3D Character Artist

A 3D Character Artist creates 3D character models for video games. They use specialized software, such as Maya or ZBrush, to design and sculpt 3D models of characters, paying attention to every detail – from skin color and hair to clothing and weapons. They work closely with Game Designers and Programmers to ensure that the characters they create match the vision and style of the game.

A successful 3D Character Artist must have a keen eye for detail, exceptional artistic skills and an excellent understanding of anatomy and proportion. They must also have good communication skills to work effectively with team members and be willing to take direction and feedback from others. As the video game industry continues to grow, the 3D Character Artist will play an increasingly important role in bringing characters to life and immersing players in the game world.

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Pixologic ZBrush

Substance Painter

Adobe Photoshop

3D Coat

Marvelous Designer

Blender

Houdini

Unreal Engine

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER TEAMS:

The 3D Character Artist works closely with other positions in the video game industry to bring game characters to life. First of all, they work with various other 3D Artists: Modelers, Animators, Texture Artists and Riggers to make sure the models have the best possible textures, and can be animated and rigged properly. They provide the necessary reference materials and guides to help Animators understand the anatomy of a character and how the character moves.

They also collaborate with Game Designers to understand the vision and style of the game, and to ensure that the characters they create align with that vision. They may also work with Programmers to confirm that character models are optimized for performance and can be seamlessly integrated into the game.

Skills

These are some of the key skills a 3D Character Artist should wield:

Hard skills

  • Knowledge of 3D modeling software: 
    • proficient in using 3D modeling software and creating highly detailed and accurate 3D character models.
  • Understanding of anatomy and proportion: 
    • has a detailed understanding of anatomy and proportion that they apply to creating realistic and believable characters.
  • Eye for detail: 
    • ensures that every detail (from clothes and accessories to facial expressions and body language) is accurately represented in the 3D model.

Soft skills

  • Creativity: 
    • is very creative and has a strong artistic vision, thinks outside the box and comes up with unique characters.
  • Collaboration: 
    • collaborates with others, receives feedback and guidance, works together to achieve the overall vision of the game.
  • Problem-solving: 
    • resolves technical issues that arise during the process and finds solutions that maintain the integrity of the character design.

Seniority

Depending on seniority, a 3D Character Artist is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Junior

  • Creates basic character models, including basic anatomy and simple clothing or accessories.
  • Creates basic textures for skin, hair and clothing, and understands how lighting and shading can affect the appearance of a model.
  • Cooperates with others, receives feedback and instructions from others, provides constructive feedback.
  • Manages time effectively and meets project deadlines, prioritizes their work and completes it on time.

Medior

  • Creates complex character models with a high level of detail and accuracy, modeling a wide range of character types, including humans, animals and fictional creatures.
  • Maintains consistency between assets, follows established style guides and collaborates with other Artists to keep everything visually cohesive.
  • Works closely with the animation team to ensure character models are properly rigged and can be animated effectively.
  • Takes a leadership role in their team on specific projects, provides guidance and mentorship to juniors.

Senior

  • Creates character models that demonstrate a high level of creativity, technical skill and attention to detail.
  • Mentors and guides others on his team, provides guidlines and feedback, and helps them develop skills and advance their careers.
  • Collaborates closely with Game Designers and the Art Director, provides insights and feedback on design decisions.
  • Keeps up with the latest trends and technology in the industry, uses new techniques and tools in his work, experiments with new approaches.
3D CHARACTER ARTIST // 3D ART //
3D CHARACTER ARTIST // 3D ART //

Education

 

For someone interested in a career in 3D art in the gaming industry, an education in digital art, animation, or game design is key. Look for an educational program that is specifically tailored to 3D modeling and animation, because such a program will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. Courses in 3D modeling, texturing, compositing, animation and digital sculpting using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender or ZBrush are particularly useful. In addition, mastering game engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, can be useful in understanding how 3D assets are integrated into the game environment.

In addition to formal education, building a portfolio that showcases your 3D skills is essential to getting a job in the industry. Your portfolio should contain a variety of assets such as character models, environments, props and animations that demonstrate your expertise and creativity. Consider collaborating on projects and seeking internships to gain practical experience and expand your portfolio. Networking with industry professionals through online communities, social networks, or events can also provide valuable opportunities and insight into industry requirements. Be up to date with industry trends and continuously improve your skills to stay competitive in the dynamic world of 3D art.

Resources

Books

  • “Anatomy for Sculptors” – Uldis Zarins, Sandis Kondrats
  • “The Human Figure in Motion” – Eadweard Muybridge
  • “The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action Analysis, Caricature” – Ken Hultgren
  • “Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter” – James Gurney“The Skillful Huntsman” – Scott Robertson, Khang Le, Mike Yamada

Individuals

  • Frank Tzeng (@frank_tzeng_art)
  • Glauco Longhi (@glauco.longhi)
  • Kris Costa (@kriscosta3d)
  • Magdalena Dadela (@mdadela)
  • Gio Nakpil (@gionakpil)

How to prepare for the interview?

News

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3D CHARACTER ARTIST // 3D ART //
3D CHARACTER ARTIST // 3D ART //