I am a concept artist and illustrator currently residing in Los Angeles, working at Treyarch, mainly on the Call of Duty series. Originally from China, I have been passionate about drawing since childhood. As I grew older, my fascination with games, movies, animation, and comics deepened, leading me to become a game concept designer. My current role involves creating early-stage concepts for games, working closely with game design. My designs encompass not only environments, props, and characters but also graphic design.
A concept designer must possess a broad perspective and conduct extensive research to craft designs that align with the game’s vision or script. This profession is a constant interplay between rationality and creativity.
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https://huiningshi.net/
https://www.instagram.com/huining1010/
www.linkedin.com/in/huining-shi-418432150
https://si-la.org/meet-the-illustration-west-62-award-winners-huining-shi/
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Here, I’d like to share my work and process as a concept artist. I start by understanding the story background and design requirements in detail. My work usually begins with extensive research, focusing first on scene assets and building the world through various iterations. I also capture initial impressions through character and prop designs.
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As a concept artist, my work involves many sketches and unfinished pieces, which is a fun part of the job. Unlike most illustrators, I need to react quickly, communicate frequently with the team, and consider the final product’s cost. In my free time, I create personal artwork that is different from my professional work, focusing on self-expression with a more stylized and free-spirited approach.
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Much like when I created the “Mischievous Child” series, I began with the characters, aiming to paint a vivid picture of a busy, weary world where the indomitable spirit of youth remains vibrant. Growing up in the rapidly developing 90s Asia, spanning the turn of the millennium and the era of swift technological advancement, I weave this background and narrative into my art. The scenes bustle with life, where young warriors move freely, fighting for their survival and freedom. The sunset flows beautifully, symbolizing free will and grand dreams.
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© no artwork displayed can be used without permission of the artist, Huining Shi.