10 answers
Jordan
Student
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
4630 views
How do I find beginer work for becoming a concept-artist for video games, shows, and or movies?
Hello, I'm a collage student currently working on my Graphic Design degree. I was wondering how do I, a beginer, find work for becoming a concept-artist for video games, shows, and or movies? I feel stuck because I can't find anyone hiring.
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10 answers
Alejandra Quintero Gómez
Industrial Engineer
1
Answer
Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Hi! Don't worry if things aren't happening yet. You're moving forward, and that's really important. Remember, being new is actually a great thing because it means you have lots of potential and fresh ideas. Keep learning, keep trying, and don't hesitate to ask for help. Here's what I suggest you do next:
Your LinkedIn should reflect the kind of work you want to do, whether it’s for games, films, or TV. Update your headline, bio, and banner to show your passion for concept art. Let people know what drives you, what inspires your style, and what your goals are.
Build an online portfolio or personal website. You don’t need anything super fancy to start. Platforms like ArtStation, Behance, or even Notion can help you showcase your work. The key is to show what you can do, even if you're still learning. Your portfolio is your calling card, make it count.
Reach out to people in the industry. Follow professionals at studios or companies you're interested in. Connect with them, engage with their content, and send thoughtful messages. Don’t ask for a job right away, ask for advice, feedback, or how they got started. Genuine curiosity opens doors.
Share your work often. Post your sketches, ideas, and process. Even unfinished pieces show your growth and mindset. Be consistent. The more you share, the more people can find you. And trust me, someone will notice.
Get involved in challenges and creative communities. These are great for improving your skills, building your network, and getting noticed.
Alejandra recommends the following next steps:
Aishwarya M
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Aishwarya’s Answer
Breaking into concept art for video games, movies, and shows can be challenging, but building a strong portfolio and networking strategically can open doors. Focus on showcasing your best work—character designs, environments, and props—while also including rough sketches to demonstrate your creative process. Freelance gigs, student-led projects, and contributing to indie game development can help you gain experience. Websites like Indeed and ArtStation often list entry-level positions, while contributing to fan art communities can help boost visibility. Applying for internships or apprenticeships in creative studios, even if they’re not strictly concept art roles, can provide valuable industry connections.
Beyond technical skills, networking and continuous learning are crucial. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord communities, attend industry events, and seek mentorship from experienced artists. Staying active on platforms like Instagram will help showcase your work to potential employers. Keep refining your skills in digital painting, 3D modeling, and storytelling to stay competitive in the industry. It may take time, but persistence and visibility will eventually open opportunities.
Beyond technical skills, networking and continuous learning are crucial. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord communities, attend industry events, and seek mentorship from experienced artists. Staying active on platforms like Instagram will help showcase your work to potential employers. Keep refining your skills in digital painting, 3D modeling, and storytelling to stay competitive in the industry. It may take time, but persistence and visibility will eventually open opportunities.
Michael L.
Senior Consultant
14
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Other answers cover how to find a job so I will offer an alternative solution - If there is no work, make the work!
I assume with your program, you're learning much of the tools needed for graphic design- the Adobe Creative Suite and whatnot. But perhaps it's time to go the extra mile- learn how to use Blender (or another 3D modeling software), Unreal Engine or Unity (you will need to learn programming for this, but Gen AI can probably give you a head start on coding), and perhaps some other tools for voice actor recording and whatnot.
They say scarcity is the mother of invention. So if you can't find the work, you have all the tools at your fingertips to become an indie video game developer and perhaps one day become as important as some of the biggest studios!
I assume with your program, you're learning much of the tools needed for graphic design- the Adobe Creative Suite and whatnot. But perhaps it's time to go the extra mile- learn how to use Blender (or another 3D modeling software), Unreal Engine or Unity (you will need to learn programming for this, but Gen AI can probably give you a head start on coding), and perhaps some other tools for voice actor recording and whatnot.
They say scarcity is the mother of invention. So if you can't find the work, you have all the tools at your fingertips to become an indie video game developer and perhaps one day become as important as some of the biggest studios!
