What is your story as a concept artist? how did you start?

My story begins with the standard education system! Every day I’d sketch around in my notebook, trying to pass the school-time away.

Something about releasing what’s in my mind into something tangible was appealing! So much of this society’s standards for success was what pushed me to start, seriously, as a concept artist. Living a 9–5 job was not what I wanted, but the freedom of having ‘work’ being my passion.

MIFFLIN by ESL

What inspired you most as a concept artist?

The unknown.

There is so much left to uncover from the depths of people’s imaginations and lives! Seeing something so fresh is what inspires me. The realization that I have the power to do the same, if not better, inspires me to keep learning and growing as an artist.

What are the main methods of marketing for concept artists?

In this day and age, there are countless methods for marketing an artist’s work/talent!

Interviews, YouTube, Tumblr, and there’s just so many to even mention!

One primary way concept artists have risen to a sense of familiarity among other artists is: teaching.

Many aspiring, rising artists seek for advice and various methods of improving their craft.

As a result, many institutions such as Gumroad, Schoolism, Brainstorm School, RobotPencil, FZD School of Design and others, have become staples for learning!

Through such institutions, the instructors become known amongst the more common pool of artists.

Tell us more about your experience in online mentorship with well known concept artists.

During the summer of 2015, I had the privilege of being mentored by Anthony Jones through his RobotPencil ‘Character Design’ class! This was the first time a professional artist saw what I currently knew and pushed me to the next level, through critiques and weekly lessons!

I was mentored alongside other students, of varying ages and skills. My fellow classmates helped me to see what/where I was doing wrong and how to improve it, a supplement to Anthony Jones’ feedback.

There were also Google Hangouts available for students to engage with each other outside of the weekly sessions, to work on our assigned tasks together. The experience was a vast resource for inspiration and improvement/learning!

I’d highly suggest taking a mentorship on if you want to get to the next level, as opposed to trying on your own!

What sites do you recommend for concept artists to display their artwork and gain traction?

The two main sites for concept artists are currently Artstation and Deviantart; Artstation being more for aspiring professionals.

Both have their own pro’s and con’s as far as reaching audiences/jobs go, but both serve as a platform for artists of all skill levels to show their progress/pieces!

Tell us about how you plan to combine your skills in art and studies in marketing.

There are a lot of questions/mysteries in what’s effective in marketing art and my skill set. I am hoping that the rules of marketing learned in school will direct me on a path I’d like to follow, not the ‘standard’ set by other successful artists.

Right now, concept art is primarily directed towards the entertainment industry, but I see it also being applied in more tangible aspects. What other aspects?

Maybe marketing for artists who can’t market themselves, but have the talent to succeed! Only time can tell.

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