Question about 3D environment ideas

Ryandec

Hi everyone,

I just have a really simple question about when you guys start your 3D environments, generally do you look for concepts to work from? and if so where do you get them and do you need to ask for permission from the artist and ofc credit them.. or do you just gather images from google and just create a project using a ton of reference and which do you think is better of the two. I wanted to start a new project and I just wanted some opinion on the matter as I feel like I would work way better for concepts but I didn't want to just take one from google and start doing work without knowing whos 2D work it was and without permission from them.

jamesman82

hey ryandec,

typically, unless i'm developing an enviro for my own personal projects (or something work related), i will always use someone else's concept work. why? because 1) i have a very specific, limited style of drawing, and 2) i'm looking for variety in my work. i don't get paid to do concept art AND environments, but i do get asked to work in a number of different styles with varying degrees of finish and technique. using different artists' concepts helps me to stay flexible.

as far as the question of permission/credit... in general, if there's a name attached to it, give that name credit. if there's no name, at least make sure you state that it isn't your original concept.

you don't have to ask for permission unless you're looking to make money off of it. that being said, contacting the concept artist will help create professional relationships and give them a bump when you finish the piece. it can't hurt!

doomprodigy

This is sort of a large question, big debatable topic. Depends on what you're wanting to do I guess. If you want to model from a concept and visualize that concept in 3D then go ahead. Google, Pinterest etc find something you like and make it. Good to ask permission beforehand though not necessarily required, If you're doing something portfolio worthy then yeah I would get permission beforehand and once the piece is on your portfolio link to the original artists piece. Though as a practice piece I'm sure it wouldn't hurt anybody if you just grabbed something you like to work from.

Research and reference etc really depends on what you're wanting to do. If you're world building, coming up with an area/world/location then reference/research is key. Making sure it is grounded in reality to a certain extent and is a believable area. Though try not to pull much from other built worlds. Work from history and you're own visual library to create a concept.