Browse
Subscribe
Learning Paths

Learning Paths

Curated collections of Workshops organized by subject matter, such as Environment Art, Character Design or Effects Animation.

View All
Log in
By Category
By Instructor
Learning PathsBrowse

Steve Firchow

Art Director at Machine Zone

Steve Firchow is a concept artist, art director, and illustrator who has been working in games, comics, and publishing for 30 years. He’s contributed concept and art direction to multiple game titles, including Call of Duty: Finest Hour, Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War, Final Fantasy XV: War for Eos Hidden Expedition, War in the North, Mobile Strike, and others. He has created illustrations for Wizards of the Coast, Ace Books, Scholastic, Dark Horse, Disney, Mattel, Pinnacle Entertainment, and many others.


His work has appeared in multiple issues of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, and he has been published in CG Art Style, The Design Inspiration, and others. His work has also been included in The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques and featured in the game-art exhibit Into The Pixel.


  • Steve’s insights/illustrations helped to bring the games at Machine Zone to life, creating a visual narrative foundation that made expanding and iterating on ideas much more satisfying. Steve was able to provide concise feedback delivered in a way that reinforced collaboration and exploration of ideas while remaining focused on the story behind the image. This emphasis on the narrative helped us create a consistent visual thread that kept the work grounded and helped our team punch above our weight.

    - Justin Stearns
    Art Director / Art Lead at Machine Zone / Trion Worlds / Sony

  • Steve is a fantastic art director with a great eye for lighting, composition, and depth. His paintovers are fast but very impactful, and most importantly, he can articulate all his points in an easily digestible way. I’ve observed his teaching style and saw great improvement and cohesion in all our artists' work, resulting from his feedback and vision! Given his breadth of experience, you don't want to miss out on a chance to learn from Steve!

    - Linda Liu
    Art Director / Art Development Manager at Machine Zone

  • Steve’s designs go beyond a superficial appeal and present well-realized locations and characters with their own culture, history, and personality. As an instructor, Steve breaks down the often-overwhelming task of image creation, bringing focus to the parts that have the most impact. Without his direction, many of my illustrations would have ended flatter, lacking the rich visual narrative he brings to his work. I’m excited this workshop exists so more people can learn the invaluable lessons he taught me.

    - Josh Guglielmo
    Concept Artist / Art Lead at Machine Zone / Kabam

Tutorials by Steve Firchow

Visit the Gnomon School in Hollywood