A day in the life of… Jared Krichevsky

Body talk The creature concept artist has learned the importance of good physical health in his job

The creature concept artist takes us through a typical working day.

“I wake up around 6 to 6.30am and spend time with my family before my son goes to daycare. I work out in the office and gym that I’ve set up in my garage, before settling into the work of the day.

You have to take care of your body. This job will punish you if you’re not prepared for it, so stretching, exercise and hydration should be a part of your regular routine. I burned my arms out a few years ago to the point where I was plunging them into buckets of ice, so exercise is not optional for me.

From 9 to 11.15am I have my most productive time, then I go for a walk and have lunch. I come back around 1.30pm and have another stretch of productivity until 3.15pm. I either do another walk or a short workout on the break, and then work until 6pm.

The next hour is family time with my wife and son. Then I go back to the office until 10pm to finish the work day. My wife is also in production so she understands the long hours. Typically, we watch some type of show before bed after work, and then wake up and start the whole routine over again.

I always tell people to make a list of your top five studios - the places where you really want to work. Next, look at artists who work there and start comparing your art to theirs in a healthy, self-critical way. Then start building a body of work and get it out there. As you progress, people will see it.”

Jared is a freelance senior creature concept artist whose worked on projects such as Ready Player One, Godzilla vs. Kong and Antlers. He’s also a Zbrush Instructor at Gnomon School of Visual Effects. See more of his art at www.jaredkrichevsky.com.

A knight makes their way across an unusual bridge, in Jared Krichevsky’s personal art. Concept Art Association is an organisation committed to elevating and raising the profile of concept artists, their art and their involvement in the entertainment industries. Its annual Concept Art Awards Show showcases and recognises behind-the-scenes individuals working in entertainment concept art.

“Reminders of accomplishments are little pick-me-ups for those tough art days.”

A giant mutant crocodile tears up Chicago, in Jared’s concept art for the film Rampage.

Jared helped design Mechagodzilla for 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong.

“To get better results learn how to talk to yourself, be constructive and not destructive,” advises Jared.