Real-Life Communication
Communication is important for concept artists. Visual communication
of new worlds and characters is only part of it. Being able to listen, speak
and write effectively plays a big role in the success of a concept artist.
A
concept artist gets direction from their employer, usually a producer, who
will verbally explain how they envision a character, scenery or prop. Sometimes,
they'll also provide the concept artist with a script with additional details.
Sometimes,
the employer asks the artist to create something using vague terms. This
makes it difficult for the artist to know exactly what to draw because their
employer's words can be interpreted in many ways.
"It's a concept artist's
job to find out what they had in mind," explains Cecile Foshee, an art instructor.
Most
of the time, concept artists will ask questions in order to understand what
their employer wants them to draw.
"One way I found works best is re-stating
what they are saying, but paraphrasing it," says Foshee. "If you start the
clarifying process by telling them what it is you understand they're looking
for, that opens the doors and makes communication a little bit easier."
Foshee
says a good idea is to back up such a conversation with an e-mail confirming
what was agreed upon. Put your and your employer's words in black and white
to avoid confusion later on.
You've been working for a small video game
company for the last three years. You and your boss have always been on the
same wavelength when it comes to envisioning characters for games.
But
your boss recently left the company. And the word around the office is that
your new boss, Mr. Bunce, isn't as easy to understand. He has trouble explaining
what he wants his artists to draw and often changes his mind. Your new boss
called a meeting with you this morning.
He told you he wants you to
develop a scary dog character for a new arcade game. You asked a few questions
to clarify. During the discussion, you jotted down some notes. Your boss
said the dog must:
- Have big yellow teeth
- Look like a cross between a wolf and a pit bull
- Look muscular
Mr. Bunce gave you the liberty to add any other details you thought
were important. He wants at least three different drawings to choose from.
Plus, he mentioned all drawings are due next month.
With this information,
go back to your desk and type a brief e-mail to your boss confirming you've
understood what he asked you to do. Keep it short, but be thorough!