BA2 - Contextual Studies

For contextual studies and our 1000 word essay it's about roles in the industry and what we want to do/become in the future.  The two roles i have looked into are Concepts Artists and Artists.

Concept Artists

*Are specialised and found more in larger companies
*Can specialise in creating characters, creatures/animals, environments
*Have to acheive maximum effect with minmum complexity
*Have to ensure the designs fit with the general look of the game
*Have to consider colours and colour schemes used to maintain a balance of coloyr throughout the design

Artists

*broad range and found more in smaller companies
*needs to be able to do a rage of things:
-characters
-animals/creatures
-environments
-model
-lighting
-textures
-effects

*Have to acheive maximum effect with minmum complexity
*Have to ensure the designs fit with the general look of the game
*Have to consider colours and colour schemes used to maintain a balance of coloyr throughout the design

Reading ImagineFX magazine issue 79, theres an article interviewing the art team who did Batman: Arkham City (Rocksteady) about their work and how to be a concept artists and points to keep in mind.

*Try drawing/painting different subjects and don't limit yourself to one genre
*Don't be afraid of painting software
*Keep your portfolio to 20-30 pieces
*Be ready and willing to move to different parts of the world
*Look at modern fashion/runway/catwalks for inspiration for designs
*Practice drawing realistic interiors
*Draw everything around you
*Don't just be an artist, be a designer.

"A concept artist has to consider how a character will be used in-game, developing function and aesthetic in one go."

A concept artist follows this role and routine:

Visualization -> Production Art -> Live Changes -> Marketing