CONCEPT ART & ILLUSTRATION DIPLOMA IN SINGAPORE
12-MONTHS PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
CONCEPT ART & ILLUSTRATION
Graduate with a Diploma in Concept Art & Illustration, a course eligible for SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) subsidies.
Our 12-month (1-year) Concept Art & Illustration diploma program is crafted for aspiring 2D artists and digital illustrators passionate about digital painting, character design, and visual storytelling in the games and entertainment design industries. Taught by industry professionals with real-world expertise, students gain hands-on experience in both the artistic and technical skills essential for creating compelling concept art and illustrations that shape imaginative worlds.
Whether you're aiming to design dynamic characters, develop atmospheric environment art, or dive into matte painting, this program begins with foundational drawing and illustration techniques, so no prior experience or art background is required.
Key skills such as environment design, composition, and Photoshop or Illustrator fundamentals are developed, helping students to craft an impressive portfolio by graduation.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
- Concept Artist: Develops visual ideas for characters, environments, and props, creating the foundation for production based on creative direction.
- Digital Illustrator: Produces detailed artwork for games, books, films, and marketing, focusing on creativity and precision to meet project goals.
- Character Designer: Creates unique characters for games and films, ensuring they fit the story and are functional for production.
- Storyboard Artist: Outlines narrative flow through a sequence of drawings, guiding teams to align the creative vision with production.
- Visual Development Artist: Defines the style, color palette, and mood for projects, ensuring all visual elements are cohesive.
CURRICULUM
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The Concept Art & Illustration diploma course consists of three terms conducted over one academic year, covering 14 modules. Classes include full-day and half-day sessions focused on software training, design principles, and project applications. The curriculum transitions from foundational concept art fundamentals to advanced digital painting and visual development, culminating in a polished portfolio that showcases your creative expertise.
CURRICULUM BREAKDOWN
You will build a strong foundation in concept art fundamentals, including sketching, perspective, composition, and digital painting using Photoshop. In addition, you will explore introductory 3D modeling in Blender, learning how to create basic assets and integrate them into your creative projects.
Term 1 Modules
- Anatomy Studies
- Digital Painting with Photoshop
- 3D Fundamentals
- Perspective 1
- Digital Illustration 1
- Figure Sketching
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As a school rooted in Singapore’s vibrant creative scene, we welcome international learners who dream in color, sketch worlds unseen, and want to grow in a city known for artistic innovation and cultural harmony.
International students joining our Concept Art & Illustration diploma program gain access to world-class digital art training, industry-relevant tools, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Alongside these academic opportunities, eligible applicants may apply for our merit-based scholarship, offering SGD 3,000 upon successful program completion. This scholarship rewards creativity, strong portfolios, and genuine passion for the arts, making it a powerful stepping-stone for emerging talent.
DIGITAL ART FACULTY
Our full-time mentors and industry experts work closely with students, providing guidance and insights from professional concept artists who have collaborated with leading companies like Riot Games and Marvel.
This program is led by experts like Derrick Song whose impressive background includes work with top entertainment brands. Students gain invaluable advice on building successful careers and thriving in the professional world.
Derrick Song
Derrick is a seasoned professional in the animation and visual effects industries, with over 12 years of experience as a Concept Artist and Modeler. His career includes a notable role as Art Director at Zealot Digital, where he led teams specializing in Character Modeling, Special Effects, Animation, and Background Design. Derrick's leadership and creative vision have been instrumental in delivering high-quality projects that resonate with audiences.
Passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists, Derrick joined 3dsense to share his extensive knowledge and expertise. His commitment to fostering professional development in students is reflected in the hands-on, industry-focused VFX course curriculum, which empowers students to master software and build a portfolio that demonstrates their creative ability and expertise.
Teo Chia Kai
Chia Kai is a versatile artist whose work bridges the gap between design theory and technical application. With a Master’s in Architecture from NUS, he has explored disciplines such as computer-aided design, 2D animation, and material selection for sustainable products. His experience includes developing interactive exhibits for firms like CPG Consultants and Vouse, where his problem-solving skills were vital to creative success.
