The Importance of Immersive Research

As a concept artist, designer, or any kind of creative, you’ve got to build from solid research. It’s tempting to rush things, especially when platforms like Upwork or Fiverr push you to churn out work at lightning speed. Fast isn’t the problem, it’s what gets lost in the rush.

Sure, the designs might still look sleek, flashy—exactly what the client asked for. But here’s the real question: is it what they actually needed?

The job of a concept artist is about more than slapping something pretty onto a canvas. If it were just about looks, we’d be stuck recreating the same empty visuals over and over. A good client isn’t just chasing beauty—they’re looking for depth. It could be a character that embodies their story or illustrations that fuel their brand. And that depth starts with research. Without it, what are you really giving them?

This blog is about opening up that conversation between creatives and clients. Let’s stop cutting corners and start pushing for better work—work that doesn’t shy away from productive pushback.

When you really sink into your research, you’ll see the difference between a surface-level idea and something that breathes with authenticity. Like that infamous Jesus fresco “restoration”—some things can’t be rushed without consequences.

I often talk about skater character designs. As someone who’s lived in that scene, I can spot the fake stuff from miles away—the stereotypes, the corny attempts to capture “cool.” It’s all just noise. Don’t get me wrong, exaggeration has its place—especially in games or films—but that’s different. Exaggeration, when done right, creates awe. It’s rooted in understanding, not assumption.

This is important. I have done my research:

Now, I’m not saying you need to learn to ollie and kickflip to design the next big skate game. But at least go to a park, watch, listen, absorb. Do your homework. The same goes for any design—whether it’s environments, characters, or objects. Don’t just rely on Google images. Too many in this industry are stuck on that lazy loop.

How can you design a world, a character, an environment, if you’ve never set foot in one? Imagine crafting a game like Far Cry without ever experiencing the wild, raw beauty of an island. It’s the same principle. Immerse yourself.

Living in Portugal, I’m lucky. I’ve got access to forests, beaches, mountains—all just a short drive away. My work benefits from that diversity of experience. Research isn't just a step in the process; it’s the backbone of what makes good design truly stand out.

Looking for more Tips and Examples on this philosophy? Check more of my blog posts here and my book selection over at Abebooks.

Inspired to go on a Journey? I’ve recently partnered with the, in my humble opinion, best airline in the world: Qatar Airways. I’m actually very excited for this one.

I also have a confession: I always dread to fly on airplanes, I have this erratic gut feeling that the airplane is gonna crash, I know, I know, the odds of that happening aren’t very big, but it helps to know I’m flying with a reputable Airline. Qatar Airways always exceeded my expectations.
Also… I always fly economy, why? Well, why not? It’s cheaper, duh - but Qatar Airways economy feels actually better, than many business tiers on other Airlines, I cannot complain on a single thing about them. So much that it has lately gotten me curious about flying business with them… but that’s another story: If you’re traveling to a far destination, you need to go with some basic comfort at the very least, when I did my research trip to Sri Lanka, I booked with Qatar Airways and found them amazing.

Knowing this, and because the love is mutual, they were kind enough to provide some exclusive discounts for my readers. If you’re looking to book a trip, whether it is to research a personal project and give it that extra layer of immersion to your design senses, here’s it:

• Here’s a special offer and exclusive for the Maldives. (Visit them before Global Warming wrecks them)

• Our best joint deal on trips to Paris.

• And of course, to Bali!

• Other ongoing exclusive deals between Qatar Airways and Menog Creative are found here!

Whether you want to go on a holiday, deepen your research process into a different society and culture or just retreat from the norm, these links will never add any added cost to my readers, they will in fact, do the opposite, always try to get the best partner deals for my loyal followers.

Some colleagues think this is being lazy or an excuse to just take time off, in reality, they can’t counter-argument the one thing I ask to such argument: If you don’t go on a journey or adventure, how can you properly depict one in your game or film? How can a poet write about love without ever having fallen for in love, or walked in a garden of roses? How can you be a character designer if you don’t know all the nuances of people when they are in different environments and societies, and political systems? This isn’t work-life balance, this is work-life integration.

Miguel Nogueira, a versatile freelance concept artist, designer, and storytelling strategist, brings a wealth of experience in collaborating with studios to devise effective solutions that resonate with audiences. His work is geared towards unlocking the gamer's sense of wonder, myth, and meeting their needs, all within a framework of enjoyable work processes.

With notable features in the CGSociety Hall of Fame and Behance, as well as appearances on Kotaku and 3DTotal, Miguel has recently contributed to the success of Frictional Games' Amnesia: Rebirth. He also serves as the Character Design Lead for an upcoming, unannounced AAA MMORPG.

For those interested in leveraging Miguel's expertise, whether through event speaking engagements, content sponsorship, or collaborative projects, business inquiries can be directed to www.menogcreative.com.