4 answers
Pearl
Student
India
21
Questions
Asked
790 views
How can I begin creating concept art ?
I mean what are the essential basics of drawing and composition that I should learn first, where should I start, and what are some recommended resources or tutorials for beginners in concept art. I will be grateful if you help me with this. Thank you!
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4 answers
Virginia (ginny) Mangrum
Art Educator and Fine Art Photographer
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Virginia (ginny)’s Answer
These mechanics are excellent for honing your skills. There's a deep, personal connection - dare I say, a spiritual one - that yearns to be expressed. So, building on Patrick's insightful advice, pay attention to this internal aspect. In today's commercial world, it's crucial for an artist to discover their unique narrative and convey it through their skills and style. This not only reflects your thought process but also fuels your creativity. Wishing you all the best.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Pearl
John Alston
Dishwasher
7
Answers
Kernersville, North Carolina
Updated
John’s Answer
I think you should have moderate illustrating ability.
A character should have at least an action-figure level of detail (proportions logical, lines varying) The key is that you're providing visual "substance" to a suggested concept. Expect negative feedback, followed by a suggestion that is a bit clearer- wash/rinse/repeat.
I think you could also take the path of photomanipulation instead of drawing (using software like Photoshop, PhotoPea, Gnu Image Manipulation Program ) and draw over or replace images with other "suggested" content (say a photo of Indiana Jones being painted to look like a gardener with green overalls and a blue shirt) I do think that because photomanipulation involves premade assets, there's a bit of a limit to what can be done, and a higher possibility of negative reception.
Of course, if you get positive feed back on your first/second try, that's amazing and you should keep on going.
A character should have at least an action-figure level of detail (proportions logical, lines varying) The key is that you're providing visual "substance" to a suggested concept. Expect negative feedback, followed by a suggestion that is a bit clearer- wash/rinse/repeat.
I think you could also take the path of photomanipulation instead of drawing (using software like Photoshop, PhotoPea, Gnu Image Manipulation Program ) and draw over or replace images with other "suggested" content (say a photo of Indiana Jones being painted to look like a gardener with green overalls and a blue shirt) I do think that because photomanipulation involves premade assets, there's a bit of a limit to what can be done, and a higher possibility of negative reception.
Of course, if you get positive feed back on your first/second try, that's amazing and you should keep on going.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Pearl
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
725
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Pearl, stepping into the world of concept art creation can be a thrilling yet challenging adventure. However, with a strong grounding in drawing and composition, you'll be more than ready to breathe life into your ideas, either on canvas or digital platforms. The first step is to fine-tune your basic drawing skills. This means getting a grip on fundamental shapes, perspective, proportion, shading, and anatomy. These components are the cornerstone of crafting convincing and visually striking concept art. Regular sketching will enhance your line precision, control, and ability to observe.
Understanding composition is another vital aspect of concept art that you should get acquainted with early in your journey. Composition is about the arrangement of elements in your artwork to create an engaging and balanced visual piece. Familiarize yourself with principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, balance, and focal points. Play around with various compositions to comprehend how they influence the overall atmosphere and narrative of your artwork. A robust understanding of composition will amplify the impact of your concept art and aid in effectively conveying your ideas to the audience.
When it comes to getting started, consider examining the works of accomplished concept artists and dissecting their techniques and methods. Search for art books, online tutorials, and video courses that delve into topics like character design, environment design, creature design, and vehicle design. Platforms like ArtStation, Gumroad, and YouTube are great places to find tutorials and workshops specifically designed for novice concept artists. Many artists also offer mentorship programs or online classes where you can get personalized guidance and feedback on your artwork.
Remember, Pearl, that the key to progress in concept art is consistent practice. Allocate time each day to sketch, explore, and polish your skills. Don't shy away from making mistakes or trying out various styles and techniques. Building a robust foundation in drawing and composition requires time and patience, so keep pushing forward and stay inspired. Participating in online communities or forums for concept artists can also offer valuable support, feedback, and motivation from other artists.
To sum it up, to kickstart your journey in concept art creation, concentrate on mastering the fundamental aspects of drawing and composition. Practice consistently, learn from the works of seasoned artists, and utilize resources and tutorials designed for beginners in concept art. With commitment, tenacity, and an eagerness to learn, you'll be well on your path to developing your distinct style and producing compelling concept art that resonates with viewers.
Understanding composition is another vital aspect of concept art that you should get acquainted with early in your journey. Composition is about the arrangement of elements in your artwork to create an engaging and balanced visual piece. Familiarize yourself with principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, balance, and focal points. Play around with various compositions to comprehend how they influence the overall atmosphere and narrative of your artwork. A robust understanding of composition will amplify the impact of your concept art and aid in effectively conveying your ideas to the audience.
When it comes to getting started, consider examining the works of accomplished concept artists and dissecting their techniques and methods. Search for art books, online tutorials, and video courses that delve into topics like character design, environment design, creature design, and vehicle design. Platforms like ArtStation, Gumroad, and YouTube are great places to find tutorials and workshops specifically designed for novice concept artists. Many artists also offer mentorship programs or online classes where you can get personalized guidance and feedback on your artwork.
