Introduction to Concept Art & Digital Illustration
Kick start your career in the film and game industry with this short course for beginners
Learn concept art and digital illustration from an industry mentor
Take the first step towards a career as a film and games artist
In this short course, you'll build your understanding of digital painting fundamentals, and see what it takes to make a career of your craft. Be mentored and inspired by an industry expert with years of experience creating art for the entertainment industry. Traditional artists welcome!
Why study digital painting at CG Spectrum:
- Be mentored by award-winning artists
- Learn to create art for film, games & publishing
- Discover expert Adobe Photoshop techniques
- Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)
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Discover how to create artwork for the entertainment and publishing industries. Whether it's concept art for film and games, or book cover art and trading card illustrations, your highly experienced and passionate mentor will help you get started in this creative field.
This course forms term one of the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma, so on completion, you'll be one-third of the way through the diploma!
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.
Read full bioDept. Head of Concept Art
Known for Resident Evil
Eric Wilkerson
Eric Wilkerson is an illustrator/concept artist for film, TV, advertising, publishing, comics and games. Clients include Weta Workshop, Marvel, Upper Deck, Scholastic and Disney.
Read full bioMentor of Illustration
Known for Upper Deck: Ultra Spider-Man
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.
Read full bioMentor of Concept Art
Known for World of Warcraft TCG
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.
Read full bioMentor of Concept Art
Known for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Brian Huang
Art director and concept artist who has worked on PC/mobile games at studios such as Blizzard. Brian's work has influenced games like World of Warcraft, Starcraft II and Diablo 3.
Read full bioMentor of Concept Art
Known for Star Craft II
Mike Thompson
Award-winning artist Mike has worked with clients such as Marvel, Hasbro, Dimension Films, HBO, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros, Mattel, DC Comics and Cartoon Network.
Read full bioMentor of Concept Art
Known for Black Panther
Bernie Kang
Now art director at Phoenix One, Bernie created creatures, characters, weapons and FX concepts for cinematic trailers for World of Warcraft and more while at Blizzard.
Read full bioMentor of Concept Art
Known for World of Warcraft
Concept Art & Illustration Course Pathway
We've built our courses based on industry input and focus on teaching skills studios are hiring for. The courses below form a complete study pathway designed to fast track your education so you can land your first job sooner.
Once you have completed the diploma, you may choose to specialize in either advanced concept art or advanced illustration (both options shown below).
Each course can also be taken separately depending on your skill level and career goals.
Overview:
The Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration Certificate teaches you solid foundations, giving you an idea of what it takes to pursue a career in this field.
This course serves as the first term of the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma, so you’ll already be one-third of the way through the diploma if you choose to continue your journey.
Prerequisites:
- Basic drawing skills, and a passion for drawing
- A digital drawing tablet and a computer that meets the minimum recommended specifications
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Certificate
- Duration: 3 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Beginner
- Software: A student educational license of Adobe Photoshop is provided to all students for free
Overview:
The Concept Art & Illustration Diploma develops your skill level further with more complex techniques and a focus on producing the quality expected in film and game production.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration Certificate
(Note: The Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration Certificate is embedded in the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma and serves as Term 01. If you have already completed the introductory course, you are one-third of the way through this diploma.) - A digital drawing tablet and a computer that meets the minimum recommended specifications
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Diploma
- Duration: 9 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Software: A student educational license of Adobe Photoshop is provided to all students for free
Overview:
The Advanced Concept Art Diploma takes your skills to an industry-standard level, with the final term focusing on career development and building your professional portfolio.
All diploma and advanced diploma students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma or a portfolio submission demonstrating equivalent learning outcomes
- A digital drawing tablet and a computer that meets the minimum recommended specifications
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Advanced Diploma
- Duration: 9 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Advanced
- Software: A license of Zbrush Core, Maya LT, Photoshop, 3D Coat and Marmoset Toolbag is provided to all students for free
Overview:
The Advanced Digital Illustration Diploma takes your skills to an industry-standard level, with the final term focusing on career development and building your professional portfolio.
All diploma and advanced diploma students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma or a portfolio submission demonstrating equivalent learning outcomes
- A digital drawing tablet and a computer that meets the minimum recommended specifications
Course Summary:
- Qualification: Advanced Diploma
- Duration: 9 months
- Commitment: 20 hours weekly
- Skill level: Advanced
- Software: A student educational license of Adobe Photoshop is provided to all students for free
I have found a greater confidence in my own work and as an artist.
I studied Introduction to Concept Art and Illustration, and it was fantastic. I have studied graphic design and digital media in the past but I wanted a refresh on illustration in a digital way. CG Spectrum were amazing! My mentor Brian was great! A good man with real care for his students. I couldn't be happier with my time at CG Spectrum. I am looking to continue my studies with them.
Thank you CG Spectrum for giving me exactly what I needed to get started in this competitive industry.
I started the Concept Art & Illustration Diploma at CG Spectrum in order to create a stunning portfolio to apply for an internship. As soon as I had my first lesson, I knew this was the best way to go. The weekly tasks were challenging, but with the excellent feedback from my amazing mentor, I was able to accomplish them. I was able to raise my skills to a professional level. My incredible mentor gave me valuable insights into the industry and guided me throughout the year. Without CG Spectrum I would never have been able to create a portfolio on a level that got me an amazing internship in Beijing.
Results of this course exceeded my expectations.
Eric Wilkerson is by far my favorite art teacher. He is patient, super helpful and encouraging. I had some self-discipline problems but when I started the Introduction to Concept Art & Illustration course, he immediately set me on the right path and I started drawing and learning every single day. He was always available if I had any questions or problems. His easy-going style and constant smile never made me feel bad when I made mistakes - on the contrary, it motivated me even more to work and learn from those mistakes.
