Building a 3D artwork requires a lot of time, patience, and skills. Besides excellent drawing capacity, artists must possess persistence and creativity. It makes me wonder: What is a typical workday for a 3D artist?
In this post, we will concentrate on a day in the life of 3D artists, the process for building a complete 3D asset, and their working schedules.
Overview of 3D Art Making
Artists create 3D artwork using both traditional drawing tools and modern programs. The products they create are very diverse, from visual effects to images and videos.
Therefore, 3D artists can find jobs in many industries. Some popular examples are game-making studios or advertisements. They can also design 3D models and brainstorm project ideas.
Drawing skill is no longer the core factor that makes up a successful artist. Modern 3D artists must be fluent in using drawing tablets and software.
They must combine technology with traditional tools to achieve the best result. Yet, creativity and high discipline are still essential qualities of an artist.
3D artists can work in various environments and styles. Some artists choose to work as a freelancer, while some get employed by studios and teams.
A Day in the Life of a 3D Artist
3D artists duties will vary based on the projects and companies they work for. The sections below will give you a more detailed insight.
Working Place and Hours
Like the other professions, full-time 3D artists typically start attending the workplace at 8 AM. The work day starts from this time and ends at 5 PM.
The exact time will vary based on the company’s policy. Most artists work 5 days a week. Their total working time is not different from the average working hours.
However, working overtime is a common practice for 3D artists. They have to experience higher stress and workload with tight deadlines. The same story happens with self-employed artists who work at home.
Job Overview
All 3D artists have to follow deadlines. Their main job is to design 3D assets. The type of project varies based on customers’ requests and the fields they work in.
With the artists working in an advertising service team, for instance. Their job will revolve around designing 3D ads for different brands and services. The customers will contact their business and submit the request.
Then, the artists will work on developing the plans and start building the projects. They will finalize the product and edit it to match customers’ requests.
Also, some artists choose to start their own brands. They may develop a story series and handle all of the projects.
Preparing The Ideas
3D artists don’t typically negotiate or receive customers’ requests. There’s a specific team that will handle this part. Then, this team will contact the artists and develop ideas for the projects.
Usually, a member from the other team will come to the artist team with the request. The team will then brainstorm ideas and develop a plan. For example, they will discuss the time this project will take.
Then, they will assign parts of the project to each team member. For instance, one member may be responsible for drawing the main characters.
Meanwhile, the other will draw the background and build the colors. There’s also a person who edits and finalizes the drawings. Everyone will work on minor parts as a team and finish their jobs before the deadlines.
Meanwhile, self-employed artists will have to build the whole project on their own. It will take much longer to finish a project of the same scale.
Building 3D Assets
All team members will start finishing their assigned tasks. They typically use 3D designing software and programs for most of the tasks. During the process, the team members will communicate with each other a lot.
They ensure that all the minors can combine well and make up a high-quality project. For example, the background must match the main objects and colors.
There’s usually a group leader who will monitor all members’ progress to ensure that the developed 3D assets match all customers’ desires. They also provide feedback and assistance to team members in their work.
Finally, the team will sit together to review the completed project. They will make necessary adjustments and edits before handing it over to the client.
Personal Time
Most companies will allow a break time at 12 a.m for lunch. Artists also have break time during their work to regain energy and attention. The artists will leave companies at 5 p.m and spend the rest of the day on their personal tasks.
How Much Do 3D Artists Make?
Our research indicates that 3D artists in the US earn an average annual salary of $81,940. The number ranges from $38,442 to $127,122.
The income will vary depending on their working location and the scale of the project. Companies also grant extra pay if artists deliver excellent performances or finish their projects early.
Is 3D Art The Right Career Path For You?
3D art making brings a lot of joy and satisfaction. Artists can engage in different domains and work on the projects they love. However, this field also brings constant stress due to tight deadlines and its competitive nature.
Creativity and a passion for art are essential characteristics of a competent artist. Besides, you must be proficient at using 3D designing programs.
3D art making is a promising path for those who love creating 3D assets and possess these characteristics. Only competent artists with excellent creativity and experience can stand out in this industry.
Final Thoughts
This cross between traditional art and technology has transformed 3D drawing into an exciting industry. There are countless projects that you can explore.
We hope this overview of a day in the life of a 3D artist can bring you more insights. Thank you for reading!