Inside the World of a Pro Concept Artist

Join me for a glimpse into the day in the life of a concept artist! You may have heard some horror stories about the industry, but I'm here to share my own experiences and offer some hope. Sure, there are deadlines and demanding clients, but I've found a balance that works for me and allows me to thrive creatively.
In this video, I offer some of my own perspectives on a decade + career in this industry.
Take a break from your own projects and spend a few minutes with me as we discuss the ups and downs of this rewarding career. And as always, watch a beautiful painting come to life in the background. 🌳
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Work Schedule
4:28 - Clients Are Cool!
6:43 - The Fun Part
8:35 - Wake Up, Draw, Go Home
9:27 - Share your Impressions
10:02 - Wrap up
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PAINT YOUR WORLD
Hardy Fowler is a professional Digital Painter with work seen in productions for Disney and Games Workshop among many others.
Hardy's online academy, Digital Painting Studio, teaches the master-level skills, process and mindset he's learned from decades of experience as a professional digital artist.
CONNECT
→ digitalpaintingstudio.com/
→ / hardy_digitalpaintings...
→ www.artstation.com/hfowler
Join the DPS community discord channel to hang with fellow artists and stay in the loop on all things cool and artsy: / discord
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#conceptarttutorial #conceptartist #environmentdesign #conceptartenvironments #worldbuilding #photoshoptricks #photoshoppainting #digitalart #digitalpaintingtutorial #digitalillustration

[@NickTerryArt]

The perk of having had some really soul-crushing jobs in the past is that now that I have my day job as a video editor/animator, on days where I'm just not loving the work I can think back on those earlier jobs and put everything into perspective. "Remember, you're getting paid right now to draw/animate/edit" has certainly been an oft-repeated mantra on days when I'm feeling creative fatigue. Great video, Hardy!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Nick - I know you have had a lot of variety in your professional journey and that's all super valuable. Great to hear your perspective.

[@randyruedisueli7470]

Totally relate! I always think back to my old life and feel so grateful to create concept art for a living now. Well said Nick!

[@brookecampbell5364]

as a concept art student, working now still at this soul-crushing job this gives me so much hope:)

[@randyruedisueli7470]

I’ve experienced a mix of both while working professionally. I am one of those artists at my desk all day but that’s mostly my own fault / choice. I have found it hard to balance time between work, study and family. Getting that comes with time though. So far I’ve worked with awesome art directors and clients! People just like you and me. Overall This career is a dream come true! Coolest work ever 😎

[@amac8652]

I’m an 18 y/o aspiring concept artist and i’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed and hopeless about about becoming a concept artist because of what i’ve heard about the career so this really helped calm me down. i have pretty bad adhd so i wonder if it would be impossible for me to become a concept artist but i think i can do it :)) thanks for this video it was very motivating and comforting!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear that. Definitely don't feel hopeless. If you love art, it's an awesome career and a fun way to spend your days. Good luck and please reach out if I can help.

[@amac8652]

@@fowlerillus Thank you so much! you’ve really inspired me! :))

[@testeteste811]

If you guys want to make a Group of study/materials, im all in

[@amac8652]

@@solarydays hey this is mostly true, but that doesn’t mean i can’t do it. i know it’s crazy and hectic but there’s no harm in being told it’s okay and it’ll work out for you every once in awhile, it’s hard to keep going if you only hear negativity and how impossible it is. that being said people do need to be aware of the negative aspects.

[@MrDiableg]

can't say i had the oportunity yet to work as a concept artits and get paid out of it, but i'm helping with concepts of all kind in a small indie project, so... for now i can say the art director is very cool with me and with the team. He shares the same passion, the same love for the project that you can't just stay there without doing anything, even if maybe the concept of a car is not as exciting as a character or something like that (for me ofc), i'm so glad to be working with a team in a project, sharing ideas and stuff like that. I'm actually just starting and trying to get a job at conceptart that actually pays off your effort, and is fantastic to see your experiences, are a really good motivation to continue!

