Concepting

From concept to 3D object

Game art 3D

What is a concept?

A concept is an idea, for a game, gameplay, a character, assets, etc.

An idea with a story behind it, a feeling, a mood, a history..

Where do you start?

At the beginning..

Think of a backstory and sketch, sketch some more, and then some more just for good measure..

Sketching

Sketching

Sketches don’t have to be perfect, it is a way to put your ideas out of your head and on to paper.

Sketch a lot, really. Not just one, but 10 or 20. So, always bring paper and pencils to this class.

Sketching

Silhouetting

Use this to see if your object, character.. or whatever you are designing is visual appealing.

Use silhouetting to see if your art pops.

Silhouetting

Artwork

Ones you have chosen a style, found the right silhouette and made up your mind with the sketches. It’s time for some artwork.

Artwork

Artwork

Artwork is for you, your lead, boss, concept owner or paying customer. It lets them see what you came up with.

And more importantly, can give you a go. So you can finally open 3D studio max and create your vision.

Artwork

AssignmentYou're at the Game Developers Conference and you meet a game designer who says he works for Medieval Games Studio (note: this is a fictitious company name). You and he strike up a conversation, and you ask what he's working on:

"I can't say. I'm under NDA right now," he replies. "But I can tell you that we're in the very early stages of preproduction for a next-gen console game."

You firmly decide that this will not stop you from networking with this guy. "Without saying anything about the game," you say, "can you tell me vaguely what kinds of challenges your team is facing at this stage in development?"

"Sure," he chirps. "The artists are fleshing out early concept sketches for characters and NPCs. Oh! The designers and artists have been working together to come up with a new object in the game that will essentially be a crate, without being a ‘crate,' if you know what I mean."

"Neat. Maybe I can help you come up with some ideas! What's the game about again?"

"I can't say," he reminds you.

AssignmentGiven what you do know, make a list of 10 items that could replace a standard "crate" in a game that your new friend can pitch in the next design meeting.

Consider what information you do have:• The company is called Medieval Games Studio. This might tell you something about the kinds

of content the company is likely to be working on. • You want to provide a range of ideas, since you really don't know what the game will be.• "Crates" need to be simple objects which, in and of themselves, don't take up a lot of

memory (read: low poly count). • Crates are used for storing, blocking, building, climbing, throwing, smashing, and more! The

object needs to be versatile, movable, stackable, and stable when situated on the floor.

Come up with a list of 10 items and sketches. You may add a few words to each item about the source of inspiration or explanation for why it would work -- but be brief!

Concepting

Education

Transcript of Concepting