The Coolest Things Already Exist – Concept Art Inspiration

Concept art is  a very closely related profession to technical illustration. Concept artists are responsible for designing vehicles, props and environments mainly for the entertainment industry, including film, television and video games. These designs require a high degree of precision, and an amazing grasp of three-dimensionality since their designs will be manufactured either to scale, fullsize or in 3D. The designs often reference actual vehicles, objects or environments to imbue a sense of near-reality. In fact, a rule of thumb is 70% reality, 30% fantasy.

Soviet Ground-Effects Tank

Soviet Ground-Effects Tank

Sometimes, though, that formula can be 100% reality.

Pictured is a Soviet-built cold war era “ground effects” tank. These things were like proto-hovercraft. They would be pushed along by jet turbines and use airfoils to force a pocket of air underneath the craft. This would allow the vehicle to hover above water (and potentially land), move with very little friction — and as an added bonus, be undetectable by radar.

Soviet Ground-Effects Tank

Soviet Ground-Effects Tank

Where do you find inspiration for your concept designs? Let us know in the comments.

Source (via Boing Boing)

Inspiration – IL Magazine

IL - Water

IL “Intelligence in Lifestyle” is an Italian culture and style magazine published monthly by newspaper Il Sole 24 ORE. Art director Francesco Franchi works with a variety of illustrators to produce handsome and informative infographics explaining the latest issues, trends and topics.

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The-Blueprints.com

Orthographics of a Ducati Monster

Ducati Monster Orthos

The first thing you need when modeling something in 3D (or drawing in perspective from plans) is a good set of orthographics — top, front and side views. Start your search at The-Blueprints.com.

There’s a wide variety of cars, trucks, planes, trains, helicopters, motorcycles, ships and even sci-fi vehicles. Quality and size differ from one to the next, but you’re bound to find something interesting to model.

X Wing Orthos

X Wing Orthos

[via Kottke]