIt can be tempting to jump straight into designing a sprawling fantasy world or a detailed sci-fi cityscape, but starting small can help you hone your skills without getting overwhelmed. Try designing a single character or a small environment first. This will give you a feel for the process and help you understand the level of detail that goes into creating concept art.Keep Learning and PracticingThe world of concept art is constantly evolving, and the best way to keep up is to keep learning. Attend workshops, take online courses, and practice, practice, practice. Remember, every piece of art you create, whether it's a quick sketch or a detailed painting, is a step forward in your journey.Create Your Own PortfolioAs you create more and more concept art, start compiling your work into a portfolio. This will not only help you track your progress but also serve as a showcase of your skills when you're ready to start applying for jobs or freelance gigs in the industry.Tools and techniques for concept artNow that you're excited about starting with concept art, let's explore some of the tools and techniques that can help you bring your imaginary worlds to life. Don't be scared, they're easier to get the hang of than you might think!Digital Art ToolsDigital tools are a great asset in the world of concept art. Software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, or Corel Painter, offer a wide range of features that can be used to create stunning visuals. For those who prefer to work on the go, mobile apps like Procreate or Sketchbook can be a great alternative. And don't forget about a good graphics tablet; it can be a game-changer!Traditional Art SuppliesDespite the digital age, traditional art supplies still have their place in concept art. Sketchbooks, pencils, markers, and paints can be used to quickly jot down ideas and create preliminary sketches. Plus, there's just something satisfying about the feel of a pencil on paper, don't you agree?3D Modeling SoftwareFor more complex projects, 3D modeling software like Blender or Autodesk Maya can be a powerful tool. They allow you to create detailed models of your characters or environments, which can provide a solid base for your concept art. Plus, having a basic understanding of 3D modeling can be a great addition to your skillset!Reference ImagesUsing reference images is a technique as old as art itself. Whether you're drawing a character, an object, or an entire environment, having a reference image can help you get the details just right. Remember, even the greatest artists use references!Color TheoryUnderstanding color theory is key in concept art. Colors can set the mood, draw attention to certain elements, or even tell a story. So, grab a color wheel and start experimenting!Sketching and IterationFinally, remember that concept art is all about iteration. Start with rough sketches, then refine and develop your ideas as you go. Don't be afraid to make changes or try new things. After all, it's your world—you get to decide what it looks like!Inspiring examples of concept artNow that you're equipped with the right tools and techniques, let's delve into the fascinating world of concept art. There's nothing like seeing what others have accomplished to spark your own creativity. Here are some examples that perfectly illustrate the power of concept art for film and games in bringing imaginary worlds to life.Films That Set the BarEver wondered how the world of Pandora in 'Avatar' came to life? Or the dystopian landscapes in 'Mad Max: Fury Road'? That's the magic of concept art. The artists behind these films used their skills to create visuals that guided the production teams and ultimately captivated audiences around the world. These are just a couple of examples that exhibit how concept art can translate abstract ideas into tangible visual elements in a film.Video Games That WowThink about the immersive worlds in games like 'The Witcher 3' or 'The Last of Us'. These intricate environments didn't just appear out of thin air. Concept artists worked tirelessly to build these worlds from the ground up, sketching out everything from character designs to intricate landscapes. The end result? Games that are as visually stunning as they are engaging to play. Now that's the power of concept art in games!Books Brought to LifeConcept art isn't limited to film and games. Books like 'Harry Potter' and 'The Lord of the Rings' have been brought to life through concept art. Artists used the words on the page to inspire their drawings, creating visuals that helped readers see the world the author had imagined. This is a great example of how concept art can be used to bring imaginary worlds to life in a different medium.Independent Artists Making WavesFinally, let's not forget about independent artists who are creating mind-blowing concept art right from their home studios. Artists like Loish, Feng Zhu, and Charlie Bowater are just a few examples of individuals using their skills to create imaginary worlds that leave us all in awe. Check out their work for a healthy dose of inspiration.How to improve your concept art skillsAlright, now that we've seen what's possible with concept art for film and games, let's talk about how you can improve your own skills. Just like any other craft, concept art requires practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it. Here are some tried and true strategies to help you bring your own imaginary worlds to life.Study the MastersOne of the best ways to improve is to learn from those who have already mastered the craft. You've already seen the stunning work of Loish, Feng Zhu, and Charlie Bowater. Now, take a closer look. Analyze their work—what makes it effective? How do they use color, light, and composition? As you study their techniques, you'll start to see your own work improve.Keep PracticingThere's no shortcut to improving your concept art skills—you just have to keep practicing. Try to draw something every day, even if it's just a quick sketch. Over time, you'll start to see improvements in your technique and your ability to bring your ideas to life.Learn from Your MistakesMistakes are a part of the learning process, so don't let them discourage you. Instead, use them as an opportunity to grow. If a piece isn't turning out the way you envisioned, ask yourself why. What could you do differently next time? Remember, every mistake is a step towards becoming a better artist.Seek Constructive CriticismIt's tough to see our own work objectively, which is why it's so beneficial to get feedback from others. Don't be afraid to ask your peers, mentors, or online communities for constructive criticism. Their insights could be the key to unlocking your full potential as a concept artist.Keep LearningThe world of concept art for film and games is always evolving, so it's important to keep learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and software. Attend workshops or online classes. The more you learn, the more tools you'll have at your disposal to bring your imaginary worlds to life.How to get a job as a concept artistNow that we've covered how to improve your concept art skills, let's address the next big question: how do you actually land a job in this field? Whether you want to work in film, games, or both, here's a handy guide to help you navigate your way into the world of professional concept art.Build a Stellar PortfolioFirst things first, you'll need a killer portfolio. This is your chance to show off your skills and creativity to potential employers. Make sure it includes a variety of work showcasing your versatility—characters, environments, props, the whole gamut. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your ability to bring imaginary worlds to life in a visually stunning and compelling way.Network, Network, NetworkLike any other industry, networking plays a crucial role in landing a concept art job. Attend conventions, join online communities, connect with professionals on social media. Get your name out there. You never know when a valuable connection could lead to a job opportunity.Keep Up with Industry TrendsConcept art for film and games isn't static—it's always evolving. To stay relevant, you need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. This not only helps you stay competitive but also demonstrates to potential employers that you're serious about your craft.Consider Further EducationWhile not always a requirement, further education can give you an edge in the job market. Courses or degrees in fields such as graphic design, animation, or fine arts can equip you with valuable skills and knowledge. Plus, they can provide opportunities for internships and networking.Be PersistentFinally, persistence is key. Landing a job as a concept artist won't happen overnight, and you're likely to face rejection along the way. But don't let that deter you. Keep refining your skills, building your portfolio, and putting yourself out there. Your passion and determination will eventually pay off.If you've enjoyed exploring the world of concept art for film and games, don't miss the workshop 'Visual Development for Fantasy World-Building' by Kit Buss. This workshop will dive deep into the process of visual development, teaching you essential techniques and insights for creating immersive and captivating fantasy worlds for your projects. Related Articles Artistic Journey of Yasumasa Morimura: Analysis 8 min read 8 Nov 2023 Kinetic Art of Yuko Mohri: Insights & Inspiration 6 min read 8 Nov 2023 Art & Life of Mariko Mori: Insights & Inspiration 7 min read 8 Nov 2023 Yoko Ono: Art, Activism & Impact of a Cultural Icon 7 min read 8 Nov 2023 Javier Calleja: Journey of a Contemporary Art Master 10 min read 8 Nov 2023