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Beyond the shadowed streets of Dunwall and the whispered secrets of its inhabitants, there exists a realm where the merely imagined brushes up against the realm of possibility.
This is the visceral tapestry of Dishonored concept art, an odyssey of aesthetic creativity that gives life to Arkane Studios’ immersive world of intrigue and stealth.
Here, your eyes will trace the evolution of Corvo Attano from mere sketches to a fully realized hero embroiled in a tale of betrayal and revenge.
In the labyrinth of Dunwall’s cityscapes and the sinister gaze of The Outsider, you’ll uncover techniques that transmute concept art into narrative powerhouses.
This article unfolds the parchment of artistic mastery behind the scenes, a masterclass in game environment sketches, thematic art, and digital painting.
Expect a deep dive into the gears of game development visuals and character design, with practical takeaways set to elevate your craft.
Delve into artistic inspirations that awaken innovation and learn how visionary designs are conjured from the ether.
Buckle up; by the final word, your understanding of video game aesthetics will be as uncaged as the worlds they spawn.
It is a form of vengeance that takes numerous forms. Corvo is not the usual mass murdered and that is not the plot. You can play as Corvo and complete the game without killing anyone. You can go the non-deadly route and knock guard’s unconscious.
Naturally, you can go on a serious killing spree too if you are prepared to deal with the ramifications of additional dead bodies. More dead bodies mean more guards appear and you will deal with a lot more rats too. The options given to a player, makes Dishonored a compelling game which you can play as a straight shooter game, or as a game of hide and seek.
What the concept art does
Image source: SamTheConceptArtist
Concept art has one main aim and that is to give an authentic view of the mechanics and appearance of the mood, ideas, and design of characters, backgrounds and more that are used in comic books, animation, films, and video games. That is the perception of what the end-result would be like.
During the process of concept art, a team collaboration is used beginning with the concept artists design and ideas. He will take his concept art to get the input and collaboration of the investors, art directors, and other artists. Upon approval of the concept art ideas and continued concept development, the project will go through to other departments and finalized for production.
Dishonored concept art
Image source: Cedric Peyraverney
The Dishonored concept art has tremendous focus on the detailed city of Karnaca and its fascinating concept characters. Concept images in its earliest form show unimaginable detail. From the concept clothing which is well-cut and tailored, while concept arms, hand, legs and faces each have its own story to tell. An unexpected concept quality is what emerged throughout Dishonored concept art.
World of Dishonored and Environment
Image source: Jamie baudo desks
The Dishonored concept art can be described as somewhat of a miracle with the elevation of concept elements that are incredibly real and realistic to the player. You will get lost in a concept world with an immersive view.
The concept artist of Dishonored is Geoffrey Rosin with his specialty in environmental concept art. In Dishonored he used a MoHRadiant Editor within the game concepts to create the environment levels. With Arkane the concept art used preliminary 3D mesh for the visual intention which was followed by detailed functionalities like buildings, statues, furniture, etc.
Empire of the Isles
Image source: Darren lingters
The Empire of the Isles is Dishonored’s fictional concept geographical setting which consists of four concept islands. They are Gristol, Serkonos, Morley, and Tyvia which are part of the main setting of the game, the city of Dunwall. Each island has its own economy and king but is ruled by an Imperial government
Pandyssian Continent
To the east of the Isles is a larger landmass which is the Pandyssian Continent. It is an uncharted land that is composed of stretched jungles and desert lands. The Pandyssian Continent is in stark contrast to the Isles, being largely heretical and primitive. Many have attempted to explore the Pandyssian Continent which is difficult if not impossible.
Civilization
Image source: Austin germer
On the Empire of the Isles, the inhabitants found themselves to live isolated since the Pandyssian civilization is thought to be non-existent. Few people move outside the landmass or enter it.
Supernatural Forces
Image source: Eleonor Piteira
The concept of Dishonored is a supernatural magic that gifted people can manipulate too. Humans that have the mark of the Outsider contain various supernatural abilities. Some of these include runes and bones charms that can enhance and compliment their supernatural forces. Humans cannot use their abilities continuously though and when overused it can temporarily terminate their capabilities.
Character Art of Dishonored
Image source: Sergey Kolesov
The main protagonist concept art is that off Corvo Attano. He is the former Empress Jessamine Kaldwin’s bodyguard before she is assassinated. The concept art of Corvo is intricately detailed from his tailored concept uniform, a coat which is adjusted and well cut for improved mobility. He is a skilled assassin with supernatural power and carries an unusual array of weapons and gadgets.
Members
Image source: Ismael Gil
- Calista looks after Emily, the daughter of the murdered Empress, Jessamine Kaldwin.
- Corvo Attano is a silent character in Dishonored I but in the sequel, Stephen Russel is his voice
- Emily Kaldwin is voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz as a child and as an adult, she is voiced by Erica Luttrel
- The Outsider is voiced by Robin Lord Taylor
- Meagan Foster who is the Dreadful Wale captain is voiced by Rosario Dawson
- Granny Rags with Susan Sarandon
- Alternate street speaker is voiced by Carrie Fisher
Image source: Jacek Irzykowski
Other characters include:
- Paolo who is the Howler Gang’s leader is voiced by Pedro Pascal
- Liam Byrne who is the Vice Overseer is voice by Jamie Hector
- Luca Abele who is the Duke of Serkonos is voiced by Vincent D’Onofrio
- Daud is voiced by Michael Madsen
A four-year period delivered the following concept art:
London Panorama
While the storyline is intriguing and concept art magnificent the London Panorama which is set in 1666, was drawn in pencil first. Around this pencil drawing the London Panorama concept art formed into brilliant landmarks and architecture. In the skyline alone there featured 80+ cathedrals.
