What does a 3d designer do?
The primary job of a 3D designer is to design and create three-dimensional models based on a client's specifications and requirements. Your duties will include developing a 3D design for new products, reviewing and enhancing the 3D design of existing products, and understanding project requirements. Using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, you will develop a design layout for complex projects as well as primary models and sketches for final product design. As a 3D designer, you are also responsible for participating in brainstorming sessions and team meetings.
3d designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real 3d designer resumes:
- Modify SRV-1 source code using JavaScript software to attain tracking at any instantaneous time.
- Design some jobs using Autodesk.
- Create conceptual layouts for project visualization.
- Convert 2D image sketch to 3D model.
- Create and enter BOM tables on assembly drawings.
- Correct working BOM for each product working on.
- Aid with various drafting services in AutoCAD and Revit.
- Cost management, prototyping, soldering, welding, etc.
- Work as AutoCAD and Revit designer on residential and commercial buildings.
- Create military 3d character models and unwrap UV maps for texturing.
- Research for environments and working with art director / movie director / VFX Supe.
- Provide 3D character models, UV layouts and textures for a children's animate short.
- Model, and texture the level using 3d studio max, Maya, Mudbox, and Photoshop.
- Design the frame, a CVT push controller, and help all the other sub teams with their SolidWorks.
- Create new and revise engineering drawings using AutoCad 2D and SolidWorks 3D for the addressing product line of products.
3d designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of 3D Designers are proficient in Sketch, Animation, and Maya. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of 3D Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Sketch, 10%
Initiated and oversaw development from initial concept sketch to final production, working closely with Chinese engineering and manufacturing vendors.
- Animation, 10%
Rigged models for animation and animated objects and cameras for desired effect.
- Maya, 7%
Job Duties: - Worked in various capacities of modeler, lighter, and shot finaler in Maya.
- Visualization, 6%
Designed both realistic and conceptual 3D images and animations for subsea visualization.
- Revit, 5%
Aided with various drafting services in AutoCAD and Revit.
- Adobe Photoshop, 5%
Created color renderings based upon AutoCAD elevations in Adobe Photoshop, improving the quality of work being done by the firm.
Most 3d designers use their skills in "sketch," "animation," and "maya" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential 3d designer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a 3d designer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message." 3d designers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed layout, detail and assembly drawings using catia v4 and cdm, chrysler data management. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling 3d designer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information." According to a 3d designer resume, here's how 3d designers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "designed engineering drawings for telecommunication towers using microsoft visio. "
Computer skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of 3d designers is computer skills. This skill is critical to many everyday 3d designer duties, as "most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "use computer aided drafting (cad) and related software to produce construction drawings. "
Time-management skills. A big part of what 3d designers do relies on "time-management skills." You can see how essential it is to 3d designer responsibilities because "graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical 3d designer tasks: "edit animation timeline paths, speed, velocity using advance animation editors. "
Creativity. A commonly-found skill in 3d designer job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what 3d designers do. 3d designer responsibilities rely on this skill because "graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers." You can also see how 3d designer duties rely on creativity in this resume example: "originated and developed creative design concepts. "
The three companies that hire the most 3d designers are:
- Deloitte91 3d designers jobs
- Gannett Fleming6 3d designers jobs
- Kiewit6 3d designers jobs
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Compare different 3d designers
3d designer vs. Graphic designer/production
A Graphics Designer in production is the person in charge of designing and interpreting ideas pointed out by the client or the company. The graphics designer must use market standard applications and techniques to produce attention-grabbing designs intended to market a product, service, or company. Graphic designers are an integral part of a company's digital marketing, especially over the internet. The graphic designer must have a good eye for style, typesetting, and the use of colors.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a 3d designer are more likely to require skills like "animation," "maya," "visualization," and "revit." On the other hand, a job as a graphic designer/production requires skills like "graphic design," "adobe illustrator," "art direction," and "adobe indesign." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Graphic designer/productions earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $59,531. On the other hand, 3d designers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $81,941.graphic designer/productions tend to reach similar levels of education than 3d designers. In fact, graphic designer/productions are 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.3d designer vs. Graphic designer, marketing
A graphic designer of marketing specializes in developing creative imagery as part of a company's marketing efforts. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating with the marketing team to share insights and strategies, conceptualizing designs in adherence to objectives and deadlines, and preparing presentations. One may also subject designs into various revisions and edits as needed. Furthermore, as a graphic designer, it is also essential to keep abreast of the latest trends and have an understanding of the target audience.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, 3d designer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "animation," "maya," "visualization," and "revit." Meanwhile, a graphic designer, marketing has duties that require skills in areas such as "adobe creative suite," "brochures," "blog posts," and "graphic design." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Graphic designers, marketing earn a lower average salary than 3d designers. But graphic designers, marketing earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $52,640. Additionally, 3d designers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $81,941 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Graphic designers, marketing tend to reach similar levels of education than 3d designers. In fact, they're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for 3d designers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
3d designer vs. Graphic designer internship
In a graphic design internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to accomplish tasks while under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. An aspiring graphic designer may use this opportunity to observe and participate in designing for various industries, handle different clients, participate in creative meetings, and learn strategies from experts. Furthermore, there may also be technical tasks involving research and analysis, gathering materials, coordinating with vendors, and producing reports and other necessary documentation. They may also be responsible for maintaining a database and responding to calls and inquires.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a 3d designer is likely to be skilled in "animation," "maya," "visualization," and "revit," while a typical graphic designer internship is skilled in "graphic design intern," "blog posts," "adobe creative suite," and "adobe illustrator."
Graphic designer interns earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $41,614. Comparatively, 3d designers have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $81,941.graphic designer interns typically earn similar educational levels compared to 3d designers. Specifically, they're 3.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.3d designer vs. Computer aided design designer
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
Types of 3d designer
Updated January 8, 2025
