I have a few questions about the TES artwork, and especially the concept art.
Since I myself have ambitions to become concept artist, the few pictures on www.elderscrolls.com really got me curious.

First I was wondering if there are any concept sketches to find (on the web) op perhaps to expected. (and where they are to be found, of course)

Secondly, I'm interested in the process of designing such a huge world and all the characters in it. Where do you start? How many people are working on such a project? how many time/sketches does it take to "design" a creature or city?

Last, I'd like to know what you are looking for in a concept artist (My drawing skills are by far not good enough to do professional work, but it's always nice to have a goal to work to)

Thanks a lot.







Or..... am i misposting my questions? If so, please guide me to the right place to place them ^^"

I could be wrong but... Are you asking for a job?

Er, you got the wrong section. I know it says Artwork, but, are you, like, looking for a...job?

EDIT: Solidor, you Ninja!

I'm not looking for a job, i'm looking for information.

Someday i might be looking for a job, but i'd never do it like this. (note: read last sentence. I clearly stated that my skills are insufficient for professional work. Does that look like a job interview to you?)

My advice? Go on google and look for a careers advisor local to you. Speak to them, tell them what you want to do and they will direct you in the right direction for college/home courses/internet courses or whatever. But really this needs to go to Community discussion.

EDIT: And no need for sarcasm, you didnt make much sense in the OP.

if that's the case the tread can go to the bin if y'ask me.

Guess i've misinterpreted the community ^_^

edit: sorry, no sarcasm intended.

I understood you perfectly, don't know how your post could have been viewed as as if you were looking for a job.

Nevertheless, unless you have specific artwork concerning the TES universe to present, I think that this topic may be more suitable for the Community Discussion. Your questions are too general and this forum (TES Artwork and Fan Fiction) is intended for TES-only artwork.

ive not worked in a profesional environment (=paid), but i can answer most of these with my modding/indy game experience. i'm also throwing what knowledge i have of the industry in here.



not quite sure what you are asking here. companies usually put up concepts on their websites as promotional material. conceptart.org is also a must-visit, many people (both in concept art and in all other art industries) post their work on the site.


whereever the design document/art lead tell you to in my experience, you usually start at larger, more influencial items (eg. races or regions) and atmospheric insperation pieces, then narrow down and do specifics.


depends on the size of the company and the project. in the beginning there might be more, towards the end of the project less.


depends on what youre designing. sometimes the first sketch is perfect, sometimes it takes a dozen to get it right. often times the artists do brainstorming sessions, picking parts of each drawing to merge into a final. cities take more because each element (building, flag, lamp post, etc.) needs to be designed individually. also, one sketch often means doing 4-5 separate drawings so that each side/function/variant of the object can be seen.

time depends on your own speed and on the requirements. beth's concept sketches on the front page look to be just pencil, other companies use full digital. some assignments take more time, some less.


the first thing I look for in an artist is creativity. i dont care if youre freaking davinci, if you cant have a good, non-generic idea i dont need you on my team. however, art skills are also pretty important - if you cant render your idea its not very useful, now is it? from what ive seen of other people's paid art, you dont have to be perfect, but you do have to know how to get your idea across. dedication and persistence is also very important, as is a varied portfolio (so not just bikini clad fantasy women or shiny steampunk bikes, for example).

hope that helps

Perfect, exactly what i was looking for.

Thanks a lot for your help, even tough my questions might have been a bit vague...