How to become A Concept Artist

• Conceptual Artist
• Entertainment Artist
• 2D Artist

What do Concept Artists do?

A Concept Artist would typically need to:

• Visualise and develop creative assets for films, videogames, comic books, and advertisements 
• Interpret briefs successfully to understand the creative team’s vision of characters, environments and props
• Create and present quick and detailed sketches of their initial concepts, using paper or digital drawing software like Corel Painter
• Use traditional and technological approaches to create thumbnails, wireframes and designs in 2D and 3D 
• Envision the procedures and techniques the production team will use to expand on their conceptions, throughout the project
• Pitch their ideas to the client and the design team; create easily-understood specification sheets with accurate dimensions and details
• Use feedback from the creative team to fine-tune their sketches with the help of digital tools like Photoshop
• Curate an exhaustive digital database of visuals that includes diverse angles, perspectives, actions and environments
• Continue to generate viable innovative work in the face of tight deadlines so production can continue uninterrupted
• Adjust their daily work schedule in accordance with the type of artwork, visual medium and size of the art team
• Maintain an updated portfolio of work to display their skills
• Undertake regular research to think outside the box and as a point of reference

Concept Artists work out of a creative studio located in their place of work. Freelancers make a similar space in their homes. Either way, you will work with other creatives such as 3D modellers, VFX teams, animators and set designers to ensure your concepts come to fruition. 

A congenial work environment that uses social perks such as trips, parties and events to promote collaboration and creativity is the norm. You may need to travel to meet clients, especially if you choose to freelance or work for an agency.

Full-time Concept Artists also enjoy flexible working schedules built around the smooth flow of their creative juices. Freelancers get to choose contracts that complement their style, area of interest and workload. Either way, you will need to put in long hours when deadlines loom during various stages of the project.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Concept Artists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Freelancing is the most common option, followed by a relatively small percentage of full-time and part-time. Freelance contracts may last anywhere between two weeks to three months.

Concept Artists are generally employed by: 

• Creative Agencies
• Advertising & Marketing Agencies
• Video Game Studios
• Animation Studios
• Film & Television Studios
• Illustration & Design Studios
• App & Software Developers
• Publishing Houses
• Art Departments in Other Industries

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Art (IAA), are crucial for Concept Artists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Delivery of optimum artistic output in the face of tight deadlines
• Constant scrutiny and criticism of work style and creative genius
• Frustration due to a limited say in the choice of concepts

A well put-together portfolio that showcases your best work and projects, highlight your skills and abilities and illustrates your expertise to potential employers is vital to be hired as a Concept Artist. Digital portfolios make it easier to upload to and exhibit your videos, photos and links on various online platforms, as compared to the traditional ones.

In addition, most employers prefer candidates with a range of transferable skills picked up during at least three years of experience in the industry. An academic internship, occupational apprenticeship or relevant part-time work in the industry would help you build contacts and a strong portfolio and facilitate your entry into the world of work after graduation.

The internship or apprenticeship will also help you gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

On the other hand, any entry-level creative role can potentially set you on track to becoming a Concept Artist. Most aspirants begin as studio runners, art department assistants or design agency assistants. With the acquisition of experience, you can potentially move into a junior concept artist position.

If you already have a decided preference for a particular sector, such as advertising, then any creative role that would enhance your experience in that sector will come in handy. Speculative applications that include your portfolio, CV, cover letter and a clear description of why you should be chosen for the job may help you secure experience in a creative role. 

Read about the profession, participate in relevant competitions, acquire membership in professional societies and interview or job shadow experts working in the creative field to gain an understanding of the career path and build your craft as well as a striking portfolio.

While talent and passion are key to a successful career as a Concept Artist, you will find post-secondary education in fine art, illustration, drawing, painting, animation, graphic design/communication/art, computer science, or game design have distinct merit in the job market.

An accredited associate degree, foundation degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) will suffice for entry-level positions, and you can get by with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) but most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s or even better, a master’s degree in the above-mentioned subjects.

A program that includes a judicious mix of drawing, painting, illustration, anatomy, computer graphics and photography would allow you to demonstrate highly prized core artistic principles and experience with creative software such as Storyboard, Maya and Art Direction. Make sure you have the exact prerequisites before applying to a specific college, university or education provider.

Focus on art, graphic design and computer science in high school. 

Certification from a post-secondary art institution demonstrate a Concept Artist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience and training.

Certification in art from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and provide you with valuable skills and experience. 

Skills, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the upward mobility of a Concept Artist whose career path is not structured. 

You can opt to work exclusively as a concept artist or in more eclectic pre-production, post-production or character design role.

Lead/Senior/Principal Concept Artist roles may come your way after you show promise in successfully handling more high-profile or larger projects and clients over a considerable number of years.

Eventually, you may become the Art Director before ending up with the title of Creative Director.

You can also explore the option of freelancing after amassing a wide range of experience and an established network.

Candidates with the necessary artistic skills, a strong portfolio, experience, and a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Concept Artist stay in tune with continuously evolving technology and audience expectations through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Your art skills need constant honing. Take advantage of diverse technical training opportunities to gain expertise in state-of-the-art software used across the industry. 

Join specialist industry websites that facilitate training and development opportunities while offering business support and multiple resources to build your skills and portfolio. Membership in project recruitment platforms such as Upwork will ease access to businesses seeking specialised talent.

Current Scenario 

The global entertainment and media industry is growing at a continuously accelerating rate. The number of creative projects launched annually is increasing at a similar pace. Concept Artists, who can be relied upon to listen well, interpret complex briefs and respond positively to critique, are the need of the hour. 

Which One Grabs Your Fancy?

Specialisations in the field include but are not limited to creating mainly human characters, illustrating non-human creatures and fabricating elaborate scenes and worlds in indoor, outdoor and imaginary locations.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Concept Artists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Concept Artist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Walt Disney Animation Studios coined the term “Concept Art” in the 1930s.

Concept Artists prepare, construct and organise ideas in a manner that allows for the appearance of an original masterpiece which lingers on in the mind of all that experience it.

Develop the habit of practice to become an exceptional Concept Artist; after all, practice makes perfect.