Vanni Duong
3
Answers
Updated
Vanni’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
Here are three key things to get started:
Build Your Portfolio
Gather your best artwork into a digital portfolio, focusing on your strongest character, environment, and prop designs. Share your work on platforms like ArtStation, Behance, and DeviantArt to connect with others and get your art noticed. Be sure to include sketches and work-in-progress shots to showcase your creative process, not just the finished pieces.
Network and Get Feedback
Join online communities—such as forums, Discord servers, and Facebook groups—dedicated to concept art. By sharing your work and participating in discussions, you can ask for feedback from more experienced artists and use their advice to keep improving.
Internship
If you can’t find internship opportunities online, consider emailing companies directly to ask about any available positions. Introduce yourself and ensure your first email makes a memorable impression.
Good luck!
Here are three key things to get started:
Build Your Portfolio
Gather your best artwork into a digital portfolio, focusing on your strongest character, environment, and prop designs. Share your work on platforms like ArtStation, Behance, and DeviantArt to connect with others and get your art noticed. Be sure to include sketches and work-in-progress shots to showcase your creative process, not just the finished pieces.
Network and Get Feedback
Join online communities—such as forums, Discord servers, and Facebook groups—dedicated to concept art. By sharing your work and participating in discussions, you can ask for feedback from more experienced artists and use their advice to keep improving.
Internship
If you can’t find internship opportunities online, consider emailing companies directly to ask about any available positions. Introduce yourself and ensure your first email makes a memorable impression.
Good luck!
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it's also exciting. Throughout my career, I've found that connecting with others and growing my network has been really helpful. You can build your career while making friends along the way. I suggest you start by researching agencies or companies that are well-known in your areas of interest. A quick online search will give you plenty to explore. Check if they have any open positions, even if they're temporary or internships. If not, reach out and express your interest. The goal is to introduce yourself and keep the connection going once they respond.
You'll face rejections and silence, but don't let that discourage you. It's not about what you said or didn't say. Think of it like this: if someone calls you out of the blue, it might take a few tries before you agree to chat. Keep trying. This is a busy industry, but there are many people willing to help.
This field is exciting, and I'm thrilled you're interested in joining it. I wish you the best of luck!
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it's also exciting. Throughout my career, I've found that connecting with others and growing my network has been really helpful. You can build your career while making friends along the way. I suggest you start by researching agencies or companies that are well-known in your areas of interest. A quick online search will give you plenty to explore. Check if they have any open positions, even if they're temporary or internships. If not, reach out and express your interest. The goal is to introduce yourself and keep the connection going once they respond.
You'll face rejections and silence, but don't let that discourage you. It's not about what you said or didn't say. Think of it like this: if someone calls you out of the blue, it might take a few tries before you agree to chat. Keep trying. This is a busy industry, but there are many people willing to help.
This field is exciting, and I'm thrilled you're interested in joining it. I wish you the best of luck!
VK Kapoor
Cloud Consulting
10
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
VK’s Answer
Here’s a warm, encouraging response that feels personal and helpful without sounding AI-generated:
⸻
Hi Jordon, breaking into concept art can feel tough at first, but you’re already on the right path by asking and working toward a graphic design degree. Here are a few steps to help you get started:
• Build a strong portfolio with original character designs, environments, props—anything that shows your creativity and storytelling through visuals. Even fan art can help, as long as it shows your skill.
• Post your work consistently on platforms like ArtStation, Instagram, and Behance. Studios often scout talent there.
• Join online communities like Discord art servers, Reddit (like r/ArtCrit and r/ConceptArt), or forums where other aspiring artists and professionals hang out.
• Look for freelance gigs or indie game projects on sites like Upwork, HitRecord, DeviantArt forums, or even itch.io—small teams are often open to new artists.
• Apply for internships, even unpaid ones at first—they can help you make connections and learn how real teams work.
Keep creating, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged if things are slow at the start. Every piece you make gets you one step closer. You’ve got this! Good luck! :)
⸻
Hi Jordon, breaking into concept art can feel tough at first, but you’re already on the right path by asking and working toward a graphic design degree. Here are a few steps to help you get started:
• Build a strong portfolio with original character designs, environments, props—anything that shows your creativity and storytelling through visuals. Even fan art can help, as long as it shows your skill.
