ARTIST PORTFOLIO: PETER POPKEN
ImagineFX|February 2021
The concept artists tells Gary Evans how a long and varied apprenticeship led to success in the film business
Gary Evans
ARTIST PORTFOLIO: PETER POPKEN
Concept artists typically work with two types of client, Peter Popken explains. First, there’s the client who knows exactly what they want. They’ve done a lot of preparation, they’ve got the concept in their head and they just need the concept artist to put it on the page. Then you’ve got the second type of client…

Peter has over two decades of experience working on big-budget films such as the Marvel and Star Wars series of movies, and Blade Runner 2049 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Veteran concept artists like him secretly call this second type “shoppers.” These are the clients who prefer to wait and see where the process leads them; shoppers go with the flow. Both of types of client have their downsides.

With the first client, the concept on the page will never live up to the idea in their head. In contrast, the shopper has no idea, and will usually put off making a decision for as long as possible. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both clients expect things done quickly, so Peter usually gets half a day for a rough sketch, then a day to finish it. “This,” the German artist says, “is accompanied by extensive changes and adjustments. Very often we don’t get the time to do a proper illustration, just enough time to deliver the message.”

Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av ImagineFX.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av ImagineFX.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA IMAGINEFXSe alt
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
ImagineFX

PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK

Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
ImagineFX

CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS

Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
First Impressions
ImagineFX

First Impressions

We discover the early influences that inspired the artist

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
ZBrush for iPad
ImagineFX

ZBrush for iPad

GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
BenQ GW2786TC
ImagineFX

BenQ GW2786TC

GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
ImagineFX

Huion Kamvas Pro 19

TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
DRAGON OFORCEC
ImagineFX

DRAGON OFORCEC

Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX

DUNGEON MASTERS

ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Erik Ly
ImagineFX

Erik Ly

Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
ImagineFX

2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging

Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025