DAREK ZABROCKI IS A PROFESSIONAL CONCEPT ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR WITH OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE VIDEO GAMES INDUSTRY.

Portfolio: www.darekzabrocki.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darek.zabrocki91
Instagram: http://instagram.com/darekzabrocki

Darek Zabrocki’s current portfolio examples:

 

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this interview, where we asked him specific questions about what it’s 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 ask Darek Zabrocki specific questions about building his portfolio, marketing himself in the industry and more. Here’s what Darek Zabrocki had to say:


 

HOW DID YOU HUNT DOWN YOUR FIRST JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY?

My first big gig working on a AAA title was doing some concepts for Sid Meier’s Starship. I had been recommended by my friend Michal Kus who was also working on it. It happened around the time when Art Station appeared online and was growing as the biggest art community website – I had a lot of time to produce my personal portfolio and I was promoting myself hard back then. Later Sony Guerrilla Games found me on Linkedin, and it would be even later before I would branch out to work with a whole bunch of various projects and clients.

 

HOW DID YOU MARKET YOURSELF FIRST STARTING OUT? WHAT DIFFICULTIES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME?

I was posting my works on Deviantart for a while. It helped me gather some small and interesting freelance gigs. Later on there was CGhub, but that was still before my breakthrough into serious industry work. It wasn’t until Art Station appeared that I had developed enough high caliber work worth posting. Along with posting to Facebook, I managed to gather a social following and was also able to find out here about how certain Instagram growth services like Upleap or Instaboostgram could help to give my following an extra boost in the future if I needed it. What a vital tool that could be. I think it all happened in a right time and right place because we started Level Up! Around that time and it was boost for all of us around!

 

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY MARKET YOURSELF? WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT (YOUR WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, WORD OF MOUTH?, ETC.)

I set up my own website last year and try to keep it updated. I post my works on Facebook, Artstation, Deviantart, Behance, and Instagram.

 

I am trying to be current with it but I am not going too crazy about it. What helps me a lot is setting up automatic share on other social media so I don’t need to spend hours on updating my galleries and I just use share option.

 

DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY IS VEERING TOWARDS A MORE CONTRACT AND OUTSOURCING MODEL FOR ARTISTS?

Yes I think so. There is a lot of outsourcing done by big companies and there are artists that prefer that model of work more than sitting in the studio. I think I am that kind of person, although I also think that everyone should experience being an in-house artist at least once


This concludes our interview with Darek Zabrocki. All images used with permission by the artist. © Darek Zabrocki

REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE:

  1. 1. Free goodies 

    As a thank you for signing up, you'll get instant access to exclusive resources, like the "Top Five Poductivity Tools" list, awesome picture packs, my prized E-books and much more!

  2. 2. Connect with a PRO

    I get A LOT of emails and questions each week from readers just like you.  I tend to give priority to people who've subscribed to my mailing list. I do it to foster a better art community and reward reader  commitment and loyalty. 

  3. 3. Content that matters 

    You'll get content that matters to your growth as a concept artist, such as the resources library. Over time, I'll get to learn more about you and will deliver content that's meant to make a real difference. Promise!

Thanks- You've successfully subscribed. Now check your email and claim your free stuff....

GET THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO BE A BETTER CONCEPT ARTIST

Join my mailing list to access our extensive resources library. Plus, I'll send you additional tips and insights that you won't find here on the website. Consider it the 'inside' scoop.

Great! Excited to have you. Check your inbox...

STAY IN THE KNOW

Be one of the first people to know when this course is available.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This