A Day in the Life of a Concept Artist

Concept artists are responsible for creating the designs we see in the entertainment industry, from films to video games and animation. Their job is to take written or verbal ideas and transform them into functional designs that guide and inspire production teams. But what does a day in the life of a concept artist actually look like?

We’re offering an insider’s perspective on a typical workday for a concept artist at a studio like Athena Productions from how they start their day to what they do after hours!

Watch our 'What is Concept Art' video, to discover what a concept artists does!

Morning: Starting The Day Off

The day typically begins with a morning meeting, where the team discusses upcoming tasks, project deadlines, and even weekend plans!

These meetings are especially valuable for remote teams, providing an almost face-to-face way to connect, collaborate, and start the day with a bit of laughter. This discussion also sets the stage for brainstorming and ideation, ensuring that all team members align on creative goals and project direction before diving into their work.

Once the meeting concludes, artists review the previous day's work and address any client or director feedback that may have come in overnight.

The Role of Brainstorming in Concept Art

Brainstorming is a fundamental part of the concept art process, helping artists generate new ideas, explore different design directions, and push boundaries. Each artist has a different approach to brainstorming, including:

• Mind Mapping: A visual representation of ideas that branches out from a central concept, allowing artists to explore multiple possibilities quickly.

• Thumbnail Sketching: Quick, rough sketches that capture the essence of an idea without too much detail, helping artists iterate rapidly.

• Reference Gathering: Collecting images, videos, and real-world examples to inform designs and inspire creativity.

• Brainstorming with the Team: Discussing ideas with teammates, whether it's the art director or a fellow artist. Bouncing thoughts off one another can sometimes lead to unexpected ideas.

The Importance of Sketching in Concept Art

Sketching is the first step in concept art, transforming an initial idea into a visual representation. Artists start with rough, exploratory sketches that focus on composition, shape, and readability. These early sketches allow for rapid iteration, enabling artists to test different designs and compositions without committing to a final version.

Sketching can be in color or black and white, but the aim is to focus on the overall design rather than getting into tiny details.

Digital Tools and Software in Concept Art

Concept artists rely on a range of digital tools to bring their visions to life. Each artist has their own preferences, but here are a few commonly used tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: A staple for digital painting, allowing artists to create and edit concepts, experiment with color and lighting, and more.

• Blender: A powerful 3D modeling tool that helps artists create unique models, light scenes, and add cameras. Proficiency in 3D software is essential in modern concept art techniques.

• ZBrush: Ideal for sculpting characters, creatures, and props, which can then be rendered in a 3D program and painted over.

• Unreal Engine: Like Blender, Unreal Engine allows artists to render millions of polygons in a scene or view it in real-time, simulating how a player might navigate the environment.

Whether working on environments, characters, vehicles, or props, this phase requires balancing creativity with design principles to ensure the concept art is both functional and visually inspiring.

Collaboration and Refinement

Concept art is rarely a solo endeavor; collaboration is a key part of the workflow. Artists work closely with art directors, producers, and other departments to align their work with the overall vision of the project. Throughout the day, they send their work for feedback, refining their designs based on critiques to ensure consistency with the brief, whether in terms of art style or technical constraints.

Artists also prioritize tasks, conduct research as needed, and take short breaks to recharge, whether stretching, stepping outside for fresh air, or grabbing a hot drink.

Lunchtime: Recharge and Reflect

Taking a well-deserved break is crucial. Many concept artists use lunchtime to grab a meal, go for a walk, or even read a book. Stepping away from work allows the brain to reset, often leading to fresh ideas and solutions to creative challenges.

Some artists plan their lunch breaks strategically, opting to eat earlier to maximize their focus in the afternoon. For our Senior Concept Artist, Titas, the post-lunch hours are the most productive: “After lunch and a good cup of coffee, I feel my energy peak, so I try to eat early to make the most of that boost!”

Others use this time to check emails, review feedback, or prepare for their next tasks. These midday rituals help artists maintain momentum and keep creativity flowing throughout the day.

Afternoon: Refining and Polishing

After lunch, the refinement process begins. At this stage, concept artists frequently share progress with art directors to ensure their designs align with the project. They continue making adjustments based on feedback to push the overall design forward.

Dealing with Deadlines

Tight deadlines play a significant role in concept art. The need to deliver assets quickly means artists must balance speed with quality, making rapid adjustments while maintaining the integrity of the original vision.

Prioritization is crucial; artists focus on key elements that have the greatest impact while streamlining less essential details.

End-of-Day Wrap-Up

As the day winds down, concept artists work toward any final deadlines, checking in with art directors and producers to confirm priorities and last-minute adjustments.

Before signing off, they finalize their work for submission, organize files, update project trackers, and ensure designs are in a good place for the next day. Teams may also discuss upcoming tasks, check project timelines, and plan for the following day’s focus.

After Hours: Staying Inspired

Once the workday ends, it's important for artists to recharge. For our concept artist Titas, “after work is when I focus on recharging, exercising, socializing, and relaxing to clear my mind. This downtime is essential for recharging so I can hit the ground running the next day.”

Whether through exercise, socializing, or simply unwinding, stepping away from work is essential for maintaining a fresh perspective and preventing burnout.

Beyond relaxation, many artists work on personal projects or learn new techniques. The industry is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with trends, software, and artistic techniques is key. Personal projects provide a space for experimentation and growth, allowing artists to refine their skills outside of professional constraints.

Engaging with the concept art community is another great way to stay motivated. Sharing work on platforms like ArtStation, participating in online challenges, or connecting with fellow artists can be inspiring and provide valuable learning opportunities.

Additionally, maintaining a strong portfolio is essential for career advancement. A well-organized and regularly updated portfolio showcases an artist's skills, versatility, and adaptability to different styles, helping to attract potential employers and clients.

Beyond relaxation, many artists continue nurturing their creativity through personal projects, learning new techniques, or engaging with peers.

Final Thoughts

A day in the life of a concept artist is dynamic and ever-changing, filled with creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

From morning meetings to refining designs in the afternoon, each stage of the day contributes to building worlds that captivate and inspire audiences. The ability to bring ideas to life and collaborate with talented teams makes the work both rewarding and inspiring.

The flexible nature of the job keeps artists engaged, whether they’re brainstorming new concepts, refining designs based on feedback, or pushing new techniques. Every day presents fresh challenges and opportunities for growth, making concept art an exciting and fulfilling career for aspiring artists!

Athena Productions is a concept art outsourcing studio and we loving hearing from other concept artists who want to join our team working on video games from indie to AAA. If you are interested in sending us a speculative application, get in touch with us today!