WHAT DOES A CONCEPT ARTIST DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Concept Artist Do?)

Predator Concept Art by Stan Winston / Photo Credit: Film Sketchr - Stan Winston

WHAT DOES A CONCEPT ARTIST DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Concept Artist Do?)

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What Does a Concept Artist Do?

Within the art department of a film or television production, a concept artist aids designers in the rendering or drafting necessary to clarify ideas for the construction of props, scenery, costumes, and visual effects elements.

Concept art is a form of illustration used to convey an idea for use in films, video games, animation, comic books, or other media before it is put into the final product. Concept art usually refers to world-building artwork used to inspire the development of media products, and is not the same as visual development art or concept design, though all three are often confused.

Concept art is developed through several iterations. Multiple solutions are explored before settling on the final design. Concept art is not only used to develop the work, but also to show the project's progress to directors, clients and investors. Once the development of the work is complete, concept art may be reworked and used for advertising materials.

Duties

A concept artist, sometimes referred to as an illustrator, can take an abstract idea and turn it into a tangible, visual representation. At the request of any member of the art department or related department (costume, props, visual effects, etc.) or on behalf of the director and producer, the concept artist provides sketches, paintings, or visual depiction in another medium that demonstrate the designer’s vision of a production element. For example, the set designer may need drawings of a building’s façade, or the special effects makeup artist and director may want to see several different renditions while trying to narrow down the look of an alien character. If the director asks for a bridge, the concept artist is expected to deliver every different interpretation of a bridge matching the director’s description.

By participating in brainstorming meetings with the director and designers, the concept artist is able to focus in on the keywords of the idea and then retreat to his or her workspace to produce multiple versions of the necessary drawing. He or she will experiment with different color palettes and styles; the parties involved will choose the iterations they prefer and offer suggestions for revision. The concept artist will repeat this process, paying careful attention to feedback, until a final concept is agreed upon.

Skills & Education

A college degree in studio art is recommended, including coursework in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and art history. Also encouraged is the study of anatomy, in order to accurately replicate human and animal forms, and the study of architecture, to provide a strong foundation for illustrating buildings and other structures. Just as important as artistic talent is the ability to assimilate a few abstract ideas into a clear, expressive drawing. It is the concept artist’s job to help the designer or director to clarify and refine his or her vision to the other members of the team. Quick hands are also a benefit, as the concept artist works under tight deadlines.

What to Expect

Concept Artists work on big budget sci-fi, fantasy or historical films where visual and special effects create design spectacles, fantastical creatures or other invented elements. There are usually a number of Concept Artists, each working on a specific element, e.g., a fantastical creature and/or scene.

Concept Artists start work at the beginning of pre-production, up to six months before filming is due to begin.

If the screenplay is an adaptation (for example, of a book), they analyze the descriptions in the original source material. They may work with Specialist Researchers who also help source and supply relevant information and materials.

Concept Artists work in the art department studio alongside Draughtsman and Specialist Researchers and often produce their drawings on a computer using Painter or Photoshop software. After approval by the Production Designer, the drawings are presented to the Producer, Director and Visual Effects Co-ordinator.

Concept Artists must produce illustrations that are striking but also accurate and clear. They work on illustrations throughout the shoot and may often be required to change and adapt their original ideas as filming progresses.

They may also be involved in the development process, producing a series of illustrations that help to sell the film to potential Financiers and/or Distributors. Concept Artists work on a freelance basis. Their role is highly specialized and there is a limited demand for this work.

By nature of the work, a concept artist is afforded a great deal of creative freedom. However, you should understand that your responsibility is to depict the ideas of others. How much latitude you have to explore each design in the creation of concept art will depend on whom you are working for, thus it is important to quickly adapt to the methods of each designer separately. To pursue a career in this field, take any entry-level position within the art department. Consider looking for roles as an assistant or apprentice; union productions can offer structured internships to those interested in learning the trade of production art design. Roles in the art department are available to freelancers or to permanent employees of a scenic studio, visual effects house, or a similar business. To present yourself to potential employers, you must compile a polished portfolio of your work. The portfolio should demonstrate your command of artistic technique and numerous styles, as well as your own artistic flair.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Film Sketchr, Stan Winston, https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/

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Predator Concept Art by Stan Winston / Photo Credit: Film Sketchr - Stan Winston