JulioNicoletti In reply to THEQUANTICOMPUTER [2019-06-30 03:24:32 +0000 UTC]

Hey!
I think FZD is a good bet. Gnomons got good stuff as well, and I dont know much about Art Center.
I'd suggest talking to people that graduated from those schools and hear their thoughts on them.

Concept art is a little different than illustration, so just be wary of that. Having said that, a lot of amazing concept artists have an illustration background (Karla Ortiz for instance, or Noah Bradley.) I think FZD will fast track you to being a concept artist better than a degree in illustration but again Id do more research first.

Also, just realized you said you're 16...Oh how I wish I had your time. Well, while you're still in highschool, spend some time getting a headstart on the studies. Proko is a good place to start!

Hope that helps

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Fellming [2019-04-10 17:10:00 +0000 UTC]

I think you can start at any time! You have a lot of nice art on your page. I'd suggest trying some new concepts rather than fanart. Maybe pick a universe and then try to design a new character that could fit in that universe.

Doing concepts is fun for me, so you can just mix it in your regular drawing routine. 

Also make sure you have two monitors, one for reference and one for drawing. I use Pur Ref as a reference image app. 

hope that helps

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Fellming In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-10 20:21:02 +0000 UTC]

Thanks you for advice! I'll do more concepts from now on. They are fun for me too but more energy consuming haha. Maybe because this is a bit unusual to me.
Wish you luck in your future goals of art career

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JulioNicoletti In reply to beastiii [2019-04-05 17:35:14 +0000 UTC]

Short answer: Yes

Long answer:

So yup, I am a concept artist now but I worked in 3D for 4.5 years to save up money and work on my portfolio.

In September, I left my last 3D job for good and decided to use my savings and work on my 2d art growth for a couple years. Oddly enough, Kabam was looking for a concept artist and I applied at the time. I somehow landed the job and 2 weeks later Im in my first concept position!

I think there was a lot of good advice in that thread. 

Work on your fundamentals, its the most important and something I still do. Doing studies is something youll probably do your whole life. 

Think of your favourite concept artist, and try and be better than them. I liked that advice. Really gave me a good drive. 

Im still nowhere near where I'd like to be in terms of skill, but knowing your own weaknesses and working on them is a good way to grow.

I hope that's kinda helpful...let me know if you have questions and good luck

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beastiii In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-05 17:43:35 +0000 UTC]

I am so so so happy it has worked out for you!!  
I am currently working on my own skills and am attending 
an art college in August!

I really do hope being in school will
discipline me to do more studies and
I want to be better than all my class mates!!

I do have a question. I know its very hard work to
get recognized and good so, do you recommend 
starting out at smaller studios first, and then building 
a reputation? My dream would to be working as a character
and world concept artist for things like assassins creed or
other really in depth and beautiful areas like that. 

Sorry, I am sending you so many words but I have never
spoken with someone who succeeded at becoming a concept
artist!!!  

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JulioNicoletti In reply to beastiii [2019-04-05 20:03:11 +0000 UTC]

Dont worry about asking questions, I like to help when I can

So, getting recognized. I think recognition will come with skill. First develop your skills, and worry about reputation after. Besides, being popular won't necessarily get you a job. To get a job you just need a strong portfolio and a personality the interviewers like. That's not always the case, tho. I think there are some artists that develop a very unique and recognizable style, and a studio will hire them to have their name on the game or movie (HR Gieger is probably the best example I can think of, tho its a dated one)

Basically if you build it, they will come. Focus on your studies first and foremost. Starting at a small studio is a great idea! That's what I did, and it was a great experience. Working at a large studio has huge benefits as well. The big one being that you will be surrounded by artists who are *way better* than you and you can learn from them. 

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beastiii In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-05 20:11:08 +0000 UTC]

This answers my question well, thank you! 

One last question, I am still in high school, I have a job, 
and am very busy so lately I have not drawn a lot and it
makes me stressed that I am losing time to practice anatomy. 

Realistically, where I am now with my art, how long does it 
really take to get good at anatomy and being able to build forms
and put muscle on those forms? A few years? 

I really want to master anatomy and basic concept ideas
like layout, color, and how the painting it laid out before hand. 

That is where I have the least skill right now. My sketch books 
are spilling over with great ideas and scenes but I can never 
learn how to do the right lighting or colors to make it perfect! 

Again, sorry for so much, I am just so excited to talk to you! 

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JulioNicoletti In reply to beastiii [2019-04-05 23:38:20 +0000 UTC]

Hey! ok...still in highschool. So much potential!