• Post your work consistently on platforms like ArtStation, Instagram, and Behance. Studios often scout talent there.
• Join online communities like Discord art servers, Reddit (like r/ArtCrit and r/ConceptArt), or forums where other aspiring artists and professionals hang out.
• Look for freelance gigs or indie game projects on sites like Upwork, HitRecord, DeviantArt forums, or even itch.io—small teams are often open to new artists.
• Apply for internships, even unpaid ones at first—they can help you make connections and learn how real teams work.
Keep creating, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged if things are slow at the start. Every piece you make gets you one step closer. You’ve got this! Good luck! :)
Anish Raghav Yadlapalli
4
Answers
Updated
Anish Raghav’s Answer
Employers worry about the risk of hiring new employees. They don't want to spend money on onboarding someone who isn't ready for the job. Onboarding can cost thousands of dollars, plus the salary they'll pay you. To ease this concern, try gig work. Use platforms like Fiverr to create a profile and show your previous projects. Clients there are more willing to hire for small tasks because it's less risky for them. Gig work lets employers get quick jobs done without the legal or financial commitments of hiring a full-time employee.
Start by creating an account on a gig-work app, upload your work, and reach out to clients. While gig work may not pay as much as a regular job, it's a good starting point. It helps you build a portfolio of successful projects and develop client relationships. These clients can become references when you apply for a full-time concept artist or graphic design job. Networking is crucial, so build strong connections with your clients on Fiverr. This will help you land your first full-time role. The journey may be challenging, but it will be rewarding if you love digital art.
Start by creating an account on a gig-work app, upload your work, and reach out to clients. While gig work may not pay as much as a regular job, it's a good starting point. It helps you build a portfolio of successful projects and develop client relationships. These clients can become references when you apply for a full-time concept artist or graphic design job. Networking is crucial, so build strong connections with your clients on Fiverr. This will help you land your first full-time role. The journey may be challenging, but it will be rewarding if you love digital art.
Charise-Mae Angderson
Technology Delivery Manager
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Charise-Mae’s Answer
As others have mentioned already, make sure you have an online portfolio ready to showcase your great work! It can consist of school work and maybe some freelance work you may have done. If you don't have freelance work, as someone else mentioned, make your own! You can do volunteer work (pro-bono) with a non-profit and maybe help them with some graphic design needs they have and then publish it as part of your portfolio. Sometimes volunteer work can also lead to a paid gig. There will sometimes be summer internships available with companies that specialize in graphic design.
Savyata Gomden
Software Engineer
47
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Savyata’s Answer
It's great to hear about your pursuit of a career as a concept artist. Here are some steps to help you find beginner work in this field:
Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including sketches, character designs, and environments. Make sure to include projects that demonstrate your understanding of storytelling and visual design.
Network: Connect with other artists and professionals in the industry through social media platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, and LinkedIn. Attend conventions, workshops, and online forums to meet people and learn about job opportunities.
Freelance and Collaborate: Look for freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Collaborating with other students or indie game developers can also provide valuable experience and help you build your network.
Apply for Internships: Keep an eye on internship listings specifically for concept artists in video games, films, and animation studios. Even if the positions are unpaid, they can provide essential experience and connections.
Utilize Career Resources: Consider using career hubs or job boards that focus on creative roles. These platforms often have listings for entry-level positions and internships.
Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including sketches, character designs, and environments. Make sure to include projects that demonstrate your understanding of storytelling and visual design.
Network: Connect with other artists and professionals in the industry through social media platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, and LinkedIn. Attend conventions, workshops, and online forums to meet people and learn about job opportunities.
Freelance and Collaborate: Look for freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Collaborating with other students or indie game developers can also provide valuable experience and help you build your network.
Apply for Internships: Keep an eye on internship listings specifically for concept artists in video games, films, and animation studios. Even if the positions are unpaid, they can provide essential experience and connections.
Utilize Career Resources: Consider using career hubs or job boards that focus on creative roles. These platforms often have listings for entry-level positions and internships.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jordan !
