Concept Art
Overview
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 is also referred to as visual development and/or concept design. This step in the production process is typically overseen by a art director or creative director, and is performed by artists known as concept artists.
History
The term "concept art" was used by the Walt Disney Company as early as the 1930s. This form of preliminary work later became widely known via the art of Ralph McQuarrie, a concept artist for such films as Star Wars. With the growth of video game, film, and animation industries, concept art has become a growing field with a high demand for skilled artists.
Role in Production
Concept art is used in the film, video game, and animation industries to visualize and explore ideas before they are implemented into the final product. It is a vital part of the pre-production process, used to create a visual representation of scenes, characters, and environments that exist in the script or game design document.
Techniques
Concept artists use a variety of techniques to create their work, including traditional media such as pencil and paint, as well as digital media such as Photoshop and 3D modeling software. The choice of technique often depends on the needs of the project and the artist's personal preference.
Types of Concept Art
There are several types of concept art, each serving a different purpose in the production process. These include character designs, environment designs, prop designs, and creature designs. Each type of concept art requires a different set of skills and techniques.
Character Design
Character design is the process of creating a visual representation of a character for use in a film, video game, or animation. This includes not only the physical appearance of the character, but also their clothing, accessories, and other elements that help to convey their personality and role in the story.
Environment Design
Environment design, also known as set design or background design, is the process of creating the settings in which the story takes place. This includes both interior and exterior locations, as well as any important objects or structures within those locations.
Prop Design
Prop design involves creating any objects that are used by the characters in the story. This can include anything from weapons and vehicles to everyday items like cups and books.
Creature Design
Creature design is a specialized type of character design that involves creating non-human characters. This can include animals, monsters, aliens, and any other type of creature that might appear in the story.
Careers in Concept Art
Concept art is a rapidly growing field, with a high demand for skilled artists in the film, video game, and animation industries. There are many different career paths within the field of concept art, including freelance work, studio work, and teaching.