Do I need a degree to be a 3D artist?

No, you do not need a degree to be a 3D artist. However, having a degree will help get your foot in the door in an industry that is hard to break into. It also depends on the type of 3D artist you wish to become and the industry you want to work in.

How long does it take to become a 3D artist?

It takes between 1 to 4 years to become a 3D artist. While some argue that it takes roughly four months to understand 3D modeling, learning art theory and developing your style and niche as a 3D artist will take some time.

How To Become A 3D Artist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a 3d artist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A 3D artist is a creative professional that designs three-dimensional animations, visual effects, and models that are used in a wide variety of projects, including digital advertising campaigns, video games, websites, films, and TV.

3D artists create a multitude of different animations and graphics utilized in creative projects. They might also participate in research for upcoming projects and new techniques and strategies in 3D animation and graphics. Other typical tasks of a 3D artist include storyboarding scenes or graphics and communicating with other essential creative professionals involved in a given project.

3D artists often collaborate with other animators, directors, designers, marketing teams, and clients to determine the objectives of a project and achieve its goals. They are often responsible for outlining project timelines and keeping to deadlines.

Common skills for this role are creativity, attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and proficiency in a number of different computer animation software programs.

Many 3D artists are naturally gifted artists that have honed their abilities and skills in art and design schools. They might hold a bachelor's or even a master's degree in animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, graphic design, or another related field.

To become a 3D artist, you must develop a strong portfolio of work, either during art school or on your own. Many start off in internship positions or entry-level roles at a variety of companies in the entertainment and advertising industries.

Score3D ArtistUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,721

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.3

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 7.59%

Black or African American 4.31%

Hispanic or Latino 14.08%

Unknown 5.97%

White 67.22%

Gender

female 16.08%

male 83.92%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.2

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a 3d artist

Explore 3d artist education requirements

Most common 3d artist degrees

Bachelor's

75.2 %

Associate

14.8 %

Master's

6.3 %

Start to develop specific 3d artist skills

Skills	Percentages
Animation	12.98%
Unity	10.80%
ZBrush	6.27%
Game Engine	4.67%
Adobe Photoshop	4.13%

Complete relevant 3d artist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 3d artists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a 3d artist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real 3d artist resumes.

Research 3d artist duties and responsibilities

Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
Generate programs for CNC punch press.

Prepare your 3d artist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 3d artist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a 3d artist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable 3D Artist Resume templates

Build a professional 3D Artist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your 3D Artist resume.

Apply for 3d artist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a 3d artist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do 3d artists rate their job?

What is a 3d artist and how to become one

3D Artist career paths

Key steps to become a 3d artist

Explore 3d artist education requirements

Most common 3d artist degrees

Start to develop specific 3d artist skills

Complete relevant 3d artist training and internships

Research 3d artist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your 3d artist resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable 3D Artist Resume templates

Apply for 3d artist jobs

How Did You Land Your First 3D Artist Job

Average 3d artist salary

How do 3d artists rate their job?

3D Artist FAQs

Do I need a degree to be a 3D artist?

How long does it take to become a 3D artist?

Search for 3d artist jobs

3D Artist jobs by state