Search
Close this search box.
  • 3D Art

Prop Artist

A Prop Artist is responsible for creating the details that bring virtual worlds to life. This role involves creating a wide variety of items, from the mundane, such as furniture and tools, to the fantastical, such as magical artifacts or alien technology. Using a combination of artistic skills, creativity and technical know-how, a Prop Artist carefully designs and models objects so that they fit into the aesthetics of the game.

Using a combination of 3D modeling, texturing and rendering software, a Prop Artist pays attention to texture resolution, material properties and lighting to achieve a high level of realism or stylization, depending on the game’s style. They often work closely with other team members, such as Concept Artists and Level Designers, to ensure cohesion and consistency throughout game design. From ancient relics in fantasy realms to modern gadgets in futuristic landscapes, a Prop Artist’s work enriches the gaming experience.

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Pixologic ZBrush

Substance Painter

Adobe Photoshop

3D Coat

Marvelous Designer

Blender

Houdini

Unreal Engine

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER TEAMS:

A Prop Artist works closely with various other roles to ensure seamless integration of assets into the game world. They work hand-in-hand with Concept Artists to translate 2D designs into detailed 3D models, ensuring the final props stay true to the original vision while taking into account the game’s technical limitations and requirements. This collaboration ensures that the props look attractive and serve their intended function.

In addition, a Prop Artist collaborates with Level Designers and Environment Artists to ensure the consistency and coherence of the game’s visual world. They contribute to the overall aesthetic by creating props that complement the environment and enhance immersion. This collaboration often involves iterative feedback, where a Prop Artist refines their assets based on the requirements of a Level Designer and the constraints of the environment.

Skills

Prop Artists should have these skills in their tool belt:

Hard skills

  • Expertise in 3D modeling:
    • Creates detailed and accurate 3D models of various objects, ranging from small items such as tools and weapons to buildings and vehicles.
  • Texturing and material creation:
    • Creates realistic or stylized model surfaces, creates textures for different materials and understands how to achieve the desired visual effect.
  • Understanding of lighting and shading:
    • Knows how light interacts with different materials and optimizes props for different lighting conditions within the game.

Soft skills

  • Collaboration:
    • Collaborates with other team members to ensure props align with the overall vision of the game and meet technical requirements.
  • Creativity:
    • Creates unique and visually appealing objects and environments, which enhance the gaming experience and contribute to the atmosphere of the game.
  • Eye for detail:
    • Checks that models are accurate, well-crafted and visually polished, from subtle texture nuances to precise placement of individual elements.
Prop Artist plays a key role in the gaming industry. Responsible for creating detailed, realistic and aesthetically appealing visual elements that bring the game to life. These skills help create authentic and believable worlds. Without talented 3D prop artists, games would be visually poor and lack authenticity, which would negatively affect the user experience.

Seniority

A Prop Artist is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Junior

  • Creates simple 3D models using software such as Blender or Maya, understands basic modeling techniques, extrusion, beveling and subdivision modeling.
  • Uses software like Substance Painter or Photoshop, applies textures to models, understands material basics, UV unwrapping and texture mapping.
  • Takes direction from modiors, seniors and the Art Director, is receptive to feedback and is ready for iterations to fulfill the artistic vision and technical requirements of the project.
  • Effectively manages time to meet deadlines and deliver assets on time, informs team members of any potential obstacles or challenges.

Medior

  • Has mastered more complex 3D modeling techniques, including high-resolution sculpting and topology optimization for efficiency, understands retopology and boolean operations.
  • Creates high-quality textures and materials that enhance realism or stylization, understands procedural texturing, layered materials and creates custom shadows.
  • Identifies and resolves technical and artistic challenges, such as mesh topology, UV mapping, texture stitching, and material compatibility issues.
  • Collaborates effectively with other team members, provides guidance and mentors juniors, articulates ideas and gives constructive feedback.

Senior

  • Demonstrates leadership skills, guides and mentors juniors and mediors, provides constructive feedback, sets clear expectations and leads by example.
  • Understands advanced techniques and tools related to 3D modeling, texturing and shadow creation, optimizes assets for performance without sacrificing visual quality.
  • Contributes to the overall art direction and vision of the project, working closely with the Art Director to ensure consistency and cohesion in the game’s visual style. 
  • Is proactive in identifying areas for improvement and innovation, looking for new tools, techniques and workflows to improve the efficiency and quality of asset creation.
PROP ARTIST // 3D ART //
PROP 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.

Art Bully

3D Props Creation

Crater Training Center

Organic Modeling #1: Character Sculpting;
Organic Modeling #2: Character Modeling and Texturing

Faculty of Dramatic Arts

VFX, Game Art and Animation

Resources

Blogs

Books

  • “Digital Modeling” – William Vaughan
  • “The Anatomy of Style: Figure Drawing Techniques” – Patrick J. Jones
  • “Texturing and Modeling: A Procedural Approach” – David S. Ebert et al.
  • “The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses” – Jesse Schell
  • “Game Art” – Matt Sainsbury

Podcasts

Individuals

  • Vitaly Bulgarov (@vitalybulgarov)
  • Ash Thorp (@Ashthorp)
  • Ian Hubert (@Mrdodobird)
  • Mike Jelinek (@mjelinek_art)
  • Jama Jurabaev (@jamajurabaev)

How to prepare for the intervie?

News

  • News

Free Shift2Games program at the FOR THE WIN! conference

It's time for the fourth local b2b conference dedicated to the video game industry - FOR THE WIN! Although the event is intended primarily for professionals, like the previous two years, the completely free program of lectures will be open to beginners, juniors, university or high school students. You only need to register!
See more
  • Blog

Day In A Life Of A Game Developer

As the sun rises, casting its warm glow across the city, Game Developer awakens with a sense of excitement and purpose. Today is another opportunity to bring dreams to life, to create immersive experiences that will captivate players around the world. With a cup of coffee in hand, or in my case a cup of tea, we dive into the world of code, pixels, and endless possibilities.
See more
  • Video

Binge all 6 Shift2Games episodes and learn how games are made

We talked to over 20 seniors in Serbian gaming. When you watch these six episodes, it should be much clearer to you what you can and want to do in gaming. You'll learn all about the most in-demand professions, the latest tools and different positions in the industry.
Watch
PROP ARTIST // 3D ART //
PROP ARTIST // 3D ART //