About 3d artist jobs

I talked a bit in the previous blogs about various jobs that are done by 3d artists, like 3d modeling, 3d animation, rendering, texturing and more. Here I will go more in depth on this topic. If you were looking for vacancies, you can visit the 3d artist jobs section on 3dmd.net

3d animators, 3d modelers, texture artists all of them call themself 3d artists but you may ask, why so many divisions? Why making so many professions from one activity? Is it not possible for a person to model, texture and then animate to achieve an integral goal which is a movie or cartoon? The answer is simple, it is possible and in some companies there are people that are working on animated sequences from the beginning to the end. They are called generalist 3d artists, the can do all the necessary activities on a decent level. But in the majority of cases especially in big production companies the situation is different, due to high competition the standard for 3d animation and 3d modeling is so high that very few persons can reach this standard while spending most of their time doing only one activity like  texturing, 3d animation or 3d modeling.

I will go on and list what talents, knowledge and skills are required for each activity:

For 3d modeling is required:
Knowledge of 3d modeling tools and techniques.

Which include:

• Polygonal 3d Modeling tools and techniques
  • 3d modeling Tools: extrude, split, bevel, create, merge, delete, collapse polygons, edges or vertices.
  • 3d modeling Methods: Box modeling method, edge or polygon extrude modeling method, polygon creation method. Element spliting methods together with edge and ring loop concepts.
• Nurbs 3d modeling tools and techniques
• Spline 3d modeling tools and techniques

The ability to give the required form to the 3d model.
This skill requires:

• The feel for proportions
• Sculpting talent and understading the 3d space
• Anatomical knowledge for character 3d modeling
• Patience and ability to accept critque

For 3d animation is required:
Knowledge of 3d animation tools and techiques
Acting talent and the ability to show character emotions through his movements.
A good feel of motion and mass, basic knowledge of physics to show realism in animations.
Knowledge of traditional animation principles to make the animations more interesting and appealing


Texturing requires:
Excelent Painting and drawing skills
Understanding of UV mapping and unwraping