Matt Rhodes Artist Talk: The World of Concept Art (November 2016)

[@pewpew3125]

i cant remember how many times i watched this talk over and over when i was studying. I started my first full-time concept artist job this week and its really come back to the front of my mind.

[@trueomen5017]

Where did you start?

[@luqmanr]

how is this caliber of a man can still spew humble stuffs out of his mouth is mindboggling. so much respect for him and his work, thanks Matt

[@rylewx]

It's an essential element of his genius.

[@heroofthyme4237]

because he's not a wanker that thinks he's the greatest artist that lived

[@fragtore6457]

It's because he doesn't compare to himself with norms, he compares with the best in the world and compared to them he will never be fully taught. A healthy dose of never ending self criticism is key

[@heroiam4067]

i know right?

[@JanPospisilArt]

"Yes, I see the diamonds!" - is so funny. I keep coming back to that face angle anecdote, it's very good and true.

[@corade4198]

This talk is GOLD, it should have way more views, I have learnt so much by listening to him!

[@LuciaSatalina]

I just love him

[@MANIAKRA]

I have so much respect for Matt Rhodes. He's one of the first industry artists I've seen acknowledge the concept art fatigue and burn out these days. Thanks so much for being open about that and a huge inspiration for me with your story driven work.

[@shawnhollern]

that "do some other shit" is so important. i was a freelance artist and dropped out of it over 10 years ago because it was ALL i did, to the point that it all felt meaningless. i lost my motivation and didnt end up drawing again for a couple years. i fell back on a regular job in a factory (where i still work). eventually i got into cars. i knew nothing, but the more i started ripping my trans am apart, putting it back together, i somehow found a refreshing creativity and curiosity for everything. i started drawing again, i picked up and tried every hobby that interested me, learned everything i could. i bounce from hobby to hobby now. from resin model painting, to cosplay, etc. im by no means getting paid for any of my work anymore, but i love what im doing now.

[@3iHard]

Why you lost motivation? Im in the middle of crisis now too.

[@shawnhollern]

its hard to explain (this was 10 years ago), i did nothing but draw, animate, etc. i spent every day from wake till sleep at my art desk, or computer. it had become a chore. especially because i was trying to do it for a living, and the farther i got the less motivation i had to move forward. i never got much validation for my work, just a list of complaints (which never came close to the number of flaws i myself see in my work.) i addressed the issues, and a transaction was made. maybe it lacked a real life aspect, a wall of text never felt good compared to a real life compliment for my work, or a show of gratitude from a client. it wasnt until years later that i had been out of that life entirely that i started just doing art for myself again that i was able to give myself that. being amazed or surprised with the end results. taking my time, or having a loose deadline, to really push myself. the drive to really learn new things and have the time, and patience, to push myself through the failures because i wanted to do it myself. i was antisocial then, and still not the most social person today. but i let myself branch out into other things. i dived into mechanics head first. partially out of necessity, but also curiosity. but i noticed that in all of my tearing down of my cars that base drive from my art was hiding there. a strong desire to understand the workings of something, the process, and the desire to create something new, bring something to life, something that i did, by myself. i guess my advice from my experience would be that whatever your stuck on, drop it, just for a while. and try something new. youll be amazed at how much you learned from other hobbies will translate to others. and switch it up, until you find something that reignites your creativity, curiosity, and drive for perfection. (i hope that didnt come off as a jumbled mess. i wrote it as im heading to bed. lol)

[@3iHard]

Nope not at all i get it, now i wanna see your artwork too see what you gived up off.

[@mauricioquilpatay1278]

if you do anything for too long, over and over, and without anything else to insert some oxygen, things dry and get dead. Even if it is something you love to do, you'll get sick of it. That's why a healthy distance is always good, and as Matt says, you need diversity to not want to kill your art/yourself/everything else. My suggestion also comes from listening to Brad Rigney's process: you gotta learn from your mistakes, but to do that you need to *make* mistakes. Paint with something you haven't before, if you are into clean lines and brushes use messy ones, try doing things a different way, etc, and see what works or not. As he said, trying to find your way back into something presentable from a mess is a huge learning experience.

[@daviedood2503]

Shawn Hollern sounds exactly like a burn out. Happened to me. Left for 6 months because I was so frustrated. I did it all for myself and not as a job but I set it down and thought wow this would turn into a dreaded chore if this was a job for me... I'd most likely just make my illustrations and put them up for sale and pick one and I'll print it for you. I wouldn't be taking requests or commissions and dealing with that bullshit mess and headache. I'd walk out quick and do something else. Once it becomes a chore it's no longer fun... That goes for any thing you do in life. Fully understand where you're coming from and u made the right decision.

