Is it all mechs and monsters?

[Rachel Parti]

Hi All,
I'm a compulsive illustrator and have been thinking about going into concept art but it seems like everybody's portfolios are full of mechs, monsters and scantily clad women with blood on their hands/mouths.

I'm wondering if that's what the market requires or if that's just what most concept artists like to draw. My inclinations are towards rich interior environments, mythological/historical figures and plants. Is this a strength or a weakness? Should I learn to love mechs or can I build a viable portfolio with what I already love?

[Dan!]

I think that your inclinations are definitely not a weakness- look at the environment work for Unreal Tournament 3
notably for the use of ornamentation and design in their levels-That is just one example of how someone with skill in creating rich environments is most definitely needed- Besides, where would all the monsters, mechs and scantily clad babes live?

My references are mostly from games but movies also need the same sort of design. Additionally check out the Finally Finished section there is a post which features some great historically influenced battle scenes.

[Rachel Parti]

Thanks for your encouragement. I'm really hoping there's a niche for my weirdness. For the record I have nothing against drawing scantily clad women (or men) but so often they seem to be so gory looking.....

I'm really impressed by all the work on this site. I'm working on some portfolio pieces right now. When I get a little braver I'll post them.

[Euphemism]

Don't get disheartened; having a wide variety of work and research under your repetoire is much better than being a one-trick pony. You're refering to generic images of Science Fiction art. However, Fantasy Art may require some mythological references. Adding mythos to robots, etc. adds an edge to a work, and sets it above the regular ol' blood and gore.

Come On!!

The trick is CREATING with what YOU HAVE already, and APPLY it to ANYTHING. Why draw this line in the sand over what's 'expected' in art? That would make this place seem very small. I'm sorry if I was sounding a bit rude there, but you ought to start a sketchbook here with the intention in mind of bucking the trend, not following it. You'll inspire people in return that way.