3D Techniques For Concept Art

Concept artist and tutor Jad Saber discusses how he uses 3D and 2D software alongside references to create realistic vis-dev artworks

- Jad Saber

When working professionally for a client, you’re usually bound by a brief and have to work within a number of constraints. You have to depict the client’s vision in your image. Even your creative process might have to be adapted to meet the commission’s requirements.

However, when you’ve made time to produce personal work, it’s a whole different ballgame. There are an infinite amount of possibilities available, and the creative process is a lot more flexible. I’m always looking for inspiration in different things: books, films, comics, photographs from my travels or experiences. There’s really no limit to the number of sources that can provide that magical spark of inspiration!

Once I have an idea of what I’ll be making, I might do a small scribble so I can better visualise it, or just get started with a quick 3D mockup. I think experimenting with different processes helps in producing a range of ideas that I can explore further.

For this particular image I wanted to create a grungy, cyberpunk piece, inspired by the worlds of Blade Runner and Akira. The idea of having a rundown façade with a shop and a car in front came from a drawing by Katsuhiro Otomo that caught my eye as I was flipping through one of my Akira books. That single reference was enough to light the spark!

ADD REALISM TO A CONCEPT

Creating the façade