In my daily work, I find inspiration from a variety of sources, including other projects and games such as Diablo, Bioshock, and Transistor. Netflix’s ‘Arcane’ has also been a great inspiration source. Aside from other projects and games, I also draw inspiration from the talented artists on Artstation and Pinterest.
Concept Art: From Blank Canvas to Gaming Masterpiece | Dev Diaries #7
Concept art is an essential part of the video game development process. It serves as the initial visual representation of the game’s characters, environments, and overall design. The concept art sets the tone for the game and helps to define its unique identity. In this article, we’ll explore the role of concept art in video game development, the process of creating it, and the challenges of being a concept artist in the gaming industry.
To do so, we had the pleasure of interviewing Andy Reyes, the talented concept artist behind Crystals of Naramunz. With his expertise and insights, Andy graciously shared his experiences and creative process with us, answering all of our burning questions. Read on to discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind the development of one of the most promising upcoming action RPG games, as we dive into the mind of a true master of concept art.
What is your typical process when creating concepts for Crystals of Naramunz?
My concept creation process usually begins with a team meeting to discuss project needs, followed by research to gather references that align with the project goals. After sharing my references with the team and receiving valuable feedback, I create a mood board. I then generate simple and rough sketches as part of a brainstorming session, which are reviewed by the team. Promising sketches are selected and refined based on team feedback. Some concepts require more detail than others, depending on the problem being solved.
What do you believe is the most critical aspect of creating concept art?
As a concept artist, I believe understanding the project’s visual design needs is the most critical aspect of the process. Concept art is all about finding creative visual solutions, and failing to comprehend the problem can result in an ineffective concept. It’s essential to remember that the design should solve a problem rather than look good. I often remind myself of this, as it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating pretty designs without addressing the underlying issue. As someone previously working as an illustrator, I had to adjust my approach to fully understand this fundamental idea.
As the concept artist for Crystals of Naramunz, I often face the challenge of maintaining visual consistency throughout the design process. It’s crucial to ensure that every design aligns with the game’s vision and requirements. For instance, when designing an item for a character, it must fit the character’s style and functionality while remaining coherent with the rest of the game universe.
To tackle this challenge, I prioritize open communication with my team. By keeping everyone in the loop, I receive valuable feedback that helps me refine or even redo concepts as needed. This approach ensures that each design stays true to the game’s overall vision and maintains visual consistency.
The History of Surrealism Art Ideas
Let’s start by taking a trip back in time to better understand the origins and evolution of surrealism art ideas. This journey will help you grasp the essence of this artistic movement and the influential artists who shaped it.
The Surrealist Movement
The Surrealist movement emerged in the 1920s, primarily in France, as a reaction against the rationalism that dominated the world after World War I. It was heavily influenced by the works of Sigmund Freud, who explored the role of the subconscious mind in human behavior. Surrealism aimed to bridge the gap between dreams and reality, creating fantastical and thought-provoking art that challenged conventional norms.
At its core, surrealism focused on freeing the imagination and tapping into the subconscious to generate unique, often bizarre, and visually striking art. Surrealist artists believed that by doing so, they could unlock a deeper understanding of the human experience and unleash their full creative potential.
Influential Surrealist Artists
Several artists played a significant role in shaping the surrealism art movement, each contributing their own distinct style and ideas. Some of the most notable artists include:
- Salvador Dalí – Known for his iconic melting clocks and dreamlike landscapes, Dalí’s art is a perfect example of the blend between reality and fantasy that defines surrealism.
- René Magritte – Magritte’s thought-provoking works often featured ordinary objects in unexpected contexts, challenging the viewer’s perception of reality.
- Max Ernst – A pioneer in using collage and frottage techniques, Ernst created otherworldly landscapes and creatures that showcased the limitless possibilities of the subconscious mind.
- Leonora Carrington – A prominent female surrealist artist, Carrington created fantastical scenes that reflected her fascination with mythology, folklore, and the dream world.
Evolution of Surrealism Art Ideas
Over time, surrealism art ideas have evolved and adapted to the changing world, with artists incorporating new techniques and concepts to continue pushing the boundaries of the movement. From its initial focus on the subconscious and dream imagery, surrealism has expanded to encompass various themes such as the absurd, the uncanny, and the juxtaposition of disparate elements.
Today, surrealism continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, who use modern tools like digital art and photography to create their own unique interpretations of this fascinating artistic movement. As you explore the world of surrealism, you too can draw on this rich history and the innovative ideas of past artists to create your own captivating surrealist art.
