Profession 3D artist: who is it and what does it do?

 

The work is at the intersection of technology and creativity. An artist with a technical bias - this is how you can call this specialist. It creates three-dimensional objects on the computer for games, films, animation, and advertising. He comes up with interesting images and collects three-dimensional models in programs.

This is one of the "jobs of the future". Specialists are in demand and can have high incomes. Let's look at what 3D artists do and how much they earn, and how to learn this profession.

What does a 3D artist do and what does he do?

A specialist in this field creates three-dimensional objects from a photograph or drawing. He can come up with the design of objects or characters on his own.

For example, he receives an order to create a computer game hero. The client sends a description of the character, references (visual images that you need to rely on when creating sketches), terms of reference. The specialist makes sketches (outlines) and shows to the customer. They jointly choose the most successful option, which is finalized and then drawn in computer programs. The sketch becomes a 3D digital object.

Specialist responsibilities may include:

• Creation of characters and elements of the environment.

• Sculpting high poly models.

• Creation of realistic clothes.

• Preparing UV maps, baking maps.

• Model texturing.

There are specializations in the profession of a 3D artist, for example:

• Work with lighting.

• Creation of textures.

• Working on visual effects.

• Work on the environment.

• Creation of characters.

Where can a 3D artist work, in what areas and industries?

Three-dimensional modeling is used in many areas. The 3D artist profession allows you to work in the following areas:

• Development of games for PC, smartphones.

• Film industry and animation.

• Creation of advertising.

• Architecture.

• Development of interior design, furniture.

These are not all areas that can be dealt with. There are vacancies even in the field of medicine and science. For example, in plastic surgery, 3D models are used to demonstrate the results of operations. In clinical medicine, they are used to train doctors. But this work is closer to the activity of a 3D modeler.

Pros and cons of the profession

pros	Cons
Demanded profession: the demand for specialists in the world is growing. Possibility of creative self-expression. The 3d-artist does not just draw the model according to the finished task, but he himself comes up with how it will look. High salaries for experienced professionals. You can become a 3D artist without higher education. Employers do not care about diplomas, but skills.	It is necessary to constantly learn, as the field is changing rapidly and a lot of new things appear in the profession of a 3D artist. Working at a computer can adversely affect posture and vision . There is routine and monotony. Often you need to repeat the same action many times.

Should a 3D artist be able to draw?

Not all specialists in this field have an art education. 3D models are drawn in computer programs. However, an understanding of color, perspective and human anatomy is a necessary foundation in the profession of a 3D artist. Freehand drawing skills will also be helpful. It is good if a specialist can quickly make sketches on paper to show ideas to colleagues or a customer.

What should a 3D artist know and be able to do?

Required Skills	Master the technique of creating three-dimensional objects and characters from scratch. Understand the principles of digital modeling (sculpting). Understand the basics of UV mapping. Know the principles of object topology. Know how to build lighting. Be able to set up models for texture baking.
Programs you need to know	Autodesk. 3D Max. Maya. Houdini. Blender. ZBrush. The exact list depends on the specialization. For example, to work on commercials and cartoons, you will need Cinema 4D.

To work in an international company, a 3D artist must be able to communicate in English at a pre-intermediate level. You can learn a language from online lessons and tutorials. Here you will find an overview of useful sites for learning foreign languages.

Where to start learning the profession?

To become a 3D artist from scratch, you should start with basic artistic skills (working with color, chiaroscuro, shape, composition). And then master specialized programs.

To get the necessary knowledge and practice, you can take training courses for a 3D artist.

Course name	Description
3D character artist	The course is designed for students from scratch or beginners, as well as allies who want to master a new direction. During the training, students will create detailed portfolio projects: an animated game character and a realistic movie character. Training format: pre-recorded lectures, homework with verification. What you will get from the 3D artist training course: Ability to work in programs: 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Substance painter, Marvelous Designer, Adobe Photoshop, Unfold 3d and others. You will be able to create anatomically correct, detailed characters. Learn how to make your portfolio look good. The course will help you become a 3D artist or character artist .
3D modeling and animation	Suitable for beginners, designers and developers. In the process of training, future 3D artists collect a portfolio that is suitable for finding work in game development, animation, and cinema. Training format: video lectures, webinars, homework. What will be taught: Work with shape, color, proportions, use them to convey the character of the hero. Work in Substance Designer and Substance Painter. Model in Blender. Create characters in ZBrush. Animate 3D objects in Cinema 4D. The course will help you become a 3D artist, modeler or animator .
3D Modeling for Beginners	Suitable for beginners, graphic and web designers, architects. During their studies, students will make 6 projects that can be added to the portfolio. Training format: recorded video lectures, practical tasks. Course program: Fundamentals of 3D modeling. Creation of Lowpoly and Highpoly models. Create a UV map. Baking and mixing maps. Texturing. Rendering in Marmoset Toolbag. Who can become after the course: 3D-artist, 3D-modeler .

Courses for a 3D artist will provide basic knowledge and a portfolio. After them, you can find your first job or internship, start taking orders on freelance exchanges . Then you can level up on your own.

How to become a 3D artist of the middle level and above:

• Read and watch the analysis of models, which describes how they are made.
• Analyze the work of top specialists. Ask yourself why such a color, details, composition was chosen? Memorize interesting decisions.
• Subscribe to 3D modeling channels and blogs. For example, there are free 3ds Max tutorials in the Freelancers Club videos .
• Practice your knowledge.
• Level up your projects. By doing the same thing over and over, you don't grow. Take more complex orders, change jobs if there is no room for growth in the current one.

How to get your first job?

• To get started, you need to build a portfolio. If there were no real orders yet, you can take the work done at school, or draw them specifically for the portfolio. Choose the best projects (at least 10 pieces).
• Submit your resume to studios that make computer games. Consider an intern position. It will help you quickly gain experience by working in conjunction with the curator.
• If you are considering a free career. This is a freelance marketplace where you can sell your services. Try to create layouts for asset stores and marketplaces and sell them.