Concept Art Essentials
Get Your Start in Concept Art: Online Beginner's Course in Essential Tools and Techniques
The Concept Art Essentials course is designed to help aspiring artists develop the skills needed to begin creating professional-level concept art for films, video games, and other visual media.In this short course, you'll build your understanding of concept art and illustration essentials and see what it takes to make a career of your craft.
Why Choose Our Concept Art and Illustration Courses:
- Mentorship from Award-Winning Artists: Learn directly from top industry professionals who have worked at major studios.
- Build Your Foundations: Introduction to essential skills like composition, perspective, colour theory, and lighting.
- Industry-Standard Tools and Techniques: Receive training using the tools and methods used by professionals in the field.
- Concept Art Processes: Learn to ideate, iterate, and refine concepts, focusing on storytelling, visual cohesion, and clear communication.
By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with a solid foundation in concept art and an understanding of what it takes to be a successful concept artist. This course is suitable for beginners who want to explore the concept art field or artists looking to improve their skills.
Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.
Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.
Industry Mentors
Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.
Outcomes
Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.
Community
Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.
Group Class
Learn in a small group led by a working professional, with everyone's work reviewed every week the way a studio team operates. You grow alongside people chasing the same goals, sharpening your eye on their work as well as your own, and keep the momentum that comes from not working alone.
WHO IS THIS FOR
- Students who learn better in collaborative, social environments
- Career changers who want structure and accountability while they transition
- Recent school leavers looking for an alternative to a traditional university degree
Brandon Reimchen
Brandon brings almost 20 years of experience as a video game concept artist with a long client list that includes EA, Activision, Capcom, Gree, and Disney Interactive.
Known for Resident Evil
Brian Huang
Brian is an illustrator and concept artist for video games with expertise in art direction, visual development, and concept art. His credits include World of Warcraft, Diabolo, and Starcraft.
Known for Diablo III
Eric Wilkerson
Eric is an illustrator/concept artist for film, TV, advertising, publishing, comics and games. Clients include Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering), Weta Workshop, Marvel, Upper Deck, Scholastic and Disney.
Known for Magic: The Gathering
Fang Jing
Possessing a degree in concept art, Fang has produced many concept designs for projects including Minecraft Dungeons and Prison Architect. She currently works at Sony Playstation Studios.
Known for Concord
Humza Khan
Humza has worked for EA, Microsoft, Activision, LucasArts, Wargaming, Ubisoft, Fischer Price, Hasbro, Mattel. Credits include: Call of Duty, The Division 2, and the Sims.
Known for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Joel Carpenter
Joel Carpenter has spent 18 years working as a concept artist and illustrator across studios including Headstrong Games, Bravado Designs, Rockabox, and KIDSCAVE Studios, with cover work that earned Eagle Award nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Cover Artist. He mentors CGSI Concept Art and Illustration students on the visual development craft behind games, comics, and books.
Known for Kitti Katz
Kinman Chan
Kinman Chan has spent 22 years designing for film and games at Lucasfilm, ILM, Disney ImageMovers, Insomniac Games, and Disney Interactive. His credits include Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Strange Magic, A Christmas Carol, Curious George, and The Fox and the Hound 2. He mentors CGSI Concept Art students on the design thinking and visual storytelling that move a project from brief to screen.
Known for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Min Ru Lee
Min Ru Lee has spent 12 years working as a concept artist across studios including Mighty Jaxx, Fox and Co, and Resn. She mentors CGSI Concept Art students on the visual development craft behind games, collectibles, and brand-driven creative work.
Known for Mighty Jaxx collectibles
Peter Ocampo
Peter is a freelance concept artist and has worked at DNEG as an in-house concept artist on diverse projects for film and TV. He has a particular passion for designing dark horror creatures.
Known for Annihilation
Rachel Blackthorn
Rachel is a Concept Artist and Illustrator specializing in visual storytelling and creature design. She currently works at Flix Interactive and is a Women in Games Ambassador.
Known for Sea of Thieves
Tyler James
Award-winning artist Tyler has worked with major clients like Cryptozoic and Blizzard on titles including Heroes of the Storm, Warhammer, Rift, Star Wars, Hex, Warcraft, and RWBY.
Known for Heroes of the Storm
Get The Education You Deserve
"Thank you CG Spectrum for giving me exactly what I needed to get started in this competitive industry.
I started the Concept Art & Illustration Course to create a stunning portfolio to apply for an internship. Without CG Spectrum I would never have been able to create a portfolio on a level that got me an amazing internship in Beijing."
Victoria P | Concept Art & Illustration
"Not just for people wanting to break into the industry, it's also for professionals already in it.
I am a concept artist at Paradox Interactive in Sweden, and I wanted to expand my illustration skills, so I decided to take the Digital Illustration Course. I am loving it!! If you're a professional and want to learn a new skill, I would say go ahead! Expand your set of skills!
Ahmed A | Concept Art & Illustration
"I was approached by Skybound North, and after a couple of months freelancing, I was offered an in-house job on a new animation project.
I went to a game art school after I graduated, but it wasn’t really what I was looking for. At the same time, I had started CG Spectrum’s concept art course, which is where I met my mentor Brandon Reimchen. He was an amazing teacher!"
April P | Concept Art & Illustration
"Thanks to CG Spectrum, I am a lot closer to my dream of being a concept artist.
The curriculum structure is very reasonable, with both academic basic theories and useful suggestions for career paths. Thanks to my mentors, Brian Huang and Victoria Sarkissian, who not only taught me drawing skills and design techniques, but more importantly, they also gave me the confidence to continue working hard."
Xin L | Concept Art & illustration
"I have nothing but great things to say of CG Spectrum!
I was a bit unsure when I signed up for the concept art course because I had no prior experience, but it changed my life. I had a great mentor, Brandon, who would always push me to do better and I learned valuable things in each class."
Erika H | Concept Art & Illustration
"I have never experienced such an explosive evolution in my art since attending CG Spectrum.
I have learnt an incredible amount, not only from my amazing mentor Eric Wilkerson but from the entire CGS community. Being part of such an amazing program has opened my eyes to techniques that have streamlined my process and increased my confidence tenfold. I highly recommend the Advanced Illustration Course. Buckle up, and knuckle down – this could be the course that changes everything for you."
Oliver H | Concept Art & Illustration
"I've never improved as an artist so quickly.
Great course! They teach you what you need to know and don't waste your time with stuff that just fills out a course. It was specific to what I needed to know. The classes are very personable and the mentors are industry professionals that never hesitate to put in the effort to help you out. I definitely would recommend this to people interested in getting into the industry."
Tom G | Concept Art & Illustration
Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios
Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career. Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.
Looking For Something Else?
Check out our full range of courses with study options for all skill levels, from short introductory courses, specialized industry tracks and accredited degrees and diplomas
