What does a 3D designer do?

1 Concept development

Before starting any 3D project, a 3D designer needs to have a clear idea of what they want to create and why. They may sketch out some rough concepts on paper or digitally, or use reference images and mood boards to inspire their vision. They also need to consider the style, genre, audience, and purpose of their 3D design, and how it will fit into the overall project or product. A 3D designer may work with clients, directors, producers, or other artists to refine their concepts and get feedback.

2 Modeling and sculpting

Once the concept is defined, a 3D designer can start creating the basic shapes and forms of their 3D objects or characters. This is done using software tools that allow them to manipulate vertices, edges, and faces in a 3D space. Some of the most popular 3D modeling software are Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, and ZBrush. A 3D designer can use different modeling techniques, such as polygonal modeling, NURBS modeling, or subdivision modeling, depending on the level of detail and complexity they need. They can also use sculpting tools to add more organic and realistic details to their models, such as wrinkles, pores, or scars.

4 Lighting and rendering

Another important aspect of 3D design is lighting and rendering. Lighting is the process of placing and adjusting lights in a 3D scene to create the desired mood, atmosphere, and realism. A 3D designer can use different types of lights, such as point lights, spot lights, or area lights, and different settings, such as intensity, color, or shadow, to achieve different results. Rendering is the process of converting the 3D scene into a 2D image or animation that can be viewed on a screen or printed. A 3D designer can use different rendering software, such as RenderMan, Arnold, or V-Ray, and different rendering techniques, such as ray tracing, rasterization, or global illumination, to optimize the quality and speed of their output.

5 Animation and rigging

Some 3D designers may also be involved in animation and rigging, which are the processes of making 3D models move and behave in a realistic or expressive way. Rigging is the process of creating a skeleton or structure for a 3D model that allows it to be controlled and manipulated. A 3D designer can use software tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to create bones, joints, and controllers for their models, and assign weights and constraints to them. Animation is the process of creating sequences of movements and poses for a 3D model, either by keyframing, motion capture, or procedural methods. A 3D designer can use software tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to animate their models, and adjust the timing, speed, and transitions of their movements.

6 Post-production and editing

The final stage of 3D design is post-production and editing, which are the processes of enhancing and refining the 3D graphics and animations. A 3D designer can use software tools like Photoshop, After Effects, or Premiere Pro to edit their images or videos, and apply filters, effects, transitions, or corrections to them. They can also use software tools like Audacity, GarageBand, or Logic Pro to add sound effects, music, or voice-overs to their animations. A 3D designer can also use software tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot to integrate their 3D graphics and animations into interactive applications or games.