Concept Artist
Play a key role in creative projects in film, advertising and videogames using your artistic skills to help visualise people, places, creatures and more.
Also known as: entertainment artist, 2D artist
About the job
What it's like
Concept artists visualise early ideas for films, videogames, animation, and advertising. Your work will be crucial in achieving consistency in the early stages of a creative project. And it will guide the outputs of other creatives – from 3D modelers and VFX teams to animators and set designers.
Your concept art needs to capture the atmosphere, mood and fine detail that will be vital when the project moves into production. This means you need to be a great artist first and foremost, able to take other people’s ideas and visualise them quickly and accurately. You could be asked to draw characters, props, vehicles, buildings or creatures. Sometimes all five, and more.
Artists now often mix digital and traditional approaches, so a knowledge of digital painting software like Photoshop, Corel Painter, and Maya is a must. You’ll need to be able to listen well, interpret complex briefs, and take feedback on your work.
What you’ll do
Take a brief to understand the creative team’s vision for the project
Create and present sketches of your initial ideas – on paper or in digital drawing software like Corel Painter
Consider how your designs will be created by the production team and what techniques they’ll need to use
Refine your sketches – often using digital tools like Photoshop – based on the team’s feedback to establish the final style
Create a comprehensive digital database of visuals – showcasing different angles, perspectives, actions and environments
Create realistic visuals at speed – your work can’t hold up production
Keep a portfolio of work that shows your skills
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Computing Science
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Graphic Communication
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.
There are no set entry routes but many entrants will have qualifications that demonstrate their artistic skills as well as up to date knowledge of creative software packages such as: • Illustration • Animation • Graphic design
As part of your application, you will normally be asked to provide a portfolio detailing your skills and experience through any work or projects you have done – this is to showcase your skills and creativity – include your best work and keep it up to date. You might also want to consider having a digital portfolio – this will allow you to upload videos, photos and links to different online platforms such as YouTube and Flickr.
Apprenticeships
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:
Foundation Apprenticeships (FA’s) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Creative and digital media
Modern Apprenticeships (MA’s) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Creative and digital media
Graduate Apprenticeships (GA’s) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
IT: Software development
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
Gaining relevant work experience would allow you to continue to build your portfolio as well as meet others already working within the industry to improve your knowledge and network.
After gaining experience, some concept artists become freelancers. Most freelancers have built up a wide range of experience and established networks to help them connect to jobs and projects. You could consider using a project recruitment platform, such as Upwork, to connect with businesses seeking specialised talent.
Business start-up information and support is available from a number of sources such as Business Gateway.
Students and recent graduates at college or university may also have access to business start-up advice, support and funding through their learning institution.
See ‘Be Your Own Boss’ for further details.
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