CONCEPT ARTIST
Missions, activities, skills, training
BECOMING A CONCEPT ARTIST: CAREERS AND TRAINING
Concept Artist job overview
At the pre-production stage, the Concept Artist creates detailed designs (sketches, plates, drawings) that define the look and feel of the game or animated film.
Concept art follows the artistic vision of the project, from the initial concept phases through to the final illustrations.
Missions and responsibilities of a Concept ArtistMissions and responsibilities of a Concept Artist
Concept artists play an essential role in the visual creation of video games and animated films.
- Know and propose a wide range of artistic directions and graphic styles
- Participate in defining visual directions for projects with the Director, Art Director and creative team.
- Enrich and develop visual charters
- Present mood boards and visual and graphic references
- Create coherent concept art that respects the visual charter, designed for 3D modeling (characters, environments, accessories, etc.).
- Collaborate with the 3D team during the production phase
- Based on feedback, make the necessary iterations to ensure that the work is in line with the artistic vision
- Keep abreast of the latest design trends and technological advances
Necessary qualities for the Concept Artist
- Strong imagination and creative spirit
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary artistic environment
- Respect for production deadlines
- Understanding of the 3D manufacturing chain
- Excellent communication skills in English
Essential technical skills to become a Concept Artist
Proficiency in graphic design software
The Concept Artist has a solid command of 2D design software and a basic understanding of 3D software.
Advanced expertise in tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Painter is required.
Ability to create original and evocative artistic concepts
The job of Concept Artist requires a solid knowledge of visual and graphic trends in various fields such as film, web, video games, special effects and 3D animation.
This in-depth understanding of current trends enables Concept Artists to create visuals that contribute to a project’s unique aesthetic identity.
In-depth knowledge of drawing and painting techniques
The Concept Artist possesses advanced expertise in drawing and painting techniques, mastering light, values, composition and color.
His skills also extend to various illustration techniques such as sketching, color theory, image composition and light management.
Recommended professional experience for Concept Artists
Relevant internships in the animation or video game industry
ISART integrates internship periods into its educational programs.
These give students the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their professional skills and make contacts in the industry.
The Master’s program offers the possibility of work-study contracts (apprenticeship or professionalization contracts).
Experience in creating artistic concepts for various projects
From the first to the last year, students work on a variety of projects that enrich their visual development. They work on different worlds, eras and artistic styles.
They explore a diverse range of concepts and techniques, while honing their skills (during the pre-production stages of end-of-bachelor projects (making a film teaser on their own) or end-of-course projects (making a short film as part of a team)).
Creation of professional portfolios demonstrating artistic skills
Throughout their studies, students enrich their portfolios with concept art, illustration and design works that demonstrate their artistic skills and creativity.
Career prospects as a Concept Artist
Career opportunities in the animation and video game industry
Depending on their skills, Concept Artists can progress to different positions:
- Senior Concept Artist
- Lead Concept Artist
- Art Director
- Character Designer
- Environment Artist
- Storyboard Artist
Companies looking for Concept Artists for their projects
Many companies and industries can hire Concept Artists such as :
- video game studios to create characters, environments, vehicles and other visual elements for their games.
- animation studios to develop character designs, storyboards, sets and visual concepts for animated films, movies and series.
- advertising and design agencies to create illustrations, mock-ups and visual concepts for advertising campaigns, brands and products.
- special effects and post-production studios to create creature designs, conceptual 3D models, storyboards…
the virtual and augmented reality industry to create interactive experiences, VR/AR applications and games.
Courses offered by ISART
- Parallel admission possible up to Mastère 1
- 5 years of training (3 years Bachelor, 2 years Master)
- Project-based teaching
- Master’s degree awarded on completion of studies
Cursus Video Games Game Art to become a Concept Artist
The school’s Game Art course provides the graphic design and managerial skills needed to work in every artistic specialty of a real-time 3D project.
3D-FX Cinema curriculum to become a Concept Artist
The 3D/FX Cinema course provides the skills needed to work in the film, animation and special effects industries, from pre-production to post-production.
Other jobs in video games and 3D-FX animation that might interest you
The Game Artist designs and creates the graphic universe of a video game project, following the artistic direction and taking into account the game’s technical and functional constraints.
The FX Artist creates special effects (such as liquid, fire, destruction, explosions, clouds, particles, hair, crowds, etc.) in real time or pre-calculated, for film productions, video games, series, advertising…
