Typical career routes
There is no typical career route to becoming a Concept Artist. Some may start their careers as Graphic Artists, Illustrators or Graphic Novelists; others have worked in Special or Visual Effects or in Animation, and make the transition to Concept Artist via storyboarding.Essential knowledge and skills
Concept Artists must have up-to-date knowledge of computer illustration software packages, e.g., Photoshop and/or Painter. They must also be conversant with film imagery and have a good understanding of what Directors, Directors of Photography and Editors require from a scene.
Key Skills include:
excellent illustration skills;
effective communication skills;
ability to visualise perspective and 3-dimensional space;
a keen interest in design, architecture and film;
ability to visually interpret other people's ideas;
ability to be flexible and to adapt to change when requested;
ability to work as part of a team;
knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although there are no specific training routes or qualifications for Concept Artists, completing Art School courses that emphasise draughting skills, graphics, and how to conceptualise ideas are recommended, e.g., Fine Art, Graphics, Illustration, etc.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit
www.skillset.org/careers.
13 Oct 2011, 5:05 pm