[@fowlerillus]

That's really cool to hear. It sounds like a great group that you are a part of. Passionate people sharing their excitement about bringing cool stuff to life sounds ideal. That's that childlike wonder part of a creative job that I love. It's like everyone is tapped into that sugar rush kid type of excitement about something cool :)

[@willy1018]

I really love your channel man, so much great information, and beautiful artwork. 🙏🙏

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that :)

[@HowToHowTo21]

Great artwork and nice to listen your experiences.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@catfangsart]

Thanks for your input on the matter! :) I usually start working on my projects at around 10:30 a.m. But tbh, starting earlier and just basically working on two projects in the morning/afternoon respectively sounds way less stressful (gotta admit, I would often just stay up until 2-3 a.m., just to finish what I'm working on). I do have a rather slow workflow, but am already improving this, mostly thanks to your lessons.😊

[@fowlerillus]

Great to get your perspectives. I'm so glad that my stuff has been helpful!

[@chericecraft]

This video is inspiring, both in your words and in the beautiful and mezmerizing painting displayed. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much!

[@unwlcmd]

I'm hoping to become a concept artist or illustrator in game design in the future, and whilst many videos from professionals give genuinely important advice about the dedication needed for the job, your video really relieves me. The positives of the job can be quite understated so you're really a breath of fresh air 💛💛💛

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad! I do perceive a lot of anxiety and doom and gloom out there so I'm glad this was good news.

[@michaelrasmussen1342]

Thanks for sharing Hardy, as always, beautiful message and beautiful work! I think the boss/client in my head is far meaner than anything I could bump into in the professional world, and I tend to do the coffee filled, adrenaline fueled, 2 a.m. drawing sessions just as a habit anyway! All, of course, in the hopes of even having a shot as a pro artist! :) I think what I'm fascinated by, at least on an internal level anyway: There's never been a career that I've chased in the past (and at 46 there's been quite a few) that I've pushed myself so hard to get into. Maybe that's the trick... and maybe I'm trying too hard. But the 'get up in the morning, go to your desk, draw all day, then go home' gig sounds pretty awesome! I'll get there someday.

[@fowlerillus]

You're in good company there Mike. So many artists are their own harshest critic and can really push themselves to burnout. I hope this video puts it a little bit in perspective. Important to remember that even when the stakes seem really high and the stress creeps in, that at the end of the day, art is meant to be something self expressive and fun. I know that's cold comfort when you are really chasing that career but it's something to hold onto when art becomes a weight instead of a lift

[@spiceking5348]

im an aspiring illustrator but I also have some interest in concept art. One of the things that makes me overwhelmed with starting my career is worrying about experiencing some of these horror stories that I’ve heard so this video really put me at ease. Just what I needed!

[@fowlerillus]

That is so great to hear. You are exactly who I was hoping would hear this. Good luck!

[@rohan68842]

I completely get where you're coming from, and I think I try to have a positive, grateful mentality 99% of the time. What really drags me down sometimes is feeling like the stress, exhaustion, and very real physical pain will never feel valid because it's a "cushy job". Every conversation with friends or family always ends up with a "but you have it so easy! Try doing what I do", and talking to other artists is always a "well at least you have work" so it never feels like I can vent... But anyway, like I said I only feel this way 1% of the time, the rest is just drawing and being grateful I can do this for a living.

[@fowlerillus]

So glad you said this. There is pressure on artists to never complain since we are apparently living the dream and "doing what you love for a living so you never work a day in your life". Not always so and even on the good days, this is work. Sometimes exhausting work. I'm so glad that it's mostly good for you and the same here, but I really appreciate the comment - super important to acknowledge and let other artists hear this. Otherwise, we all just smile and paint until we find ourselves burned out.

[@rohan68842]

@@fowlerillus Hey I appreciate the response, yeah it's good to keep in mind that it's ok to have those bad days, letting stuff like that fester has definitely lead to burnout for me.

[@HazedShaman]

The terror stories I have heard most of is, Clients. But I have also heard a lot of Freelancers saying they drop a client as soon as they start doing their pet peeves. I wondered if that was feasible for your reputation dropping clients if they rub you the wrong way.

[@fowlerillus]

That's interesting to hear. As an artist gets more established, they can definitely be more selective about the clients they work with and can feel more empowered to walk away if things are not going the way the artist wants. You're right that you definitely don't want to become known as someone who walks away from projects. I think the best way to avoid that is to communicate really thoroughly with the client before the job is officially taken so that expectations are clearly understood by both parties. I think it's ok to pass on a job, but if you accept it and later walk away, that would definitely put a dent in the artist's reputation I would think.

[@ericgerhard]

It is always amazing hearing things from you, my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@fowlerillus]

My pleasure! Thanks Eric.