Remember, Pearl, that the key to progress in concept art is consistent practice. Allocate time each day to sketch, explore, and polish your skills. Don't shy away from making mistakes or trying out various styles and techniques. Building a robust foundation in drawing and composition requires time and patience, so keep pushing forward and stay inspired. Participating in online communities or forums for concept artists can also offer valuable support, feedback, and motivation from other artists.
To sum it up, to kickstart your journey in concept art creation, concentrate on mastering the fundamental aspects of drawing and composition. Practice consistently, learn from the works of seasoned artists, and utilize resources and tutorials designed for beginners in concept art. With commitment, tenacity, and an eagerness to learn, you'll be well on your path to developing your distinct style and producing compelling concept art that resonates with viewers.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Pearl
Trilochan Naik
Film Maker | VFX Layout -Previs Artist | VFX Shoot Supervisor
4
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Trilochan’s Answer
Starting with the fundamentals is key when diving into concept art. Here’s a roadmap to help you get started:
1. **Basic Drawing Skills**:
- Learn to draw basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles) and practice sketching them.
- Understand line weight and how varying the thickness of lines can convey depth and dimension.
- Practice drawing lines, curves, and angles to improve your line control.
2. **Anatomy and Figure Drawing**:
- Study human anatomy to understand how the body is constructed.
- Practice figure drawing to capture the human form accurately. You can use online resources or attend life drawing sessions if possible.
3. **Perspective**:
- Understand the principles of perspective to create depth and realism in your drawings.
- Learn about one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective and practice drawing scenes using each.
4. **Light and Shadow**:
- Study how light interacts with different surfaces and objects.
- Practice shading to create depth and volume in your drawings.
5. **Color Theory**:
- Learn about the color wheel, color schemes, and how to mix and blend colors effectively.
- Experiment with different color combinations to evoke different moods and atmospheres.
6. **Composition**:
- Understand the principles of composition, such as balance, focal points, and rule of thirds.
- Study how to arrange elements within your artwork to create visually pleasing compositions.
7. **Digital Tools and Software**:
- Familiarize yourself with digital drawing tools and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint.
- Learn the basics of digital painting, including layering, blending modes, and brushes.
8. **Study Existing Art**:
- Analyze the work of established concept artists to understand their techniques and approaches.
- Try to replicate their work to learn from their process.
9. **Practice Regularly**:
- Dedicate time each day to practice drawing and experimenting with different techniques.
- Set specific goals for each practice session to keep yourself motivated and focused.
As for resources and tutorials, there are plenty of options available online:
- Websites like Ctrl+Paint, DrawSpace, and Proko offer tutorials and resources for artists of all skill levels.
- YouTube channels such as FZD School of Design, Sinix Design, and Cubebrush provide free tutorials on various aspects of concept art and digital painting.
- Books like "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth" by Andrew Loomis, "Color and Light" by James Gurney, and "How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination" by Scott Robertson are highly recommended for aspiring concept artists.
Remember, the key is to practice consistently and to keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to improve your skills.
1. **Basic Drawing Skills**:
- Learn to draw basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles) and practice sketching them.
- Understand line weight and how varying the thickness of lines can convey depth and dimension.
- Practice drawing lines, curves, and angles to improve your line control.
2. **Anatomy and Figure Drawing**:
- Study human anatomy to understand how the body is constructed.
- Practice figure drawing to capture the human form accurately. You can use online resources or attend life drawing sessions if possible.
3. **Perspective**:
- Understand the principles of perspective to create depth and realism in your drawings.
- Learn about one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective and practice drawing scenes using each.
4. **Light and Shadow**:
- Study how light interacts with different surfaces and objects.
- Practice shading to create depth and volume in your drawings.
5. **Color Theory**:
- Learn about the color wheel, color schemes, and how to mix and blend colors effectively.
- Experiment with different color combinations to evoke different moods and atmospheres.
6. **Composition**:
- Understand the principles of composition, such as balance, focal points, and rule of thirds.
- Study how to arrange elements within your artwork to create visually pleasing compositions.
7. **Digital Tools and Software**:
- Familiarize yourself with digital drawing tools and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint.
- Learn the basics of digital painting, including layering, blending modes, and brushes.
8. **Study Existing Art**:
- Analyze the work of established concept artists to understand their techniques and approaches.
- Try to replicate their work to learn from their process.
9. **Practice Regularly**:
- Dedicate time each day to practice drawing and experimenting with different techniques.
- Set specific goals for each practice session to keep yourself motivated and focused.
As for resources and tutorials, there are plenty of options available online:
- Websites like Ctrl+Paint, DrawSpace, and Proko offer tutorials and resources for artists of all skill levels.
- YouTube channels such as FZD School of Design, Sinix Design, and Cubebrush provide free tutorials on various aspects of concept art and digital painting.
- Books like "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth" by Andrew Loomis, "Color and Light" by James Gurney, and "How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination" by Scott Robertson are highly recommended for aspiring concept artists.
Remember, the key is to practice consistently and to keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to improve your skills.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Pearl