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Starting out in the 3D industry can feel overwhelming, especially as a student or recent graduate. Job ads ask for experience, but how do you get that without already being in the industry? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s break down strategies for getting your first job or internship, including what studios look for, how to stand out, and why internships are a great stepping stone.

Your Portfolio Is Everything

Your portfolio or showreel is what gets you the job. It’s not about which university you attended, the internships you applied for, or how fancy your CV looks. If your work demonstrates solid skills, that’s what makes you competitive.

If you’ve already got professional-level hard skills, you’re in a strong position—even against graduates from top schools. Companies care about what you can do, not just what your education says.

Make sure your portfolio is tailored, polished, and ready to share at any time. Having an art station profile or a personal website where your work is live and available can make all the difference. A good portfolio speaks louder than any fancy degree.

Why Internships Matter

Internships offer something unique: real production experience. They allow studios to test your skills in live projects while teaching you how the pipeline works. They can also lead to full-time positions.

Many studios, such as Framestore and The Mill, take internships seriously. You may not be working on high-profile shots right away, but you’ll start learning the ins and outs of production, feedback processes, and teamwork. It’s not about glamorous tasks; it’s about getting to know how big teams and pipelines function.

One huge bonus with some internships is financial support. Certain companies, like Framestore in the past, have covered both pay and accommodation. This takes a lot of stress off students who may have to temporarily relocate to places like London or Montreal.

Internships Through Platforms

Platforms like The Rookies aggregate multiple opportunities in one place, simplifying applications. Instead of applying to studios directly, you can submit your work once, and multiple companies will evaluate it.

Competition is fierce, as platforms like these attract top students. To stand out, browse past winners to understand the quality of work expected. Aim to produce work at that level—or better.

Even if you don’t win, simply entering your best work exposes you to industry professionals. Judges reviewing entries are often seasoned artists or studio recruiters, so your submission is a direct chance to impress.

Understanding Studio Expectations

Each studio looks for something different, depending on their focus. A commercial studio like The Mill might value faster turnarounds and stylistic work, while a studio like Framestore leans towards polished visual effects for films.

Research what studios prioritise. If you aim to work at Disney, focus on clean, simple characters and animation. For large VFX companies like DNEG, technical skills and detailed models might stand out more.

Tailor your portfolio to the type of work the studio does. Sending a fantasy-themed model to a company focused on cars and ads may not get you far. Be specific, prepared, and focus on impressing with relevant skills.

Avoiding the “ZBrush Cowboy” Label

In production, you need to fit into the overall pipeline. A “ZBrush Cowboy” is someone who specialises in one tool (like ZBrush), but doesn’t adapt to studio workflows. This can make things harder for the team.

You’ll learn to work across software and pipelines, balancing creativity with efficiency. Knowing when to put in extra detail versus cutting corners is a huge skill. Studios value artists who can deliver quality within time constraints.

Networking Is Key

Networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an invaluable way to get your foot in the door. Whether through internships, festivals, or even social events, knowing people in the industry often opens up opportunities you’d never hear about otherwise.

Major festivals like FMX in Stuttgart, Annecy Animation Festival, or SIGGRAPH attract recruiters and industry veterans. Attending these events lets you mingle with professionals, get feedback on your work, and meet recruiters.

Make a strong first impression by being prepared. Bring a tablet or phone with an offline version of your portfolio. Avoid relying on internet or last-minute buffering nightmares—recruiters don’t have time to wait.

Carry business cards as a quick, professional way to share your details. While it might seem old-school, it helps people remember you. You never know when that recruiter or artist you met might look you up later.

Top Studios Offering Internships

Here are some studios and platforms offering internships or opportunities for beginners:

The Rookies

• Connects you to global internships in VFX, animation, and games.
• Deadline: 31 May

Framestore

• Internships with hands-on production experience.
• Deadline for London: 6 May. Montreal: 29 April.

DNEG Greenlight

• Graduate and summer internship programmes.
• Deadline: 11 May.

Blue Zoo

• Ideal for stylised, animation-focused artists.
• Deadline: 7 May.

Cinesite

• Offers internships in both London and Montreal.
• Check the application page for current details.

The Mill

• Commercials studio known for fast turnarounds and creative work.
• Apply via email: internships@themill.com

Lucasfilm/ILM

• Offers internship programmes but can be tricky to locate on their site.
• Keep an eye on updates or ask at events.

Disney

• Provides technical and creative internships.
• Check their careers page as deadlines vary.

Be Ready for Opportunities

A big takeaway: always have your portfolio ready. You never know when a recruiter might visit your school or you discover a last-minute opening. Time spent scrambling to assemble a decent showreel is time wasted.

Prepare ahead by updating your portfolio regularly. Even if you don’t win an internship right now, you’ll have an edge for future roles. Building a strong portfolio and practising your craft consistently is what makes an artist stand out.

Build Your Career One Step at a Time

Getting your first job or internship as a 3D artist takes preparation, persistence, and sometimes patience. Focus on quality work, tailor your portfolio to studio needs, and never underestimate the power of networking. An internship isn’t the only way into the industry, but it’s an excellent way to gain experience while making invaluable connections.

What are you waiting for? Start creating, refining, and putting yourself out there. Any questions or experiences to share? Drop them in the comments!