[@brookecampbell5364]

This is the first video i watch from you, and i m gonna go binge watch all of them because of how nice and amazing your storytelling. Also, the moment i heard "grown ups stuff" i knew you would be the coolest person who are very fun and chill! Have a nice day❤

[@fowlerillus]

Oh awesome, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks - super kind of you.

[@A_murrr]

I’m so glad I was able to find this video! I’m currently in college studying art and my profs are constantly giving us horror stories and what it’ll be like working as Illustrators/ concept artists, so it’s nice to see another perspective that’s more positive! Thanks!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad this was helpful :) I heard so many scary stories too and it really all turned out to be mostly very lovely. There are difficulties like any other job but I was given this impression of this merciless, hardcore world of deadlines, rejection and egomanias and that just wasn't how it ended up for me (very luckily)

[@elijahguillo9102]

Thanks for putting your perspective in an art career, many are afraid to pursue it but just being able to make cool stuff is exactly why I pursue an art career like this

[@fowlerillus]

It can definitely be a daunting thing which is why I find reducing it to something simple so comforting. Go to desk, paint cool things, go home :) Thanks for watching and for your perspectives

[@aaravgodiyal665]

thanku for giving me so much hope and excitement I cried watching this cus I cant wait to have fun and live myself where my job makes me want to get up every morning and create

[@fowlerillus]

That's so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know - hold on to that excitement :)

[@davpea1]

another fantastic video by hardy. hardy you are the best sir.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you kindly!

[@user-dm4di6bv1h]

Awesome video that makes you not give up, thank you)! I had my first and most negative work experience so far, I always made edits on feedback, but if after edits the work didn't fit the atmosphere, my lead told me "Don't listen to my feedback, do it yourself" (And I just came, I showed my portfolio and they took me on) It was very hard to adapt. In the end, when I decided to quit after 9 months of work my lead said to me "you do not know how to hit the terms of reference," although it was terrible, such as: "totem: a masterpiece of abstractionism" (and then it turned out that there is something specific) And in the end, I was told that I'm a bad specialist because "I can not read the terms of reference. + constant running after game designer and lead to clarify what they want from me, there was no initiative from anyone. In general it was hard

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so sorry to hear that. You are definitely not alone in that - I've heard plenty of tough stories in response to this video and I have certainly had low points myself. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things (asking questions and engaging when instructions aren't clear) but I know how devastating negative feedback can be from a lead. I hope things get better soon and definitely don't give up!

[@ochavezart]

Yes, payroll, taxes and all other business things to keep a business rolling is not pretty but is necessary. There was one job that I had where I designed six characters for a client, was going to misssed the deadline for one, contacted the client about it. He was very chilled and relaxed about it, he did not mind if it came a day late. He told me he had forgottten all about the deadline himself by the way.😂 Overall the experience was great, the client was happy with the work, and was easy going to work with. I have been told that if a client is rude and disrespectful, send them back their money and a diplomatic email. You wan't to be impecable with your words because who knows how it can affect you or your career in the future. Plus, you prove you are not a rude person and was raised right . There will always be great people to work with.

[@fowlerillus]

Glad to hear that you have some very chill clients out there. I totally agree that you never want to burn bridges, even if a client is rude. Cut ties if needed, but always try to leave a good impression since it all sends ripples out into the world. Great perspectives here - thanks!

[@njavart4943]

Hardy, you are such an inspiration, you deserve 1M subscribers! Greetings from Serbia. Please upload a video on how you build up your orange skin tones, that technique is outstanding!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Will do!

[@fajarsudiang8390]

Woooww... It's Amazing tutorial bro... Thank you

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you liked it!

[@itanchiro5524]

My goal is to become a (mainly character) concept artist. My passion for art has never run away and probably because I want to give all of my soul into it I am starting to get very worried about things like: well how fast am I supposed to do this stuff? Or what else do I have to be able to do? I realise worrying about such things is meaningless, but are still a little bit of a mystery to me. I recently got accepted in an art academy, so the only sure thing for me is that I have taken the first step and that I know where I want to go

[@fowlerillus]

Congratulations! I hope the art academy is a great experience for you. Good luck pursuing your passion. Reach out if I can ever help

[@itanchiro5524]

@@fowlerillus Thank you, and you have already helped me with your videos, so thank you for this as well 😊

[@BTT16]

Yeah, that's the dream, wake up, paint cool stuff all day, make a solid, comfortable living!

