3D Artist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a 3D artist. Feel free to use our 3D artist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a 3D artist.
Who is a 3D Artist?
A 3D Artist is responsible for creating three-dimensional models, animations, and visual effects that will be used in various ways within a TV, film, or games production. It is their job to create special effects to match specific briefs.
The job of a 3D Artist involves using a combination of hand-drawing techniques and computer software to create three-dimensional animations and graphics. On top of this, a 3D Artist is also responsible for researching upcoming projects to help find new ways to create designs or animations.
At the start of a project, they may also help conceptualize ideas and processes to come up with the best plan of action. Then, towards the end of the project, they will receive feedback from directors, clients, or other animators and they will make several alterations before the final design is approved. This aspect of a 3D Artist’s role will involve meeting with clients, designers, and directors to review projects and deadlines and agree on a timeline for the project.
3D artists engage their artistic knowledge and technical skills to work on their animation and 3D modeling projects. You can expect to use these core skills on-the-job as a 3D artist:
Creativity: Producing original designs requires creativity and ingenuity. 3D artists should have a strong creative vision and be able to contribute to brainstorming sessions for new designs.
Multitasking: 3D artists may work on several projects at once, balancing different stages of development to meet shifting deadlines. They use multitasking and time management skills to prioritize tasks throughout the workday.
Computer skills: Software, computer, and IT literacy is essential for using design software and troubleshooting issues.
Teamwork: 3D artists regularly work alongside other creative staff including artists, writers, and editors. Teamwork skills allow them to combine their skills to work on a unified vision.
3D Artist Job Description
Below are the 3D artist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a 3D artist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities required of a 3D artist include the following:
- Discuss ideas with clients.
- Drafting character designs.
- Storyboarding.
- Researching design ideas.
- Defining object proportions.
- Implementing physics and movement mechanics.
- Collaborating with voice actors.
- Importing and exporting files.
- Using 3D modelling, texture, mapping, and other techniques to create graphics, visual effects, and animations.
- Creating photo-realistic materials, lighting, and rendered images for various uses such as marketing and advertisements.
- Managing time across multiple projects while adhering to project deadlines.
- Collaborating with colleagues, superiors, and members of the organization outside of the 3D team to improve designs
- Creating quick and detailed 3D models and drawings that could be anything from environments to character models, buildings, vehicles and props.
- Utilizing a combination of traditional and technological approaches to 3D design.
- Interpreting briefs efficiently and pitching ideas clearly to client and design team.
- Responding positively to feedback and having the ability to adapt and refine work based on given feedback to ensure solid communication with the client.
- Meeting with clients, designers, or directors to review projects and deadlines and agree on development timelines. These meetings may involve collaborating on design ideas and coming up with new suggestions for improving a project
- Research relevant topics and reference points for ideas to use in designs and upcoming projects.
- Helping in the conceptualization of ideas and processes in other to come up with the best plan of action. This is especially the case if a 3D artist specialises in a particular area of 3D effects and their expertise is crucial to the project’s success.
- Creating specific sheets that provide accurate details for others to follow.
- Working to strict deadlines and being prepared to put in extra hours when required.
- Collaborating with animators and other artists and attending meetings to discuss ongoing projects.
- Understanding the project requirements and conceptualizing creative ideas.
- Creating storyboards to visualize scenes and create a realistic environment for movies, games, and other visual effects.
- Receiving feedback from directors, animators, designers, and clients, and editing creations based on the comments received.
- Reviewing 3D arts and recommending improvements.
- Creating 3D sculpts and assets to meet artistic standards.
- Troubleshooting any problems that arise during work on a project.
- Meeting with clients, Designers, and Directors to discuss and review projects and deadlines.
Essential skills of a 3D Artist
3D artists constantly work on improving their skills because there are always new things to learn and discover in different industries. Following are some essential skills that a 3D artist may require:
Technical skills
A 3D artist is proficient in using various drawing, design, animation, and 3D modeling. They are adaptive to new software and technologies to improve the quality of their work. Additionally, they may also learn to script and storyboard.
Drawing and illustration skills
A 3D artist creates storyboards and finds the ability to draw beneficial. They often use external tools to illustrate and digitize their creations. Learning to draw helps hone their attention to detail.
Organizational skills
A 3D artist may work individually or as part of a team. Any project that requires 3D graphics and animation is time-bound and may be dependent on other aspects of the project. Therefore, producing high-quality visuals within tight deadlines requires a 3D artist to be organized.
Teamwork
Projects in the advertising and film industry often require a 3D artist to work as part of a team. Further, 3D artists assist the creative team to come up with concepts and ideas. They constantly collaborate with several people and are adaptive to different temperaments.
