Concept Artist
This role is about producing concept art for the game. Concept art is used for a variety of purposes, to pitch and promote the game, to set an art style and to visually realise aspects of the design, most importantly characters and environments.
Concept artists are given briefs which range in detail and asked to create characters, weapons, vehicles and environments. Many concept artists specialise in one area such as characters. Much of the concept art for a game is required up front and so concept artists are often hired on a freelance basis.
This is probably the least technically demanding art role; many concept artists sketch on paper and then scan their drawings in and touch them up with Adobe Photoshop.
Getting a Concept Artist Job
You will need a portfolio which shows your ability to create characters, environments and props depending on your interest and area of expertise. It is common for people to create concepts based on their favourite books, films or games for their portfolio and this is fine but original creations will impress more.
It is also important to remember to try and show an ability to nail different styles. For example a common mistake made in applications is to send in a portfolio of Manga style concepts or scantily clad female characters all in the same style, unless the developer feels that style fits their project they are unlikely to want to talk to you.
Concept artists are often asked to produce model sheets after a concept is approved. This involves front side and back shots of the character to give the modeller exact proportions (for example the length of the arms). You must be able to draw character proportions consistently and clearly.
It is important to have a website which you can point potential employers at to show off your work. Never include any half-finished or sub-standard work in your portfolio or website, it is better to have a small range of finished high quality examples than a large range of low quality or unfinished examples. This may seem obvious but many people make this mistake and your better quality examples may be discounted if you include any work that is below par.
Useful Links for Concept Artists
Concept Art - website for artists, learn more about creating great art, post example work, search for jobs and interact with the wider community.
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