How AI Tools Are Revolutionising Concept Art: A Skillshare Journey

Have you ever wondered how to take your concept art to the next level? I recently completed an eye-opening course on Skillshare that taught me how to leverage AI tools like Midjourney and Adobe Photoshop's new feature “generative fill” and “generative expand” to create stunning concept art. If you're interested in elevating your skills, read on!

My Personal Experience and Showcase

One of the most rewarding aspects of taking this Skillshare course was the opportunity to apply what I learned in real-time. I was amazed at how quickly I could produce high-quality concept art using AI tools like Midjourney.

What I Created

During the course, I worked on a project that allowed me to experiment with various styles and techniques. From futuristic steampunk landscapes to intricate character designs, the AI tools enabled me to bring my visions to life in a way I never thought possible.

This series of images was inspired by the film, “The Martian” - and I took inspiration from creating this concept art, as if in preparation for a sequel.

Alternate view of a Martian inspired landscape

What if Mark Watney had made some unexpected discoveries?

Learning Midjourney’s capabilities

You learn all the ways Midjourney can be utilised. I also used Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Expand & Fill to achieve these effects.

Character Imagination

For this project, I combined the power of Photoshop's generative fill with Midjourney's AI capabilities to create a unique character design. The result was a character that looked like it stepped right out of a high-budget video game.

Why you should try it

Seeing my ideas materialize so quickly was incredibly satisfying. If you're on the fence about taking this course, let my experience serve as encouragement. The skills you'll gain are not only valuable but also immensely rewarding.

How Do You Make Concept Art with AI?

Creating concept art with AI is a game-changer. With tools like Midjourney, you can generate incredibly detailed designs with just a few prompts and adjustments. The AI algorithms analyze your inputs and produce artwork that would take hours to create manually.
You can then use your own artistic expertise in Adobe Photoshop to make any manual (or AI) adjustments you like.

Can You Use AI Art for Concept Art?

Absolutely! AI art isn't just a gimmick; it's a powerful tool for concept artists. It allows you to experiment with different styles and elements quickly, giving you more time to focus on the overall composition.

How Do AI Art Programs Learn?

AI art programs use machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data. They learn from existing art styles, patterns, and techniques to generate new, unique pieces. The more you use these tools, the better they get at understanding your artistic preferences.

What Software Do Concept Artists Use?

While traditional tools like Adobe Photoshop etc remain popular, emerging AI tools like Midjourney are gaining traction and can be used in conjunction with one another to create masterpieces. These platforms offer unique features that can significantly speed up your workflow.

What are the Best Concept Art Courses in the UK

If you're based in the UK and looking to expand your skills, there are several top-notch courses available. The Skillshare course I took is a fantastic starting point, and a great place for people to start, but there are also specialised courses at institutions like the University of Arts London and Falmouth University, in Cornwall.

How Do You Become a Concept Artist?

Becoming a concept artist requires a mix of formal education, self-study, and practical experience. Courses like the one I took on Skillshare are an excellent way to acquire new skills and learn from industry experts.

Why Is Concept Art Important?

Concept art is the backbone of any creative project. It serves as a visual blueprint, guiding developers, animators, and other team members. With the advent of AI tools, the scope and quality of what can be achieved has dramatically increased. The future of concept art and development is very bright indeed!

In conclusion:

If you're interested in concept art and want to explore the possibilities that AI tools offer, I highly recommend giving this Skillshare course a try. It's an investment in your skills and future, and who knows? You might create the next iconic piece of art!