What software do concept artists use?
Most concept artists paint in Adobe Photoshop and use 3D software such as Blender, Autodesk Maya and ZBrush to block out forms, test lighting and build designs quickly. KeyShot or V-Ray are used for rendering and Substance Painter for texturing. Drawing skill matters more than any tool, so learn fundamentals first and software second.
By NPC College of Arts & Design. Updated October 2026.
2D: digital painting and drawing
Adobe Photoshop is the standard for digital painting, design sheets and photo-bashing in studios. Artists draw on a pen display or tablet, most often a Wacom Cintiq.
3D: modelling and sculpting
- Blender: free, fast for blocking out environments, vehicles and props, and widely used by concept designers
- Autodesk Maya: the main modelling and animation package in film and animation studios
- ZBrush: digital sculpting for characters and creatures
Rendering and texturing
KeyShot and V-Ray turn a 3D model into a lit image that can be painted over. Substance Painter is used to paint materials and surface detail directly onto a model.
Visual effects and compositing
Artists who move toward animation and effects also use Nuke for compositing and Adobe After Effects for motion and effects work.
What to learn first
Start with drawing: perspective, figure, form and light. Then learn Photoshop well enough that it stops getting in the way. Add one 3D tool, usually Blender, once you can design on paper. Studios train new hires on their own pipeline, but they do not teach drawing.
What NPC College teaches
Across the three diploma programs students use Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, KeyShot and V-Ray. Computer Art also uses Nuke and Adobe After Effects. Digital drawing is taught on Wacom Cintiq displays and tablets.