[@ddankhazi]

The best talk I've seen about storytelling and concept art and in general. Thank you Matt Rhodes and thank you for uploading it.

[@ning14125]

Really needed to hear this talk. Motivational, funny, inspiring, made me belt out laughing at certain points (14:30 legit made me lol). Was going through art block and just started drawing again while listening to this. So happy I found this video.

[@lukasboss2176]

Thanks for uploading this, it was really inspiring and motivating listening to it! It's great to hear him talk about the area he's working in and getting a glimpse of the amount of work he and the whole team is doing to create such massive games.

[@JanPospisilArt]

This is a really good talk and I keep coming back to it. A lot of concept art lectures focus too much on tutorializing and specific techniques, but this more general stuff is so helpful and essential.

[@Zer0Rebirth]

Thank you for uploading this.

[@phylleedrianalagos1728]

this is a gem thank you

[@rishirajshekhawat]

He is so humble I loved every advice he said from now on one of my favourite video about concept art...much respect for Matt rhodes

[@fredguy2]

I've been learning to draw for almost a year and a half simply because I felt I needed to draw my game design concepts and level ideas. That I needed to see them on the page and get it out of my mind to work on it in real life. For more than 4 years I've been seriously writing various stories, character bios and mechanics for a game ideas, but hit an impasse with having "art concepts" only in my mind. The one thing I've learned is that the journey of art never ends.

[@Wolferey]

Got an art directors job last year and Matt's advice at 43:51 about servant management is something I strive for. If I can be there to answer or get the answers on questions they seek, to figure out what is needed, help them with suggestions and feedback, basically doing anything that would remove obstacles so they can be free to just do what they do best and focus on their work. I'm still learning but absolutely a great advice and a goal to keep in mind!

[@part02]

I love watching these type of things

[@amirghost88]

I am so glad to have discovered this! I started giving up on this career but Matt got me to feel better about my own artwork and future. Thank you!

[@FancyTophatDude]

One of my favourite talks out there! seriously valuable stuff in here

[@mattrhodesart]

Thank you!

[@austinmunson5034]

Listening to this as I am literally taking on my first character designing project. What a good look into the environment and realities of the job...concept art.

[@FeralRaziel]

Literally learned more in this talk than constant counsel & a bachelor's degree. Grade A+ human, fabulous artist so helpful

[@fl0w514]

so much value in just a free video on youtube, thank you so so much !

[@LeaElfArt]

I am literally in love with this video...I've never hear advice or story or a point of view like this. It's amazing.😍

[@Roman-ey3yi]

This kind of nuance regarding characterization, is what I agree artists need to work on.

[@MRZPRODGITY]

Oh my gosh I actually sat through a more than 30-minute video and honestly it was so worth my time

[@cymbra]

so much passion and wisdom. every aspiring concept artist should listen to this.

[@bamkyre9801]

I always come back to this talk, really good advices are given here

[@jennychou6571]

Thank you Matt and thank you for uploading this incredible useful speech.

[@tanishnaidu]

this is criminally underrated!

[@Monochidraws]

Thank your Matt, I can take so much valuable knowledge away from this talk it's actually unreal. You've really helped me!

[@henryheins136]

Such a great talk. Very nice to have on in the background while working. Thanks!

[@AlbertaUArts]

I'm curious where this video was shared. We've had 30,000 views in the past month and we'd love to know where all of you are finding it.

[@robn2171]

ACADonline I just stumbled across it in my recommended feed yesterday, but I've been following Matt for years so it's odd it just popped up for me.

[@Aryuka]

Just saw it in my recommended feed a couple days ago and I'm wondering why now and not when it came out? Hahah. Anyways, I also shared it right now in Twitter, maybe others did the same. Awesome talk btw, thanks for sharing it with the world!

[@kamiladamczyk2469]

Totally random KZbin suggestion.

[@EricGornicki]

It also poped up for me as an KZbin suggestion, probably because I've been watching a lot of tutorial videos about drawing and stuff. Really valuable insights here. Thanks for that!

[@gerbie42]

KZbin suggestion, most likely because I've been watching world-building things.

[@michaelastram9866]

I've been trying to develop my portraits and figures into story telling characterizations, and this is helping a lot thank you.

[@TheNSJaws]

Matt and Tom Rhodes are fucking amazing and I adore them both and I wish I could see more of their stuff!

