Guides to concept art education
Plain explanations for students and parents deciding whether, where and how to study concept art.
What is concept art?
Concept art is the design work done before a film, game or animated series is built. What concept artists make, the specializations, and how it differs from illustration.
How to become a concept artist
The steps to become a concept artist: drawing fundamentals, design thinking, digital and 3D tools, a focused portfolio, and how studios hire.
Concept art diploma or degree: how to choose
How a one- to two-year concept art diploma compares with a four-year BFA: time, cost, depth, and when a diploma-to-degree pathway gives you both.
How to build a concept art portfolio for college admission
What to put in a concept art admission portfolio, with NPC College’s exact requirement: five original artworks including observation, perspective and digital work.
Concept art schools in Vancouver and Canada: how to compare
A checklist for comparing concept art schools in Vancouver and across Canada: designation, program length, curriculum, instructors, tuition, student work and degree pathways.
Concept design vs concept art vs entertainment design
Concept art, concept design and entertainment design describe the same field from different angles. What each term means, how they differ from illustration and animation, and which program fits.
What software do concept artists use?
The software concept artists use in film, game and animation studios: Photoshop for painting, Blender, Maya and ZBrush for 3D, plus rendering and texturing tools, and what to learn first.
Start your application
Applications for the September 2027 intake are open. The early admission deadline is March 1, 2027 and the regular deadline is July 1, 2027.