Sci-fi Concept Art: Create Cinematic Key Frames
A course by Julian Calle, Concept Artist
Learn to design, model and render a striking sci-fi composition using 2D and 3D techniques in ZBrush, Octane Render, and Photoshop
“Design is my voice. I love science fiction environments because I can express myself freely and also break reality.”
Julian Calle is a professional graphic designer with a love of science fiction. He has participated in film productions for franchises such as:
In this online course, learn Julian’s method for developing high-quality cinematic key frames using 2D and 3D software. Model alien worlds from real references, and use multiple techniques including detail, light, and texture to turn your learnings into an original piece of digital artwork.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 9 downloads
What's included in this course?
Meet your teacher for the course, Julian. Learn about his love for conceptual art, photography, art history, and composition. Julian then explores influences across the worlds of art, film, and video games.
Get creative and specific with your narrative ideas. Experiment with mood boards and sketching simple elements, then use photography to create inspiring images that organize your creative visions. Next, Julian explains the process behind creating compositions within compositions.
Develop your final project. Create the basic layouts for the image, using 3D shapes to develop a logical, interesting fictional world. Use ZBrush to model and duplicate objects, then narrow your focus from big primary shapes to micro-details. Add light and texture to your scene, and find the perfect camera angle.
Enter post-production and wrap up your project. Focus on adding realism to your scene by incorporating color, correcting your image, texturizing it, and finally, refining the details until you’re happy.
- 100% positive reviews (14)
- 835 students
- 13 lessons (1h 53m)
- 9 additional resources (2 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe Photoshop
ZBrushWhat is this course's project?
Create a sci-fi-themed piece of concept art using Photoshop and ZBrush.
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to create detailed, digital sci-fi environments.
Requirements and materials
Previous experience with Photoshop and ZBrush is recommended.
Reviews
Julian Calle
A course by Julian Calle
Julian Calle is a professional graphic designer and senior concept artist based in Vancouver, Canada. He fell in love with science fiction as a child before going on to study graphic design and visual effects at university. He has since worked as a conceptual artist for the likes of Hasbro, EA, and Paramount Pictures and worked as a freelancer for international clients in Canada, New Zealand, and Mexico.
Julian has worked as a conceptual artist in the film industry for sci-fi giants including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Star Trek. He has worked as a mentor for conceptual art, written for magazines including 3D Artist and 3D Total, and has been a regular exhibitor at the SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Creation
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Mood Board and References
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Sketching Elements 1
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Sketching Elements 2
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The Composition
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U3
Creating Layouts
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3D Layout
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3D Sketch
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Rendering: Textures and Lighting
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Rendering: Camera and Frame Options
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U4
The Final Render
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Blocking
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Coloring and Lighting
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The Final Details
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FP
Final project
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Sci-fi Concept Art: Create Cinematic Key Frames
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
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Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
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Certificates
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Get front-row seats
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Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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FAQs
This concept art course is designed for intermediate artists with some experience in drawing or digital art. Beginners may find some topics challenging, but those with a basic understanding of art fundamentals will benefit most.
You’ll need access to Photoshop or similar digital painting software, ZBrush for 3D modeling, and basic drawing supplies for sketching. A graphics tablet is highly recommended for digital work.
You’ll learn workflows for creating concept art, reference analysis, photo manipulation, digital painting, 3D layout in ZBrush, and combining illustration and photography for cinematic environments.
Yes, the course teaches workflows and techniques specifically for creating concept art for video games and film projects, including cinematic environments and sci-fi scenes.
Some familiarity with Photoshop and ZBrush is helpful, as the course includes intermediate-level techniques. Basic skills in these programs are recommended for best results.
Yes, the course covers photobashing and matte painting techniques to seamlessly blend illustration with photographic elements in your concept art.
You’ll follow a structured pipeline: reference gathering, sketching, moodboard creation, 3D modeling, digital painting, and final presentation, integrating both traditional and digital techniques.
Adobe Photoshop
ZBrush
Excelente curso. Habla de todo lo más importante en el conceptart.
Excelente curso, aprendi nuevos procesos creativos. Muy buenas tecnicas, muy didáctico.
Excellent course. Being more of a traditional Concept Designer, It’s very enlightening to see the kitbash approach. This is very helpful to me when I want to get a rough feel of the design. Thank you for sharing your techniques.
Perfect course for concept art. Deeply detailed on this industry
Conteúdo de grande valia, aprendi bastante com as aulas do curso.