Design Cinema Podcast EP 1 - Career in Concept Art

[@andre.conceptart]

loved this, first because the more that i learn about the job the more I want it, and second because it is a podcast format, wich means that i was not worried about looking and could draw through the hole time :D

[@FeroxX_Gosu]

+Bass Pelaes yeah make more podcasts, so we can draw while we listen :D The story about the designing of Grievous was very interesting, I would LOVE to hear more stories about designing problems and solutions!! Plz Feng Zhu make it happen :D

[@gg2fan]

Getting paid to paint armor, swords and shield every day for months sound like absolute heaven

[@JoshuaEliGilley]

REAL TALK CUTS DEEP AT 55:05 Thanks always Feng!!!

[@oOOo-mf3oe]

okay, firstly, I loved the 1st episode of the podcast series. Everything was fluent and you shared a lot of information. Looking forward for the next episode! :) Secondly, I have a question/request for design cinema. In every episode so far, we saw you draw/paint something. What I'd like to see is a student working, maybe something like a time lapse that a student did and then hear you talk about the good things and bad things that he did. Or maybe a before and after video. The thing is, I'm interested in the way you teach your students. When you see a mistake, how do you approach it? How can a student fix that mistake? Do you give him a different homework assignment?

[@haonhike3385]

That would be pretty interesting :)

[@TheodoreWoodford]

+Dominik Perovic YES! I would be really interested in this. Like a live crit session. Would be super useful

[@heavensucks9107]

Anyone know if he talked about it?

[@oOOo-mf3oe]

@@heavensucks9107 he does mention it from time to time, but hasn't gone into details as far as I know

[@heavensucks9107]

@@oOOo-mf3oe ooh... Thx my m8, and would you know any video the he talk about how to aproach mistakes?

[@banama1758]

you are the best never going to forget how helpful you were

[@GeenoGab]

Your videos have taught me that there's more to the craft then knowing the art fundamentals.

[@TheSolidmoose]

omg new video!!!!!

[@MikeoWar]

You're always refreshing to listen to Feng. For a while now, I've actually been worrying about maintaining a strong social presence and always put my work up etc because it kind of feels like you "have" to want to show off. I've never felt a need to show off, I just like to figure out design ideas and be a part of cool projects. Rendering stuff has always been the least fun part. So thank you for this, it was really reassuring.

[@EnzoDraws]

I didn't expect the word "sexy" so much on this video.

[@accordingtothelore]

This has probably been the most eye opening and inspiring collection of information I've heard yet. Thank you so much for taking the time to illustrate the reality of the career. I am very thankful.

[@bradleyjohnston709]

loved all of the design cinema videos. watched some more than once. really happy you decided to do a podcast this is really helpful man.

[@numbuh53]

oh god this is great thank you for this podcast ... i'm an illustration student, not concept art, but this episode has still helped me learn so much. there are so many concept art students at my school who are exactly what you described here, only wanting to work for companies for bragging rights and because they're fans.

[@Damnev]

Loved the podcast. Honestly, I'm completely okay with all of this, the format of the podcast, and the subject matter. This video has confirmed that concept art is -exactly- what I want to do with my career, as I have very little interest in actual illustration. Many thanks for doing these, Feng! Looking forward to the next one.

[@TheSolidmoose]

every week!? mind. blown. I love this format!

[@christiansanchez7448]

I dont know where I want to work, but just the thought of designing something that will be put into a game or movie is so enticing. I dont mind the countless iterations, if anything I like that it offers more room to explore. You are literally getting payed to be creative and design things for people, even if its just different swords or outfits that just sounds amazing to me. How is this not everyone's dream job???

[@MrRealclover2]

exactly!

[@josegarcia303]

I always been artistic... But my fears of failing in art and burning out kept me away from concept art... Instead i am doing trade job hvac, i don't love it but it pays well... Wish i could do art as a career. God bless yall

[@x1101126]

Best episode ever. It clears a lot of things in concept design field. Everyone who wants to join this industry should listen this first. Good job, Zhu. You should turn this podcast to a video. I think it will help a lot of people out there.

[@rapidak87]

Best thing I have ever heard in my whole life, really. Thank you very much. That part 40:51 tells a lot.

[@nomadic-mind]

Thanks for the informative podcast. This helped me realize, that I'm more interested in illustration and marketing art than concept art.

[@_lex_ndre]

Great episode, Feng. The Podcast format is great, and I can't wait to listen to the future ones! Oh, and by the way, Grievous is my favorite Star Wars character ever!