In his role at 3dsense, Chia Kai introduces structured approaches to ideation, design thinking, and iteration, encouraging students to explore shape language, mood, and narrative in their work. Through critiques and practical exercises, students learn to create compelling characters, environments, and visual worlds, while building a portfolio that balances artistic intent with industry-ready execution.
OUR ALUMNI SUCCESS
Our alumni have made impactful contributions across major industries, working on high-profile projects for film, games, and advertising. Graduates leave with the ability to develop diverse artistic elements that captivate audiences, and many go on to successful careers as concept and digital artists.
Sean Tay
Illustration Artist
Concept Art &
Illustration
Bio
At 3dsense, we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, and Raiko is a prime example of artistic talent thriving in the digital realm. With a passion for vibrant digital illustrations and character design, Raiko has carved out a unique niche as an artist known for captivating visual storytelling.
With a growing following, Raiko continues to make waves in the art community, proving that a strong foundation at 3dsense can lead to remarkable opportunities in the creative industry.
Jose Gonzalez
Concept Artist & Illustrator
Concept Artist & Illustration
Alumni
Warren Goh (quviart)
User Interface Artist
Concept Art & Illustration
Alumni
Jefrey Yonathan
Illustrator
Concept Art & Illustration
Alumni
Isabel Soh (Bel Alexander)
Illustrator
Concept Art & Illustration
Alumni
Brandon Fernandes (n3tninja)
Illustrator
Concept Art & Illustration
AlumniHIRED BY THE
BEST COMPANIES
3dsense has prepared aspiring artists for their dream jobs by training them under industry-leading professionals. Many of our Concept Art & Illustration diploma graduates have gone on to create award-winning concept design and contribute to high-profile projects in games, film, and animation.
HONORS
Over the years, 3dsense has consistently been ranked among the best schools for illustration, reflecting our faculty's unwavering commitment to helping students achieve their full potential. In 2025, we were honored to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Concept Art Schools in the world by The Rookies Awards.
TOP 5
Creative SchoolWorldwide (2025)
RANKED #6
Best Concept Art Schoolin the World (2025)
RANKED #8
Best Concept Art Schoolin the World (2024)
ADMISSION INFO
UPCOMING
INTAKES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
- Above 16 and completed 'O' Levels or
equivalent, including English. - Submit a portfolio and pass an interview.
COURSE
FEES
SGD 44,258.20 Singapore Citizens & PRs
SGD 10,137 (after SkillsFuture subsidy)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT’S HAPPENING
UNDERSTANDING SHAPES & FORMS
Testimonial
Concept Art & Illustration
As a recent graduate from 3dsense Media School's Concept Design and Illustration Course, I experienced an intensive one-year program that pushed me to grow and learn as much as possible. The passionate lecturers, all experts in the industry and genuinely invested in our success, helped cultivate a focused mindset. Additionally, seniors from both my course and others were always willing to lend a hand, sharing their experiences and insights. Overall, it was one of the best growth experiences I've had, both creatively and personally.
Concept Art & Illustration
3dsense is an excellent school for any artist looking to strengthen their fundamentals. As a graduate of DDI with no prior art background, I gained the essential skills to craft and illustrate within a rigorous one-year timeline. The knowledge imparted by the lecturers has become a foundational pillar in my journey to continually improve my art. Overall, 3dsense is a rare gem among art industry schools in Singapore.
Concept Art & Illustration
My time at 3dsense Media School has been transformative and rewarding. Specializing in Concept Art and Illustration, I gained industry-relevant skills and creative problem-solving insights. Initially hesitant about character design, I embraced it with guidance from dedicated instructors, enhancing my expertise in environment and props design to confidently call myself a generalist. The collaborative 3dsense community also played a vital role, fostering idea-sharing and mutual support that motivated me to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals.
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