Attention to detail
3D artists help in projects that require 3D modeling and animation. These may require creating elaborate landscapes, character movements, and life-like visual effects. To build high-quality graphics, a 3D artist takes care of every detail like the hair movement of a character, facial expressions, and the lights and shadows in a scene.
Communication skills
3D artists are involved in multiple discussions with clients and team members. Therefore, it is imperative to articulate their ideas and communicate them both verbally and written. 3D artists also require sharp listening skills to understand client requirements and create concepts accordingly.
Coding skill
While it is not mandatory, understanding coding helps 3D artists excel at their job. It helps them understand how the software works and behaves to design better graphics effectively. Also, coding knowledge helps integrate large visuals on a website or an application.
Qualifications
Qualifications for this role includes all of the following:
- Certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.
- An understanding of how to use software such as Adobe Photoshop and 3D Max.
- Strong working knowledge of industry-standard software, including 3ds Max, V-Ray, SketchUp, and Maya.
- A strong portfolio of previous work and completed projects.
- 3D artists in medical illustration must have a working knowledge of biology.
- Aptitude for art and creativity.
- Good communication.
- Good time management.
- Computer skills.
- Ability to work in a team and individually.
- Excellent creativity and artistic skills.
- An eye for composition, realism, texture, color, and lighting.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
Steps to Becoming a 3D Artist
3D art is everywhere, from feature films to website loading screens. Being a 3D artist is a popular career aspiration for people who want to add an exciting visual flair to the world around them. You can prepare for a career as a 3D artist by exploring the basics of working in the 3D art industry and reviewing the skills you’ll need to succeed. The necessary steps to becoming a 3D artist include all of the following:
- Earn an arts or design degree
Not all employers require you to have a degree to become a 3D artist, but many do. Getting a degree can also make your application more impressive and provide employers with evidence of your technical knowledge and design fundamentals. You can pursue an associate’s degree or complete a bachelor’s program to qualify for more opportunities. You may even want to start by taking a few 3D art classes at a local community college to confirm your interest in the field.
Look for schools that offer programs in 3D design or animation to prepare yourself for a job in 3D art. Majors in in-game art, computer animation, and graphic design can also be a good choice for aspiring 3D artists. Some of the topics you should take during your undergraduate education in 3D art include:
- 3D modeling
- Spatial proportions
- Digital shading and texture
- Character development
- Animating scripts
- 3D animated environments
- Movement in animation
- Learn the basics of design software
While you may do some sketching on paper to plan for your designs, you’ll mostly use computer design software to complete your 3D art projects. Make sure you have a computer and graphics card that can run top design programs, plus a tablet to easily input your designs. Download a range of popular CAD software and complete tutorials to learn how to achieve certain effects and features.
- Explore different 3D design niches
There are many specialties within 3D art that you can consider. Choosing a niche can make it easier to find a job where you can work on projects you enjoy. Exploring a wide range of niches can also add breadth to your portfolio and show potential employers that you can adapt to any kind of 3D art project. Some of the niches you can practice include:
- Game design
- Forensic and medical animation
- Architectural modeling
- Filmmaking
- Product visualization
- Advertising
- 3D printing
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Complete a 3D art internship
Internships in 3D art teach you how to apply your technical knowledge and skills to a real workplace environment. You’ll learn how to refine your design abilities, interact with clients and interpret real design briefs. Participating in an internship introduces you to professionals in the 3D art industry that you can use to find open positions, clients, and other opportunities.
- Prepare a professional digital portfolio
Get ready to show your skills to potential employers by putting together a digital portfolio that includes examples of your work. You’ll need to create a website that can host the appropriate types of animation and video files necessary for displaying your work. Include a description of the project brief to show interested employers and clients about your process of turning an idea into a completed 3D rendering.
- Optimize your resume for 3D design
Before beginning your job search for a position as a 3D artist, update your resume to highlight your technical 3D art skills. List the types of software you’re proficient with, any design certifications, and details about previous projects you’ve worked on.
Where Can a 3D Artist Work?
Whilst the work of a 3D artist has traditionally been an office-based role, there is scope for freelance and remote work, particularly given the current climate. Indeed, almost 60% of 3D artists are self-employed, and they may work from home or in offices.
3D Artist Salary Scale
Because 3D art is prevalent in so many industries, they can earn a lucrative salary for their specialized skills. 3D artists earn an average yearly salary of $68,579. Animators and other 3D artists also have a projected career growth of about 4% through 2029, which means demand should increase at about the same rate as other professions. The average salary of a 3D Artist in the United Kingdom is £25,500. However, salaries can range from around £19,000 right up to £40,000 depending on your experience, and the scale of the project you are working on.