[@ChaosIsHer]

I realy like the fact that i could draw while listening to the podcast, and the fact that thers not much REAL information out there, I mean information about what its like to be in this industry, what you are actualy doing, and I think that this is what a lot of people and students realy need to hear, and to understand

[@daymaker_trading]

Thank you very much for making it. Yes, pocast format is very cool. It's really rare people have time to actually watch video for an hour, I think most people listen to it at work.

[@DronePunkGAME]

I think that these podcasts are terrific ideas. I wasn't entirely sure on the job duties of a concept designer, but after hearing all of this, it's definitely something that I'd still like to pursue. It's just nice having some clarity. Thanks, Feng! :)

[@ewjedijoel]

I absolutely loved this format! Maybe next time you could put on a slideshow of some of your (or your student's) concept art in the background. That way when people who are not familiar with Design Cinema watch these videos, they have an idea of what we're all talking about.

[@helenainclusar889]

I felt myself so guilty then realized the hole in knowledge of artist and projects that I like, thanks greatly, it helps a lot.

[@seanfowler6257]

This was super motivating. Cautionary, but so motivating. And I like the new show format.

[@stuartbunkell3470]

I never comment on you tube videos but Feng you've inspired me so much and I just wanted to say thanks man!

[@ChintsuuDorimu]

Hey Feng! First of all I want to thank You for all your effort. This is amazing. Your videos are a source of both inspiration and knowledge. Secondly - i really like idea of podcast. Sharing behind the scenes knowledge is certainly helpful for people like me, who are students without any possibility to get to school like yours (sadly). Lastly, I have to admit that You bring back my hope for becoming concept designer one day. For me design was always about solving problems, but seeing all this sexy stuff made me think that this is the only way concepts are made.

[@MOOEMAN]

Thanks for this podcast, pretty much helped solidify my decision to go the concept art route

[@misterDVader]

A summary: NORMIES GET OUT REEEEEE

[@tiagosousaart]

Its soooo inspiring. Now I`m sure I am pursuing the right way. Thanks Feng!

[@Skita4]

That was a good time that i had! Thanks, i really look forward for the next podcast!

[@ultraroman]

that cough at 50:30 with headphones on, almost fell off my chair!

[@calebbach7542]

@Bloo Dy haha thanks for the warning ;)

[@Alx18889]

This is very pleasant to hear while working :D Thx Feng ! It is really awesome that you still get the time to talk to us :D

[@ARGHouse504]

I've been working with indie game studios for the past few years now. I've found that the reality of breaking into the industry is that you have to start off small, indies build up your experience. It is perilous, there is a good chance the project will be cancelled or the studio will go under, you will probably be unpaid. It is best to remember you are still working up your portfolio, there are always other avenues, industrial/product design (how Neville Page and Scott Robertson started off), illustration, film concept art, even graphic design if you are that desperate.

[@fourstarbrazil]

Best podcast, Feng speaking the truth!

[@towakun6678]

Still listening to these podcasts regularly!

[@PengiChyan]

I have determined that I more am into the illustration side of things thanks to the information in this video. Thanks.

[@Catherine_Ea]

Every time that every artist talk about the industry they say the same thing, and I am just here like "Jokes on you all, I have lots of fun drawing sword after sword, armor after armor, t-shirt after t-shirt on the same character - and variations of that character. And I study 10 to 15 hours a day - now that I am in vacations - I don't let myself have time to play video games already." btw, excellent podcast already ready to listen all the rest, I really loved this!

[@danastoian6350]

This is eye opening for artists who are still very innocent and a bit naive. Thank you for the information. However, there are out there, also artists who endure from hunger to danger just to be able to do this. And indeed, once you get there, it is challenging. But those challenges will be nothing like the adventures you lived to get there. It may not be cute and sexy images...but still..it's beautiful to design things when you love to see how nature works and to deconstruct the pillars of reality. When you have a curious mind. And it still remains a beautiful job compared to finance jobs for instance. I would love to challenge myself and see if I can design each concept given. And you don't do it for the likes, and neither to content your boss. But you do it because you know the quality of your life lies in the presence of your mind. And when you design those things, you are in the present. THAT, it's the reward.

[@oleksiy2133]

Oh my god, it is just soooo cool, i`m gonna crap myself inside out right now. Keep on, can`t wait to see more!!

