Introduction:
I have been working in the industry since 2008 and have been hiring 3D artists since 2015. Here, I will discuss how to find and recognize top talent in the industry. This blog can help 3D artists level up their game by identifying areas to work on or improve. It can also assist those looking to hire a 3D artist and find the right fit. At the end of the article, you’ll also find guidelines on where to search for a 3D artist.
It takes one to know one.
There are skills that all professionals should have, not just 3D artists. I’ll mention some of these aspects as they are relevant. You might think, “I’m not a 3D artist and know too little about the industry.” Without going deep into technical explanations, I’ll put together a simplified guideline in this blog. By reading this, anyone can evaluate and assess a 3D artist. And if you are a 3D artist, read carefully. My two cents can be beneficial.
What is a 3D Artist?
Before we dive into the qualities of a great 3D artist, let’s know who are 3D artists. 3D artists are also known as 3d visualization artists. They visualize a design or concept and create virtual representations of real-world scenarios or objects. Some people confuse a 3D artist with a 3D designer. Designers create designs but are not usually specialized in visualization. We often come across people who think we can design their home too. Having 15 years of experience working with architects and interior designers I can probably design too. However, I don’t dare do it except I offer design suggestions here and there. The reason is simple, I am not a designer.
The Ideal 3D Artist
There is no such thing as an ideal. An expert 3d visualization artist in Pixar animation might not be right for your needs. You need to know what to look for to find the best talent for your requirements. let’s educate a little.
Quality & Qualifications
As I already mentioned earlier there are tons of things you would want to see in a professional. There are even books written on it. But here in this article, we will talk about the ones that are especially relevant for a 3D artist.
Effective Communication
Artistry is an area where we discuss details and nuances. We need language proficiency and the ability to communicate our imaginations and ideas to others. If the artist lacks in this area, you should probably stop looking at their other qualities. The ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas, receive feedback, and make adjustments is fundamental. Effective communication ensures that projects run smoothly and efficiently, aligning closely with client visions and expectations.
Team Collaboration:
3D projects often require collaboration with other artists, designers, and stakeholders. The ideal 3D artist should thrive in a team environment, contributing to and learning from colleagues.
A Degree:
A degree doesn’t matter much for a 3D artist. A 3D artist with a great degree has little to no value if they fail to meet the technical and artistic aspects. However, a degree can add value if the candidate meets the artistic aspects discussed in this blog.
Fast Learner:
The technology and techniques in 3D visualization are continually evolving. An ideal candidate must be eager to learn and adapt, keeping abreast of industry trends and tools that enhance productivity and creativity. Able to learn tools quickly. If someone is a slow learner, by the time they finish learning a tool, a newer and better one might already become available.
Experience:
Experience can be a key metric when judging a 3D artist. However, it can also be deceiving. Unlike many other professions, an artist with a few years of experience may outperform one with ten years if they are a fast learner and creative. So, do not fall into “I have that number of years of experience.”
Problem-Solving Skills:
3D visualization often involves navigating complex design challenges. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, providing creative solutions that adhere to project constraints and client specifications.
Aesthetics:
A good 3D artist is loaded with creativity and artistic sensibility. He will have an eye for detail.
Software Package:
If you are hiring for your existing team, make sure the artist uses the same applications as your team. If you are hiring a freelance 3D artist for a short-term project, the specific software they use doesn’t matter as much. However, there is a litmus test: ask about the software version they use. Fast learners and creative professionals typically use the latest version or the one just before it. It’s a red flag if they are using a version from four or five years ago.
Work sample or Past Works
Ensure the applicant can support their claim with strong work samples. If they have a 3D rendering portfolio filled with the type of work you need, you’ve likely found the right person. But Wait. Make sure to check the following factors too-
Relevance:
3D artists work in various industries such as gaming, movies, architecture, consumer products, industrial products, and VFX. A 3D generalist can work in most of these industries to some extent and may show interest if offered a new project or job. However, make sure to select someone with specific industry experience.
Authenticity:
Next, verify that he fully owns the work he is showcasing and that it is not a collaborative effort with other 3D artists. This is important because simply contributing to a project and claiming credit is not enough. Sometimes, one team member handles the most challenging part while others claim credit for easier aspects.
Reference:
Always ensure your candidate has a good reference. I would only recommend or endorse a 3D artist if I know they are capable and won’t let me down.
How we hire a 3D artist at 7CGI.
Shortlisting Applicants:
Honestly, we first see if someone comes from a strong reference. Like a veteran 3D artist or industry leader.
And then we look into the portfolio. The work speaks for itself. If we are impressed seeing what we are looking at and relevant, we then move forward and look into the software packages he uses.
And then comes the experience. If the candidate has experience working with a reputable company we prioritize him as we usually learn new things from such employees.
If we get what we want, We make sure the things shown in the portfolio is authentic and the artist owns it. The last thing we look at is his degree.
Interview:
We ask the interviewee to come to our office. The process takes about 4/5 hours. During the interview phase, we give him a problem to solve. We know where 3D artists fall. We also let him work on short task with some of our 3D artists. We make sure he is free of negative traits like difficulty in receiving and giving feedback, reluctance to share skills, and others.
We then ask him to come for a second day and let him work on a live project to see his speed and quality.
The role of a 3D artist at 7CGI is both demanding and rewarding. By adhering to these criteria, we ensure that our team not only meets the technical and creative demands of the projects but also resonates with our core values of innovation, quality, and client satisfaction. As we continue to grow and lead in the 3D visualization industry, nurturing a team that embodies these qualities remains our top priority. If you are a 3D artist who aligns with these standards, we would love to hear from you. Explore career opportunities with us and help shape the future of 3D visualization.
How we hire a freelance 3D artist
We look into pretty much everything above except that there is no regours interview phase. As there is no long term commitment. However, we make sure he is not involved in a full time job or issue with availablability. Sometimes freelancers take on more jobs they can handle. it affect quality and commitment. We make sure he will provide all the source files at the end of the project.
Where to find 3D artists
Look into Behance & Artstation. I can provide some other options too. However, you will find your favorite from any of these places if you are looking to hire full time professionals. from these places you can hire freelancers too. However I would suggest looking into upwork, fiverr, freelancer dot com, or any other freelance marketplaces if you are after freelancers.
Types of Services 3D artists Provide
Need advice on hiring a 3D artist?
I went through major aspects in this blog. If you still feel the need for professional help or need advice on hiring a 3D artist for your project I am more than willing to help. Please contact me at abdullah@7cgi.com.
