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Background Design Masterclass – Landscapes and Environments

A rich and creative background design course that equips artists to paint compelling environments with mood, depth, and storytelling power.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in Background Design Masterclass – Landscapes and Environments Course

  • Understand the principles of background design and concept art fundamentals

  • Use perspective, light, and shadow to create depth in environments

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  • Build thumbnails and rough sketches for concept visualization

  • Paint stylized backgrounds using digital brushes and color theory

Program Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Background Design

⏳ 30 minutes

  • Topics: Role of background design in animation and games, concept art workflow overview

  • Hands-on: Set up canvas and review references for environment sketches

Module 2: Composition & Perspective

⏳ 1 hour

  • Topics: Rule of thirds, vanishing points, depth cues, dynamic framing

  • Hands-on: Create 2-point and 3-point perspective scenes using simple shapes

Module 3: Sketching & Thumbnails

⏳ 45 minutes

  • Topics: Thumbnail generation, visual exploration, layout techniques

  • Hands-on: Produce 3–5 thumbnails for a concept environment idea

Module 4: Color, Light & Mood

⏳ 1 hour

  • Topics: Color harmony, lighting direction, atmospheric perspective

  • Hands-on: Paint value studies and explore lighting scenarios using a limited palette

Module 5: Painting Stylized Backgrounds

⏳ 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Topics: Custom brushes, texture detailing, color refinement

  • Hands-on: Paint a fully rendered stylized background based on thumbnail

Module 6: Final Polish & Storytelling

⏳ 1 hour

  • Topics: Enhancing focal points, storytelling cues, finishing touches

  • Hands-on: Add storytelling elements to your final concept piece and export it for portfolio use

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Job Outlook

  • Concept artists earn between $55,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience

  • Demand is growing in animation, gaming, and film industries for environment designers

  • Stylized and imaginative concept art is key for world-building in digital storytelling

  • Strong portfolio pieces from this course can aid in freelance, studio, or game art roles

9.6Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
This course takes you from foundational perspective and lighting to complete digital background illustrations. With a clear focus on stylized environments and story-driven art, it’s a must for aspiring concept artists building their first professional pieces.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.4
Information
9.5
PROS
  • Clear guidance from sketch to final painting
  • Emphasis on storytelling and artistic mood
  • Includes assignments that result in portfolio-ready artwork
CONS
  • Does not focus on realistic environments
  • Some tools may be specific to Photoshop users

Specification: Background Design Masterclass – Landscapes and Environments

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

Background Design Masterclass – Landscapes and Environments
Background Design Masterclass – Landscapes and Environments
Course | Career Focused Learning Platform
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