Since Ctrl+Paint began, I've been asked to make a series about creating concept art. Well, this is it! Earlier drafts took different forms, but finally I decided to make this series as versatile as possible and explore the rules of visual language. As a result, the ideas in this series can be applied to any subject-matter you like.

[UPDATE] This is now available in the store!

Concept art is all about visual design. After all, how do we know if we're looking at a hero or a villain? It's easy to forget that concept artists do more than just draw cool stuff. Their real task is to communicate with a viewer through shapes and colors - to make it absolutely clear who is the hero, and who is the villain. Design Basics, coming to the store on Wed. October 17th, examines this silent language: the language of design.

Whether you're designing props, characters, environments, or even your personal website - the rules are all the same. The videos in this series explain how to gather and utilize visual reference, plan your characters, and infuse them with the principles of good design. Unlike the other store offerings, this series is completely lecture-based and you won't see me drawing on screen. Instead it covers the process and iteration that lead to the final robot design; focusing on the idea process and not the tools themselves.