What does a 3d artist do?
A 3D Artist uses complex software to develop graphics and animations for use in various media, such as video games, television shows, and multimedia presentations. They often work in teams, dividing project workloads in accordance to strengths.
3d artist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real 3d artist resumes:
- Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
- Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
- Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
- Generate programs for CNC punch press.
- Help team create nodes for nuke.
- Contract as a 3D visualization designer & animator.
- Edit LUA scripts to locally test game functionality.
- Set up environments, light, cameras and FX.
- Produce drawings and CNC data for machining of parts.
- Contract as 3D technical artist on Voke VR app.
- Rig all characters and interactive objects in Autodesk Maya.
- Create a large library of 3D content using Revit MEP.
- Schedule video shoots involving green screen and special needs photography.
- Edit and composite spots, documentaries, and television specials.
- Create 2D graphics and 3D render objects for isometric-view PC game.
3d artist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of 3D Artists are proficient in Animation, Unity, and ZBrush. They’re also known for soft skills such as Artistic talent, Communication skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of 3D Artists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Animation, 13%
Reduce animation keys or recreate animation while maintaining the look of original intended animation.
- Unity, 11%
Import models into Unity to test and implement them into levels so that they interface properly with the game engine.
- ZBrush, 6%
Created High Poly Character modeling using 3D Max and ZBrush, and printed out the Model with a 3D printer.
- Game Engine, 5%
Integrated assets into proprietary game engine.
- Adobe Photoshop, 4%
Use of 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop, and AutoCAD to create high quality images.
- Concept Art, 3%
Create environment concept art, models, and textures as well as assist with character textures and effects for Just Tactics.
Most 3d artists use their skills in "animation," "unity," and "zbrush" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential 3d artist responsibilities here:
Artistic talent. The most essential soft skill for a 3d artist to carry out their responsibilities is artistic talent. This skill is important for the role because "animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light." Additionally, a 3d artist resume shows how their duties depend on artistic talent: "write mel scripts to facilitate environment modeling and add flexibility to artistic changes. "
Computer skills. This is an important skill for 3d artists to perform their duties. For an example of how 3d artist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a 3d artist: "create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs. ".
Creativity. A big part of what 3d artists do relies on "creativity." You can see how essential it is to 3d artist responsibilities because "artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical 3d artist tasks: "design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment. "
Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for a 3d artist to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what 3d artists relies on this skill, since "the workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines." How this skill relates to 3d artist duties can be seen in an example from a 3d artist resume snippet: "worked closely with the mod team, meet deadlines, and develop models without concept art. "
The three companies that hire the most 3d artists are:
- Activision Blizzard7 3d artists jobs
- Grover Gaming7 3d artists jobs
- Integration Innovation6 3d artists jobs
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Compare different 3d artists
3d artist vs. Web graphic designer
A web graphic designer specializes in the aesthetics and functionality of a web platform, software, and other applications. They are primarily responsible for building a platform that adheres to the subject's purpose and the client's preferred theme while prioritizing an easy-to-use and navigate interface. They must conduct regular testing and maintenance on the platform to ensure its efficiency and significance to the brand involved. Furthermore, a web graphic designer may work independently or work for a company, usually within a team setting.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, 3d artist responsibilities require skills like "animation," "unity," "zbrush," and "game engine." Meanwhile a typical web graphic designer has skills in areas such as "wordpress," "css," "website design," and "html css." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Web graphic designers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $56,507. Comparatively, 3d artists tend to make the most money in the utilities industry with an average salary of $112,291.On average, web graphic designers reach similar levels of education than 3d artists. Web graphic designers are 1.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.3d artist vs. Visual merchandiser
A visual merchandiser is responsible for arranging product displays at retail outlets, attracting customers to purchase the items. Visual merchandisers should be updated with the latest trends in the market to prioritize retail displays and floor plans. They must also be knowledgeable on product information to assist customers with their inquiries and concerns. Visual merchandisers should be creative in setting up the uniformity of the store's visuals within the budget goals. The designs must be appealing enough to drive the customers around the premises, potentially generating revenues and increasing profitability.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that 3d artist responsibilities requires skills like "animation," "unity," "zbrush," and "game engine." But a visual merchandiser might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "ladders," "sales floor," and "store management."
Visual merchandisers may earn a lower salary than 3d artists, but visual merchandisers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $37,869. On the other hand, 3d artists receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $112,291.visual merchandisers earn similar levels of education than 3d artists in general. They're 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.3d artist vs. Freelance designer
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from 3d artist resumes include skills like "animation," "unity," "zbrush," and "game engine," whereas a freelance designer is more likely to list skills in "css," "photography," "website design," and "design concepts. "
Freelance designers typically earn similar educational levels compared to 3d artists. Specifically, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.3d artist vs. Associate designer
An Associate Designer helps in developing sketches on paper and in graphic design software. They usually are supervised by the junior staff and interns.
Types of 3d artist
Updated January 8, 2025