[@kierentm3858]

as an aspiring 3d artist i still really enjoyed this podcast

[@omariblake21]

Doing some commissions for films while listening to you is Heaven! :)

[@atrido]

I'm so grateful for this information! Now i know exactly i want it. Thank you a lot.

[@BlazeDoctor]

Really interesting podcast Feng, I think the way you explained concept art is harsh but necessary, and thats good!

[@lukabaric7017]

this was gold, weekly would be great

[@FeroxX_Gosu]

Every single week! YESSS

[@krasenmaximov8110]

Good content. For the next episodes I would recommend talking more about yourself,your life,indepth stuff like the Grievous design struggles are quite interesting.Personally I think the money in this business is a top importance topic and also can you speak about the lifestyle of a hustler concept artist who works timeless hours,I mean those who are 100% committed. However I dont understand what do you mean when you are talking about passion and love about the business since for me everything flies out through the window from the first day without sleep. I think its all about the money and the struggle.Concept art is just the carreer path I happened to choose.

[@danastoian6350]

When I hear you talking it makes me wonder: "wow...is the majority of students so (pardon me) dumb or naive? Otherwise, you would not approach it that way...." While for me this is life and death...I faced hunger for month and months, shitty jobs, loneliness and isolation while home schooling, risked to be on the streets for this job.....and other people apparently take it as "gugu gaga, I just want to paint cute stuff..." I believe it's not an easy job that's for sure....but hell, it's waaay more beautiful than cleaning the floor in a supermarket or selling your soul to work just for money. I believe those of us who really fight for this job, after all that we've faced, drawing designs is not THAT of a challenge. ( especially when you worked in graphic design with clients) For infants and immature students it is....not for warriors.

[@Aziz00747]

Such an informative podcast! really enjoyed it! can't wait for the next ep!

[@puolisointu]

Looking forward for the next hour

[@FynnGB]

that was awesome! :) really looking forward to the future podcasts!

[@bpdd85]

best thing to listen while working

[@MattWorkman]

oh hell yes! FZD podcast!

[@Kevin_Kessels]

Thank you for your wisdom, I'll be listening these podcasts from now on :)

[@Ninesdb]

Loving this format!

[@DubstepSon]

already knew i didn't want the path, but was a good solidifier, also, was nice to hear you talking, was flowing nicely.

[@ZeroBladeVX]

This changed my perspective of game design SOOO much like wtf, it's like theirs a dark side to it.

[@claudiocoutinho8313]

Well...i really like to draw outfits and props in clean backgrounds, is very cool. Hundreds of characters with different armors and clothes ....sounds perfect!

[@boutassai]

Excellent first episode Feng. I'm definitely interested in trying out the challenge of working on great pieces and not showing them for 5 years. I want to see if I have the mental fortitude to succeed in this business.

[@ArthurAsPedras]

Thanks, this is exactly the information i was looking for!

[@staffofawesome]

Great video, cant wait for this to continue!

[@Hitezaruki]

It is great to know what exactly is what do you do and how can be the process of working as a concept artist... Of course, you need to work hard , but also sounds interesting and challenging to think in multiple solutions to find the best. Talking about Bioware, I own The Art of Mass Effect and The Art of Dragon Age Inquisition, and of course they have great renders and promo art but still, the pages with the possible costumes, helmets, etc. and to understand how and why the work the best are my favorite parts of the books. Also, it's good to know about the situation about the big companies, I think it's not impossible but it helps to understand that you should be open to look for more options, and work harder.... Thank you for share you knowledge and experience, Feng Zhu!

[@rumsto1]

I loved this podcast, thanks for the great advice. Really needed to hear that.

[@gid-and-friends]

Awesome. I always think about going into concept art but I never do. I am instead a freelance illustrator, plus I have my own webcomic going. These things you mention applies to any career job really; you have to enjoy what you do to keep at it. I know I love my staying up to 5, 6, 7 even 8AM to finish pages (even though I hate it, haha, I still do it so I guess I love it). I still think I have the chops and discipline to go into concept art, but I don't know if I have the imagination to design 1000 shields. I like to do one shield and edit it until I personally like it. My problem is not the work, it's just the working for someone else. But even tho I'm not going to be a concept artist anytime soon, I still watch all of your vids and apply all your advice and techniques to my artistry as an illustrator and comic book industry artist. Love the podcast series. I too was working while just listening to your words. Checking out the next one now.

[@velvetolio]

wonderful podcast! Perfect for listening at work. Motivated me a lot

[@azirys]

Excellent advice! Thank you for sharing your experience in the industry.

