Character Design and Concept Art

Character design and concept art occupy a vital position in the creative industries. Before a film goes into production, before a game reaches a player, before an animated series is commissioned, the visual imagination behind it must be established on the page. Concept artists create the visual language of fictional worlds, designing characters, environments, creatures, and props that communicate personality, narrative function, and aesthetic identity.

It is a discipline that demands both artistic skill and rigorous visual thinking, combining drawing and painting ability with an understanding of storytelling, anatomy, colour theory, and the practical requirements of different production pipelines.

At Ravensbourne University London, this three-year full-time programme is practice-led, meaning that making work is central to how you learn. You will develop your skills in character design and concept art through sustained studio practice, building a professional-level portfolio of work that demonstrates your range and your ability to realise creative briefs. The course prepares you specifically for the specialist demands of the industry, giving you access to industry-standard facilities and equipping you with the technical and conceptual skills that studios and production companies look for when hiring.

You will engage with professional contexts and develop an understanding of how concept art and character design function within broader creative teams.

Graduates are equipped to work as concept artists, character designers, and visual development artists across film, animation, games, advertising, illustration, and publishing. These roles exist across large studios and smaller independent production companies, and the freelance market for skilled concept artists is significant. The portfolio you build during your studies is your primary professional asset, and this course is designed to ensure that portfolio is genuinely competitive.

Further study at postgraduate level in animation, illustration, or visual effects is also an option for those who wish to specialise.