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Workshop

Creating Cinematic Concept Art

A Workshop
by Isaac Yeram Kim

Blender & Photoshop Techniques with Isaac Yeram Kim

beginner
2h 27s
8 Lessons
A Workshop
by Isaac Yeram Kim
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Learn simple yet powerful techniques to help you create high-quality concept art using Blender and Photoshop. Sucker Punch Productions’ Concept Artist Isaac Yeram Kim aims to equip artists of all skill levels with efficient methods that will help encourage the exploration of new ways to keep art-making fun.


Over the last 8 years, Isaac has narrowed down his workflow to only the tools that are absolutely essential to his craft. His chosen software and add-ons can be easily picked up with a slight learning curve, so in this 2-hour tutorial, Isaac shares his process for making a cinematic image from start to finish and discusses what he believes are the most efficient techniques applicable for each step of the process.


The primary software used in this tutorial are Blender and Photoshop. Isaac details how he likes to keep his creative process experimental and enjoyable without getting lost in software menus. Using some of the most basic features in Blender, such as the Grease Pencil, he begins by blocking out and planning the image. From there, effective Blender add-ons, like Scatter and One Click Damage, are introduced and demonstrated with easy-to-learn techniques to help you immediately implement the methods into your creative practice.


The final stage of the workshop focuses on refining in Photoshop. Isaac shares his thoughts on photobashing and how to ensure the image quality remains consistent as new details are added. He instructs how to adjust the base 3D render and demonstrates his digital painting workflow, as well as how to tackle color grading to bring the image to finished quality. His final Photoshop working file and Blender files are provided as a helpful resource for subscribers.

8 Lessons

01Inspiration & Gathering References Free

This workshop by Isaac Yeram Kim explores how sustainable creativity comes from allowing inspiration to happen organically. The instructor advocates for maintaining artistic skills through low-pressure activities such as observational studies and photography. Isaac shows that successful concept art relies on thoughtfully combining multiple visual elements and presenting them through carefully considered lighting and mood.

Duration: 8m 22s

Inspiration & Gathering References
023D Sketching in Blender

This lesson shows an efficient, iterative approach to concept art that prioritizes strong foundational design over premature detail. Isaac maintains creative flexibility by keeping both 2D and 3D sketching loose and focused on composition basics. Artists learn how this method allows for experimentation in later stages while establishing critical elements such as scale and visual hierarchy early in the process.

Duration: 9m 12s

3D Sketching in Blender
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03Modeling the Robot

This lesson showcases an efficient workflow for creating a stylized fantasy robot character by combining modern tools with simplified texturing. Isaac demonstrates a practical, artist-friendly workflow through a willingness to experiment with time-saving methods. Artists discover how to balance mechanical functionality with fantasy aesthetics while maintaining production efficiency.

Duration: 6m 6s

Modeling the Robot
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04Compositing & Refining in Blender: Part 1

This lesson covers working smarter by using manual techniques and leveraging scanned assets strategically. Isaac shows how to maintain visual consistency through repeated design and unified materials. Artists learn to build a cohesive, visually compelling scene through layering and attention to compositional flow rather than getting bogged down in complex technical solutions.

Duration: 8m 16s

Compositing & Refining in Blender: Part 1
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05Compositing & Refining in Blender: Part 2

This lesson demonstrates how to combine 3D modeling and purchased assets while planning for final refinement. Isaac explains the philosophy of working efficiently by knowing when to invest effort in 3D versus 2D stages. Artists explore how an emphasis on lighting as storytelling creates a solid base for the final refinement phase.

Duration: 24m 38s

Compositing & Refining in Blender: Part 2
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06Refining in Photoshop: Part 1

In this lesson, artists learn an approach to compositing 3D renders with photographic elements while maintaining artistic vision. Isaac demonstrates how preparation in the 3D phase provides maximum creative control during post-production. By staying focused on overall composition, artists discover how a non-sequential approach to problem-solving maintains the integrity of the original concept.

Duration: 14m 57s

Refining in Photoshop: Part 1
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07Refining in Photoshop: Part 2

This lesson captures the iterative nature of digital concept art creation during the mid-ground development phase. Isaac combines technical skills with artistic judgment to create a cohesive scene. Artists learn that professional digital art requires patience and the willingness to refine details until photographic elements blend into a unified world.

Duration: 15m 56s

Refining in Photoshop: Part 2
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08Finish & Closing Thoughts

This final lesson reveals that digital painting involves patient, careful refinement through countless small decisions. Isaac shares the reality of creative work, including the need for repeated revisions and adjustments. Artists explore how high-quality images come from solid foundational planning combined with a willingness to seek outside perspective.

Duration: 33m

Finish & Closing Thoughts
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Primary tools

For this workshop you’ll need:

Blender
Photoshop

* Note that these programs and materials will not be supplied with the course.

Project Files

When you download the project files, you'll gain access to Isaac's complete 3D character creation project featuring the "Sleeping Giant" suit design. Inside, you'll find:


  • Blender project files – Working 3D scenes with the suit model, textures, and setup ready for you to explore and modify
    - Photoshop design files - Layered PSD files showing the character design process and texturing workflow
    - Resource guide - PDF with links to essential plugins and assets used in the workshop
    - Organized project folders - Everything neatly structured so you can jump right into learning Isaac's character creation techniques

Skills Covered

Who’s this Workshop for?

This workshop is designed for concept artists and digital artists of all skill levels who want to streamline their creative workflow. Whether a beginner looking to establish efficient practices or an experienced artist, Isaac Yeram Kim's approachable methods make complex techniques accessible and immediately applicable.


Game developers, entertainment industry professionals, and freelance artists will gain significant value from learning production-ready methods used at top studios like Sucker Punch Productions. With a focus on keeping art-making enjoyable while maintaining professional quality, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to balance creativity with efficiency and elevate their digital art practice.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this workshop, artists will have mastered a streamlined concept art workflow that combines essential Blender and Photoshop techniques for creating cinematic-quality imagery efficiently.


Key skills include:

  • How to use Blender's Grease Pencil for effective image blocking and initial composition planning.
  • How to implement essential Blender add-ons like Scatter and One Click Damage for rapid asset creation.
  • How to maintain an experimental creative process while avoiding getting lost in complex software menus.
  • How to effectively photobash in Photoshop while maintaining consistent image quality throughout the process.
  • How to adjust and refine 3D base renders using professional digital painting workflow techniques.
  • How to apply color grading techniques that bring concept art to finished, production-ready quality.
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Workshop
Creating Cinematic Concept Art
Blender & Photoshop Techniques with Isaac Yeram Kim
A Workshop by Isaac Yeram KimConcept Artist at Sucker Punch Productions
beginner
2h 00m
8 Lessons
Instructor Isaac Yeram KimConcept Artist at Sucker Punch Productions

Isaac Yeram Kim is a Los Angeles–based artist who has worked in the entertainment industry since 2016, specializing in concept art and illustration for film and games. He has contributed to projects at several AAA studios, including Naughty Dog, Treyarch, The Initiative, and Sucker Punch Productions, as well as working with clients such as DreamWorks Animation and Flying Bark Productions.


Isaac specializes in environment concept art and cinematic illustration, with his work strongly influenced by his passion for film and visual storytelling, allowing him to create immersive worlds that support narrative and atmosphere.

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