Concept Art: How To Break In and Stay In

Legendary Disney artist Armand Serrano told me: "They hire you for your art, but they keep you because of your ideas."

There are a million concept art portfolios out there...

...and very few compelling concepts.

A professional concept artist designs the future. They don't simply copy current trends.

They envision environments, props, characters, costumes, color palettes and compositions that audiences have never seen before.

A professional concept artist is collaborative and infinitely curious.

A professional concept artist has an inexhaustible visual library.

A professional concept artist is a master of the fundamentals and knows numerous efficient, focused techniques.

Here's a collection of my best interviews and articles to help you stay focused on what really matters to concept artists who are serious about breaking-in, staying-in or getting a better gig...

Interview with Armand Serrano (Part 2) :: ArtCast #91

By Chris Oatley

In part one we heard the story of Armand’s long road to success in the animation industry…

Now, the conversation with Armand gets spiritual as we discuss ‘pure creativity,’ the role of Armand’s faith in his career and creative process and how many aspiring artists are working backwards…

The conversation then spins around 180 degrees to focus on technique and workflow.

Of course, we also ask Armand about the closing of the Disney Florida Studio and his subsequent transition to Sony.

…and as long-time listeners of The ArtCast might expect, Chris cannot resist completely geeking-out about Surf’s Up.

Jose-Luis Segura joins me as a guest co-host.

Interview With Armand Serrano (Part 1) :: ArtCast #90

By Chris Oatley

Armand Serrano‘s inventive compositions, visceral line work and story-rich environment designs have made him a living legend in the animation industry.

Join us today as we discuss the start of his long road to success in the animation industry which led to the creation of his trend-setting work on Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, Surf’s Up and Big Hero 6…

Escape From Art Jail #5: Designing An Adaptive Portfolio For Conventions & Recruiting Events

By Chris Oatley

Many artists are under the misconception that “the portfolio” is a fixed, finish-able thing…

This misconception can be particularly restrictive at conventions, job fairs and other recruiting events where you get frequent feedback from industry pros.

In this episode we share a strategy that will help you design a physical portfolio that can adapt to the feedback and unexpected opportunities you’ll encounter throughout the event…

Interview With Character Designer Justin Rodrigues (Part 2) :: ArtCast #87

By Chris Oatley

In part one, Justin Rodrigues shared healthy ways to deal with rejection and how his character design style combines 2d and 3d sensibilities.

Now, in part two, he talks about how the internal and external aspects of a character inform his designs, why ‘personal style’ can be a problem and the most important question an aspiring character designer can ask…

Plus: Sarah Marino‘s mentee, Austin Light, shares an extraordinary breakthrough story that involves Robert Downey Jr. and a deal with Chronicle Books!

Interview With Character Designer Justin Rodrigues (Part 1) :: ArtCast #86

By Chris Oatley

Justin Rodrigues is a good friend and one of my favorite current artists.

In this episode, we discuss the most productive way to respond to rejection and how his character design style blends 2D sensibility with 3D structure.

After Justin’s interview, Spanish concept artist Juan Francisco Bautista Zambrana shares the story of a recent career breakthrough and what he learned while breaking into game design!

Concept Art: How To Break In and Stay In

Footer

Become A Professional Visual Storyteller