What does a Concept Artist do?

Concept artists visualize and compose art for creative assets including characters, creatures, vehicles, and environments. They envision and create artwork in multiple mediums and design art in every phase of its production. They also design spec sheets, showing dimensions and calculations for other artists and animators and artists draw various types of artwork, including architecture, environments, and characters, which may include drawing of artwork that adheres to a client’s specifications, including certain style patterns or a particular brand image.

Concept artists collaborate with other art team members to share ideas and criticisms on various pieces of concept art and design presentation packages showcasing concept art to share with the rest of an art team and an art director. Concept artists need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or another artistic discipline.

What responsibilities are common for Concept Artist jobs?
  • Audit a brand's visual language against other competitors, identifying trends and providing recommendations to the internal team based on findings.
  • Lead creative projects in collaboration with project teams to tackle all aspects of the design process, bringing stories and concepts to life.
  • Create visually relevant, engaging stories through both static and motion design concepts for client brands.
  • Work with client partners, traffic manager, and senior leadership on estimating, resource planning, and project milestone development.
  • Maintain strong command of visual design across typography, color, composition and imagery.
What are the typical qualifications for Concept Artist jobs?
  • Bachelor's Degree in business or computer science.
  • Hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop.
  • Skilled with ZBrush and other illustration tools and programs.
  • Experienced with programming languages like C++ and Java.
  • Requires careful attention to detail.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.8 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.7 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Concept Artist make?

Confident
$53,127 /yr
Total Pay
$49,404
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$3,723
 /yr

Additional Pay

$53,127

 / yr
$33K$86K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
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Concept Artist Career Path

Learn how to become a Concept Artist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Concept Artist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
17%
2 - 4
49%
5 - 7
21%
8+
13%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Concept Artist Insights

Read what Concept Artist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Vine FXVine FX
2D Artist
Jun 22, 2022

“Occasionally you could get help from a friendly artist but dealing particularly with production/management wasn't fun.”

Deluxe EntertainmentDeluxe Entertainment
2D Compositors
Jan 19, 2022

“Good people and team to work.”

Rising Sun PicturesRising Sun Pictures
2D Compositors
May 3, 2023

“Not such as but it depends our personal preference and priorities for career development”

TechnicolorTechnicolor
2D Compositors
Jan 27, 2021

“Good good good good good”

Rooster Teeth ProductionsRooster Teeth Productions
Concept Artist
Nov 29, 2022

“Pay wasn’t as good but it was a decent starting pay for people right out of college”

Roxor Gaming Roxor Gaming
Senior Concept Artist
Oct 15, 2022

“Nice and kind people you really enjoy time collaborating with them.”

Dunkin'Dunkin'
Concept Artist
Feb 3, 2022

“There are always difficult consumers and the pay was not great.”

GameloftGameloft
Senior Concept Artist
May 10, 2021

“Stable and above average salary.”

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Concept Artist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Concept Artist

The most similar professions to Concept Artist are:
  • Animator
  • Environment Artist
  • 3D Artist
  • Character Artist

Related Careers

Animator
$56,901
No skills overlap
Environment Artist
$57,382
No skills overlap
3D Artist
$57,671
No skills overlap
Character Artist
$56,528
No skills overlap

Concept Artist Jobs