I want to share the approach I use for concept art research before starting a new project, because the research phase is as important as the drawing phase for producing work that feels authentic.

The visual research process: I spend one to two hours collecting visual references before drawing anything. Not sketching — just looking and saving. I organize these into folders by subject (architecture, clothing, materials, lighting references).

The conceptual research process: separately from visual research, I read about the historical or cultural period I'm drawing from. Understanding the context produces design decisions that are informed rather than arbitrary.

The synthesis: after research I take one to two hours just thinking before picking up a stylus. What are the constraints? What are the design requirements? What visual elements communicate the story or culture of the setting? The design decisions made in the thinking phase produce better work than design decisions made while drawing.

The common shortcut I see in less experienced concept artists: skipping the research and synthesis phases and going directly to drawing. The work is technically competent but visually shallow.