Contextual Studies: Researching the role of Concept Artist

A glance at the role of a game artist

Game Artist is a generalisation for a collection of various specialist job roles. These vary depending on the company you work for and the scale of the workforce you are working within. Smaller companies may employ general game artists whilst other larger companies will employ several game artists focusing on specific job roles such as concept artist, 3D artists, character artists etc.

Games artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game including characters, scenery, objects, vehicles, surface, textures etc. They are also responsible for creating concept art and storyboarding to communicate the proposed visual elements during pre-production working under the supervision of the Lead Artist. 

To be a games artist you must have be able to demonstrate range of fundamental drawing skills along with technical ability and a varied portfolio. You should be creative and have your own original style. Fundamental drawing skills are required such as drawing from life and working knowledge of anatomy and architecture as well as being able to convey a range of facial expressions and emotions. A good understanding of colour, composition, perspective, lighting and mood are all essential.

As a game artist it is your job to make the game look aesthetically pleasing be it realistic or stylistic. There are various specialisms as a game artist including 3D modelling, character design, texture artist, UI artist and environments plus more.  Each artist is responsible for the creation of allocated assets within a game however there is a lot of flexibility within roles. Game artists are not limited to work solely within the game, they also create artwork for packaging, promotional material and websites.

Job role specifications according to Creative Skill set Website:

·         Concept Artist - usually using traditional materials (e.g. pen and paper) rather than computer software, the Concept Artist sketches ideas for the game worlds, characters, objects, vehicles, furniture, clothing, etc. They also suggest level designs, colour schemes, and the mood and feel of the game. Although not involved in creating the actual game art, their concept will shape the look of the game

·         3D Modeller - builds the characters, objects and environments of the game, including life forms, scenery, vegetation, furniture, and vehicles, etc. They need to balance visual richness and detail with the limitations of the game's technology

·         2D/Texture Artist - creates and applies textures to characters, environments and game items, such as the surfaces of walls and floors of buildings. This is also a highly skilled area, which requires considerable knowledge of lighting, perspective, materials and visual effects

Creative Skill set recommends that the best pathway to success within the industry is to start with a strong art background and education. They recommend a work placement during a degree which is something I really want to do and have my partner's support with. 

References:

http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/330_games_artist