"stressed that Im losing time to practice anatomy"
- Don't worry about that too much. I would start by setting small goals. I was maybe doing 5 actual studies a year until I started setting goals for myself. Try doing a 100 study challenge. Do a hundred studies in a year. Then take a year off, and do it again but do a thousand this time. I did the 1k challenge and found it useful:  www.artstation.com/artwork/92R… 
-try treating your goals as a job. For instance "Sorry, I can't make it to next weeks party because I work" Then give yourself a couple hour shift of just drawing, as a job. It probably wont be super fun tho
- dont overwork. still go out and have fun but just dont forget about your goals

"Realistically, where I am now with my art, how long does it 
really take to get good at anatomy and being able to build forms
and put muscle on those forms? A few years? "
-Yah, I would say 1-3 years. But it's different for everyone. I still dont feel super confident drawing people, and I'm almost 30. How long does it take to "get good" is unfortunately kind of vague, because you will always be trying to get better. I feel the same desire to "get good" as I did when I was your age!

"That is where I have the least skill right now. My sketch books 
are spilling over with great ideas and scenes but I can never 
learn how to do the right lighting or colors to make it perfect! "
-Striving for perfection is gonna kill you! Just fail fast and fail often. Its better than spending 20 hours rendering a cheek. (if your goal is concept art. Being an illustrator is a whole other beast and I dont have the knowledge to help you there)

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beastiii In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-06 01:46:30 +0000 UTC]

You're right! I should try the challenges! I've always noticed
I improve with repetition. I think I am decent at human faces 
but I only got this far by drawing twenty faces a day on napkins,
my own arm, sketchbooks, or whatever. I would draw people around 
me and I still do! 

This one is inspired by a lady stocking shelves at the grocery store!
I know it is not realistic but it was so much fun to turn her features 
so dramatic imgur.com/F1UORqy

This one is of my baldy math teacher I hate imgur.com/LmwyLzQ
The cubes are trying to fit into the holes in his head because he is childish. 

This is one I strive to paint digitally one day. imgur.com/5wH1XhG
An alien in their main control room. I swear I have 1000 sketches ready to
become full pieces. This one I want to make glowy lighting. 

I keep going off but again, all of your advice is so great and really motivates
me to keep pushing. I am so happy to talk to a concept artist as it really makes
me feel like if someone else has done it, then I can do it too and become one. 

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JulioNicoletti In reply to beastiii [2019-04-10 01:02:51 +0000 UTC]

Hey sorry for the late reply on this, been busy lately. Keep doing those people studies! And inbetween the life drawing, follow some drawing guides like Reilly and Loomis. Proko has some great videos explaining their methods.

I like your creativity; you are thinking with a side of your brain that I dont use enough haha. I think with some more practice you could take these to the next level. 

I have a suggestion actually. Maybe find an artist whos work you like, and break it down. Drag it into photoshop and just look at the way they did it. What's the lighting light? How are they applying brushstrokes? Then do your own work using their style as a guideline. Could be useful!

And yah, I think anyone can be a concept artist! Just gotta put in the time

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beastiii In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-10 02:27:00 +0000 UTC]

Oh, no worries! The real world is much more important!
I've never actually done a study on my favorite artists before! 
If you wouldn't mind, I might do one on your works, but of course
I wont publish it if you don't want me to! I just admire your skills
in putting together muscles. Your grasp of anatomy is really good. 

Also, this is not too relevant but... I got an email this morning and I
was accepted into my 1st choice of art school for concept illustration!
Even better, its 80% paid for! Not a very humble brag but I am more
excited than ever and with the school being so cheap, I am 100% 
becoming a concept artist. 

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JulioNicoletti In reply to beastiii [2019-04-05 20:24:46 +0000 UTC]

Hey! Im off break now but I'd love to reply to this later. Can you shoot me another message in 5 or 6 hours so I get the notification and dont forget?

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beastiii In reply to JulioNicoletti [2019-04-05 20:27:37 +0000 UTC]

Of course !

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Sanrou [2018-04-24 23:13:12 +0000 UTC]

Ive actually been watchin yah for awhile, but I recently unwatched everyone I followed over the years and refollowed all the exo bio and spec evo people I can think of! I might start getting back into the deviantart community this year (past 5 years have been purely focused on commercial/production art)

Anywho, good to see youre still making things for ANU!

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Sanrou In reply to JulioNicoletti [2018-04-27 01:31:00 +0000 UTC]

Oh yeah, I remember now, thanks for clarifying. For the niche of spec evo, I think DA still the major network, so it's good to see you back. Cheers!

Thanks! I'll not stop anytime soon 

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Snowify [2017-12-07 17:37:11 +0000 UTC]

Thanks so much!

