Concept artist

Concept artists initiate creative projects by imagining and sketching characters and worlds that don't yet exist across film, animation, VFX, video games and advertising

Working as a concept artist, you'll apply imagination and artistic skill to create images of people, creatures, places and moods. Working to a brief, you'll provide sketches of what characters and environments might look like. Any project involving a visual story may require a concept artist, so you can work across many areas of visual media, such as animation, comic books and films.

You'll need to produce work to tight time frames at the beginning of a project. Your concept will then be used as a reference throughout the rest of the project. You can choose to work exclusively as a concept artist, or in a broader role where concept art is an aspect of your work such as in pre-production or character design.

Types of concept art

Concept art usually falls into one of two categories:

• realism - aims for a highly detailed and realistic photographic look
• stylisation - drawing on different artistic influences, e.g. cartoon, fantasy, futuristic, art deco, steam pun and using simplified, exaggerated or idealised representations of a subject, stylised art conveys a specific style, mood, or idea.

Within this, concept artists often specialise in a subject area of concept art, such as:

• character - producing mainly human characters and emphasising their emotions and character narrative
• creature - illustrating non-human or fantasy characters, focusing on their biology and physical design
• environment - creating detailed scenes and worlds, including indoor, outdoor and imaginary settings
• prop - including weapons and equipment
• vehicle design.

Responsibilities

As a concept artist, you'll need to:

• create quick and detailed drawings and paintings of environments, characters, buildings, vehicles and props - including thumbnails, wireframes and mood boards
• use traditional and technological approaches to create designs in 2D and 3D through drawing and painting
• efficiently interpret briefs
• explain and pitch your ideas clearly to the client and design team
• respond positively to client feedback
• adapt and refine your work based on client response
• maintain good communication with the client
• be confident using creative programmes and technologies like Photoshop, Maya, Painter and SketchUp
• research topics and information for points of reference and ideas to use in your designs
• create specification sheets, accurately noting dimensions and details for others to follow
• meet strict deadlines.

Salary

• Starting salaries for entry-level or junior concept artist positions are typically in the region of £17,000 to £20,000.
• Experienced concept artists can earn between £25,000 and £40,000.
• Senior concept artists can earn from £55,000 to £75,000.
• Freelance rates for concept artists average around £14 per hour.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Most concept artists work full time. Part-time work is possible, primarily through freelancing, where you can choose contracts to suit your availability.

In full-time roles, you're likely to be offered flexible working hours or time off in lieu to support the creative process and help you meet deadlines. Due to flexible scheduling, paid overtime is uncommon.

Freelance work and short-term contracts are readily available and are commonly secured through networks, agencies and online advertisements.

What to expect

• You'll have to meet frequent and short deadlines, which can be stressful, and will need to be comfortable having your work critiqued. You won't always have a say in which of your ideas are chosen, which can be frustrating.
• You may work freelance or be employed by a company. If employed, you could work in-house or at an agency delivering work for a range of clients.
• Working environments tend to be relaxed and sociable to encourage collaboration and creativity. Social perks, such as events and trips are often provided.
• You'll usually work in a creative studio or from home, but you may have to travel to meet clients, especially in a freelance or agency role.
• London is a hub for concept art roles, but you can find work in locations across the UK.

Qualifications

There's no formal entry route into this role, and it’s possible to become a concept artist without a degree. However, a strong portfolio is essential and is typically the employer’s main focus.

A good portfolio should demonstrate your understanding of key design principles and strong foundational art skills. A relevant degree can provide these skills and give you an advantage. Use of creative software is highly desirable, so if you’re considering what to study look for a degree that includes the use of digital tools.

A foundation degree or HND in an artistic subject may suffice, if it gives you the core skills required by an employer.

Degrees that combine traditional art with digital software training, include:

• fine art
• illustration
• animation
• graphic design
• drawing/painting
• games design/art.

Experience in any creative role is highly valued when entering this field and you should use any opportunity to develop industry contacts.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• a strong understanding and ability in artistic fundamentals - such as perspective, composition, colour and light theory, form, shape and texture
• excellent time management skills, to sketch and adapt images quickly within tight deadlines - if you fall behind in your schedule, the entire project will be delayed
• good communication skills to pitch and describe your concepts
• research skills and an exceptional imagination to original designs
• good technical ability in both traditional and digital tools
• resilience and openness to feedback
• the ability to work well as part of a wider creative team process, while also working independently and keeping motivated and organised
• excellent attention to detail.

Work experience

Competition is fierce so any relevant work experience you can get will be helpful. In many cases, this can be secured through speculative approaches to design agencies, freelancers and other types of employers. Include a portfolio, CV and cover letter detailing your interest, relevant skills and willingness to support in any capacity.

This could include entry-level creative roles, shadowing opportunities, or even taking part in relevant classes, societies and competitions. Other roles, such as studio runner, art department assistant or junior designer can also provide valuable insight and industry connections.

Experience in positions such as studio runner, art department assistant or design agency assistant/junior are common starter roles for concept artists, and all provide valuable insight, experience and contacts.

Employers

Opportunities are mainly in the private sector, with most positions being in the video games industry. Other employers hiring concept artists, include:

• animation studios
• film and television studios
• art departments in various industries
• creative agencies
• illustration and design studios
• app developers
• advertising and marketing agencies
• publishing houses.

Freelance working is common in this industry, with contracts typically lasting between two weeks and three months. Freelancing offers more creative freedom but less job security.

Freelancers usually find work through industry contacts, agencies and online platforms.

Look for job vacancies at:

• ArtStation
• Association of Illustrators (AOI)
• Campaign Jobs
• Creativepool
• gamejobs.work
• If You Could

Search for companies in your preferred industry and check their websites regularly for vacancies. It's common to secure creative roles through speculative applications, as relatively few opportunities are advertised.

When applying for jobs, include a portfolio, CV and cover letter in your application and describe why you'd like the job and how you could contribute. Make it clear your goal is to work as a concept artist but show a willingness and enthusiasm to help out with less creative tasks as well.

Professional recommendations can be an effective way to find work in this field, so put effort into building a strong network of contacts and ensure you develop a reliable professional reputation.

Attending industry events and registering on specialist creative networking websites can be a good way to make contacts.

Professional development

It's rare to go straight into a concept artist role, though this may be possible through a trainee or apprenticeship position. It’s more common to secure a junior position, from which you can build contacts and a strong portfolio.

Continued professional development (CPD) is essential for concept artists, due to evolving technology and audience expectations.

You're likely to receive technical training across all concept artist roles and industries to help you keep up to date and proficient in industry-standard software. If you're self-employed, you should seek training proactively to stay competitive.

Some freelance concept artists choose to join professional bodies or creative platforms to access training, resources and support. Depending on your focus, useful memberships may include AOI, ArtStation, Animated Women UK and the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU).

Career prospects

Most concept artists start their career in an entry-level creative role and may be promoted quickly (often within a year) to junior concept artist roles.

Junior roles provide an opportunity to build your portfolio, skills and contacts. From there, you might go freelance or progress into more senior roles.

Some artists remain at this level for many years, focusing on securing higher-profile projects. Others move into related fields like pre- or post-production.

Progression into lead/senior/principal concept artist roles involves leadership, project management and mentoring responsibilities. These positions typically require 7 to 10 years of experience, though employers may prioritise the quality of your work and portfolio over time served.