Concept Art for Video Games

Michigan State University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/concept-art-video-games

Introduction

**Course Review: Concept Art for Video Games on Coursera** Are you aspiring to break into the exciting world of video game design? If you have a knack for creativity and a passion for art, the course “Concept Art for Video Games” on Coursera is the perfect gateway to hone your skills and unleash your artistic potential. Designed for both beginners and those with some experience in digital art, this course provides an in-depth exploration of concept art with a focus on creating compelling visual environments for games. ### Course Overview The course consists of a comprehensive four-week program that emphasizes the crucial elements of concept art, primarily focusing on composition and digital painting techniques. As you progress through the modules, you’ll be guided through practical lessons that culminate in creating a fully finished environment concept ready for presentation. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 0: Introduction** The journey begins with an introductory module where you will gain insights into the importance of concept art in the gaming industry. You’ll learn best practices for studying composition and how to master digital painting techniques throughout the course. This foundational understanding sets the stage for what’s to come. **Week 1: Compositional Studies for Concept Art** In the first week, you’ll explore the significance of composition through engaging studies of film frames. This hands-on approach allows you to understand how composition impacts storytelling in games, helping you to build a solid visual narrative in your own artwork. You’ll practice creating small studies to grasp the nuances of composition effectively. **Week 2: Intro to 3D for Concept Art** The second week introduces you to the realm of 3D in concept art. Here, you’ll learn how to utilize 3D modeling tools to create fundamental shapes that can serve as the backbone for your environmental designs. This module is particularly beneficial as it intertwines traditional art techniques with modern technology, making it easier to visualize your concepts in three dimensions. **Week 3: Modeling and Exporting** Building on the previous week, the third module focuses on the technical aspects of modeling and exporting your creations. You’ll learn how to accurately model basic shapes for your environment and the best practices for exporting these images to Photoshop. This step is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for the painting process while helping you become proficient in the tools you’ll need. **Week 4: Painting the Concept** The final week is where all your learning comes to fruition. You will learn to paint over your 3D images to create a polished and completed concept. In this module, you’ll discover advanced digital painting techniques and tips that will elevate your artwork. The culmination of your efforts in this week will result in a ready-for-presentation environment concept, showcasing all the skills you’ve acquired throughout the course. ### Recommendations “Concept Art for Video Games” stands out not just for its comprehensive syllabus, but also for the hands-on approach it promotes. The course is structured in a way that encourages students to practice and apply learned techniques immediately, leading to tangible progress over the four weeks. The blend of traditional artistic principles with modern digital tools will equip you with the necessary skills to excel in the industry. Whether you're looking to kickstart your career in video game design or simply wish to improve your artistic skills for personal projects, this course is a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the community aspect of Coursera allows you to engage with peers and instructors, fostering a collaborative learning environment. In conclusion, I highly recommend the “Concept Art for Video Games” course on Coursera. The combination of structured learning, practical application, and artistic freedom makes it an excellent choice for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the world of video games. So grab your tablet, get your creative juices flowing, and dive into the captivating world of concept art!

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the Concept Art Module! In this module you will learn how to create a fully finished Environment Concept Art for games. We will also cover best ways to study composition and digital painting techniques!

Week 01: Compositional Studies for Concept Art

In the first week of the Concept Art for Games Module, we will see the importance and advantages of making tiny studies from film frames.

Week 02: Intro to 3D for Concept Art

In the second week we will delve into the realm of 3D for Concept Art.

Week 03: Modeling and Exporting

In the third week we will learn how to model the basic shapes of our scene and how to properly export the images to Photoshop

Week 04: Painting the Concept

In the fourth and last week we will learn how to paint over the 3D images to create a fully finished concept