This semester I am taking Illustration II (Ill2) and Concept Art/Matte Painting (CAMP). Both classes are really taking big leaps over anything that I've ever had to do for an art class before. In Ill2, we have strict 2 week deadlines, pushing you to really figure out what you're trying to say, figure out the best way to say it, and then execute it all within a relatively short period of time. Getting a lot of information and ideas going in the early phases or projects is CRUCIAL. In addition, Barry (my professor) is really pushing us to ask, "why?": why is the light coming in from over here, why is this red, why is he larger that she is, why is that in the foreground. He's really pushing us to consider every aspect of our illustrations and create the illustration with intent, rather than just the 'oh I don't know' 'oh I just liked that color' 'oh i needed to fit it somewhere.'
CAMP has us doing a lot of sketches. In fact, the emphasis is more on the character than on having a completed illustration. In order to do this, much research is required, as well as thinking of things from different angles, variations on the same design, combinations of designs, etc. It's basically like taking the idea/brainstorming stage of Ill2, and super charging it: it's a class about development and process, as well as attention to detail.
Overall, both classes compliment each other, and I feel that after this semester, I am going to really really improve in my Illustration skills, and all my time management skills (very important). For now, though, adjusting to the DRAMATIC increase in homework is definitely something to get used to, especially considering that these are only 2 of the classes I'm taking this semester!
Here goes nothing!
http://www.machinarium.com/gallery.html
^ Concept art from an upcoming Indie game. I just love the attention to detail and the overall aesthetic of the piece
