A 3D artist is a creative professional who creates digital works of art in three dimensions. These works can be used in various areas, such as video games, films, animations or architectural visualization - in other words, they are extremely versatile and highly relevant for the future. Prerequisite for 3D artwork: technical skills as well as a good sense of aesthetics.
The main task of a 3D artist is to create digital models. These models can include anything from characters and objects to entire landscapes. A 3D artist uses specialized software to design and create these models. The most well-known programs include Blender, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4d and 3ds Max.
There are various specializations within 3D design. Some 3D artists focus on character design, while others focus on architecture or on environments or technical models. Here are some common types:
Each of these specializations has its own challenges and requirements. In Hollywood - if we now focus on film productions - these specializations are strictly separated. In our day-to-day production work, the different specializations are often mixed together - a good 3D artist should have variable skills in all areas.
The creative process of a 3D artist is multi-stage and largely corresponds to the specializations mentioned above. First comes the brainstorming stage. This is where you sketch your concepts and think about what the end product should look like. This is followed by modeling. In this phase, you create the digital model in your software. This is followed by texturing. This is where you add surfaces and colors. These steps are crucial to breathe life into the model. This is followed by rigging if you want to animate a model. In this phase, you add a skeleton that controls the movement. After rigging comes animation. This is where you set your model in motion. Finally comes rendering - one powerful computer is usually not enough here, which is why several computers are often combined to form a render farm. This final step creates the final image or animation.
To be successful as a 3D artist, you need the right tools. Hammer and chisel were yesterday, today the right software is crucial. Here are the most important programs:
In addition to software, 3D artists naturally also use hardware such as powerful computers and graphics tablets.
The career opportunities for 3D artists are diverse. You can work in the gaming industry, film production, advertising or architecture. Many 3D artists are freelance and work on a wide variety of projects for different clients. To be successful in this field, portfolio and networking are important. Your portfolio shows your best work. It's the first thing potential employers see.
As a 3D artist, you are active in a field of work that is likely to be crisis-proof in our increasingly virtual world. Whether you are creating characters for a game or impressive landscapes for a movie, the possibilities are endless. However, competition on the global labor market is pretty fierce - many jobs are already being carried out in countries where labor costs are low. AI is and will be a game changer - essential work steps can already be supported or even replaced by AI. However, AI cannot replace a good sense of aesthetics.