[Course]conceptartist,craigmullins Details
Intro
Class Intro
Concept Artist, Craig Mullins
"We'll go through both techniques and theories that will help you navigate restrictive themes to produce more varied and impactful works."
One Class, Endless Outcomes.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Craig Mullins has set the bar for the Concept Art industry. Celebrated as the father of Digital Art, he continues to inspire generations of artists today.
With a remarkable legacy and countless achievements to his name, Craig Mullins took a thoughtful pause to consider what kind of class would best serve today’s aspiring artists. Reflecting on what has guided him through both challenges and triumphs, he identified a core principle: the power of interpretation and creative autonomy.
In this class, he doesn’t just teach you to achieve one polished outcome. Instead, he presents an intentionally narrow theme, guiding you to explore and develop powerful interpretations and outcomes that are uniquely yours.
Designed as a lifelong creative resource filled with timeless techniques, this class will become a trusted companion you can revisit whenever you’re seeking fresh inspiration. Return anytime, and leave with a different outcome every time.
In this class, he doesn’t just teach you to achieve one polished outcome. Instead, he presents an intentionally narrow theme, guiding you to explore and develop powerful interpretations and outcomes that are uniquely yours.
Designed as a lifelong creative resource filled with timeless techniques, this class will become a trusted companion you can revisit whenever you’re seeking fresh inspiration. Return anytime, and leave with a different outcome every time.
Class Preview
Still Not Sure?
Check Out Craig's Class Preview!
Chapter 01.
Orientation
1. Meet Craig Mullins & learn about the overview of this class
2. Workspace setting (tools & software)
3. Assignment overview
Class Perks
Get These Coloso Exclusives
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22 Krita Brushes- A collection of 22 brushes created and used by Craig Mullins
- Designed for versatility, to achieve a variety of textures and effects -
40+ Min Bonus Video: Direct Reference Techniques- A simplified approach to using references without diving into complex construction methods
- Industry-standard techniques for creating accurate and professional artwork directly from references
- Designed for beginner students or those looking for a quicker, more intuitive workflow -
5 Exclusive Sketches & Timelapse- 5 never-before-seen sketches, showcasing Craig's distinct approach to concepts & workflow
- Gain insight into the initial stages of artwork development and refinement -
100+ Reference Pack- A curated collection of 100+ references collected by Craig Mullins
- Includes diverse subjects to inspire and guide you through this class, studies, and future projects -
PSD of In-Class Artworks- Access layered PSD files of all in-class demonstrations
- Study Craig's process step-by-step, from sketches to final touches
- Perfect for breaking down techniques to adapt to your own
Recommendation
Who Should Take This Class?
Beginner Artists
who seek guidance from an industry leader to gain the most relevant and powerful tools and skills
Learning Artists
who aim to develop creative autonomy, making unique choices in interpretation of concepts
Concept Artists
who want to enhance their portfolios with distinct works of their own that showcase versatility and a strong foundation
Expert Concept Artist Craig Mullins's Portfolio
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Age of Empires -
Age of Empires -
Assassin's Creed -
The Matrix Revolutions -
Crusader Kings
* This portfolio includes client works.
Why Take This Class?
Learn the pivotal lesson that shaped Craig Mullins’ career.
The journey of growth and learning is often a series of iterations and following instructions, which can often lead to a state of predictability and mannerism. Especially in an industry where you are often given a narrow framework, your mind is conditioned stick to the first idea to avoid complications or mistakes.
Through this class, Craig seeks to remind you that his career was built upon his enduring efforts to see and do things differently. Craig has worked tirelessly to rewire this instinct of creative complacency, allowing him to make distinct interpretations and choices that truly makes his work powerful.
This is a learning that Craig holds dear to his heart, and today, he imparts this life-changing lesson to you, here at Coloso.
15 Class Exercises
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Collect Reference -
Breaking down the Subject -
Simplification
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Experimenting with Point of View -
Experimenting with Lenses -
Shapes and Possibilities
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Interpretation and Sketching -
Playing around with Perspective -
Value Sketches in 2 Different Styles
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5 Value Sketches -
Exploring Lighting Sources -
Adding Color
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Process of Refining -
Starting Fresh with Knowledge Gained -
Rendering
*Above are sample images for a better understanding
Final Product
One of the many variations of the Concept Art Scene
- In this class, you are encouraged to create your final piece based on personal interpretations.
- Craig’s guidance will empower you to produce a variety of outcomes.
Instructor
Concept Artist
Craig Mullins
Hi there, this is Craig Mullins.
I’ve spent over three decades in the industry, working on everything from theme parks to major film and game franchises like The Matrix and BioShock. I first got into digital painting in the early '90s, using Photoshop long before it was widely adopted in the entertainment world. Over the years, I've learned that the key to creative growth is embracing autonomy within constraints, and that’s what excites me most about teaching this class, "Narrow Theme, Endless Interpretations: Creative Autonomy in Concept Art".
This class is about guiding you to think beyond a single solution to a problem, and instead, explore the multiple creative outcomes a narrow theme can inspire. In my career, working within these boundaries has unlocked new possibilities in every project I’ve worked on. I’m eager to help you develop your own unique approach to concept art, showing you how to create diverse, compelling results even with a focused, constrained theme.
