DAN LUVISI IS A DIGITAL CONCEPT ARTIST WORKING IN THE FILM, VIDEO GAME AND COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY.
With 12 years of industry experience, LuVisi has created a name for himself and is known for having an extremely versatile artistic style. Besides concept illustrations, LuVisi has become an expert in character and costume design, matte painting, storyboards, posters & packaging design and more.
Website: www.danluvisiart.com
Check out his book: Last Man Standing: Killbook of a Bounty hunter. It’s LEGENDARY!
Follow him on social media: Instagram: DanLuvisiArt – Facebook: DanLuVisiArt
Portfolio examples
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part 1 of this interview, where we asked him specific questions about what its like to be a concept artist in the entertainment industry, dispel a few common misconceptions that aspiring artists tend to have about the field, and discuss his educational background. Here, in part two of this interview, we asked him specific questions about, building his portfolio, marketing himself in the industry and more. Here what he had to say:
WHAT ARE YOUR LIST OF DOS AND DON’TS TO BUILDING A STRONG PORTFOLIO?
Don’t show a portfolio full of fan art!
Keep a consistent style or focus on your art.
Are you a character artist? Environment artist? Your portfolio not only showcases your skill but what you’re best at.
HOW DID YOU HUNT DOWN YOUR FIRST JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY?
I was approached a week after I graduated high school to work on a video game for Acony. From there, I worked my way up the food-chain, ranging from being paid with Best Buy coupons to actual checks.
HOW DID YOU MARKET YOURSELF WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT? WHAT DIFFICULTIES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME?
Building a crowd. I’ve been on Deviantart for nearly fifteen years now. Started in high school and just posted, and posted, and posted, and posted. Eventually I began doing some fanart (cheap and easy way) and built out a small gathering. But it began growing when I started on my book LMS, and shared the process of the creation with the fans. Ever since, I never stopped.
WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY MARKET YOURSELF?
Instagram is great for quick hits. Getting people pumped up and sharing your image. It’s fast, easy, and a little more personal. Facebook’s algorithm for sharing posts is kinda garbage. But it’s nice to stay connected with your fans and also, keep it personal. Deviantart and Artstation come next for me. Those are just fun to post, get off, and let it build.
DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY IS VEERING TOWARDS A MORE CONTRACT AND OUTSOURCING MODEL FOR ARTISTS?
Who knows. Every day we come up with a new way to try something. Everything appears to be headed towards a more creator-owned world, and I’m all for that. I can respect and appreciate the studio mentality, as I love to work with friends. But I can’t appreciate the corporate feel of an office, which is why contract work was always more appealing to me.
To read more from Dan Luvisi be sure to check out his WORDS OF WISDOM
All images used with permission by the artist. ©Dan LuVisi