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Z0mb3xor [2016-09-22 19:44:08 +0000 UTC]

Wooo glad you like it! I loved looking at your renders, its so cool to see people having fun with and appreciating my models. It really makes me want to make more stuff for the Source market!

As for a termagaunt version...that would be pretty sweet. I could give it a shot. It would probably be with my own gun design, or devourer (im not a fan of tyranid guns that look like guns, you know what I mean?). Im currently backed up on a few projects right now but Ill let you know if I do it. Thanks again

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Z0mb3xor In reply to JulioNicoletti [2016-09-23 05:30:25 +0000 UTC]

If you can produce such high quality models as that I would love for you to make more. Of course that is entirely up to you. And a Termagant with a Devourer is a lot better than their default firearm, I always gave them that when I assembled them too

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Z0mb3xor [2016-09-23 15:55:15 +0000 UTC]

Yup, I always painted them red. Strawberry power!

I'll let you know if I do anymore character models for steam..Right now Im working on a demon guy of my own design

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JulioNicoletti In reply to noxbat [2016-08-20 21:56:50 +0000 UTC]

Hello! I think I'll be with you guys for term 3. I've talked with a lot of GAD27 about improving my class, so I'll be trying out a new lesson plan with you. Should be fun!

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noxbat In reply to JulioNicoletti [2016-08-21 00:29:58 +0000 UTC]

Awesome! Totally looking forward to it! 

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JulioNicoletti In reply to stichmouth [2016-05-17 00:40:35 +0000 UTC]

Hey! 2013 was right after I graduated at VanArts. At school I learned about how important it was to do painting studies. Anatomy, lighting, etc. So around that time I started implementing what I learned at school. yah, do studies! Find a picture of a landscape or a figure and try to paint it. I've been drawing lots of characters lately so I've focused on anatomy studying.

As for 3D, blender is fine but I'd really suggest getting zbrush at some point! I don't think 3Dcoat has the same sculpting capabilities as zbrush. Zbrush is also very common at a lot of studios (I use it every day at work).

Thanks and hope that helps!

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stichmouth In reply to JulioNicoletti [2016-05-17 21:52:53 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for the tips

and as a side note, I hear you guys in canada have it easier
with the high education than americans(I'm american).

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JulioNicoletti In reply to stichmouth [2016-05-17 22:08:00 +0000 UTC]

Everything in Canada is better

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JulioNicoletti In reply to adriascarborough [2016-03-24 18:01:36 +0000 UTC]

Hi! Funny you mentioned that thread; I actually got an email from someone recently asking the same question.

I remember at that time in my life I was struggling with the idea of spending so much money on school but Im glad I did. I took the Game Art course at VanArts Institute of Media Arts and Design. It's a year long program that focuses on 3D. If you want to focus on concept art, I'd suggest maybe going somewhere else (there are only a couple of classes that focus on concept art).

I was actually brought on as an instructor at VanArts so if you decide to come I'll see ya there

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adriascarborough In reply to JulioNicoletti [2016-03-31 16:48:02 +0000 UTC]

That's great to know, actually I find I'm a bit more interested in 3d art (started playing around with blender). Unfortunately, moving isn't an option right now, but perhaps I'll find an online program. That's pretty great that it only took a year.

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JulioNicoletti In reply to DreamingSentinel [2015-05-25 16:33:36 +0000 UTC]

Hey Sentinel! First of all thanks for the kind words. Stuff like that always keeps me inspired to do more art! Being able to inspire someone is just such a nice feeling

As for advice...Just do lots of studies! Looks like you do a lot of character stuff so I think your first step is to learn anatomy. Anatomy is something I am terrible at but slowly improving on. Unfortunately because of that I don't really feel super comfortable telling you the best way to learn it as I'm still doing that myself I went to Vanarts for a game art program a couple years ago and I found I improved the most through life drawing. Though, it is incredibly frustrating. Humans are very good at recognizing faces so when you draw a face and the slightest thing is off, it's very noticeable. (one of the reasons human taxidermy doesnt work haha)

"And how did you teach yourself colour so wonderfully?"
Oh man I feel so weak in the colour area haha! Just do plenty of studies and always always always always use reference (not considered "cheating" at all). And look up basic colour theory as well. I typically play it safe on the colour wheel hehe...

But yah...gotta learn the fundamentals. I'd probably be a lot better if I'd just take the time to practice drawing in perspective or learning how light bounces on objects. For fundamentals it typically breaks down into shading, perspective, composition and anatomy.

Anyways I hope that's somewhat helpful...I like that your art has character and story to it! Just work on the fundamentals and draw every day and you'll be fine. And have a sketchbook. And sketch all the things.

