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How to become
Visual Development Artist
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Who is a Visual Development Artist
The Visual Development Artist is an essential multimedia professional in the visual arts sector, specializing in creating immersive and cinematic atmospheres for various forms of creative entertainment such as films, TV series, video games, live performances, and digital events. This dynamic figure plays a pivotal role in establishing the tone, mood, and colour palette of settings, ensuring that each element aligns correctly with the plot and specific project characteristics. With skills ranging from storyboarding to character design, from environmental design to the study of props, the Visual Development Artist transforms the director's and creative team's concepts into extraordinary visual representations that transport viewers to new and fascinating worlds. To achieve this, the Visual Development Artist may undertake various roles, including that of an art director, visual development leader, costume designer, lighting and colour expert, and decision-maker in character and setting creation. Their ability to define the aesthetics and atmosphere of a project, combined with the capacity to evoke deep emotions, makes them an indispensable figure in creating unforgettable experiences for the audience.
What do Visual Development Artist do?
To facilitate the visual processing of scenarios for films, video games, animations, live performances, and digital events, the creative process of a Visual Development Artist begins with thorough research on the theme and context of the project, allowing them to imagine (and then create) atmospheres and worlds that are not only visually captivating but also narratively consistent. The artist then develops drafts and preliminary sketches to shape their visions. The creation of detailed concept art is a critical and delicate phase: it allows for carefully designing settings, characters, and props to ensure that every detail contributes significantly to the story and the final experience offered to the audience. The artist collaborates closely with directors, screenwriters, and production teams to ensure that their work harmoniously integrates with all production elements, actively participating in defining backgrounds, general colours, lighting, and character design, ensuring that every visual choice aligns with the project's overall vision.
What skills should Visual Development Artist have?
A standout Visual Development Artist must boast a range of technical and creative skills, starting with extensive knowledge of colour theory and a deep understanding of both traditional and digital drawing techniques. The ability to use graphic and animation software, embracing both 2D and 3D techniques, and to work effectively in a team, is indispensable, as the Visual Development Artist frequently collaborates with other creative departments. This artist, who must communicate their artistic visions effectively and constructively integrate feedback, must also have a solid understanding of production processes to adapt their creations to the specific needs of each project. The ability to translate narrative concepts into effective visual images is crucial, as are stylistic flexibility and the willingness to stay updated on the latest trends in the visual arts and multimedia sectors.
How to become a Visual Development Artist?
To aspire to a successful career as a Visual Development Artist, it is fundamental to undertake a targeted educational path that provides a solid foundation in both the artistic and technological fields. This journey must focus on learning drawing and illustration techniques, embracing both traditional and digital methods, refining the ability to create convincing and visually rich characters and settings. A deep understanding of color theory and the design of characters and settings is equally pivotal, as is the development of a solid aesthetic sense. An education that includes aspects of visual storytelling and principles of digital and live performance is crucial. In this context, the NABA Master of Arts in Digital and Live Performance is essential to acquire all the artistic and technical skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving market, facilitating the creation of a distinctive and personal visual language.
