What does Concept mean to you personally?

PenAndrew

I thought that I would introduce this topic for discussion as I would like to know what it exactly means for other artists/illustrators and I do not exactly even know if what I thought a concept was is really the same thing that I keep hearing.

Also does Story Concept differ to Editorial concept?

Currently my idea of what concept means is the following- An Abstract or concrete Idea(pretty vague!) A pun, a play on words, something that can be communicated in words or/and pictures.

I look forward to hearing your opinions on this topic.

ArtMelC

@PenAndrew I see concept as a bridge between an idea (vague) and something tangible like writing or drawing or other kinds of deliverables.

Example:
Idea - I need to end the party scene with something crazy and out of the blue

Concept - I will place a surprising character outside the door peering in. Someone who made everyone panic and stop in their tracks. Who could it be? A policeman? A teacher? Cookie monster?

Execution - Is when you nail down the details in drawing format.

I think there is a spectrum of concepts and often there are concept within concept. Haha. Am I making sense...

PenAndrew

@Melissa-Candrasaputra Yes, it is interesting and kind of makes sense- I like this idea of a bridge like Vespa stamper talks about in her Fire-born podcast. I wanted people to discuss this because the nature of concept is very abstract and needs to be nailed down! Thanks for adding to this discussion.

Patricia Dishmon

@PenAndrew Why do you think it needs to be nailed down? Have there been any situations where the word "concept" poses a problem?

Interesting topic, thanks for the discussion!

PenAndrew

@Patricia-Dishmon Yes as to me when i studied at University Concept was more used to describe a particular kind of editorial illustration that used symbols.

NicolaSchofield

I've always thought of the difference between general art and illustration is that an illustration is made in order to convey some sort of message / story / explanation. A concept is just a short verbal description of that message / story / explanation.

The concept is the reason the illustration was created.

So it should be applicable to picture books and editorial images and any other illustration. Sometimes it might be a very tight definition (e.g. my image illustrates the current unattainable high prices in the housing market) or something more abstract (e.g. with my image I wanted to convey a general sense of unease and mystery).