Building a Visual Library
Building a visual library is a crucial part of a concept artist's development. It helps you generate fresh and imaginative ideas while providing a solid foundation for your work. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start drawing and building a visual library as a concept artist:
Gather Art Supplies: To begin, you'll need some basic art supplies. This can include sketchbooks, drawing paper, a variety of pencils (from hard to soft), charcoal, and erasers. You can also explore digital tools if you prefer working on a tablet.
Choose Your Focus: Decide on the specific area you want to develop your visual library in. Concept artists often specialize in various subjects like character design, environments, vehicles, creatures, or props. Select your focus, as this will guide your efforts.
Study Existing Art: Start by studying the work of other concept artists, illustrators, and fine artists in your chosen field. Pay attention to their techniques, style, and how they depict the subjects you're interested in. This will help you understand the fundamentals of that particular area.
Learn Fundamentals: Before diving into concept art, ensure you have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of art. This includes perspective, anatomy, color theory, composition, and lighting. Invest time in learning and practicing these basics.
Reference and Observation: Gather reference materials related to your chosen subject matter. If you're focusing on creatures, study real animals. If you're into character design, look at people and clothing. Observe these subjects closely, noting details and how they interact with light and shadow.
Sketch and Draw Regularly: Practice, practice, practice. Set aside time each day to sketch and draw from life, reference materials, or your imagination. Experiment with different techniques and styles to see what works best for you.
Keep a Sketchbook: Maintain a dedicated sketchbook where you record your daily observations and ideas. This can be a great place to experiment, doodle, and jot down thoughts that might inspire your concept work.
Break Down Complex Concepts: When you're building your visual library, start with simple shapes and gradually move to more complex forms. For example, if you're designing vehicles, begin with basic shapes like cubes and cylinders, and then move to more intricate designs.
Create Thumbnails and Studies: Develop the habit of creating small thumbnail sketches and more detailed studies of your subject matter. These help you explore different ideas and refine your concepts.
Analyze and Reflect: After each drawing or study, take a step back and evaluate your work. Ask yourself what worked and what didn't. What did you learn from this practice session? This reflective process is crucial for growth.
Experiment with Style: Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles. Concept art often requires adaptability, so trying various styles can be beneficial.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with peers or mentors and be open to constructive criticism. Feedback is an invaluable part of improving your skills.
Set Goals: Establish specific goals for your visual library development. Whether it's a certain number of drawings per week or mastering a particular skill, having goals can help you stay motivated and focused.
Stay Inspired: Keep a lookout for inspiration from different sources - movies, books, nature, travel, and other artists. Inspiration can fuel your creativity and expand your visual library.
Remember that building a visual library is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and stay dedicated to consistent practice and learning. As your visual library grows, you'll find that your concept art becomes more unique and compelling.
