The Games Game August 2009

Expanding your knowledge base (August 2009)

Hello Tom,

My name is Thaddeus L. Patin II and I am currently enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh-Online Division going for my Bachelors in Game Art and Design. I plan on taking some additional art classes on the side to continue to sharpen my art skills and knowledge, as I desire to be a Concept Artist for Video Games. I will not be graduating until 2014 so I know I got time, but what areas would you recommend focusing on? I want to eventually explore all the possible job options available within game production, but I have always loved doing concept art. Thank you for your time Tom.

Hi Thaddeus,

Concept art is a highly competitive field. You have to be not only imaginative but also <I>exceptionally</i> talented.

You should study 2D design, understand very well how to lay out graphical elements pleasingly. You should study product design - learn what makes a machine or a logo look good. You should study landscape and building design, and of course perspective. Take anatomy courses, of course. Learn about bones and structure. Study psychology and learn about facial expressions.

Learn charcoal, chalk, pencil, paint, water color. Learn sculpting. And master computer art techniques. Be the guy everybody comes to with any kind of question about Photoshop. But not just 2D. Also learn how to make stunning 3D models, figure out how to make a 2D concept sketch using 3D software, find unique ways to blend your paper sketches with 3D models. Learn 3D level design tools to build environments.

Volunteer. Make posters , web layouts, and advertisements for anyone who needs your artistic help. Make storyboards for student film projects and game projects. Do it for free, making sure to get the client's agreement that you retain portfolio rights in lieu of payment.

After you've tried art of numerous types, you may find that you are better at a particular type of subject matter. Most game artists specialize: characters or vehicles or environments... but a concept artist has to be able to do it all. Still, a concept artist will probably have a specialty. Some concept artists might shine at Disneyesque or Pixar-style animation storyboards or concepts. Some might have more of a Japanese anime style. Some might specialize in fantasy or horror or futuristic sci-fi... You have to identify your strengths and, just as importantly, your weaknesses. Figure out how best to leverage your strengths.

Concept art is not about expressing your own passions -- it's about communicating someone else's vision effectively.

Study the work of the masters: Syd Mead, Ralph McQuarrie, Frank Frazetta, for starters. Whereas game design is the sexiest, most coveted, job title for games as far as the overall game is concerned, concept art is the sexiest, most coveted job title in game art. You'll have a lot of competition, and you have to not just shine but outshine.

Tom Sloper's game biz career began over twenty years ago at Western Technologies, where he designed LCD games and the Vectrex games "Spike" and "Bedlam". There followed stints at Sega Enterprises, Rudell Design, Atari Corporation, and Activision. In 12 years at Activision, Tom produced 36 unique game titles (plus innumerable ports and localizations), designed four games, and won five awards. Tom worked for several months in Activision's Japan operation, in Tokyo. He is perhaps best known for designing, managing and producing Activision's "Shanghai" line. He is currently consulting, writing, speaking, teaching, and developing original games. Find out more at Sloperama.

© 2009 Tom Sloper. All rights reserved.