Mechanical arm concept art – sci-fi robotic limb design by concept artist using hard surface modeling techniques

3D Concept Art for Games and Film

Concept Art, Mechanical Design, Visual Development

You wouldn’t build a machine without a blueprint—same goes for the worlds we create. Every project starts with a deep dive into your idea’s DNA: real-world references, storytelling context, functional logic, and style.

I call it visual archaeology—we’re digging out what your world wants to be.

This isn’t “just cool art.” It’s design that works: 3D concept art grounded in story, physics, and mood. Every detail has a reason to be there. It’s concept work that earns its place on screen and in your pipeline.

Concept artist working remotely on digital design projects – showcasing his reference boards

What's included:

You’ll get:

  • Production-ready 3D concept designs

  • Modular base meshes for artists or teams to build on

  • Orthographic views, breakdowns, and sketch iterations

  • Research moodboards and visual reference kits

  • Paintovers or photo-bash if needed

  • Clear deliverables, organized by phase

  • A collaborative process built for iteration and feedback

Optional extras:

  • Marketing visuals or cinematic keyframes

  • Production handoff packs

  • Full visual development kits for larger IPs or game pitches

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You won’t get:

  • Generic designs with no soul

  • Renders that look cool but don’t function

  • Radio silence or disappearing freelancers

Every project kicks off with a conversation. I want to hear the messy, raw version of your idea. Then I dig—real-world research, narrative context, style guides, audience.

We’ll break down the work into phased deliverables with clear feedback checkpoints.

You’ll know what’s coming, when to expect it, and when you get to weigh in.

I’m not precious. Feedback is welcome, and we’ll evolve the work together.

You’re not just hiring a concept artist. You’re getting a creative partner who listens.

Fantasy weapon bench concept art – medieval siege weapon table with tool designs and 3D breakdowns
Ballista concept sketch – early mechanical siege weapon blueprint by professional concept designer

Real-world research fuels believable fiction.

Before I sculpt or sketch a single pixel, I dive into reference — engineering documents, museum archives, industrial robotics. It’s part detective work, part obsession. Because believable designs don’t just look right. They feel like they work.


This step? It’s where the magic starts.

3D Concept Art Portfolio

Detailed siege weapon concepts – concept art sketches of medieval machinery and wood-based contraptions
Fantasy guillotine and execution device concept art – dark medieval equipment design
Massive fantasy sword concept art – dark-themed weapon design with texture and scale references
Anti-gravity sci-fi sword design – sleek futuristic weapon concept with neon glow and energy mechanics
Futuristic weapon concept art – high-tech sci-fi gun with labeled components and modular parts
Detailed mechanical hand concept art – cybernetic limb with realistic anatomy and functionality breakdown

  • It’s very hard to find a professional like Miguel. Very organized, prolific and effective with his workflow. Not to mention the impressive quality of ideas he brings to the table. It’s an honor to have worked with him!.

    — João Lira, Lead Concept Artist on Star Atlas, ATMTA Group

  • I want to say that your proposal was the most professional I’ve seen in a long time, even better than most freelancers and other AAA studios we’re working with.

    — James Ohlen, VP Studio Head, Archetype Entertainment / Wizards of the Coast’ Company.

  • It was fantastic working with you on these, you're an exceptional talent with a wonderful work ethic. You had a tasteful process for creative exploration, and your balance of structure and freedom always invigorated our sessions. Looking forward to the future, Miguel.

    — River Gandour, CEO of Third Book

3D Concept Art Services

To book, we require a 33% deposit, a 33% by mid-milestones, and a 33% billed at the end of the project. Reach and and contact for a custom setup/day rate if you have on-going needs.

robot hand renders

Blockouts & Explorations

Fast 3D sketches to explore scale, shape, and form.

Cybernetic arm 3D model render – advanced mechanical hand in sculpting software with fine detailing

Detailed 3D Concepts – Sculpted or modeled scenes, props, or characters to aid visualization and production.

robot hand gif

Paintovers & Composites – 2D + 3D workflows for polished concept visuals or cinematic frames.

66%

Slash on your game or film project’s production time and budget by leveraging cutting-edge 3D and concept art techniques. I deliver AAA-quality assets with industry-standard turnaround times to keep your pipeline efficient.

33%

Improvement of visual consistency and speed up asset creation with a well-maintained style guide and extensive material library, integrated directly within advanced 3D render engines for seamless concept development.

90%

of my created assets were successfully implemented in Frictional Games’ Amnesia Rebirth, proving my work’s quality and relevance to top-tier game productions.

Looking for a reliable concept artist for your ongoing project? I offer special rates for bookings over 60 days. Contact me for tailored pricing and long-term collaboration solutions.

