Concept artists have a difficult job. Well before production on a game or movie begins, it's up to them to help define how it will look. They sketch out character designs, paint beautiful backdrops, and just generally try to nail the aesthetic. The final product rarely looks like these early designs; while concept artists have free reign, the actual production is limited by things like technology and a pesky budget. But sometimes you can see those early ideas if you look closely. Here's how some of the biggest movies and games compare to their initial concept art.
Pacific Rim
(Concept art courtesy Hugo Martin)
Elysium
(Concept art courtesy Aaron Beck)
Wreck-it Ralph
(Concept art courtesy Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Paperman
(Concept art courtesy Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Halo 4
(Concept art courtesy 343 Industries)
Star Trek
(Concept art courtesy Ryan Church)
Dead Space 3
(Concept art courtesy Titan Books)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
(Concept art courtesy Titan Books)
Strider
(Concept art courtesy Capcom)
Titanfall
(Concept art courtesy Titan Books)
The Last of Us
(Concept art courtesy SCEA)
The Fly
(Images courtesy TIFF virtual museum)