-Julio

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DreamingSentinel In reply to JulioNicoletti [2015-05-26 03:45:30 +0000 UTC]

Thanks so much!! I'll definitely be sure to go explore all those things And you don't have to believe you're perfect at anatomy but you're far from terrible, haha But yeah, I really appreciate this, it was very helpful. Thankyou

I'll be sure to watch your future posts though, they are very inspiring stuff!

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JulioNicoletti In reply to DreamingSentinel [2015-05-26 06:17:07 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Feel free to ask for advice any time, though I'm on fb more so might be easier to get a response there

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DreamingSentinel In reply to JulioNicoletti [2015-05-26 07:59:43 +0000 UTC]

I don't actually have a facebook But that's alright, I don't think I have any dramatically time-dependent questions haha But that's really nice to know, thankyou I love your cloud dragon by the way

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JulioNicoletti In reply to DreamingSentinel [2015-05-26 16:37:19 +0000 UTC]

Sounds good, and thanks again I think I will do more cloud dragons

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DreamingSentinel In reply to JulioNicoletti [2015-05-27 00:17:03 +0000 UTC]

Sweet!

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Stumpu [2015-01-17 20:41:11 +0000 UTC]

Hello there, thanks for the kind words! Feel free to ask any questions at all. Also, I tend to post stuff to facebook a lot more so feel free to follow me there. I teach texturing at a game art school here in Vancouver and work at FunPlus where I do a lot of environment art.

You have a very cool style by the way, supa colourful! It would be cool to incorporate that into your enviro textures

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Stumpu In reply to JulioNicoletti [2015-01-18 22:31:36 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much! I followed you on facebook.

I am in the Arts and Technology program at the University of Texas at Dallas, which supports 3D modeling/animation and game development much more than any sort of game art ... so I feel I'm on my own when it comes to learning this skill.

As someone who has been more of a portrait artist for most of my life, I'm not completely sure where to start when it comes to environments. I guess a lot of it will be researching different types of architecture and plants and getting down a good process.

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Stumpu [2015-01-19 04:57:04 +0000 UTC]

Haha I'm the completely opposite situation; been doing environments all my life and my new years resolution is to learn how to draw faces. Might buy some Nathan Fowkes demos.

For environments, start by modeling some props (in my gallery I have a trash can and water pump). Props are great for nailing down a process. I take it you'll be doing a lot of hand painted stuff, so check out Firstkeepers gallery for sure (she does characters but it could be a good place to look in terms of style).

Also polycount is a great resource!
wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Catego…

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Stumpu In reply to JulioNicoletti [2015-01-21 03:55:32 +0000 UTC]

Oh goodness I'm pretty familiar with human anatomy/facial proportions, and I want to practice that as well. But what they had us doing in every art class ever was copying what we see, so I can't come up with faces without a picture to base it off of (dammit, American highschool). I love character art as well, but I know that involves much, much more than simply knowing how to draw portraits.

Awesome, I'll definitely take that into consideration and do some studies and things like that! I've been doing some quick paintings of landscapes as practice, but it'd probably be better to practice painting props so I can fail faster and move on. Thank you very much, I feel that the overwhelming task of learning environment art has been narrowed down a bit for me.

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JulioNicoletti In reply to Psychodrake [2013-12-21 05:36:19 +0000 UTC]

Wow that means a ton. Thanks man! I still remember my early days on TTH posting concepts for tyranids I wanted to sculpt. Now I /actually/ have the tools and knowledge to sculpt, even if it's digital. It's a really neat feeling to know that all that warhammer stuff was put to good use. Anyways, just gotta keep pushing. I keep my old stuff up to remind myself where I've come from and where I need to go.

I think the most important thing I've learned on this journey so far is to study study study. Animal muscles systems, human anatomy, perspective etc. By far I've learned the most from doing things like that.

Love the Troglodon and Jade-eyed btw! Keep it up!

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Psychodrake In reply to JulioNicoletti [2013-12-21 12:23:56 +0000 UTC]

I've literally just started watching Jeremy Vickery lectures by one of my tutors suggestions on light and sound to start grasping the idea of sculpting, lighting and using colour. I've never been proficient at cast shadows and light but it's starting to pick up. It's surprising how much of a difference just sitting and listening, watching and taking in information really makes compared to sitting and drawing the same flat images over and over.

Not to say practical study doesn't help. Life drawing at Uni has been a life saver.

Cheers dude, I was happy with the Troglodon. I'd really love to go back into it and get some subsurface scattering and stuff going on. The composition of the piece was a weak point but like you said, comparing new to old, it's a big jump for myself.

Also I think TTH is some kind of concentration camp formed by Yori nowadays. Can't say I've checked in a while.

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