Did you know that over 3.3 billion people play video games (that’s nearly half the world), but only around 2.2 million people work in illustration across all industries? This means game artists are rare, and the world needs more of them!
So, if you love drawing and dream of seeing your art in games, now is the perfect time to start. There is so much that you can do in this stream. Such as sketch characters, design magical worlds, or simply create cool items. All your imagination can come to life.
People will play it again and again only if you take a step forward today. Just continue reading this guide, and it will walk you through the beginner-friendly basics.
Easy Game Art Skills for Young Designers
Welcome, young artists! So glad you made the right choice and decided to read further. Here is a quick overview of what in-game graphics are.
Think of them like a drawing that came alive. Yes, that is true. This is the talent where you convert your sketches into moving art so that it becomes an entertaining e-sport. Those who have doodled a cool character or made up a world in their head, even for once, will get this.
But let us tell you, this is just the beginning. You have the knack for it, and now it is time to polish that skill to become a professional. Who knows, maybe one day you too can have your name on a couple of Illustrated Children’s Books in UK.
Game Art and Animation Are NOT the Same
It is a misconception that young artists need fancy tools to begin. Put that myth away and just grab a pencil. All you should be doing is imagining and sketching what you’d love to see in a game. Trust us, it is a fun power to be able to draw characters.
Moving on, it is observed that people think animation and game art are the same. Let us clear that once and for all. They are not the same. Digital art is about drawing how a game looks. It talks about:
- the living (people/animals)
- the non-living things (background/environment)
On the other hand, animation is basically about making those sketches move. Going here and there, jumping, shooting, and all the other activities.
| Graphics | Animation | |
| Purpose | To set the mood and narrative | To bring static art to life |
| Skills | Digital painting3D modeling SculptingTexturing Visual Storytelling | DrawingTiming Motion principlesCharacter design3D modeling |
| Tools | Photoshop for graphicsMaya for 3D modelling | 3D software like Maya2D animation software |
| Outputs | 2D assets, 3D models, textures, UI elements, and character concepts | Character walk cycles, attack animations, and VFX |
Skills You Need to Become a Game Illustrator
You either have to hire a game illustrator UK or learn the skill by yourself because without them, it is impossible for anyone to complete a game. We have researched and are now presenting to you the most important skills that a graphic designer must have. They are divided into four different groups: Artistic, Technical, Soft, and Bonus skills.
- Artistic Skills
One must know about the drawing fundamentals. For example, the strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, lighting, and composition. It lets you create believable characters and environments. Apart from this, you should be aware of how colors work together. This will enable you to set the mood and tone of your illustrations.
- Technical Skills
The designer should have 2D and 3D software proficiency. This means they should be able to use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate (for 2D), and Maya (for 3D).
Besides this, it is also important to learn how to paint digitally, as this allows for faster edits and more polished results. In the end, the young artists need to know how their art fits into the game development process, starting from concept to final asset.
- Soft Skills
Speaking of soft skills, the first in the list of creativity and imagination. This is important because you will often be asked to visualize ideas that don’t exist yet. You also need to have good communication, as it is the nature of your job to collaborate with designers, animators, and developers. Furthermore, the creation styles vary widely, so being flexible with your approach is a huge plus, too.
- Bonus Skills
There are three bonus skills, which will make the designer or the client eager to work with you. The first one is storyboarding. Knowing this will help you plan out scenes and gameplay visually. Next, the basic animation knowledge is important even if you are not animating. Last but not least, portfolio building is crucial because it allows you to land better opportunities.
Tools and Software That Will Support You
| For Drawing and Sketching |
| Procreate (iPad) is super intuitive and great for beginners. |
| Krita (free), a powerful open-source tool with relevant features. |
| Adobe Fresco for digital painting on tablets. |
| For Digital Painting and Game Assets |
| Adobe Photoshop for graphics. |
| Clip Studio Paint works great for drawing as well as animation. |
Drawing Characters That Fit in the Game World
1: Research and Come Up with a Concept
- You need to immerse yourself in the setting.
- Then, define the character’s function, personality, backstory, and motivations.
- Once done, you can align the character’s look with the game’s overall art style.
- You can also collect real images for inspiration.
2: Start Sketching Directly
- Begin with rough sketches only.
- Then use basic geometric shapes to convey personality traits intuitively.
- After the outlining, refine the character’s proportions.
- Later, add details like facial features, unique clothing, scars, or accessories.
3: Work on Colors and Presentation
- Now it is the time to use color for providing visual cues, like muted tones for villains.
- Next, use light and shadow to add volume and depth.
- Lastly, make model sheets displaying characters from multiple angles, expressions, and poses.
Designing the Background and Environment
Let us take Minecraft, for example. Drawing a character like Steve or a Creeper means focusing on shape, pose, and personality. You can zoom in on details such as their faces, clothes, and how they move. Backgrounds are a totally different aspect. You are now drawing the world they live in. It could be anything from a forest to a cave to even a village.
Fun Mini-Projects to Practice Illustration Skills
FAQs
- What’s the difference between concept art and final game art?
Concept art is the rough idea stage. It is the sketch that explores style, mood, and design. However, the final art is polished and ready for gameplay.
- Can I do art on paper, or do I need a tablet?
You can absolutely start on paper! Many artists sketch ideas by hand first. A tablet can later help with digital tools and editing. For now, focus on learning the basics.
- Where can I find inspiration or references for my game art?
Honestly, it is pretty simple. Just look at games you love, animated movies, or concept art books. Apart from this, Pinterest, ArtStation, and game trailers are great too for inspiration.
Lesson to Learn From the Blog
To sum up everything, it is safe to say that learning how to illustrate in-game graphics is not a walk in the park. It takes great dedication, and people who are born with a passion for it in them can do it effortlessly. So, if you are someone who has an eye for details and is blessed with strong imagination, then this is your chance to show the world. Learn the basics and tell everyone what you are capable of creating. With just 2.2 million illustrators serving the 3.3 billion game players, the world needs you now, more than ever!