[@GatsuRage]

great podcast looking forward to the next one! thanks!

[@leekuei86]

Thank you for the podcast Feng,,,its a killer..

[@thunkerfunk]

great podcast man :D really interesting. cant wait til the next one

[@PhantomDrawing]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Really helpful and appreciated!

[@BraullerNevesLopes]

Great! Thank you for this content...That's all i need =D. Whating the next episode.

[@dsafsfa]

provided some great help, i've been doing the points you mentioned about the reality all along as im starting my own studio, so i can completely relate even if i'm an amateur lol

[@Obhin]

Great podcast! =D =D Can't wait for the next one ^^

[@malevolentmacaroni8469]

28:58 You mention marketing teams and illustration teams who make the character look good, for the purpose of selling the product. How difficult is it to get into these jobs, in fact what skill sets would one require to get into them?

[@christiansanchez7448]

Im gunna assume you have to be an extremely skilled artist that has a deep understanding of composition, values, color theory, etc...

[@malevolentmacaroni8469]

Christian Sanchez Are you implying that concept artists don't need any of those things? Because I'm looking for the explicit differences between job scope and requirements of the ones I was talking about vs concept artists like how FZD describes, not the vague generalized POV you are talking about.

[@3lit3gn0m3]

This was great. I've been thinking of what to draw for practice, and I think the answer is obvious: Time to draw a ton of shields. :D

[@piyushsain6785]

my skills are not good , 'bad' should be a perfect word........ but still i am not giving up . i want to be a concept artist and step by step i am learning some 3d stuff. i am 21 and believe that i want to improve my skills as soon as possible then coming to FZD. once i get admission i get the environment and i can do well in my comming years.

[@josegarcia303]

I wish i had your confidence. My biggest fear is burning out. I use to draw portraits everyday but i burned out in 3 years or so. I always had a artistic mind but i never went forward. Im 21 too i wish you the best. Honestly i hate my life now doing Air Conditioning as a trade job... My last resource for money😞

[@josegarcia303]

@@elliotkenzo8615 i wish i had your mind😩

[@josegarcia303]

@@elliotkenzo8615 Im currently thinking to go to college but i have no money for it.😩 Maybe i could teach art to students and motivate them? I knwo teaching is hard😩 Its demanding and notneasy work to do. Maybe i am confused😩 But i have to do something with my life😩 I cant do comic art or digital art career because my father puts immense pressure for me to get my shit together😩I need help😩 I dont want to do nothing anymore😩

[@juancarloshortaflores1327]

I felt depressed and I'm a 3D artist. But It was really cool and interesting to listen to you while sculpting in zbrush.

[@DaGuyInaSuit]

Thanks Feng, this is such an awesome idea to do podcasts. I can do work and stuff without having to concentrate on my screen, yet still being able to learn lots. How often are you going to do them? Cheers :D

[@siddheshwarkumbhar8709]

Thanks for this podcast!

[@fellen1611]

Feng: "The number one company people want to work for is Blizzard." Me: "Psssh... I wanna work at Bethesda" Feng: "Bethesda doesn't even show up much. Because I think it's a hard title to pronounce..." Me:.... haha XD

[@lmz000]

I laughed so hard at this! ahahah

[@jamesbeihl5795]

It seems the best resume for this sort of thing is a sourcebook for an IP that you've actually been paid to do with high level work in terms of quality. on par with any of these tutorials you see on youtube. thats what i gather, also based on my own experiences with comic editors the standerd is just really really high. Dough Chiang is someone who strikes me as being able to morph between illustration and concept art as he has a polished look a sketchy look etc etc etc.

[@kristyglas]

Thank you so much! Looking forward for more :D

[@donalone]

I’m 40 years thinking of career change into concept artist I know it’s risky and I can’t do 14-16 hours drawing per day. Thanks for your sharing although I know this video is 6 years ago.

[@cristiansomcutan]

First of all congrats on starting the podcast! You're offering the best and the most complete advice out there. QUESTION: is it possible to get a job in concept art even if I'm older? If I'm 35 years old, good self taught drawing skills, but absolutely no experience in concept design...do I have a chance at getting hired? I don't care how small the company is or how little they pay.

[@sinnad07]

+Cristian Somcutan age doesn't matter! it's all about if you can do the work or not.

[@hektor6766]

"You're part of the pipeline toward this product." Sounds like any job I've ever had. I could draw 100 hammers or pitchers and I love rendering, but I don't play video games.