There are some things I would like to clarify and be happy to give you advice for your future career as a Graphic Designer. There is no "beginner" work for film, television or video games, you will have to have gone through your training and education and only you would be able to determine when you are ready for a professional career working in those media. You may be having a time finding a position called Concept Artist but maybe think more along the lines of Art Director, or creating your own projects. You also may want to start learning animation so you can get work as an Animator. Another reason you may be having issues finding Concept Artist opportunities because it may be that many animators and art directors do their own concept art. You need to explore career jobs once you know everything about the career and the industries.
Start right there at your college. Are you doing projects yet ? You're going to need experience and a reel/portfolio of your work for when you are ready to look for career jobs. Where are you looking for work ? You will need to look for work in trade specific websites and you can ask your professor which websites these are and also use Linked In and Indeed.
If your end goal is to work in media, and you'll be getting your degree in Graphic Arts, you may have to take a Film, Video and Gaming course or two or more to learn the medium. The only other thing would be to ask your professors or one of the media departments if they place students in an Internship in their Junior or Senior years or after they graduate with their degree. Some colleges do that and some don't. Make a strong connection with your major department and learn the film, animation and gaming community in your area so you can start networking. You will also need substantial experience to obtain employment in film, video or gaming. Also keep in mind that your college major path should be teaching the students how to start their career. It's part of the process.
Read employment notices for Art Director and graphic art positions for film, video and gaming at Linked In and Indeed and see what the requirements are. Also, look into doing volunteer work. There is one Studio in the town you live in, Oddbox Studio. Visit them and offer to do volunteer work so you can get a feel for how a studio operates and it would be good experience for you in addition to the projects you do at college. You need to make valuable contacts and people need to see your work and now is a good time to start.
If you make stronger connections with your classmates and professors, that may be a good way to know of opportunities, too. Give it all some time. It's fine if you do not start your career while you are in college. There's a lot to learn about media and how your talent of graphic art applies to that field of work. Also do a search for Directories online that you can register at so when people need a graphic or concept artist, they can contact you. Make sure you are ready and able to do a vast variety of different types projects before registering.
I hope this is useful and I wish you all the best !
JOBS IN THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY https://hitmarker.net/graphic-design-jobs-in-the-video-game-industry-the-ultimate-quick-guide
There are some things I would like to clarify and be happy to give you advice for your future career as a Graphic Designer. There is no "beginner" work for film, television or video games, you will have to have gone through your training and education and only you would be able to determine when you are ready for a professional career working in those media. You may be having a time finding a position called Concept Artist but maybe think more along the lines of Art Director, or creating your own projects. You also may want to start learning animation so you can get work as an Animator. Another reason you may be having issues finding Concept Artist opportunities because it may be that many animators and art directors do their own concept art. You need to explore career jobs once you know everything about the career and the industries.
Start right there at your college. Are you doing projects yet ? You're going to need experience and a reel/portfolio of your work for when you are ready to look for career jobs. Where are you looking for work ? You will need to look for work in trade specific websites and you can ask your professor which websites these are and also use Linked In and Indeed.
If your end goal is to work in media, and you'll be getting your degree in Graphic Arts, you may have to take a Film, Video and Gaming course or two or more to learn the medium. The only other thing would be to ask your professors or one of the media departments if they place students in an Internship in their Junior or Senior years or after they graduate with their degree. Some colleges do that and some don't. Make a strong connection with your major department and learn the film, animation and gaming community in your area so you can start networking. You will also need substantial experience to obtain employment in film, video or gaming. Also keep in mind that your college major path should be teaching the students how to start their career. It's part of the process.
Read employment notices for Art Director and graphic art positions for film, video and gaming at Linked In and Indeed and see what the requirements are. Also, look into doing volunteer work. There is one Studio in the town you live in, Oddbox Studio. Visit them and offer to do volunteer work so you can get a feel for how a studio operates and it would be good experience for you in addition to the projects you do at college. You need to make valuable contacts and people need to see your work and now is a good time to start.
If you make stronger connections with your classmates and professors, that may be a good way to know of opportunities, too. Give it all some time. It's fine if you do not start your career while you are in college. There's a lot to learn about media and how your talent of graphic art applies to that field of work. Also do a search for Directories online that you can register at so when people need a graphic or concept artist, they can contact you. Make sure you are ready and able to do a vast variety of different types projects before registering.
I hope this is useful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: