Glossary
The following terms are related to concept art development in films and video games.
Concept Art: The initial visual representation of an idea or concept, used to convey the look and feel of characters, environments, or objects.
Keyframe: A specific moment or action in the story depicted in an artwork, often used to define major visual or narrative points in a scene.
Thumbnail Sketches: Small, rough sketches used to quickly explore different ideas and compositions.
Mood Board: A collection of images, colors, and textures assembled to convey the emotional tone and atmosphere of a project.
Turnaround: A series of images showing a character, prop, or object from multiple angles, often used for 3D modeling reference.
Silhouette: The outline of a character or object, focusing on its shape without internal details, used to ensure readability and strong visual design.
Matte Painting: Highly detailed, often photorealistic backgrounds or environments created for film or video games, typically used in combination with live-action or 3D elements.
Color Script: A sequence of color studies mapping out the visual tone and atmosphere throughout a film or game, used to guide lighting and mood.
Storyboard: A visual sequence of panels representing key scenes or shots, often used to plan out the flow and pacing of a project.
Visual Development / VisDev: The process of developing the visual style, mood, and look of a project, which encompasses characters, environments, and props.
Design Bible / Art Bible: A comprehensive document compiling all the visual rules and guidelines for a project, including character sheets, environments, and style references.
Props Design: The creation of individual objects or tools that characters interact with, focusing on their form, function, and style.
Environment Design: The design and visualization of the settings and worlds in which the story takes place, including architecture, landscapes, and interiors.
Anatomy Study: Drawings that focus on understanding the structure and movement of the human or creature body, critical for accurate character design.
Composition: The arrangement of visual elements within a frame, aimed at guiding the viewer’s eye and enhancing the narrative or emotional impact.
Texture Maps: 2D images applied to the surface of a 3D model to give it color, detail, and realism, such as skin, metal, or wood textures.
Speed Painting: A technique where an artist quickly creates a piece to capture mood, lighting, or composition in a short time, often used in the ideation phase.
Photobashing: A technique in which artists combine photographic elements with hand-drawn or painted elements to create detailed and realistic concept art quickly.