1 Year Diploma Course in Concept Art & Entertainment Design - MAGES

Concept Art and Entertainment Design

12 Month Full-Time | Diploma

Establish a career in Concept Art Design while learning the key fundamental skills from Industry leading professionals

In-person Learning

Concept Art Diploma

MAGES Institute is dedicated to offering the best education in the field of Concept Art. Our goal is to provide a complete education to all aspiring artists, concept designers, art directors and many more regardless of background. At MAGES Concept Art School Our aim is to teach the fundamentals of the environment and character design while providing real world experience wherever required through studio-based projects.

Students will gain valuable experience at the Digital Art School working alongside professionals in the field entertainment industry. By the end of the programme, students will have a portfolio of completed works that showcase their skill sets and are ready to step into the world of Digital Art.

Concept Art Programme Overview

MAGES Institute offers art programmes designed to help you get into the entertainment industry with years of experience. You’ll learn concept art fundamentals, digital painting, character design, environment design, prop design. By the end of the programme, you’ll have a portfolio full of great pieces and a network of contacts ready to help you launch your career paths.

Digital Art Short Courses

MAGES Institute offers digital art short courses designed to provide a quick yet comprehensive foundation in the world of digital artistry. These courses are perfect for those looking to enhance their skills in a short period, covering a wide range of techniques and tools.

Whether you’re interested in character design, environment painting, or texture creation, our courses give you the tools to master digital painting and illustration. One key focus is concept art design, where students learn how to bring imaginative ideas to life, creating compelling visual concepts for games, films, and other media.

You’ll explore the principles of storytelling, visual composition, and design while using industry-standard software such as Photoshop and Procreate. These short courses offer hands-on experience, allowing you to create portfolio-ready art that showcases your skills in concept art and digital painting.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or aspiring professional, these courses are designed to boost your creative potential.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The most renowned Concept Artists in today’s entertainment industry are not only highly skilled visual artists but more importantly, creative problem solvers and critical thinkers.

 

Students in our Diploma in Concept Art and Entertainment Design Program are cultivated in the core fundamentals of both art and design along with the technical execution needed to bring ideas to reality. The program will cover design thinking and research processes, advanced drawing and painting techniques, industry 3D workflow, as well as effective client presentation abilities. Optimised foundational education through our focused 12-month pipeline will ensure students graduate with a vast array of professional skills and an  industry ready portfolio.

 

Potential career paths include Character and Environment Concept Artists, Creature and Prop/Vehicle Designers, Theme Park and Toy Designers, and Game Illustrators.

DURATION: 12 Months (Full-Time)

International Students are only offered Full-Time program.

STUDENT-TO-LECTURER RATIO: 18 Students : 1 Lecturer

MODE OF DELIVERY: Classroom. Learners are not allowed to switch Modes after program commencement.

NOTE: A Pass in all Modules within the maximum study period is required for Graduation.

SOFTWARES TAUGHT: Blender | Photoshop | PureRef | Bridge (from Quixel)

HARDWARE REQUIREMENT: Hardware – Windows Laptop Minimum of i7 Processor, 16GB RAM (32 GB Recommended), RTX 20/30 series GPU, SSD, WiFi, Drawing Tablet (Wacom One recommended)

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT: Lectures & Practical (Hands-on Application), Project-based Assessment for all modules

AWARD: Diploma in Concept Art and Entertainment Design

1 YEAR OF FOCUSED LEARNING

Develop fundamental, design thinking and presentation skills that transform students into elite designers.

DISCOVERING THE FUNDAMENTALS

Build up fundamental art skills in design sketching, perspective, digital painting, and the ability to draw objects in 3D space. Gain a better understanding of how art values can support the design process within the concept art industry.

 

  • Perspective
  • Design Sketching
  • Forms and Materials
  • Visual Communication

DESIGN ENVIRONMENTS & CHARACTERS

Expand your visual library and generate new ideas based on real-world research of history, culture, nature, and design function. Develop a consistent & efficient workflow to keep up with industry expectations.

 

  • Environment Composition
  • Design Process
  • Visual Development

BUILD INDUSTRY-RELEVANT PORTFOLIO

Apply what you have learnt & graduate with an industry-ready portfolio. Learn to manage workload, receive feedback, and present designs with confidence. Utilize latest art technologies & develop individual creative processes to become future-ready.

