Our 2-year concept art program

Our educators are some of the most influential concept-artists in the game and film industries. The’ll teach you the skills and mindset you’ll need to succeed.

START OF THE YEAR SEPTEMBER

YEAR ONE

In our courses, instructors travel to Paris to share their knowledge and offer insights into their daily routines as professional concept artists. These sessions span one to two weeks, running from 9am to 5pm. Throughout the rigorous first year, the emphasis is on honing foundational skills, mastering essential digital art software, and grasping the demands of the concept art industry, along with learning to create designs that cater to its needs.

DESIGN

Design with a purpose

Intro

At New3dge, we believe that great design transcends aesthetics; it serves a purpose. Each brushstroke, color choice, and design decision should communicate an idea, evoke emotion, or tell a story. Our curriculum emphasizes intentional design choices, urging students to infuse purpose into every piece they create. By understanding the "why" behind each design, our students not only create visually stunning works but also imbue them with deeper meaning and narrative relevance.
Architecture Design

Architecture speaks volumes about a culture, its history, and its aspirations. In the Architecture Design class, students delve into the intricacies of creating structures that are not only aesthetically appealing but also carry narrative significance. From grand palaces echoing a civilization's pinnacle to dilapidated huts hinting at decay, every design choice is made to enhance the story and immerse the viewer in a world. By understanding architectural styles, materials, and the effects of time and nature, students craft environments that become silent characters in their own right.
Props Design

Every object tells a story. In Props Design, students learn the art of designing everyday items that characters might interact with, ensuring each prop fits seamlessly within its environment and contributes to the narrative. Whether it's a mage's ornate staff, a handwritten letter, or a simple cooking utensil, understanding the significance of these items allows students to embed layers of history and meaning into their designs, enriching the overall storytelling experience.
Vehicle Design

Transportation isn't just about moving from point A to point B; it's about the journey, the era, and the world's technology. The Vehicle Design class emphasizes creating modes of transport that resonate with a story's setting and culture. Whether designing futuristic hovercraft, steam-powered trains, or mythical beasts of burden, students explore how vehicles can reflect technological advancements, societal norms, and the artistic aesthetics of the world they inhabit.
Weapon Desgin

Weapons, in stories, are often extensions of the characters that wield them and symbols of the conflicts they face. In our Weapon Design class, students explore the delicate balance between functionality and symbolism. Crafting weapons that range from simple, practical tools of defense to ornate ceremonial artifacts, students learn to design with the character, culture, and story arc in mind, ensuring each weapon isn't just a tool but a narrative device in its own right.

FUNDAMENTALS

Fortifying core skills

Intro

True innovation in art arises from a profound understanding of its fundamentals. Our school places a significant emphasis on fortifying these foundational elements, from anatomy and perspective to light and shadow. A solid grasp of the basics provides our students with the freedom to experiment, innovate, and express their unique voice. In understanding and mastering the core principles of art, they establish a robust platform upon which they can construct and explore intricate, imaginative concepts.
Painting Techniques

Painting is more than just applying color to a canvas; it's about understanding the medium, the brush strokes, and the methods that can turn a simple sketch into a masterpiece. In our Painting Techniques course, students will dive deep into the various techniques that have been used throughout history and those that are on the cutting edge of modern art. From the delicate art of glazing to the boldness of impasto, we explore how different methods can influence mood, depth, and texture, giving students a comprehensive toolkit to express their visions.
Color & Light

The magic of art often lies in its play of color and light. This course delves into the science and emotion behind color, teaching students how to harness its power to set tone, convey emotion, and bring their art to life. Through a deep understanding of light's interaction with surfaces and atmosphere, students learn to create depth, mood, and atmosphere. Whether it's the soft hues of a twilight sky or the harsh shadows of a midday sun, understanding color and light is crucial in evoking the desired response from an audience.
Composition

The arrangement of elements in art, the composition, is the foundation upon which all great artwork is built. In this course, students are introduced to the principles of composition, from the rule of thirds to leading lines, to ensure that every piece they create is balanced, harmonious, and engaging. Through practical exercises and critical analysis, students will learn how to guide the viewer's eye, create focal points, and use negative space effectively, ensuring their artworks are not just seen but are truly experienced.

