According to the Skill Set website, the concept artist is essentially an illustrator who works at the bidding of the production designers to create the look for a film, video or video game. These artists work with the production designer very early on in the production process, which can be up to six months or more before the project begins production.
The concept artist's job is very specialized, and as a result, the demand for someone who can do this job is very limited. This makes competition for these jobs steep, according to Game Career Guide. The artists getting the jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, are the ones who have the best training and a good portfolio.
A concept artist has a number of options available to him when moving in concept art as a career, according to the Skill Set website. Concept artists often begin their careers as graphic artists, illustrators and graphic novelists. Additionally, people working in animation or special effects also move into concept art, making the jump to this area of production via storyboarding.
Despite not having a unified training program for concept artists, there are a few skills that concept artists regardless of their backgrounds are expected to know, such as knowing how to use Adobe Photoshop or Painter. They must understand how imagery in film works, as well as the roles the director, directors of photography and editors need to have in a scene. Additionally, they should be excellent illustrators and have the ability to visualize three-dimensional space. They must also be able to interpret other people's ideas from a visual standpoint.
Although there is no one single way to train to become a concept artist, that does not mean that these professionals do not require training. Many of these skills can be obtained in a university art program. Once in the program, this would-be professional must develop very strong skills in drawing and painting, illustration, graphic design and three-dimensional art. They also need to learn how to use the latest industry standard graphics programs. Additionally, training in film production and animation are helpful. This instruction allows the concept artist to speak to other members of the production as well as an understanding of how film production works. Finally, some of the training for the concept artist happens on the job, according to Game Career Guide.