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  • By the end of our collaboration, you’ll receive a full process breakdown inside a collaborative board (like Miro or your preferred tool). I also include video breakdowns of the process, and if you need to scale your team, I’ll recommend trusted professionals from my network who match your quality needs and budget.

  • I only take on one project at a time — seriously. That means my entire focus and calendar is cleared to work with you, not spread across five things. You get my full attention, creative energy, and direction, from start to finish.

  • This service includes the full pipeline: research, kitbash, references, style guides, and direction. From 3D base meshes and decal setups to final concept paintovers for marketing — it’s all designed to be reused efficiently by production teams. We make real assets with a purpose, and that purpose is visual clarity, speed, and storytelling.

  • Story comes first — but the way that story is told is everything. You can say anything to anyone, but if the delivery isn't right, it won't land. In a world where quantity often beats quality in the algorithm game, quality still connects. I ensure every character or product I design is well-researched and positioned to resonate emotionally.

  • I use top industry-standard tools (Photoshop, Maya, ZBrush, KeyShot, Marvelous Designer, AI tools) in a studio setup built for rapid iteration. I also keep up with the latest workflows in PBR texturing, Unreal Engine, and AI-powered production — always adapting, never complacent.

Laptop displaying robotic hand renders – concept artist portfolio with sci-fi limb designs and 3D models

Form follows function — and story.

Form follows function — and story.
This isn’t just a cybernetic limb for the cool factor. Every joint, surface, and socket is grounded in research and narrative logic. I build designs that feel like they belong in the world you're creating — whether that’s a dystopian mech lab or a sleek sci-fi future.
3D concept design like this is more than sculpture — it’s worldbuilding in wireframes.

Digital artist streaming live – concept artist sharing techniques and creative process with online audience

You’re not hiring a machine. You’re hiring a human who cares.


Every project starts with a conversation. I want to hear what you're building, what you’re excited about, where you’re stuck. This is a collaborative process — and I’m here not just to execute, but to help you think through the visuals that will carry your story.
Clients tell me working together feels like having an in-house creative partner. That’s the goal.

Hand drawing on tablet – digital painting process of concept art using stylus on touchscreen device

Tools don’t make the artist — but they sure help.

From pen-on-tablet to sculpting in 3D, my workflow adapts to what the project needs. But no matter the tools, the mission stays the same: solve visual problems with clarity, purpose, and feeling.

I don’t chase trends — I chase what’s right for the idea.

  • What does a 3D concept artist do in game and film production?

    A 3D concept artist creates detailed, production-ready concepts using 3D tools like Blender, ZBrush, Maya, and Keyshot to quickly visualize characters, environments, and props. These assets are used for design validation, marketing visuals, and production planning — saving time and improving communication between departments.

  • Can I get a refund if I cancel?

    Deposits are non-refundable — I dedicate myself fully to one project at a time, so it’s only fair. That said, I’m open to discuss your unique situation and find solutions that work.

  • Where do you operate from, and what time zones do you work in?

    I’m based in Porto, Portugal, but I’m a digital nomad with fully equipped studios across hubs. This lets me stay inspired and accessible for real-time collaboration regardless of your timezone.

  • Who are your typical clients?

    From indie studios to AA and AAA teams, startups and solo creators — budgets aren’t the main factor. What matters is our shared goal to make an impact. For the most part, I help people align ideas with visuals, specially in productions where they are not very sure what to move forward with, I come in, clear the fog and provide clarity. I’m flexible on terms like profit sharing, timelines, and deliverables, as long as the project drives results.

  • What’s included in your 3D concept art service?

    You get a complete process analysis in a collaborative Miro board, video breakdowns of key stages, layered Photoshop files, 3D model bases when needed, and if you want to scale, I can connect you with professional artists from my network.

  • Do I need to be an art director or know technical terms to book?

    Nope! Many clients come in not knowing terms like “art direction” — and that’s totally fine. I guide you step-by-step with clear communication, regular check-ins, and adapt to your pace. We work with you, not over your head.

  • What if you're not available?

    It’s rare, but if my calendar’s full, I’ll recommend trusted, vetted artists I’ve collaborated with. You’ll never be left hanging — my network is part of the service.

  • Can I hire you for just the 3D base or the paintover phase?

    Yes! I offer flexible packages. You can book me just for sketching, blockouts, paintovers, or full production-level concept pipelines. I adapt to your team’s needs — whether you're prototyping or finalizing.

  • Can this help me raise funding or pitch to studios?

    Yes — that’s one of the main reasons clients hire me. My 3D concept art helps show producers, investors, or publishers what your idea looks and feels like — making your project easier to believe in (and back).

Cybernetic arm 3D model render – advanced mechanical hand in sculpting software with fine detailing on laptop

Let’s bring form and function together — in full dimension.