How to become a concept artist
To become a concept artist you need strong drawing fundamentals, design skills for characters, environments and props, working knowledge of digital painting and 3D software, and a portfolio that shows how you think. Studios hire from the portfolio, so every step is about making that portfolio better.
By NPC College of Arts & Design. Updated October 2026.
1. Learn to draw what you see and what you imagine
Perspective, figure drawing and anatomy come first because every later skill depends on them. A character designer who cannot draw a figure in space, or an environment designer who cannot construct a room in perspective, runs out of road quickly.
2. Learn to design, not just render
Design means working from a brief, producing many options, and choosing for a reason. Practise with small briefs: a prop for a specific character, a vehicle for a specific terrain. Keep the rough sheets, because they show your process.
3. Learn the tools studios use
Adobe Photoshop is the standard for digital painting. Most concept artists also use 3D to block out forms and lighting: Blender, Autodesk Maya and ZBrush are common, with KeyShot or V-Ray for rendering and Substance Painter for texturing.
4. Build a focused portfolio
A portfolio for a studio is short and specific. Ten strong pieces aimed at one kind of work beat forty mixed ones. Include complete design packages: sketches, the final design, orthographic views and a keyframe that shows the design in use.
5. Get feedback from people who do the job
Self-taught artists often plateau because no one tells them what a studio would reject. Critique from working artists is the fastest way to find out. This is the main thing a good program provides.
6. Apply, and keep making work
Entry-level titles include junior concept artist, character designer, environment designer, prop designer and storyboard artist. Research each studio, tailor the portfolio to its style, and prepare to talk through your decisions in an interview.
How long does it take?
With full-time, structured training, students can reach an entry-level portfolio in one to two years. NPC College’s Entertainment Concept Design Diploma takes 12 months and its Concept Design Diploma takes 15 months; both end with portfolio preparation and interview practice.