 

  • Entertainment Design
  • Production Design

INSTRUCTORS

Kingston Chan is a Concept Development Artist, Art Director, and Educator with over two decades of experience in games, movies, animation, and art production design. Kingston commenced his role as an educator in 2005 when he was invited to develop curriculums for game art, conceptual design, and digital painting at top schools in the field, eventually serving as Senior Art Director at FZD School of Design for the past 14 years. Previously, Kingston has worked extensively in Japan as a Game Artist at SEGA Co. and Koei Tecmo. Upon returning to Singapore, he was appointed as Art Lead at several local game companies to set up next gen 3D pipelines. Kingston believes in the importance of learning art fundamentals and design problem solving, especially in our world of everchanging technology. His broad industry expertise combined with a persistent curiosity in new technologies and work processes shows his dedication in advancing our next generation of artists and designers.

Kingston Chan, a Concept Development Artist and Art Director with 20+ years of experience, is also an Educator. He formerly served as the Senior Art Director at FZD School of Design.
With a background in SEGA Co. and Koei Tecmo, he’s committed to nurturing creative talent by emphasising art fundamentals in our tech-driven world.

Kingston Chan

Head of Art Department | Program Director

Eduardo is a Production Designer, Art Director, and Educator. He has an impressive track record in the entertainment industry, making notable contributions to renowned production companies such as Weta Workshop, LUCASFILM, Blur Studio, Triggerfish Animation, and many more. Having worked on blockbuster titles such as the Hobbit Trilogy, Deadpool 2, and Ready Player One, he was invited as a TEDx Speaker in 2018 to share his passion for entertainment design and worldbuilding. In addition to his accomplishments, Eduardo has actively collaborated on projects related to design sustainability and education; he has previously served as an Art Director at FZD School of Design and has taught concept art courses at various other institutions.

Eduardo is a person who designs things for movies, tells others how to make art, and teaches. He has worked in famous places like Weta Workshop and LUCASFILM, helping with big films like the Hobbit Trilogy and Ready Player One. He even talked at a TEDx event about his love for making things in movies. Eduardo also cares about the environment and education. He was in charge of art at FZD School of Design and taught art at different places.

Eduardo Pena

Mentor | Art Director | Concept Artist

Tonia is a Concept Artist and Educator. With a background in Architecture, she started out in Sydney working as a Scenic Artist and Set Designer for AFTRS, as well as an Architectural Designer at Practec Group. She moved to Singapore to pursue Concept Art and graduated from the FZD School of Design. With a passion for environment design and worldbuilding, she currently works as a concept artist and lecturer at MAGES Institute.

Tonia is a Concept Artist and Educator. With a background in Architecture, she started out in Sydney working as a Scenic Artist and Set Designer for AFTRS, as well as an Architectural Designer at Practec Group. She moved to Singapore to pursue Concept Art and graduated from the FZD School of Design.

With a passion for environment design and worldbuilding, she currently works as a concept artist and lecturer at MAGES Institute.

Tonia Yau

Lecturer | Concept Artist

Damien Soh is a visual artist based in Singapore, specializing in digital illustration. His versatile skill set also extends to freelance work for multinational corporations like Unilever, encompassing roles in visual development and art direction. Having worked as the lead illustrator for the short animation “Pagoda of Peril” for Universal Studios Singapore in 2018, Damien recently made his solo exhibition debut with "The Banquet" at Art Outreach Singapore, hosted at Gilman Barracks.

Damien Soh is a visual artist based in Singapore, specializing in digital illustration. His versatile skill set also extends to freelance work for multinational corporations like Unilever, encompassing roles in visual development and art direction. Having worked as the lead illustrator for the short animation “Pagoda of Peril” for Universal Studios Singapore in 2018, Damien recently made his solo exhibition debut with “The Banquet” at Art Outreach Singapore, hosted at Gilman Barracks.

Damien Soh

Lecturer

Felix Tisch is a Concept Artist, Art Director, and Illustrator with an MFA from the Offenbach University of Art and Design. He specializes in helping indie studios craft strong visual identities and has spent six years shaping over 15 brands. His world-building expertise has contributed to projects within the Warhammer 40K universe, including Imperium Maledictum (the best-selling sci-fi TTRPG of 2023). Felix also has experience teaching with FZD, sharing industry insights with aspiring artists.

Felix Tisch is a Concept Artist, Art Director, and Illustrator with an MFA from the Offenbach University of Art and Design. He specializes in helping indie studios craft strong visual identities and has spent six years shaping over 15 brands.

His world-building expertise has contributed to projects within the Warhammer 40K universe, including Imperium Maledictum (the best-selling sci-fi TTRPG of 2023). Felix also has experience teaching with FZD, sharing industry insights with aspiring artists.