Concept Artist,
Craig Mullins
[Current]
Freelance Concept Artist
Projects & Awards
[Awards]
- Inaugural EXPOSE Grand Master (2003)
- ImagineFX - Fantasy & SciFi Digital Arts “Top 50 Most Inspirational Living Artists” (2009)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Concept Artists Association (2021)
- Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame- (2021) '1st and Only Digital Artist to Receive This Honor'
[Film Contributions]
Include, but not limited to:
- Matrix Revolutions
- Apollo 13
- Forest Gump
- Final Fantasy
- Prince of Egypt
- Tangled
- Spider Man into the Spider-Verse
- Spider Man Across the Spider-Verse
[Video Game Contributions]
- Marathon (1994)
- Age of Empires (1995-1997)
- Deus Ex (2000)
- Halo 2 (2004)
- Bioshock (2007)
- Mass Effect (2007)
- Fallout (2008)
- Assassin’s Creed (2010)
- Age of Empires (2015-2023)
Highlights
Class Highlights
Developing Strong Visual Storytelling Techniques
Learn to create meaningful narratives within your artwork. By exploring viewpoint selection, lens types, and gestures, learn to craft scenes with intention, adding depth to their storytelling. Through exercises guided by Craig, you can explore varying interpretations to strengthen your artistic choices and storytelling style.
Mastering Light, Value, and Color
Light, value, and color are essential tools in setting the mood of any visual story. Delve into creating high-key or low-key images, exploring various lighting sources, and playing with saturation to convey different times of day and atmospheres. This class will provide the foundational tools to manipulate these elements to guide viewers’ eyes and emotions.
Refining Through Iteration and Exploration
True mastery requires the ability to refine and improve on previous work, an approach that is emphasized in this class. Through exercises in re-evaluation and experimentation, learn to rebuild, simplify, and even redo complex pieces. These practices will help in creating more impactful artwork while reinforcing the value of flexibility and refinement.
Class Details
You'll Learn
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Building a Reference Library for a Strong FoundationStart by gathering comprehensive references and creating a library to deeply understand your subject. Repeatedly sketching from this material will help you identify knowledge gaps, allowing you to develop a strong familiarity with key details and forms. -
Simplifying Complex FormsLearn how to transform complex forms into simplified shapes without losing recognizability. Simplifying your subjects makes it easier to design and compose scenes that are visually clear and easy for viewers to interpret. -
Applying Different Lenses to Alter Scene PerspectiveExperiment with virtual "lens types" to see how focal length can enhance storytelling possibilities. Practicing with different lens perspectives helps you create drama and spatial depth in your scenes.
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Understanding Value Structure for Clear Focal PointsExplore value studies to create focal points and enhance intention in your art. Try both high-key and low-key value structures to refine your ability to use contrast and group values for maximum impact. -
Mastering Light Sources and Their EffectsManipulate lighting, from ambient light to strong sources, to create mood and focus in your work. Explore various exercises to see how light can transform a scene's atmosphere and shape. -
Experimenting with Color for Emotional ImpactImplement color as a tool for storytelling, experimenting with saturation and subtlety to convey different times of day and atmospheres. Using color creatively adds depth and emotion to your work, supporting the overall narrative.
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Interview with
Concept Artist Craig Mullins
Question.01
Is there a specific reason why you chose this specific topic/themes?
The focus of this class is intentionally specific, and this is by design. My primary objective is to demonstrate that even highly focused assignments can be approached in a variety of ways. Often, commercial assignments have narrow parameters, and it is crucial not to settle on the first idea that comes to mind. Many low quality historical images are available pertaining the assignment we will do in this class. This is also by part of my intention; to teach how to get the most out of even the simplest reference.
Question.02
What makes your class different from other classes?
I intentionally avoid relying on a fixed procedure or technique. I dedicate significant time and effort to exploring and approaching problems from various perspectives. While I do not always succeed, I believe that failure is an integral part of the creative process, and I want to emphasize its importance in artistic work.
Question.03
Please share your thoughts on the industry's job market and what you see in the industry's future.
The pressure of AI will make a decision that we should have all come to on our own a long time ago. We are paid to illustrate very specific things and we do not own our work. It is all work for hire. I look back on 30 years of work, and little of it is mine and I have no control over it. Don't ever make this mistake.
So what is the decision that you are now being forced to make (that is the right decision!)? Don't be an illustrator for the industry. Work the way YOU want to work. OWN what you do. Can you make a living at it? Maybe not, but the work will be better and more personal and you will have control and authorship. Don't give yourself to employers who do not value you. This is not their fault at all, simply market forces. Don't waste time or energy complaining. Live a simple life and do good work.
So what is the decision that you are now being forced to make (that is the right decision!)? Don't be an illustrator for the industry. Work the way YOU want to work. OWN what you do. Can you make a living at it? Maybe not, but the work will be better and more personal and you will have control and authorship. Don't give yourself to employers who do not value you. This is not their fault at all, simply market forces. Don't waste time or energy complaining. Live a simple life and do good work.
Required Programs
This course will use Adobe Photoshop, Krita, Alchemy, Rebelle, and Realistic Paint Studio. Students may purchase and install these program(s) for an optimized chapter experience.
*These programs and/or materials will not be provided with the chapter.
* Please note: This class does not focus on the specific use of any particular tool or software. Instead, it encourages flexibility and experimentation. Students are free to use their preferred tools and are encouraged to explore and work with tools they may not typically choose.
