where to start?

[FalsePurity]

Hello!
I'd like to learn how to draw concept art but i don't know how to start.
I've been drawing for over a year now but haven't really studied anything and i think if i would study... i'd get better much faster. So where to start? should i start with an anatomy book? perspective?
any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Tim Murphy]

Start a sketchbook/post some examples so we can see where you're at, otherwise all that can be given is general information. That said, you need anatomy and perspective.

Concept Art 101
FAQ on the basics of creating art

[Beeston]

Read These books, Use This tool often, adopt this attitude, make sure you're doing all of these, and read every single sticky in this section of the forums.

Do we have a 'Where to start' sticky, by the way?

[rem92]

Do we have a 'Where to start' sticky, by the way?

We really should right? but i dont think that would stop the creation of " where to start " threads, people like the OP are just gonna keep popping out of nowhere starting thread asking the same question without reading anything else on the forum

[Arshes Nei]

You start, by starting. If you don't start you are doing it wrong.

[Tim Murphy]

We really should right? but i dont think that would stop the creation of " where to start " threads, people like the OP are just gonna keep popping out of nowhere starting thread asking the same question without reading anything else on the forum

I feel the forums would be a lot less active if people actually read the stickies.

[Featheredface]

Where to start? The basics of course!

[rem92]

I feel the forums would be a lot less active if people actually read the stickies.

Na, there is plenty of good threads always going on, i personally think is kinda of annoying to see a new thread asking the same exact question 3 times a week

[Arshes Nei]

We really should right? but i dont think that would stop the creation of " where to start " threads, people like the OP are just gonna keep popping out of nowhere starting thread asking the same question without reading anything else on the forum

There's a whole Forum named Introduction to ConceptArt.org with 2 not so hard to find stickies

Then there's Fine Arts With the description: "The technical side to art. Get help with honing your skills."

I'm sure if people reflected and looked about instead of treating the Art Discussion Forum as "Dear Abby, how do I become a better artist in this one thread, too lazy to look around and think for myself" it wouldn't get people so cynical with the advice :/

[Noah Bradley]

...I just wish I was allowed to hit people.

[blogmatix]

Hello!
I'd like to learn how to draw concept art but i don't know how to start.
I've been drawing for over a year now but haven't really studied anything and i think if i would study... i'd get better much faster. So where to start? should i start with an anatomy book? perspective?
any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This thread:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=223223

Quick, before your inspiration wanes!

[Elwell]

I'm sure if people reflected and looked about instead of treating the Art Discussion Forum as "Dear Abby, how do I become a better artist in this one thread, too lazy to look around and think for myself" it wouldn't get people so cynical with the advice :/

To be fair, I move these from all over the place and dump them here. This one, for example, started in the Entertainment Design & Concept Art section.

I'm getting very, very tempted to merge all the "where/how to start/begin" threads into one giant, monster thread.

[Arshes Nei]

I'm getting very, very tempted to merge all the "where/how to start/begin" threads into one giant, monster thread.

Go for it!

[Tim Murphy]

To be fair, I move these from all over the place and dump them here. This one, for example, started in the Entertainment Design & Concept Art section.

I'm getting very, very tempted to merge all the "where/how to start/begin" threads into one giant, monster thread.

Give yourself to the Dark Side.

[Alice Herring]

To be fair, I move these from all over the place and dump them here. This one, for example, started in the Entertainment Design & Concept Art section.

I'm getting very, very tempted to merge all the "where/how to start/begin" threads into one giant, monster thread.

Do iiiiit!

it might also be very educational for beginners who have a specific path in mind to realize everyone starts from the same foundation.

[MichaelLang]

Go for it!

2nd that!

[Vermis]

We really should right? but i dont think that would stop the creation of " where to start " threads, people like the OP are just gonna keep popping out of nowhere starting thread asking the same question without reading anything else on the forum

And then someone will say 'we should have a sticky'.
And then someone will say 'people will post 'where to start' topics anyway'.
And then someone will say 'we have these stickies'.
And then someone will post a 'where to start' topic, and the sage hindsight and rhubarb and nodding will accompany like clockwork, without a hint of irony.

I'm getting very, very tempted to merge all the "where/how to start/begin" threads into one giant, monster thread.

But then it will rise up and destroy us all.

Well, maybe not. But I see a bunch of 'hey, where'd my thread go!?' threads popping up to replace the merged threads, at the least.

[Arshes Nei]

The thing to remember is that the concept art for World of Warcraft or other video-games doesn't come from looking at other concept art, it comes from looking at original source material. You can start off by looking at natural things or existing mythical creatures. A good strategy is to make a list of things that interest you, and try to look things up about those for ideas, and try to combine them. Once you've worked out what you're interested in (and be honest!), it's a lot easier to come up with work. All the best.

No, actually they do look at other concept art. The difference is it's not the sole resource or inspiration. At least the good games may not...or you hope so