Felix Tisch

Art Director | Lecturer

Know More

Conceptual ink

Visit Channel

Check out the series of concept art fundamentals videos available online for free. The videos' purpose is to simplifying complicated art subjects into bite sized information. You will be introduced to comprehensive checklists that are easy to follow. CIA Channel by Kingston and Tonia

BLOGS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

UPCOMING INTAKES

29 Sep 2025

Full-Time

(Limited slots available)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Academic: 2 Credit Passes at GCE ‘O’ Level (excl English) or equivalent, or Foundation Certificate in Art and Technology or Certificate in Art or Animation related course/program in MAGES.

English: IELTS 5.5 or Pass in English GCE ‘O’ Levels or equivalent

Age: 16 Years Old or above

(Mature Candidates above 30 years old require 8 years of working experience)

Please click on ‘Read More’ for more information

PROGRAM FEES

(Incl of 9% GST)

International Students
SGD 29,743.92

Singapore Citizens & PRs

SGD 23,421.92

FAQs

What are the career options available for an Entertainment Designer or Concept Artist?

As a Concept Art graduate, you’ll be ready for exciting roles like:
Character Designer, Environment Artist, Storyboard Artist, or Visual Development Artist.
These roles are in demand in studios, game companies, and film production houses.

What should I do to become a Concept Artist or Entertainment Designer?

Start learning drawing and design basics, especially anatomy and perspective.
Use software like Photoshop or Procreate and keep practicing your visual storytelling.
Join a course, build your portfolio, and keep learning from other artists and the industry.

Does just getting a certificate matter, or is there more to becoming a successful Concept Artist?

A certificate is great, but your skills and portfolio are what studios really look for. Focus on building strong artwork, learning key tools, and showing your creativity and design process.

How can I get helpful feedback to improve my concept art portfolio?

Share your work on platforms like ArtStation or attend workshops and meetups. You’ll also receive feedback from mentors and professionals during the course to keep improving.

How can I get real-world experience in entertainment design or concept art?

Take part in internships, freelance gigs, or live briefs offered during the course. You can also join design challenges and contests to test your skills and grow faster.

What is the admission process?

  • Connect with a Course Advisor – We’ll help you choose the right program and explain the requirements.
  • Submit Your Application – Fill out the form and share your documents (ID, photo, transcripts) and submit the Art Test.
  • Receive Offer Letter – If eligible, you’ll get an official offer.
  • Confirm Your Spot – Accept the offer and proceed with enrollment.

Few more steps for International Students:

  • Student Pass Application – We’ll help you apply for your Student Pass.
  • Complete Enrollment – Once your pass is approved, confirm your spot to begin your learning journey.

What are the available payment options for this course?

You can pay your fees through credit or debit card, bank transfer, cheque, or PayPal.
If you need any help, our team is happy to guide you through it.

Will you help with job placements after the course?

Yes, we support you with portfolio building, career guidance, and job referrals.
We aim to help you become studio-ready and confident for freelance or full-time roles.

What skills and experience do I need to become a Concept Artist or Entertainment Designer?

You need a creative mind, a love for visual storytelling, and basic drawing skills.
You don’t need to be perfect—just willing to learn, practice, and explore new ideas.

Who should apply for this program and how?

If you love creating characters, worlds, or storytelling through art—this is for you!
Fill out the application form and our Course Advisor will help you with the next steps.

What will I learn in the Diploma in Entertainment Design and Concept Art at MAGES?

You’ll learn how to design characters, environments, props, and scenes for games and films.
The course also covers storytelling, digital painting, and concept development for industry use.

Which software and tools will I be trained in?

You’ll train with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Blender, and Procreate.
These are widely used in concept art, games, animation, and entertainment studios.

What are the career paths after completing this diploma?

You can begin as a Concept Artist, Character Designer, or Illustrator.
With experience, you can move into lead artist or art director roles in top studios.

Is prior drawing or digital art experience required to apply?

Not at all! If you’re passionate about design and storytelling, we’ll guide you from the basics.
We’re here to help you grow—no matter where you start from.

What will I produce as part of my portfolio by graduation?

You’ll build a strong portfolio with character designs, environment concepts, and storytelling pieces.
Each project is created with feedback and guidance to match studio standards.

Does the course offer industry exposure or mentorship from professionals?

Yes! The course includes mentorship from experienced professionals, workshops, and real-world briefs.
You’ll gain industry insights, feedback, and connections that prepare you for a creative career.

SPEAK TO AN ADVISOR

Need guidance or course recommendations? Let us help!

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