3D modeling is vastly progressing in all industries. Its use is slowly becoming a necessity, which is great news for 3D modelers.
The diverse use of 3D modeling also means that you need to adapt your skills and navigate towards the use of software that you need for a specific career. That’s why it can be helpful if you decide on a certain career path in 3D modeling.
With a clear idea of the 3D modeling career you want to pursue, you can keep track of the latest tools and technologies used in that field. Being up-to-date with technological trends and showing dedication to a certain industry is what your potential employees will value.
The variety of opportunities that come with being a 3D modeler guarantee that you will find something that suits your interests. With that being said, here are some career choices in the 3D modeling world you can opt for.
1. 3D Animation
3D animation is used for numerous digital purposes. The process in 3D animation demands that you create moving images in 3D and place them in a certain digital environment.
Companies use 3D animation for marketing, presentations, and even app creators can hire 3D modelers. Take Bitmoji as an example. It is an app that allows users to have their personalized 3D emoji avatars.
The job market looks promising for 3D animation. According to research, the job opportunities for people working in the field of animation will see a 6% increase up to 2024.
A career in animation can provide a certain dynamic since you’ll be able to work on different smaller projects.
2. Architecture
Working in the architecture industry will put you in charge of creating models of buildings. 3D modeling software is usually used for designing a prototype that helps with selling innovative ideas for business structures and buildings.
3D modeling in architecture has multiple benefits. It speeds up the design process, allows architects to play around with different ideas, and help them identify potential problems before they turn into real issues.
Modelers prepare how the building will look like and also provide the possibility to put the building model in different environments. This means that besides focusing on buildings and structures, you will work on designing landscapes and background details.
3. Product Design and Manufacturing
Production and manufacturing companies hire 3D modelers to help with product modeling as well as product assembling.
A career in product design and manufacturing can let you carry a crucial part in both the creative and practical aspects of product production. The 3D models provide the designers with a better perspective of the product’s functionality and visual appeal.
3D modeling software is also used to assess how the product will be assembled. The complex process of putting the product together to function properly becomes much clearer and easier, thanks to 3D modeling. This saves a lot of time and money for the production and manufacturing companies.
4. Video Games
If you are drawn to the gaming industry, working as a 3D modeler for a gaming company can be the perfect career choice. Not to mention that the gaming industry is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 12% during the period of the next 5 years (from 2020 to 2025).
The competition in the gaming industry is rising constantly, which means more job opportunities for 3D modelers. As a part of “the gaming team,” you can join the planning process and design game characters, buildings, cities, avatars, or work on designing entire virtual worlds.
Bear in mind that 3D modeling in games is demanding. The settings consistently change with new playthroughs, which means constant development. The factor that players are the ones who influence the process also affects the difficulty of the modeler’s job.
If you already have a major or minor (or if you plan to get one) in Game Art, Game Development, Game Programming, or similar, you can combine that with 3D Modeling and ensure that you are highly qualified for a job in the gaming industry.
5. Movie
Movie lovers could find this career path especially appealing. If you want to become a member of a movie crew, 3D modeling can open that door for you.
Animated movies or movies that have graphics need 3D models. Working on designing characters, places, or objects for movies is a long-term project, so you need to be prepared to go all in.
The movie industry demands high-end and professional programs for designing and creating polygon-based models. So, this career can also bring a chance to work on some of the best 3D modeling software.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to take advantage of different programs and work on incorporating assets and visual effects into media clips. 3D modelers can also use 3D scanning to recreate a person or object in a digital environment and manipulate it through computer 3D design software.
Overall, a career as a 3D modeler for movies can promise you exciting challenges.
6. Models for Educational Purposes
Education is one of the industries that are increasingly adopting technological advances. The goal is to create a more hands-on learning experience for students.
You can contribute to this educational revolution by creating teaching materials such as 3D simulators.
The aim of these 3D modeling projects is to help children approach learning more actively. They’ll learn faster and be more prepared for the practical assignments later in life if schools’ learning environment offers life-like models to experiment on.
For example, Safari Montage and Vivid Learning have teamed up on a 3D science project. Dynamic 3D models bring science to life. They covered different branches of science, from microbiology over engineering to chemistry.
You can be a part of such a team and work on education projects that involve 3D modeling. The models you create can help students move past from passive textbook learning and interact with their learning material.
7. Training Courses
You can work on crafting virtual training that will prepare professionals such as equipment operators, train drivers, or pilots for their job.
As a 3D modeler, your assignment would be to create accurate models of machinery that the trainee will have to operate. For example, in the case of pilot training, you’ll be creating a driver cabin, control panels, handwheels, and so on.
Thanks to the models you create, the risk of training will be eliminated. Trainees will be able to perfect their skills on your models and move onto the real machinery once they are fully trained.
Final Thoughts
3D modeling is a growing field of business that can bring you exciting jobs and a more than satisfactory salary. One of the best parts of 3D modeling is that career choices are very different. Consequently, you have a chance to use your skills in an industry or business that match your personal interest as well. What more could you ask for?
BIO: Estelle Liotard is a senior technology writer and editor. She studied computer science and continued to develop her knowledge in the fields of 3D modeling, AI, blockchain, design, and digital marketing. Currently, Estelle works as a senior writer for a coursework writing company and educational expert at digital marketing conferences.
