Love these advice videos. Im always getting discouragement for going after art but im glad there a commumity that encourages each other and talks about things like this. Thanks Rob!
Just wanted to say thank you for these videos as well :) *is on the band wagon as it were* I'm up for a concept artist job right now (don't know if I have it yet) but with your help I was able to get my portfolio and resume up in time for them to see it. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us fledglings!
Thank you do much for putting time into making these videos! It is nice to hear some of the inside thoughts that go into becoming a concept artist. For a video idea I was wondering if you could do a tutorial on how you draw female/male figures in a sufficient way where eventually you can then draw them from the top of your head and have them come out proportionally.
Sound advice to try and exceed expectations to deliver a quality job before deadline and under budget. Thanks Rob. You are correct that we have to put extra time aside to learn new software and techniques before charging for such work. That makes us more valuable to them. My only hope is that some Studios will not constantly expect very long hours work and not pay for it. We see this pattern today in so many different industries, sadly. More work for less money.
A studio 'should' let you follow some self improvement tracks. In the end it makes you better for the project. As a freelancer, that is not true though. You need to have all the skills before you take the job. A wise artist can keep an eye on the value delivered, and know when they have some room to self improve. The key is to not soak up all that value so it makes sense for the client to hire someone else.
Hey Rob, I just wanted to say I truly appreciate what you're doing for aspiring artists out there, and I'm grateful. I come from a third world country where art/artistic aspirations are mocked/frowned upon at best. I've worked hard for the last year and finally got admitted to a an art school in the United States. It's a big step for me and my family and there's definitely pressure, but your videos have given me such a no BS outlook that I think I can make a future in art happen. I also wanted to ask you a question: I got into art school for animation, but how can I delve into the videogame art/concept art related skills during my time at school? Any specific software/techniques I need to learn? Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hey Brian, that is terrific news. You are specific to why I do this channel. The world needs more designers and creators, but the 'old ways' refuse to let go of our young generation. I am here to help get some real info that is a balance of hard work, information and love. In animation, you need to master everything about the computer side of it. Be pro active, and soak in every moment you can, and continue learning outside of class. Also learn dynamics, and how to make explosions and magical effects. Right this second you should learn Unity, but that could change over the years. ..but the point is, you should learn one of the game engines so you can put your effects or animations in the game too.
AHH! Missed your videos man. I'm currently working towards becoming a concept artist and i love it. Could you make a video about building up a visual library please?
Hey Rob. great vídeo as usual! I'm not sure if this is possible, but maybe in this line of money talk you could do a third video on invoices? I'm really afraid of a client asking me to send an invoice and I don't know how to proceed hahah. Thank you for the great content!
Hey Rob, So i have a question. What is the usual deadline for environment or character concept art. I mean i know i have to present few sketch ideas and thumbnails but once we confirm the desired tone and composition. How much time should it take me to finish up that piece? I really like to improve myself for the industry standards. I previously did some concept work remotely for some indie studio but with no one to supervise or critique my work and it was weird.
hey rob, me again: Lily. my friend and I have been debating whether to buy photoshop or clip studio paint pro. I am wondering which one is more universal in the entertainment industry. thanks in advance for the advice, Lily.
Everyone uses Photoshop, and I have not heard of clip studio. Soooo... and you can subscribe to PS, and if you have a student ID, it is super cheap to subscribe to.
ive been wondering about what i can do to practice and be ready for a studio environment, i have emailed you from your webside and have been hoping for a reply but i know that you can be very busy. I really just want to take that next step (: thanks for all your help so far
Apply for an internship. Riot offers this but you have to be godly, blizzard is more flexible though, remember, in the industry eveyone is "mister concept art" they already have the best people they want you to be you but they also want artist who are working on their own stuff it shows drive and tenacity work on a comic or series look at dave rapozza or peter moonbaker
No one will even ask if you have a degree, this doesn't mean shit. In this job all that matters is your portfolio. Only ones who will ask you are the studios searching for excuse to not hire you.
Hi! I'm enjoying learning from you. I'm considering taking an online concept art course through Vanas, out of Vancouver in the fall. I'm worried about getting work after though, as my family lives in the middle of Canada in a teeny town (Dryden, Ontario) not near anything remotely resembling a CG company. I'm told I can work online if I freelance, but how do I even begin? Do you have any info on freelancing & getting started this way?
Hi Tiia, yep it is possible. It is not easy, but it is getting easier. Get yourself a webcam and all the skype, google hangout and remote communication stuff needed. I don't know much about that particular online course, but I do want you to do a lot of research before spending any money. There are a lot of shady courses out there, so make sure you find one that has a good reputation. To start is a little tougher, get an art station, and get the best portfolio possible. It took me many years to have a good portfolio, so prepare yourself for the long haul. You should be on our discord with us, there are a few people in your situation.
Thank you for the info, I'll have to save up for some better equipment! I just have a cheapy Wacom bamboo with a pen that's almost worn out on the nib! Lol It works ok for now, of course. I also need to work majorly on my social skills! I'm not a put myself out there kind of person.
discord is a voice chat program, primarily made for video games, but can have other uses as well (like art). checkout succeedsocially.com for social skills related stuff edit: also found the discord discord.gg/heTdQ8D