[@tamikomasters8005]

The story teller who talks about story telling by telling stories. Great Talk! Thank you :D

[@martigo7152]

i love (addicted) Heroes of Dragon Age. I got hooked because of how great the character designs are.

[@wniawnia]

actually, feels so good to know this things

[@ykim0416]

Super inspiring.

[@daviddarko5837]

I like drawing along to these.

[@Ironwill_Games]

Cannot wait to see how much of his art is on Anthem! And ofc I'm getting the artbook... Same as I did with Dragon Age! Really inspiring talk and insight! Thanks for the video!

[@CassiusKent]

This was a great listen. Guess I know what I'm doing with my Saturday now.

[@irismuddyhehe]

so excellent, thank you !!

[@Machine_Cult]

Such a nice touch showing the art near the beginning!

[@winkil1]

This is amazing! Really love t his so much

[@GTaichou]

Regarding the campfire story about the art teacher that had students burn their masterpieces; not exactly the same but my drawing teacher did indeed do something similar. We'd work on masterpieces and he'd direct us one way, and then to teach us patience would tell us to start over and do it someway else. It was BRUTAL - but a vital lesson.

[@Anebarone]

Watching this for the second time because there's just so much to absorb. Also as a DA fan it is amazing to see insight on its creative process. The bit about a character being "actual Loki" = storytelling gold. DA4 please be like that (and TELL US MORE ABOUT THE GOLDEN/BLACK CITY OH GODS)

[@lukas4705]

I'm so happy I stumbled upon this so "early" am currently on my way to creating my portfolio for university. O: Lot's of great advice and does/don't. Storytelling is my drive and I would love to one day be able create something amazing as a part of a team!

[@tytotech9498]

I'm happy that I have experience with 3D modeling so I can better sympathise with the modelers when I draw.

[@qurfy1]

Thanks for the upload!

[@charlesdawkins5921]

This is great! Thanks Matt! :)

[@Beany_Weenies]

This video is infuriating. It's a fantastic talk but focuses too much on his face and even misses showing a few slides. When a new slide shows, it starts on his face, shows the slide, then switches back to his face. I'm so frustrated.

[@LuisRdzG10]

That's a newbie producer. But the talk is awesome

[@albow814]

This comment is actually incredibly interesting. Perhaps it is unintentional savvy production? Or at least we can gain from the deficit. Ha! It IS annoying. Perhaps we can focus on what's there rather than letting the rightfully pointed out problem (why have slides if they arent going to be shown?) cloud the message. Perhaps the issue is disconnection. To faces. To body language and the nuances of communication as he tries to explain his innards. Through his own context. To me this actually perfectly demonstrates the issue he is trying to explain. Images help for context. Visualisation. But there Are images there and there is a hell of a lot of story in his delivery and presentation. His gentle tone (prosidy) and connective down to earth language help too. New context: C19 hit now and facemasks have become widely used as a 'new normal' which is anything but. Again what do we lose when we strive for disconnection from Nature? - We get context from the micro-expressions of face, colour, eye tracking, mirror neurons, heart to heart connectivity, body language in relation to Self. The I in the Other. The communication of 'WE' of 'ONE' of 'WHOLENESS' He, to me is talking about tapping into the power of the subconscious and what we miss when we aren't aware of all of these 'background' processes. The story is within us. This is why reading fiction conjures such personal vision and films cannot ever make up for the vision in our head. even films we make ourselves dont satisfy us most times. Limitations of the tools. (Altered Carbon is not what I had imagined. Cast and Characters are so off) At the end of the day. Film and Animation is a tool for connectivity and collaborative understanding... A most vital tool that its purpose has seemingly shifted into a more 'grown up' medium that has an enormous purpose for humanity and life in general. For this freeflowing expression of life's nuances has enormous potential to shift us into a new paradigm of true Understanding and a resulting Collective Coherence and Harmony. Concept artists and creators in general have a big big task ahead over at least the next 10 years to save humanity from its own nightmare. Good Luck Beautiful Creators! :D

[@TheBreeandBree]

This is a great video for motivation as an artist. Will definitely have to keep up with him.

[@michawilczynski4992]

Amazing video, really appreciate it. Thanks! :)

[@TheBlingScience]

I really appreciate your insights. Thank you!!!

[@mattrhodesart]

Thanks!

[@dawei1731]

wow, that was amazing. Thank you so much!

[@novaria]

This is such a hidden gem.

[@paulhudson6846]

Instant Idol

[@monosito59]

Me at 24:32 - "OH SHIT! I KNEW I HEARD WOLVES EVERY TIME!"

