Here is a heavily illustrated, highly detailed instruction manual for art students seeking professional entry in the fantasy art field. The author guides students from conception of an art idea to publication of the finished work, emphasizing methods for creating magical, mythical, and monstrous characters who inhabit worlds of fantasy and wonder. He starts with practical considerations--setting up a workspace and mastering drawing media, painting media, and digital techniques. Next comes advice on visualizing the details in a story concept, with special attention to. . .
Costumes, landscapes, and interiors
Subjects taken from history and well-known legends
Methods of depicting nature that enhance a fantasy atmosphere
Creating visually convincing human, animal, and extraterrestrial characters
How-to chapters instruct in the details of drawing convincing scenes and characters, using color to create atmosphere, and depicting special effects such as fog and dramatic lighting. A final chapter advises beginning artists on how to promote their work, get to know the fantasy art marketplace, establish contact with art directors and editors, and develop a flourishing career. More than 350 color illustrations.