Techniques in Surrealism Art Ideas
Now that we have a better understanding of the history and evolution of surrealism, let’s explore the various techniques that have been used by artists to create their intriguing surrealist masterpieces. By learning about these techniques, you can try your hand at incorporating them into your own surrealism art ideas and create works that captivate the imagination.
Automatism
Automatism is a technique that allows artists to bypass their conscious mind and tap directly into their subconscious. By doing so, they can create spontaneous, uninhibited art that reveals their inner thoughts and feelings. This technique was heavily inspired by Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theories and played a crucial role in the development of surrealism art ideas.
To practice automatism, try letting your hand move freely across the canvas or paper without any preconceived plans or ideas. You might be surprised by the unique shapes, lines, and patterns that emerge—these can serve as a starting point for your surrealism art. Remember, the goal is to let your subconscious take control, so don’t worry too much about the final result, and enjoy the process!
Collage
Collage is another popular technique used in surrealism art ideas. It involves combining various materials, such as paper, fabric, and photographs, to create a new composition. By juxtaposing different elements, artists can create unexpected and thought-provoking combinations that challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
When experimenting with collage, consider using materials that hold personal significance or evoke strong emotions. This can add depth and meaning to your artwork, making it a true reflection of your inner world. As you arrange the materials, pay attention to the relationships between the different elements and how they interact to create a cohesive and intriguing composition.
Photomontage
Photomontage is a technique similar to collage, but it specifically involves the use of photographs. By cutting and rearranging pieces of photographs, artists can create new images that combine elements of reality in unusual and unexpected ways. This technique can be a powerful tool for conveying surrealism art ideas, as it allows you to manipulate the familiar and create a sense of the uncanny.
To try photomontage, gather a collection of photographs—either your own or from magazines and newspapers—and start cutting out interesting elements. Experiment with arranging and layering these pieces to create a new image that sparks your imagination. Remember, there are no rules or limits to what you can create, so let your creativity run wild!
Fumage
Fumage is a lesser-known but fascinating technique used in surrealism art ideas. It involves using smoke or soot from a flame to create patterns and images on a canvas or paper. The unpredictability of this technique makes it an excellent way to tap into your subconscious and produce unexpected, dreamlike imagery.
When attempting fumage, it’s essential to be cautious and work in a well-ventilated area. Hold a piece of paper or canvas above a small flame—such as a candle or lighter—and allow the smoke to create marks on the surface. You can then use these marks as a starting point and build upon them with other mediums or techniques to create your surrealism art masterpiece.
Now that we’ve covered some of the key techniques used in surrealism art ideas, let’s delve into the concepts that often drive these creations.
Concepts Behind Surrealism Art Ideas
Now that we’ve explored various techniques used in creating surrealism art ideas, let’s dive into the core concepts that often inspire these imaginative masterpieces. Understanding the ideas behind surrealism will not only deepen your appreciation for this genre, but also help you develop your own unique and captivating artwork.
Dreams and the Subconscious
One of the most significant concepts in surrealism art ideas is the exploration of dreams and the subconscious mind. Surrealist artists believe that the subconscious holds a wealth of untapped creativity and hidden truths. By tapping into this realm, they can create artwork that transcends the limitations of everyday reality.
When incorporating this concept into your own artwork, consider reflecting on your dreams, memories, and emotions. What images or symbols come to mind? By using these elements in your surrealism art ideas, you can create a deeply personal and thought-provoking piece that resonates with viewers on an emotional level.
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is a powerful concept in surrealism art ideas that involves placing two or more contrasting elements side by side. This can create a sense of surprise, disorientation, or even humor, as the viewer is forced to reconsider their preconceived notions and see the world in a new light.
When experimenting with juxtaposition in your artwork, think about combining elements that don’t typically go together. For example, you could depict a fish swimming through the sky or a tree growing upside down. By challenging expectations and creating unexpected connections, you can encourage viewers to question their perceptions of reality and engage more deeply with your surrealism art ideas.
Absurdity
Absurdity is another key concept in surrealism art ideas, and it plays a significant role in capturing the viewer’s imagination. By incorporating bizarre or nonsensical elements into their artwork, surrealist artists invite the viewer to question the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding.
When using absurdity in your own artwork, don’t be afraid to get playful and break the rules. Feel free to bend the laws of physics, mix and match different styles or time periods, or even create entirely new and fantastical creatures. The more outlandish your ideas, the more your surrealism art will stand out and spark curiosity and intrigue.
With a deeper understanding of the concepts that drive surrealism art ideas, you’ll be better equipped to find inspiration for your own creations. Let’s explore some sources of inspiration to help you get started on your artistic journey.
