Video Games Industry: How to Get Hired as a Concept Artist

Breaking into the video game industry as a concept artist can feel overwhelming. With so many talented individuals competing for the same roles, it’s important to understand what studios are actually looking for and how to stand out in a competitive field. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your approach, here are key strategies to help you get hired.

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1. Build a Focused, Purposeful Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card. It should showcase your strongest work and demonstrate your understanding of visual storytelling, design thinking, and functionality within a game pipeline. Tailor your portfolio to the role you're applying for: if it's an environment concept art position, focus on environments. Include callouts, sketches, design iterations, and process, not just polished illustrations.

2. Study the Studios You Want to Work For
Every studio has a style, tone, and design philosophy. Spend time analyzing the art direction of the games they create and build personal projects that align with their visual language. This shows that you understand their needs and are ready to contribute.

3. Develop Strong Fundamentals
A strong grasp of anatomy, perspective, light, color, and composition is non-negotiable. These are the foundation of all great concept art. Continue practicing regularly, even outside of your portfolio pieces. Lifelong learning is key.

4. Understand the Production Pipeline
Concept art is not just about beautiful images; it’s about communicating ideas clearly to 3D artists, designers, and animators. Show that you can think like a designer and solve visual problems. Awareness of game engines, asset modularity, and practical constraints can make you much more valuable.

5. Network and Get Your Work Seen
Share your art consistently on platforms like ArtStation, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join Discord groups, online communities, and forums where game artists gather. Attend industry events, online workshops, or portfolio reviews. Opportunities often come from visibility and connection.

6. Stay Professional and Prepared
Have a resume and a short, clear introduction about yourself. Be ready to explain your process, how you take feedback, and what you love about game development. Studios are hiring a team member, not just a skill set.

7. Stay Resilient and Keep Evolving
Rejection is part of the journey. Keep improving, stay adaptable, and be honest about where your weaknesses are. Each piece you create and each application you send is a step closer to your goal.

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Hiring a concept artist in the game industry is about more than talent. It’s about mindset, discipline, and clarity. Focus on what you can control, your portfolio, your fundamentals, and your visibility, and you’ll be well on your way.

#ConceptArtCareer #GameIndustryTips #HowToGetHired #PortfolioAdvice #VisualDevelopment #SimonLocheArt

5 Best Sketchbooks for Artists (and Why They’re Worth Using)

Choosing the right sketchbook can make a big difference in how often you draw, how free you feel to experiment, and how your materials perform on the page. Not all sketchbooks are created equal, some are better for ink, others for watercolor, and some are perfect for carrying everywhere. Here are five of the best sketchbooks I’ve used, and why each one has earned a place on my shelf (and in my bag).

1. Moleskine Art Sketchbook
A classic for a reason. Moleskine’s sketchbooks have smooth, heavyweight paper that handles pencil, ink, and light washes well. The hardcover makes it portable and durable, and the elastic band keeps everything secure. It’s not ideal for heavy media like watercolor or oil, but it’s perfect for everyday sketching and ideation.

2. Stillman & Birn Beta Series
If you want to paint in your sketchbook, this one’s for you. The Beta Series has 270 gsm cold-press paper that takes watercolor beautifully without buckling. It’s also great for gouache, markers, and mixed media. Available in hardcover or softcover, spiral or stitched, it’s a workhorse for any serious sketcher.

3. Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook
This is an affordable, accessible option with solid performance. The paper has just enough texture for pencil and pen work, and it’s great for gesture drawing, figure study, or daily warm-ups. It’s not meant for wet media, but it’s excellent for volume sketching without worrying about cost.

4. Hahnemühle Nostalgie Sketchbook
This one has ultra-smooth, bright white paper that’s fantastic for fine liners, technical pens, and graphite. It’s also compatible with markers and light washes. It has a minimal, elegant aesthetic and lies flat, making it a pleasure to use in the studio or on location.

5. Pentalic Traveler Pocket Sketchbook
For sketching on the go, this one is hard to beat. Compact, with a durable cover and elastic closure, it fits in a bag or jacket pocket easily. The paper holds up well to pencil, pen, and even light ink washes. It’s a great companion for urban sketching or travel journaling.

Mini Tutorial: How to Prime Your Sketchbook Pages for Heavier Paint Techniques
If you want to use acrylics, heavy gouache, or oils in a sketchbook not built for them, you can prepare the pages with gesso to give them more strength and absorbency. Here’s how:

1. Clip or tape your sketchbook open so the page lies flat.

2. Apply a thin, even coat of acrylic gesso with a wide flat brush or foam brush.

3. Let it dry completely (usually 10–15 minutes).

4. Optionally, add a second coat for extra strength.

5. Once dry, lightly sand with a fine-grit sandpaper if you want a smoother surface.

This helps prevent buckling and improves paint adhesion, letting you treat your sketchbook like a mini canvas.

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Ultimately, the best sketchbook is the one you actually use. Whether you prefer texture or smoothness, portability or space, there’s a sketchbook out there that fits your process. Try a few, see what suits you, and most importantly, keep drawing.

#Sketchbooks #ArtTools #DrawingGear #ArtSupplies #TraditionalArt #SimonLocheArt

Digital Landscape – Ciutadella Park Study with Infinite Painter

 

This landscape study was done in Ciutadella Park in Barcelona, using Infinite Painter on the iPad. Painted in 2021, it was a quick session focused on capturing light, shapes, and atmosphere.

Ciutadella is one of those places where the balance between architecture, nature, and movement makes it perfect for observational studies. I kept the brushwork loose, using just a few values and broad shapes to build structure without overworking the composition.

Infinite Painter remains one of my favorite tools for this kind of sketch,fast, responsive, and just enough flexibility to stay focused on the essentials.

A simple study.