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3D Designer

Also goes by: 3D Artist, 3D Modeler, CGI Designer

What Is a 3D Designer?

3D designers design three-dimensional graphics, products, and scenes.

How much will I make?

Salaries can range by location and years of experience, but these are averages for the US.

$57,672.00
according to Salary.com

Will I get a job?

Projected job growth is 23% for the period 2021-2031 in the US, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

21,800
Total Openings
according to bls.gov

Who will I work for?

  • Animation studios
  • Game development companies
  • Architectural firms
How To Become a

3D Designer

It’s absolutely possible to become a 3D Designer even if you have no prior experience in tech and no degree. In fact, a career as a 3D Designer is one of the best entry level jobs in tech. Read on to learn how to do it!

1

Learn The Required Skills

First things first, in order to become a 3D Designer you have to learn the required tech skills!

3D modeling

3D modeling is the creation and manipulation of three-dimensional digital representations of objects or characters.

3D modeling tools

3D modeling tools are software applications used to create 3D models. 3D models can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating 3D graphics, designing products, and simulating real-world environments. Popular tools include SketchUp, Autodesk, and Altium Designer.

Spatial Design

Spatial design is the process of designing physical spaces to optimize functionality and aesthetics.

Spatial Understanding

Spatial understanding is the comprehension of the arrangement and relationships of objects within a given space.

Texture Mapping

Texture mapping is the process of applying textures to 3D models to enhance their visual appearance.

Lighting

Lighting is the use and manipulation of light to enhance the aesthetics and mood in visual media.

2

Build A Portfolio

The best way to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills—especially when you have no prior experience—is with a portfolio of professional quality coding samples.

Check out these blog posts for more:

3

Apply For Tech Jobs

Once you’ve learned all the required technical skills and built a killer portfolio, it’s time to dust off that old resume and LinkedIn profile and hit the pavement, or Internet superhighway as it were, in search of your first job as a Front End Developer!

➡️ Prepare Your Resume, LinkedIn, and Portfolio

Although your most valuable asset as you job search is your portfolio, you do have to cross your t’s and dot your i’s and when it comes to the job search that means optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile. Tech employers expect you to have all three!

Check out these blog posts for more:

➡️ Build Your Network

Your net worth is in your network, which can be hard when you’re changing careers! But don’t worry, the tech industry is incredibly welcoming to newcomers. Whether you prefer in-person meetups, Slack channels, coffee-over-zoom chats, conferences, hack-a-thons or a little bit of everything, there are tons of opportunities for you to meet fellow techies.

Check out these blog posts for more:

➡️ Find Good Jobs To Apply For

A good job can be hard to find—or is it? The good news about tech is that there are so many openings at so many diverse companies that your biggest challenge will most likely be keeping up with all the opportunities!

Check out these blog posts for more:

➡️ Practice Interviewing

Whether you’re a season pro, or brand new to the tech industry: interviewing for a new job is tough! Add to that technical interviews…and you’ve got a recipe for heartburn, practically guaranteed. Luckily there’s an antacid on the market that works every time: practice. Read on for expert guidance on how to prepare for your next tech job interview.

Check out these blog posts for more:

➡️ Prepare for Technical Tests

Ah the dreaded technical test! Technical tests can come in many different forms: whiteboard tests, pair programming tests, take-home tests, algorithmic tests…just to name a few. Luckily, getting good at technical tests is a skill, just like anything else, and it’s one you can absolutely practice ahead of time.

Check out these blog posts for more:

Keep Exploring

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Design

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Virtual Reality (VR)
Design

Virtual reality designers design immersive experiences for virtual reality platforms.

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FAQ

  • What does a 3D Designer do?

  • How much do 3D Designers make?

  • Is a 3D Designer the same as a 3D Artist?

  • Are 3D Designer in demand?

  • Is a 3D Designer a good job?

  • What skills does a 3D Designer need?

  • Is it too late to become a 3D Designer at 35?