[@antoniobifulco623]

FZD podcast, fantastic :D

[@thelemoneater]

so I'm planning on eventually becoming a concept artist, at the moment I've applied for second year animation, because after researching and talking to lectures, the closest thing to concept art where i live (Ireland), are for your masters or illustration courses in France. I guess if i couldn't get a job in Concept Art then I would always have Animation to fall back to, as well as it would make designing characters and how will they move much easier (like the whole General Grievous motion problem)

[@ZurditaDinamita]

Just 1:29 and I feel the urge to comment yet. As a non-native english speaker, thank you SO MUCH for speaking slower than usual. *play again*

[@stephinni]

I'm hearing this in 2020 and still very valid

[@lyndale1391]

thanks for making tutorial for us, especially they are free. thanks for your time.

[@danielgarelik5187]

Argh, this video did plant doubt into me, but there are two sides to every job! I love sculpting, i love to see my work in a final product. But man it’s depressing to do it for ideas that are not yours! Create and explore all the functionality is SO MUCH fun. Learning about composition and drawing is a reward itself! It’s so exciting when you read about some cor theory stuff, that happened like all the time, but NOW you notice it. But yeah, drawing chairs for a year.. i don’t know..

[@AmuscariaMods]

Do you have an episode where you have your 90s portfolio on display? I would love to see how you started. :D

[@joachimtacha3142]

would be so down for that!!

[@Alumx]

I love listening to these podcasts while drawing :3 ps: 42:56 pfftahhaha

[@vivekrserleena]

im a little late to click on this video because I was scared of being let down , I just wanted to get a little better at my work to be confident that ill make it !. after I've heard everything you said , I'm still so excited to work in a cool industry and draw a million concepts !. cuz I cannot live without drawing whats in my head , even though its crap right now XD

[@NinaKlos]

I used to want to just draw to put it on the internet, I had a mindset change and now I just draw all day becuase I enjoy it so much. If you'd tell me to draw 30 different buckets for 6 hours I'd be overjoyed, I only have to worry about the gritty things like how the bucket should look and work and not all this fluff making "sexy" images. I'm going to university for a year to do a general Game Art course (if they accept me) which does concept art, 2d and 3d, and you can pick and choose which profession you want to go into in the 3rd year so I'll get the skills for all of these options and specialise when I understand them. I still don't know if I'll even like 3D modeling though, I'd have to get really good at it before I decide. I used to like custom texturing and level design for custom maps so there's that, and I'm good at clay sculpting. Sorry for the ramble haha, I just had like a "wow this is for me" moment. Extremely useful insight in this podcast, thank you. I'll be listening to these while drawing for the next couple of days for sure.

[@bad1nfo]

My coffee becomes cold 4 times while i did listen that.

[@TBContent24]

amazing podcast, thank you

[@alexrechkin7]

man sometimes i have urge to design 10+ variations of just stairs or chests just for fun, but i don't draw them often because i think that will not help me with sexy portfolio. I really need this job! I want to design 50 shields and swords, its so fun!

[@BOLP]

Question: Hey Feng, I am currently heading into University, I want to know your opinion on Solid Design Courses such as Industrial Design or Product Design compared to Games Art Courses. At this point in the Industry is it better to go through a course that teaches more Logical Design (Industrial Design or Product Design) or to go to a Games Art course which solely focuses on 2D/3D Art for Games?

[@plantrightsmatter3011]

Hi, as someone currently at a crossroads on what to choose for my uni-choice, which course did you pick?

[@semmanbro]

I have a QUESTION for the Q&A: I am struggeling in making choices now for what I want to do, I studied first at a school for game design and wanted to become a concept artist, but my love for movies kinda overthrew that idea and I started showing more interest in film and went to film school. I then quit and am now trying it as a freelancer, but I still have dreams of making it in the movie business as a director/writer. And I know that if you choose one thing and master it you can go further then have to things to try and master, but everyday I struggle with this choice and I can't descide. But the thing those to careers have in common is that they tell stories and thats what I want to do in the end, but I just can't decide on which medium to do so. So my question is do you think it's possible to try and combine the two and ultimately work in movies? Sorry for the long story the question just needed some background information. Thanks anyway!

[@elenavitkovska1434]

Sem Kuipers Hi man, I'm struggling with the same question. did you decide something? I was wondering about a production artist job.. or being an art director. I guess this one is the mix of a writer/director and an artist.