Mentorships run in 8-week blocks, but your growth doesn’t have to stop there. If you have a larger project, you are absolutely welcome to book multiple blocks back-to-back. Just keep in mind that our mentors book out fast. Let us know in your application if you want multiple 8 week blocks.
This includes 2 x one hour career coaching sessions where you can ask questions on any topic, from portfolio reviews, career advice & interview coaching.
Meet your mentor
John Wallin Liberto │ Principal Concept Artist at Naughty Dog
🚨 Reminder: In order to get started with your mentorship, we require that you first complete an application process. If you are approved, we’ll send you the details to book and pay for your mentorship.
Overview
This mentorship focuses on 2D concept art, from painting vision pieces to explain the story and visual identity of a game to understanding what makes an attractive design for architecture, vehicles and props.
Together, we’ll assess your current skill set, project goals, and career direction. Whether it’s improving your painting techniques, creating cohesive vision pieces, sharpening up your designs, or your portfolio, the mentorship is structured around your specific needs.
Each session provides constructive feedback, practical guidance, and clear explanations. With 25 years of experience in Games and movie production, John has insight into how to be a valuable concept artist on an art team.
This mentorship is designed for aspiring Concept artists, whether you are a student exploring the field, someone developing an interest in 2D Art, or a working artist aiming to improve painting skills. It is ideal for individuals looking to strengthen their artistic understanding, improve their workflows, and gain insight into real-world production concept art.
Prerequisites: Intermediate to advanced knowledge of drawing and painting in Photoshop.
- Environment, Vehicle and Props Concept Art
- Design thinking: learn how to develop with purpose, function and personality
- Improve sketching, composition and shape language knowledge
- Learn how to iterate effectively
- Learn how to gather and analyze references
- Photoshop
- Format – Personalized guidance in one-on-one sessions, conducted via video calls
- Mentee Spotlight – Your previous work will be featured on the Vessel Forge social media
- Mentee Final Project Spotlight – Your final project will be featured on the Vessel Forge website and social media
- Mentee Showcase – You’ll have the chance to collaborate with us to write a blog breakdown of the project you complete during your mentorship. Note: Must be selected for this opportunity
- Post-mentorship Support – Receive access to our exclusive community Discord, where you can connect with other mentors and mentees, ask questions, get feedback and more
- Skill Level – Beginner to intermediate
- Prerequisites – Intermediate to advanced knowledge of drawing and painting in Photoshop
What's included?
Industry pro at your side, weekly.
Not tied to a nonsense curriculum.
Provided to eligible mentees.
Career coaching
Get actual career advice from pros who understand.
Ask questions in the exclusive community.
Meet your mentor
John Wallin Liberto │ Principal Concept Artist at Naughty Dog
John creates visual identities, gameplay story-driven designs, and original experiences across games, VR, and feature films. During his 25 years in the industry, he has been a part of teams at Naughty Dog, Oculus, Microsoft, Epic Games, DICE, MPC, and Industrial Light & Magic, working on games such as Gears of War 1-3, Halo 4-5, Astroneer, Intergalactic, and movies including The Creator, Harry Potter 3, and Big Fish. He helps transform early ideas into cohesive visual experiences. From exploring the initial vision of a project to solving creative challenges with designers and engineers.
He focuses on experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable for players, and where collaboration, experimentation, and creative problem-solving shape the direction of the final experience.
