Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Hello everyone!

I'm looking for a break in the game industry as a freelance concept artist/illustrator, like many others I guess. Thus I was really excited when I found this site. Right now I could use some advice on how should I outsource works and potential clients. I've already posted on game sites like toucharcade, garagegames, modDB and boardgamegeek. All the above sites are made for indie developers, but I have not gotten much feedback. In addition, I have no clue how to reach a company!

I'd appreciate if you could spend some time for tips on where to look. Please let me know what you think of my portfolio as well, if it's not too much trouble.

My portfolio: rallisart.com

Thank you in advance!
Chris

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Hi, Chris.

1. So, you are looking for ways to obtain work, as a freelancer. Usually, to become a freelancer, you have to begin with not only talent but also experience and a portfolio. Then you have to network; after you've worked on some games (in a job, rather than as a freelancer), you'll have contacts - and you can leverage those contacts (that's part of how to network). Read these:
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson63.htm
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson54.htm

2. Which company do you want to reach?

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Hey Tom,

Although I've been working as a freelancer illustrator in my country for over 12 years, I have to admit that my field of expertise had nothing to do with game development. That's why I asked for your feedback on my portfolio. Thank you for the tips and I'll check those links asap.
Re the company I'd like to reach, I was hoping you guys could advise me accordingly.

Cheers,
Chris

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Chris,
1. You need to make a game portfolio, then.

2. You need to do research. Figure out what kinds of games your work is most suited to. Target the companies that make those sorts of games. And buy plane tickets, go to game conferences.

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Hey Tom,
Thank you for your hints and tips!

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Ohh, I've seen that vampire lady painting before :) Nice work.

If you want to work for the game industry, focus on design. Think of yourself as an industrial designer + fashion designer + interior designer + zoologist. Think about your art from a gamer's perspective: how does this monster attack? How will the player navigate the environment?

Cool mood and good painting technique always help, but the focus of game concept art is the ability to churn out a lot of ideas, iterate on them based on art director's feedback, and quickly switch between tasks.

As for how to contact a company, check out this website: http://www.gamedevmap.com/ if you haven't already. Find the location you'd like to work at and look at the list of companies there. Or, if you have a preferred company, just look up their website and go through the career page. Not many companies even send out rejection letters anymore, but contact a lot of them and you are bound to hear back from some.

Re: Concept artist / Illustrator needs advise
 

Hey nightblue!

That's very helpful advice! Thank you! I had no idea of this site. I'll check it out.

Cheers!