Buildings
Image source: Vlad Gumerov
In the concept art surrounding the Dishonored buildings, it was kept as original as possible. since the game explored the Black Plague period, the concept artists have to envision what it should depict. The players should have the feeling of deterioration in the buildings through the concept art portrayal. This is evident when you look at mass graves in the concept.
Crossbow References
Image source: Danny Chilingaryan
Crossbow concept art offers a challenging experience for the concept artist in the game. He has to ensure it is visually appealing while highly functional or the players would not appreciate the concept. It has to be designed in such a fashion that the player can upgrade the previous crossbow to the concept art designs.
Guard
Image source: Newton Hoang
The bodyguard concept art is realistic and compares well to one of the best paintings in the world which is the Regent which was painted by Sergey Kolesov.
Lunatics
In Dishonored a sad event was the cutting of the lunatic’s concept art. The directors and creators of the game had a vision of a mental institution concept art and sadly it was cut from the game.
Girl
Image source: Khiew Jit Chun
The girl concept art is well-known in the game. The concept artist did visual storytelling after extensive research of a girl in that era to make her realistic and authentic.
FAQ On Dishonored Concept Art
Who created the Dishonored concept art?
Arkane Studios’ own team of masterful artists brought the grim yet captivating world of Dishonored to life.
Led by visual design directors, they crafted Dunwall’s atmospheric cityscapes and alluring character designs, ensuring every brush stroke narrated a piece of the overarching story of betrayal, mysticism, and industrial steampunk scenes.
What themes are present in Dishonored concept art?
The artwork is a heady mix of steampunk and neo-Victorian elements, splashed with the dark hues of mystery and supernatural stealth.
Themes of power, corruption, and redemption run deep, visualized through dimly-lit alleys, otherworldly powers of The Outsider, and the transformation of Corvo Attano, depicting an unvarnished view of a society in decay.
How does Dishonored concept art contribute to the game’s storytelling?
Concept art in Dishonored serves as a narrative compass, guiding the emotional and thematic journey.
It hints at the lore behind Dunwall and its citizens, whispering untold backstories and setting a distinctive tone before the player even embarks on the actual gameplay. It’s the silent narrator that frames the whole experience.
What techniques are used in creating Dishonored concept art?
The artists behind Dishonored wield a fusion of digital painting and traditional drawing techniques.
They paint a picture (literally) of cohesive game environments using software like Photoshop while leaning on their expertise in lighting, texture, and color to fabricate environments that are both fantastical and grounding.
Can I find Dishonored concept art in other media?
Absolutely, the artistry has seeped its way into a stunning art book named ‘The Art of Dishonored 2’, as well as various online art galleries and fan-created works.
The game’s visual footprint extends to posters, prints, and more, ideal for any fan’s collection or anyone with an appetite for exquisite game art.
Was the Dishonored concept art made by one artist?
Think of it as a symphony. One artist may lead, but it is the harmony of multiple talents that define the final piece.
Concept artists, character designers, and environment artists from Arkane Studios all contribute their strokes to the grand vision that becomes the visual identity of Dishonored.
What kind of feedback did the Dishonored concept art receive?
The feedback? Well, it’s largely been a parade of accolades. Critics and gamers alike tip their hats to the detailed, atmospheric art that captures the essence of Dishonored’s world.
It’s lauded not just for its beauty but for the depth it adds to the rich storytelling fabric of the game.
Does Dishonored concept art reflect the final game?
The art sets the stage—it’s the first envisioning of the game’s DNA. Naturally, there are changes; the art morphs as development progresses. But that DNA remains.
The original concept art’s shadow can always be seen in the game’s sinewy alleys, oppressive atmosphere, and visual storytelling essence—dark, brooding, yet undeniably majestic.
How has Dishonored concept art influenced other game designs?
Its ripple effect is clear. The blend of Victorian influences with a dystopian twist has become a distinct style that others draw inspiration from.
Arkane’s immersive design and world-building techniques have set benchmarks in visual storytelling, influencing the creative direction in the development of other games.
Where can I learn to create concept art like in Dishonored?
Hope you’re ready to put in the work! There are digital art tutorials and courses from simple online steps to specialized art school programs.
Dive into studying classical drawing, environmental design, and the nuances of digital software. And don’t just learn; absorb. Study other art, practice it, live it. Your journey’s just begun.
Conclusion
Wading through the illustrated annals of Dishonored concept art, it’s like we’ve time-traveled. Witnessing the creative odyssey from first drafts to finalized masterpieces, we’ve seen how these visuals more than just complement a game—they forge an entire realm. These pieces are not mere assets but are the very lifeblood of Dunwall, coursing through the city’s veiny cobblestones and whispering around the corners of high society’s masquerade balls.
- We’ve dipped our toes in digital painting techniques and traced the lines of character design.
- We’ve scaled the walls of world-building, peeking behind the curtains of game development visuals.
- And finally, challenged to create our own echoes of Dunwall, we’re armed with the inspiration to mold new worlds into existence.
In this crescendo of creativity, we part ways—heads brimming with the darkly beautiful aesthetic of Dishonored, hearts eager to transpose that inspiration into worlds yet unbirthed. It’s time; grab that digital brush and paint outside the lines.
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