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What does a 3d specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
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3d specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real 3d specialist resumes:

  • Design outdoor lighting rigs, create camera animation, manage rendering and compositing of multi-layer cinematics.
  • Utilize Maya to create 3D models for high-end rendering and realtime visualization.
  • Design and develop interactive presentations including corporate Internet site, PowerPoint presentations, and other multimedia marketing materials.
  • Design and develop interactive presentations including corporate Internet site, PowerPoint presentations, and other multimedia marketing materials.

3d specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 51% of 3D Specialists are proficient in Visualization, Maya, and Revit. They’re also known for soft skills such as Artistic talent, Communication skills, and Computer skills.

We break down the percentage of 3D Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Visualization, 51%

    Researched various technical and specialized publications to validate and enhance visualization.

  • Maya, 14%

    Developed 3D models of equipment being trained on in Maya Unlimited/3D Studio Max.

  • Revit, 12%

    Converted all necessary drawings from Revit to AutoDesk Fabrication drawings as to properly coordinate and draw 3D models.

  • Animation, 9%

    Work as part of an advanced 3D modeling, interactive 3D, and 3D Animation group within a Government organization.

  • Vray, 5%

    Created 3D architectural models of residential and commercial interiors, exteriors, and landscaping using 3ds Max and Vray.

  • Solidworks, 4%

    Create models/assemblies and drawings of down hole fluid test instruments using SolidWorks 3-D modeling software and DraftSight 2-D Software.

"visualization," "maya," and "revit" are among the most common skills that 3d specialists use at work. You can find even more 3d specialist responsibilities below, including:

Artistic talent. One of the key soft skills for a 3d specialist to have is artistic talent. You can see how this relates to what 3d specialists do because "animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light." Additionally, a 3d specialist resume shows how 3d specialists use artistic talent: "write mel scripts to facilitate environment modeling and add flexibility to artistic changes. "

Computer skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of 3d specialists is computer skills. This skill is critical to many everyday 3d specialist duties, as "many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "produced graphics and computer animation for use in broadcast video productions. "

Creativity. For certain 3d specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "creativity." The day-to-day duties of a 3d specialist rely on this skill, as "artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what 3d specialists do: "produce creative content in the area of videography, design, and photography. "

Time-management skills. Another common skill required for 3d specialist responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of 3d specialists all the time, as "the workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines." An excerpt from a real 3d specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a 3d specialist does: "managed a team of 3d animators and motion graphics designers under tight deadlines. "

All 3d specialist skills

The three companies that hire the most 3d specialists are:

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Compare different 3d specialists

3d specialist vs. Artist assistant

A character animator specializes in developing life-like character designs for film, television, advertisements, and video games using special animation software. Their job usually entails understanding project requirements, conducting research, developing drafts and models, adding different effects to enhance designs, presenting designs to lead animators, and performing revisions when necessary. They are also responsible for adhering to deadlines and budgets, producing reports, and solving issues and concerns. Moreover, a character animator usually works in a team setting, which requires an open and transparent line of communication for a successful workflow.

We looked at the average 3d specialist salary and compared it with the wages of an artist assistant. Generally speaking, artist assistants are paid $7,616 lower than 3d specialists per year.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between 3d specialists and artist assistant. For instance, 3d specialist responsibilities require skills such as "visualization," "maya," "revit," and "animation." Whereas a artist assistant is skilled in "video shoots," "photography," "sculpture," and "graphic design." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that artist assistants earn slightly differ from 3d specialists. In particular, artist assistants are 7.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a 3d specialist. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

3d specialist vs. Character animator

A storyboard artist specializes in creating and designing storyboards to visualize scripts for film, TV, advertising, and animation production. They utilize their talents in sketching and storytelling to help the production process run smoothly and accurately. A storyboard artist's responsibilities revolve around coordinating with the production team, collaborating with directors and writers, conceptualizing imagery, and conducting revisions and edits as needed. Furthermore, as a storyboard artist, it is essential to adhere to the production's deadlines and goals.

Character animator positions earn lower pay than 3d specialist roles. They earn a $6,764 lower salary than 3d specialists per year.A few skills overlap for 3d specialists and character animators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "maya," "animation," and "adobe photoshop. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real 3d specialist resumes. While 3d specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "visualization," "revit," "vray," and "solidworks," character animators use skills like "character animation," "motion capture," "aaa," and "demo reel."

Character animators earn lower levels of education than 3d specialists in general. They're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

3d specialist vs. Animation director

On average scale, animation directors bring in lower salaries than 3d specialists. In fact, they earn a $7,624 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on 3d specialists and animation directors resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "maya," "animation," and "adobe photoshop.rdquo;

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 specialist resumes include skills like "visualization," "revit," "vray," and "solidworks," whereas an animation director is more likely to list skills in "motion capture," "unity," "medical care," and "advisory boards. "

Most animation directors achieve a lower degree level compared to 3d specialists. For example, they're 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

3d specialist vs. Storyboard artist

Storyboard artists typically earn higher pay than 3d specialists. On average, storyboard artists earn a $11,163 higher salary per year.According to resumes from 3d specialists and storyboard artists, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "maya," "animation," and "adobe photoshop. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between 3d specialists and storyboard artists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a 3d specialist might have more use for skills like "visualization," "revit," "vray," and "solidworks." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of storyboard artists require skills like "fine arts," "feature film," "storyboard pro," and "sketch. "

In general, storyboard artists hold lower degree levels compared to 3d specialists. Storyboard artists are 8.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of 3d specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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