[@Keldorl]

Great class, condensed relevant info

[@Cmoneymax]

thanks for the talk i needed to watch this he seems like he needs to be a director instead of a concept artist 12 years and still telling other's story with your skill and ability to tell it yourself must be hard sometimes ...

[@SeiShinCasios]

1337's upvote for this absolutly amazing content. such a great insight!

[@FloMoonYeah]

at 12:57 i find interesting the idea of asking enoughs questions to narrow down concept ideas to 1 or 3 drawings, kinda goes against the general idea of these giant silhouette sheets with 60+ ideas that goes nowhere. however i'm wondering how to behave in a production where the direction doesn't know where it's going, it's about 90% of my job, clients who which for the concept artist to "suggest" stuffs that they can pick from...

[@ekakijsn]

Thank you!

[@TF_Tony]

13:39 Anthem.

[@SeriousGamer753]

There were quite few annoying moments where they didn't show the art he was talking about. But a great presentation on his end

[@MxMagpie]

I freaked out when he mentioned Riven. That game is a constant inspiration to me, still and NO one I know has actually played it...

[@icarusdjr]

Riven is one of my all time fave games. I played it many times when I was young. I still have the box with 5 discs in my closet right now. Always loved the Myst games for their interesting worlds.

[@manupianesi6859]

the general gasp at min 30 is fucking relatabe. scariest campfire story ive ever heard.

[@curioscuro]

I screamed that exact thing my second playthrough.

[@Sleepierhead]

41:58 sum up but I highly recommend going through the whole talk from the beginning

[@bitemyshinymetalass7393]

7:22 OOOOH i get it.. elbow deep in.. circumstances.

[@onokas]

Great talk, thank you!

[@Exodus-sh5mq]

man I hope Bioware has paid this man handsomely

[@JohnSmith-zf1lq]

Incredible!

[@laylowstaylow]

truly inspired!!

[@NoelyRyan]

Awesome talk. The story about the axe is better condensed into a saying I've heard, 'Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first 4 hours sharpening my axe'.

[@월정리파수꾼]

thank you for video

[@Heliux15]

heart throbs with wanting to flesh out designing a Riven world ^^

[@vanxssa.0270]

not me returning every few months to this talk

[@NyahEwan]

i took a photo if his little list cause it was that good

[@LeaElfArt]

So inspiring

[@gabetheanimator6768]

Such fun!

[@TheSantifive]

20:24, World Premier for Jason Momoa as aquaman on the left

[@jessicahong6801]

Such a great talk!

[@miguelrondow]

amazing stuff

[@Spooffasa]

one word inspiring

[@oriondust4688]

19:46 this part got me really excited ngl

[@lukabaric7017]

anyone read "name of the wind"? 7:20

[@BinaryDood]

excellent talk!

[@koc0090]

gold stuff

[@MasterTow1994]

So even as most senior concept artist at bioware there is still imposter syndrome :D

[@nurias.alegria7509]

great!! but i miss on youtube some tutorials about the real process of creating a concept image from the very beggining to final steps etc. of course each artist has a different way of creating, but, i havent seen a dude doing it from the idea, or the shadows (9:51), to the addition of real photographs due to the design... or may they start from photography in some cases, i dont know. anyway, despite the fact everyone has his proccesses, i havent seen that... i am a liitle bit lost in the process of creating, cause, you have 3d tools, photography, some sketches to start from, some color palette, an idea... but anyone knows an artist that is actually explaining those? thank you!

[@user-fb6dz2dx1z]

When he speaks about storytelling in art and it being his favourite and more catchy part of any portfolio, what does he means? He speaks about actual story writed near the concept/illustration or does he speak about telling a story through the illustration?

[@WolfMoonWings]

I believe, telling a story through the illustration.

[@JesusBlones]

Amazing!

[@trindadedasilva]

He is a lovely dude

[@Meggsie]

Oh. I always thought Solas' necklace was some kind of ocarina ahaha

[@GrizzlyBear_NZ]

Matt! Did you just fucking spoil Dragon Age Inquisition for me. I'm sure that was a picture of Solas and now you tell me he reveals he's pretty much Loki at the end of the game, WTF!

[@goldenkirby21]

i thought solas was wearing a rock or some sort of weird bone... stupid me didnt realise it was a jaw bone or a wolf jaw bone

[@GuidodeGooijer]

That art history poster, where can I get that :)?

[@koolkat0002]

13:47 ANTHEM MECH DESIGN ????

[@adriansyahrahman1905]

subtitle pleasee..