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Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change employers, one question dominates: How do I get hired as a 3D artist? It’s a crucial aspect of turning a passion for 3D into a sustainable career. With over 30 years of experience as a hiring manager and consulting within the 3D industry, I’ve gathered insights that’ll help you stand out and secure that all-important role. Here’s what you need to know.

Understand What Employers Want

At the heart of every company’s hiring decisions is one goal: continuity. Businesses need to ensure their revenue consistently exceeds their expenses to survive and grow. As a potential employee, your role is to contribute to that stability.

So, how can you do this? By offering a mix of skills, work ethic, and creativity that help the company achieve its goals. Whether it’s crafting assets for a game or animating in a film pipeline, your value should match—or exceed—what the company is willing to pay you for your work.

Balancing Costs and Skills

Hiring decisions depend on balancing cost and skill. For example:

• Low-cost, less experienced candidate: Easier on the budget but might require training.
• High-cost, highly experienced candidate: Can jump into projects straight away but comes at a premium.
• Unique talents: Even if you’re not easy to manage or don’t have team-playing qualities, companies may make exceptions if your skills outweigh potential drawbacks.

Don’t worry if you think you lack certain traits. Employers weigh everything together, and strong points can often make up for weaker areas.

Traits Employers Avoid

Certain traits are nearly always red flags for employers:

• Unreliable behaviour
• Poor teamwork
• Laziness or dishonesty
• Bad habits, such as showing up late

These don’t just impact performance—they increase risk to the business. Avoid anything that might label you as a risky hire.

Traits Employers Love

On the other hand, the traits companies look for include:

• Dedication
• Creativity and adaptability
• Punctuality and professionalism
• Passion for the craft
  Being efficient, honest, and easy to work with can set you apart in the long run.

The Importance of First Impressions

Your personal presentation matters, but not in the way you might think. As a creative professional, expressing some personality is fine—and often encouraged. A clean, confident look and good hygiene go further than wearing a suit and tie in most 3D job interviews. However, steer clear of being too casual or inappropriate in your appearance.

The Role of a Cover Letter

A strong cover letter is your first opportunity to show personality. Many candidates simply submit their CV, but that doesn’t tell the employer much about you as a person.

Use your cover letter to briefly explain:

• Why you’re passionate about 3D art.
• Your relevant work experience and hobbies.
• What excites you most about the role and company.

By showing genuine interest, you make yourself memorable and stand out from the crowd.

Research the Company

One of the worst mistakes you can make is going into an interview without knowing what the company does. Research the company’s projects, its structure, and recent achievements. Employers want to feel like you’ve taken the time to understand them.

For instance, if the company makes games, make sure you know their key titles. Saying something vague like, “You create cool stuff” isn’t enough—it shows a lack of preparation. Instead, make specific mentions of their work and explain how it aligns with your career goals.

Dealing With a Lack of Experience

The classic problem: you need experience to get hired, but you can’t gain experience without a job. Here’s what to do:

1. Create mock projects. Choose a theme and build a project from start to finish, as if it were a client request.
2. Document every stage, from concept sketches to final renders. Show your process to provide insight into how you work.
3. Upload detailed projects to a platform like ArtStation. Make sure they look polished and professional.

Quality beats quantity when it comes to portfolios. One or two standout pieces are far better than a dozen rushed ones.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is likely the first thing a potential employer will review. Focus on:

• Fully finished pieces over incomplete concepts.
• Clear workflow documentation (e.g., blocking, texturing, rendering).
• A consistent style or area of specialisation, though a little versatility is fine.

If possible, ask experienced artists for feedback and keep refining your work.

Networking: Your Secret Weapon

The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Many opportunities come from connections, not job boards. Here’s how to build your network:

• Create a LinkedIn profile.
• Connect with anyone in the 3D field whom you’ve worked or communicated with—even briefly.
• Participate in online forums, social media groups, or local events.
• Keep active and approachable—spend time growing these relationships daily.

People can’t recommend you if they don’t know you exist. Networking makes sure the right people do.

The Interview Process

Interviews typically involve two types of people:

1. The HR manager, who might focus on your personality, background, and communication skills.
2. A technical lead, who will probe your tool knowledge and problem-solving methods.

Prepare for both by practising questions about your technical experience and by seeing how well you can articulate your thoughts. For technical interviews, ensure your software skills are sharp and that you’re ready to discuss workflow optimisations and processes clearly.

Asking Smart Questions

Don’t let the interview be a one-sided conversation. Asking meaningful questions shows you’re engaged and serious about the role. Some examples:

• “What’s the team structure like for this department?”
• “Are there any recent challenges the team has faced?”
  This also gives you a better understanding of what’s expected.

Salaries and Expectations

Salary discussions can feel tricky, but preparation helps. Do some research by:

• Talking to other artists in the region.
• Reviewing salary data from people in similar roles.

What’s considered acceptable pay often depends on studio location, size, and project type. Be realistic while ensuring you’re advocating for fair compensation.

The Degree Debate

Do you need a degree? Not necessarily. While degrees can show employers you’ve hit a certain standard of education, your portfolio often matters more. Strong work demonstrates your ability better than any diploma. That said, education can provide structure if you’re starting out, so pursue it where possible without over-stressing qualifications.

Keep Improving and Stay Persistent

The 3D industry is competitive, but perseverance can lead to success. Keep practising to refine your skills. Build relationships in the industry. Treat interviews and rejections as learning opportunities. Remember, every step gets you closer to your ideal role.

Getting hired as a 3D artist is about more than just skill. It’s about understanding the employer’s needs, presenting yourself well, and staying proactive. Create a solid portfolio, network persistently, and focus on being the sort of candidate who contributes directly to a company’s success.

With persistence, preparation, and passion, you can land the 3D artist job you’ve been aiming for. Focus on your growth, keep applying, and don’t let setbacks discourage you. It’s a journey, but one worth taking for a career in a field as exciting as 3D art.