[@fowlerillus]

Hardy to imagine anything better :)

[@siriaumba9401]

excellent video and talking

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you kindly!

[@UlfricStromcloak]

Hardy I have a question. As a freelancer have you ever got any client for world building where you started from the blue-sky phase? Or have you ever gotten any work as vis Dev in animation? How different do you think it is going to be compared to say any specialization of Concept design?

[@fowlerillus]

Yes to both! I have been kind of a Jack of all trades over the past decade. I actually think that a lot of those skills apply to many specialties within concept art and even illustration. Big things like shape design, storytelling, composition, and creating mood and atmosphere - the same skills seem to be usable for many of those sub categories of the industry.

[@maryamk.h3307]

and now yo made me wanna paint a tree

[@fowlerillus]

I hope you do and I hope it's awesome :)

[@juansebastiancorreagonzale4171]

do you have a sportify playlist to paint ?

[@fowlerillus]

I made a KZbin playlist exactly for this. I hope you like it kzbin.info/aero/PLnqqJ8abE7KFZJFtYTB7fmA6iQW4hNWSe

[@bobc4d]

when you are done with the day drawing for "work" , in the evenings do you draw for fun?

[@fowlerillus]

That's a great question. I actually try to keep evenings and weekends sacrosanct, so I try to carve out at least half a day during the work week for personal stuff. That's when I usually do these KZbin paintings. A really great part of being an art KZbinr is that you can theoretically start calling those paintings that you do for fun "work" but the line between work and fun gets blurred a lot which is truly wonderful.

[@sextuspestus7054]

If anyone does want to live in the aforementioned caffeine deadline hell, car design school has filled those niches pretty well for me.

[@fowlerillus]

I would love to learn more about that side of the design industry. Sounds like it is quite demanding. I hope things level out eventually and it doesn't feel so stressful. Good luck!

[@alexandra_avr5055]

Be honest will there be any art jobs( in which, you actually draw and create not clean up stuff if needed) with AI now on the line?

[@fowlerillus]

I wish I knew for sure but I do think that the skills of concept artists and illustrators will still have value even as AI develops. Totally fair point though and the future is far from certain - for artists and human jobs at large. It will be a crazy five years ahead!

[@marclabrador7623]

off the topic question do you also paint traditional

[@fowlerillus]

I really don't Marc. Just for convenience and because it's what I'm comfortable with, I almost never do anything other than Photoshop or pen and sketchbook. Huge respect for those who can and I think the expressiveness and soul of traditional art is something that we digital artists always strive for (enviously :)

[@angymorillon2396]

Hello Mr fowler. J'ai eu deux soucis personnellement avec des clients l une m a contacté sur arstation et des que j'ai demandé un briefing detaillé j ai jamais eu de retour. Et le deuxième j'ai même pas encore eu le briefing que. C'est déjà la.merde .il est toujours en voyage et ne prend pas le temps de répondre à mes mails. Il n a pas encore vue le prix du coup xD

[@fowlerillus]

Je suis désolé d'entendre ça. Ces clients vous doivent certainement au moins le respect d'une réponse. Je vous encourage également à être très prudent lorsque les clients ne semblent pas vouloir répondre aux questions - cela peut être un indicateur d'une sorte d'escroquerie. Les artistes sont constamment ciblés par des escrocs, alors j'espère que ce n'est pas ce qui se passe pour vous. Bon courage et j'espère que la situation s'améliorera.

[@jullcepts8780]

Most horror stories I've heard sound like they come with a caveat. Said caveat being that it's either not always like that or that it's the sign of a really shitty company. Most concept artist approach talking about their job as anyone would approach talking about any job. It's a job. Sure, sometimes they have to crunch to meet deadlines. But that would usually be towards the end of the cycle or if the company they were working for was actually abusive. A normal day in the life of a concept artist has been described to me as being usually normal as far as day jobs go. Except they actually get paid for being an artist (like poking fun at the stigma of "the starving artist" itself)

[@fowlerillus]

Really good to hear this and I totally agree. For the most part, I would expect that it's on par with most jobs. Ups and downs, good assignments and bad but mostly good stuff and cool people.

[@user-nb7xw6gc6q]

really good video

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!