Hey guys, I have a question. First, here's my situation; I'm currently studing to be an astist(old fansion 2D pencil and paper), and I want to break into the game industry. My ideal job as an artiest would be to do concept artwork for games. Now here's the problem; I heard (from several sources) that it is very hard to get a job for a (game)company as a simple pencil-n-paper artist. Here's the big question; Should I go to a Fine Art school and concentrate on those skills? OR, should I switch to something probably more useful in the game industry, such computer/3D art? Thanks

Unless you can get on with a large or long-established company that can afford a full-time concept artist having only paper and pencil skills may be insufficient. However, if you are interested purely in conceptual work you may want to look into at least learning 2d software such as Photoshop and Painter. At least then you can also be useful as a texture artist. I use Photoshop quite a bit, but when it comes to actually drawing concepts or just sketching stuff out I prefer Painter, especially with a Wacom tablet.

If you're really passionate about concept art then I would concentrate on improving your skills in that area in addition to picking up some 2d software skills. I don't think learning 3d applications such as Max or Maya would be necessary for your situation, but knowing one of them would definetely broaden your job opportunities.

As someone who knows both 2d and 3d applications I find that I can actually use both for concepts. I find in my workflow that I switch back and forth between mediums. I usually start with a few paper/pencil sketches. If the scene/concept is complex enough then I will take it into a 3d application where I can block out basic shapes and geometry to use as guidelines while fine tuning my perspective and scene composition. At this stage I'm purely using the 3d application for volume and composition. I don't create any textured objects or worry about detail and lighting. From there I will use my desired perspective rendering as a reference for creating the final colored concept in Photoshop or Painter with the use of a Wacom tablet.

So even though it probably isn't required as a concept artist to know 3d in certain situations it may be helpful.

Hope this helps,
Matt

Thanks for the advice Matt. Any other opinions? Come on guys, I need advice!

you want a paying job right?

Most artist jobs now are 3d graphics jobs. So, take a CAD, or a modeling class, and use your creative background to help make a nice portfolio.

Don't stop drawing! I'd recommend you get on the tech side of art with 2d and 3d. I suggest learning photoshop and 3d studio max at school. Drawing helps in 2d and 3d art.

Certainly don't stop drawing, but you'll definately need to supplement your current medium with the digital arena. I'd recommend getting a Wacom tablet and playing around with one. They take just a little bit to get used to, but once you do they can feel quite natural with applications that are designed to take of advantage of their pressure sensitivity cabapabilities.

Some software that I'd recommend that you check out are Open Canvas and Corel's Painter. Both are excellent very popular programs. These programs will allow you to either scan in your current drawings and digitally paint over them to bring them to life and/or using a tablet create something amazing strictly digitally.

The last recommendations I'm going to give is ZBrush, of which which you can download the ZBrush Learning Edition for free at pixologic.com. The program allows you to create 3D objects with 2D painting skills.

When it comes down to it though, the only way you're going to be able to use your skills to work on games is by actually doing so. Make some impressive work and find someone else who is very strongly interested in 3D modeling to turn it into a 3D model... and then get it animated or plugged into a game. You can do all of this yourself as well, but working with other people in team helps to inspire creativity and working on anactual project together provides teamwork experience, which companies love.

I was assigned a project in Comp. Sci. II where we had to research and report on a career related to technology. I chose "Game (concept) art" and this thread helped a lot. [dances] Yay! Thank you to the people who ask the questions and to those who answer them! ^ ^