What do you do if you want to boost your career in 3D Modeling by attending industry events and conferences?

1 Research the events

Before you decide to attend an event, you should do some research on what it offers, who is organizing it, and who is attending it. You want to choose an event that matches your interests, level of expertise, and career objectives. For example, if you are interested in game development, you might want to attend events like GDC (Game Developers Conference) or SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques). If you are more into film or animation, you might prefer events like FMX (Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Immersive Media) or CTN (Creative Talent Network) Expo. You should also check the agenda, the speakers, the workshops, and the exhibitors of the event, and plan your schedule accordingly.

2 Prepare your portfolio

One of the main reasons to attend industry events and conferences is to showcase your work and get feedback from other 3D artists, recruiters, or clients. Therefore, you should prepare a portfolio that highlights your best 3D models, and showcases your style, skills, and creativity. You can create a digital portfolio on a website, a blog, or a platform like ArtStation or Sketchfab, and have it ready to share on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can also print some business cards with your contact information and a link to your portfolio, and hand them out to people you meet at the event.

3 Network with others

Another benefit of attending industry events and conferences is to network with other 3D artists, and build professional relationships that can help you advance your career. You can network with people before, during, and after the event, using social media, online forums, or mobile apps. You can also network in person, by attending workshops, panels, demos, or parties, and engaging in conversations with speakers, exhibitors, or attendees. You should be friendly, respectful, and curious, and ask questions, share opinions, and exchange tips. You should also follow up with the people you meet, and keep in touch with them via email, social media, or phone.

4 Learn new skills

Industry events and conferences are also great opportunities to learn new skills, techniques, and tools that can improve your 3D modeling abilities. You can learn from experts, peers, or mentors, by attending sessions, workshops, or tutorials that cover topics related to your interests or goals. You can also learn from demos, showcases, or competitions that feature the latest trends, innovations, or challenges in 3D modeling. You should be open-minded, attentive, and eager to learn, and take notes, ask questions, and practice what you learn. You should also apply what you learn to your own projects, and share your results with others.

5 Explore new opportunities

Finally, industry events and conferences can help you explore new opportunities for your career in 3D modeling, such as jobs, projects, collaborations, or education. You can find opportunities by browsing the job boards, the exhibitor booths, or the online platforms of the event, and by talking to recruiters, clients, or partners. You can also create opportunities by pitching your ideas, showcasing your work, or joining a team. You should be proactive, confident, and flexible, and tailor your portfolio, resume, and cover letter to the specific opportunity. You should also follow up with the opportunity, and negotiate the terms, conditions, and expectations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?