SOFTWARE

Proficiency in the latest tools and techniques

Intro

The rapidly evolving world of concept art demands not just creativity but also proficiency in the latest tools and techniques. Our school ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the professional landscape by offering in-depth training in essential software and advanced techniques. Mastering these tools allows our students to bring their ideas to life in vivid detail, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of industry standards and expectations. As they transition into the professional world, our graduates are not only visionary artists but also adept technicians, poised for success in any studio or project.
BLENDER

Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
UNREAL ENGINE 5

Unreal Engine is a free-to-use game development engine owned by Epic Games. It can create a large variety of 3D, 2D, and VR game styles. The platform is known for its impressive graphical and lighting capabilities. It includes a library of materials, objects, and characters.
PHOTOSHOP

Learn the secret tricks and concept art related process with Photoshop.

SUMMER BREAK JULY - AUGUST

Year two

In the second year, the curriculum delves into advanced subjects, allowing students to select their preferred areas of specialization. Through collaborative courses, students are prepared for the entertainment industry by simulating the creation of professional projects. Upon concluding the two-year journey, students present a culminating project, showcasing their acquired skills and knowledge to potential employers.

SPECIALIZED COURSES

Deep understanding of your field

Sci fi Design

Whether it's the sleek surfaces of a futuristic metropolis or the gritty aesthetics of a post-apocalyptic settlement, students will explore the principles that govern the believable design of science fiction environments, ensuring their creations are both innovative and grounded in logic.
Keyframes

Students learn the importance of capturing pivotal moments in a narrative, constructing scenes that convey emotion, tension, and progression. From dramatic battles to subtle character revelations, this course emphasizes the importance of context, composition, and clarity in encapsulating the essence of a story's turning points.
Creature Design

In our Creature Design course, students venture into the art of crafting beings from the fantastical to the fearsome. Blending elements of anatomy, biology, and pure creativity, students learn to design creatures that are both awe-inspiring and believable, considering how they fit into their ecosystems, their evolutionary adaptations, and the roles they play in the narratives.

GAME ART AND CGI PROJECT

Providing concept art for a real-world project

GROUP PROJECT

One of our curriculum's cornerstone experiences is the intensive 10-week project focused on game art and CGI projects. This project is designed not only to mirror the real-world processes and demands of the industry but also to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, mirroring the teamwork often required in professional settings. Students will immerse themselves in a holistic concept art development process, working from initial ideation to finalized designs that are ready for production. For prospective employers, seeing this project is a clear indication of a candidate's capability, adaptability, and understanding of the complex workflow involved in game and CGI development. It reassures them of the student's preparedness for the challenges of the professional world and their ability to deliver high-quality results within set timelines. Here are some projects from last year.
TOWER 42

In "TOWER42," firefighters embark on an interstellar mission to an exoplanet. Their objective? Battle raging fires and transform the once-fiery planet into a habitable space for future settlers.
AQUA HEROES

"AQUA HEROES" is a delightful indie game where players wield water guns as their primary weapon. Set against a backdrop of mechanical monstrosities, the goal is to quench and conquer these metallic foes in high-spirited aquatic battles.
KARNAK

Drawing inspiration from the challenging gameplay of titles like "Dark Souls" and the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, "KARNAK" immerses players in a world where ancient lore meets intense combat scenarios, demanding strategy, skill, and perseverance.
PARIS 2084

Fast forward to "PARIS2084," a cityscape where artificial intelligence reigns supreme. As the metropolis grapples with this technological tyranny, a unique squadron of augmented humans rises to the occasion, resisting the machine-led order and striving to reclaim their city.

