BA2 - (CS) What is a Concept Artist?

A concept artist is a specific type of designer who creates work to fit a brief. They use their own imagination to create something that does not yet exist, whether it be a character, landscape, building, creature or object. A team can also be involved with the visual development before a final design is released, with each person creating different designs and combining/selecting the one which is best suited to the employer’s details. The most common types of concept artists design work for film, animation and video games, with the term first being used in the animation department of Disney Studios in the 1930's.

The most common type of concept art we're exposed to is exceptionally detailed with the use of computer editing software, like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. The artist will also usually use various types of digital brushes, so a more realistic look can be achieved to a picture.

“Concept artists are fueled by their imagination. They create fictional worlds and breathe life into characters and creatures. Utilizing strong drawing skills, they can transform words and ideas into fantastic visuals” – Feng Zhu

The recurring themes of concept art usually involve fantasy and science fiction, mostly because of how movies and video games want a large visual impact on their viewer and require highly detailed art. Because of the visual special effects used, especially in movies, it's essential that the concept art looks as real as possible.

There are usually two types of concept artist that will work on a design; freelance and within a company containing a team of artists with specialist skills. Some of the most famous companies include the Aaron Sims Visual Effects Company and Massive Black.

Massive Black was founded in 2003 and provides employers with a variety of services as well as concept art, including illustration, 3D modeling, animation, storyboards, textures, rigging, advertising/marketing, graphic design, creative consultation and I.P. development. Their headquarters can be found in San Francisco, California, however they also have partners in Shanghai, China. Some of their most famous projects have involved the creative direction and art for video games including Dragon Age, Bioshock, Silent Hill and Kill Zone 2.

The Aaron Sims Visual Effects Company was founded in 2005 by Aaron Sims (originally a special effects make up artist), with its headquarters located in Los Angeles, California. This company is able to provide matte painting, 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, and conceptual design to clients. Some of the most famous films they've worked on include 300, Transformers 3, The Amazing Spider Man, and The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian.

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