Concept artist

The responsibilities of a concept artist

The tasks of the concept artist are numerous. They must first be able to carry out necessary research work and have a good level of cultural knowledge to translate the artistic vision of the project, but their responsibilities can be broader. They are in charge of:

• Designing visual productions from an idea
• Designing original concepts (characters, environment, objects, etc.)
• Composing and applying suitable colours, create new ones
• Reconciling technical and aesthetic aspects

Like in this video game, Age of Empires, the concept artist creates, through image or painting, the artistic vision of the project by designing characters, places, etc.

The qualities of the concept artist

Succeeding in this demanding profession requires, above all, great creativity, curiosity, and solid general knowledge, though knowledge of images and the audiovisual is essential. Concept artists are also required to know how to adapt and to be able to carry out work within relatively short deadlines.

The skills of a concept artist

Wanting to work in this position requires mastering a series of skills that studios will seek. A concept artist is, therefore, able to master:

• Digital painting software (Painter, etc.)
• Fundamentals in lighting and composition
• Colours
• Materials and textures
• The constraints of video games
• Human proportions and anatomy
• Academic drawing
• The basics of special effects and the entire production chain of a video game

Aymeric Thevenot adds his perspective: « During a concept art project, the concept artist must be versatile and curious. Their work is different from that of an illustrator. Their role is to provide a precise vision of the direction of the project. Therefore, they must be open to many techniques (traditional drawing, photography, painting, theory of light and colour, 3D, etc.). Above all, they should have a specific background in general culture and analytical skills. Their ability to create new and original concepts will make them an indispensable member of a team. « 

Amongst the software to master, the concept artist must be able to use Painter easily

Advantages and disadvantages

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of being a concept artist

Benefits

• Employability
• Attractive salary
• Turning a passion into a profession
• Limitless creativity
• Freelance work possible

Inconveniences

• Creativity sometimes limited to the project
• Sometimes it is trying
• Knowing how to accept criticism
• Strong competition

What level of study is needed to become a concept artist?

A general or technological high school diploma is needed, then they’ll need video game creation training. This is what is generally required for this position.

At school, you will learn to train yourself in drawing and in the use of specialised and cutting-edge software. But also, you will learn about the whole world of video games while forging general solid cultural knowledge. Continuing to master’s degree level will allow you to improve your skills and take up a position of responsibility.

Company internships

Before becoming a concept artist, there is nothing like familiarising yourself with your future job and environment. For this, G. Art offers several internship periods ranging from two months the first year of the bachelor’s degree to three months in the last year. Then in the MBA, six months of internship in a company are compulsory in the 1st year with a work-study placement or a fixed-term contract in the last year of the diploma.

Salary of a concept artist

A concept artist starts their career around 25,000 euros per year and can, after several years of experience, see their salary easily reach 50,000 euros (more easily with an MBA / Master Game artist).

Abroad, in the USA for example, the salary of a concept artist can reach more than 100,000 or even 200,000 dollars per year.

Where to work?

More and more studios are calling on concept artists, Ubisoft, Sega Europe, or even Umeshu Lovers and Darewise Entertainment, the studio that develops Life Beyond.

Career evolution

With their drawing skills and creativity, a concept artist can evolve in their position and become a lead concept artist or artistic director. They can also imagine themselves elsewhere as a computer graphics designer, 3D designer, character designer. They can also move from video games into animation, design, advertising, publishing.

Freelance concept artist

There’s nothing like being your boss. Evolving as a freelance concept artist is entirely possible. The best, however, is to have worked in a company before. Having a portfolio and a solid background can make all the difference. Networking is just as important as well. Be careful, however, as freedom requires organisation and rigour. You must earn independence. You have to know how to show pugnacity, investment, sought-after expertise and an ability to manage your time.

Famous concept artists

Some concept artists who stand out and have worked on video games are Craig Mullins (Age of Empires), Jason Chan (The Sims 4, etc.), Gilles Beloeil (Assassin’s Creed) or for cinema Ryan Church (Avatar, Super 8, etc.).

Jason Chan is a concept artist known for their designs who now works for Riot Games

In summary

How can you become a concept artist?

Concept artists are sought after by the studios for their know-how and creativity. Concept artists can transform an idea into drawn or painted images so that all the teams (technical and artistic) go in the same direction during a game’s production. And to become a concept artist, education in video games will be necessary. Our G. Art school will teach you the fundamentals of graphic design with the Digital Graphic Designer Bachelor’s degree. Then you can extend and improve yourself within an MBA in Game artistry.

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