AEONS

Specialized courses for portfolio building

Aeons Classes

Each of our specialized courses spans a concise 6-week duration. This structure enables students to deeply immerse themselves in their chosen subjects, ensuring focused and intensive learning. Furthermore, this format offers students the autonomy to select the courses that align best with their interests and career aspirations during that period. By granting them this choice, we empower our students to tailor their educational journey, ensuring they build a portfolio that truly resonates with their individual artistic vision and professional goals.
Character Design

Crafting compelling characters is at the heart of many memorable narratives. Our Character Design course equips students with the tools and techniques to create diverse and detailed characters that resonate with audiences. From understanding anatomy and expressions to diving deep into a character's backstory, cultural context, and motivations, students learn to design dynamic characters that are both visually stunning and narratively rich. As they craft these character designs, students are not only honing their artistic skills but also adding powerful pieces to their portfolios that showcase their depth and range as designers.
Environment Design

Every story needs a setting, and the Environment Design course is focused on bringing these worlds to life. Students explore the principles of perspective, depth, and scale to create vast landscapes, bustling urban scenes, or eerie, abandoned locales. They learn to consider climate, geography, and the history of these imagined places, weaving visual tales of the environments their characters inhabit. By the end of the course, students have produced a series of captivating environments, each adding a new dimension to their portfolio.
Props Design

Objects within a story can carry significant weight and meaning. In our Props Design course, students dive into the meticulous task of designing these intricate details, from ancient relics to futuristic gadgets. Understanding the function, history, and aesthetic of each prop, students craft items that enrich a narrative and demonstrate the depth of their design thinking. As portfolio pieces, these props show potential employers the student's attention to detail and their ability to add layers of depth to any narrative.
Keyframes

Keyframes capture the pivotal moments in a narrative, and our Keyframes course trains students to encapsulate these moments with precision and emotion. Students learn the intricacies of composition, lighting, and pacing, producing frames that convey tension, revelation, or tranquility. Each keyframe becomes a snapshot of a larger story, and as portfolio additions, they highlight a student's ability to communicate narratives visually and effectively.
Architecture Design

: Structures, from the grandest palaces to the most humble abodes, tell tales of culture, history, and purpose. Our Architecture Design course delves into creating buildings and structures that are not only visually appealing but also deeply rooted in their fictional contexts. Students learn about architectural styles, materials, and the effects of time, creating designs that feel both innovative and authentic. These architectural designs in their portfolios showcase their ability to craft environments that are as compelling as the characters that inhabit them.

GRADUATION PROJECT

Build your own world!

Graduation Project

As a crowning achievement of our program, students embark on a 12-week journey to conceptualize and create their very own visual world. This capstone project grants them the freedom to select their specialty and determine the thematic essence of their final work, ensuring a deeply personal and passionate commitment. However, they are not alone on this creative expedition. Renowned lead artists and creative directors provide expert mentorship throughout the process, offering guidance, insights, and feedback. This ensures that while students' individual visions shine through, they are also shaped and refined by industry-leading professionals. The end result is a meticulously crafted visual world that showcases not only their artistic prowess but also the culmination of their learning experience within the program.
Sara Hermellin

Dive into Gwendalavir, a medieval fantasy world where the elite conjure magic known as "Drawing," bringing imagined objects to life. Unravel the mystery of the enigmatic "Shadow Walkers," a clandestine group driven by freedom, harmony, and poetic lore. Among the legends and secrets, discover the potent art of "Drawing" – where the most adept can not only manifest objects but even teleport through sheer imagination. Join this immersive journey, blending rogue mystique with the power of creation.
Kiara Leneuf

Oni Island, where legendary hero Momotaro and his allies navigate treacherous landscapes overrun by hellish demons. As they journey towards the Oni stronghold, uncover a land where magic intertwines with nature, revealing a world adapting to its infernal invaders. Drawing inspiration from the classic Edo-era folklore of Momotaro, this project reimagines the tale with a fresh worldbuilding perspective, honoring its origins while daring to envision anew.
Trauth Alexandra

In a future where galaxies are our neighborhoods, a team of pioneering scientists embark on a critical mission. From the confines of their space station, they study a distant planet, evaluating its promise as humanity's next home. Join their interstellar journey, witnessing the challenges and wonders of a multiplanetary existence.