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3D Artist

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March 29, 2024 Updated April 13, 2025 16 minute read

A Career Guide to Becoming a 3D Artist

A 3D artist is a digital artist who creates three-dimensional models, textures, and environments for various media. They bring characters, objects, and entire worlds to life using specialized software. If you've ever marveled at the realistic creatures in a blockbuster film or explored vast digital landscapes in a video game, you've experienced the work of 3D artists.

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Salaries for 3D Artist

City
Median
New York
$96,000
San Francisco
$143,000
Seattle
$132,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$96,000
San Francisco
$143,000
Seattle
$132,000
Austin
$96,000
Toronto
$98,000
London
£69,000
Paris
€52,000
Berlin
€64,000
Tel Aviv
₪472,000
Singapore
S$75,000
Beijing
¥97,000
Shanghai
¥190,000
Shenzhen
¥200,000
Bengalaru
₹528,000
Delhi
₹810,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to 3D Artist

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to 3D Artist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We've selected some books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3D Artist.
Comprehensive guide to physically based rendering, a technique used in computer graphics to create realistic images. It covers the theory of physically based rendering, as well as the implementation of physically based rendering in practice.
Classic work on the science of image understanding. It covers a wide range of topics, including how the brain processes normal maps.
Comprehensive guide to advanced graphics programming using OpenGL. It covers a wide range of topics, including normal mapping.
An extensive guide on the basics of Web AR, the latest tools, development platforms, and real-world use cases, with hands-on sample projects that guide you through the latest Web AR techniques, including the creation of markers and 3D models, adding animations, and integrating spatial audio.
Provides a comprehensive guide to WebAR development, covering the key concepts, technologies, and best practices involved in building immersive and engaging AR experiences for the web.
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Combines technical knowledge with artistic principles, providing a well-rounded approach to texture painting for games. It is highly recommended for artists seeking a deeper understanding.
Collection of advanced rendering techniques for computer graphics. It covers a wide range of topics, including normal mapping.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of AR and VR, the tools and technologies used to create them, and the creative and commercial potential of these technologies.
Practical guide to normal mapping, a technique used in computer graphics to enhance the appearance of surfaces by simulating the way that light interacts with microscopic details.
Focuses specifically on texture painting for video games. It provides practical tips and techniques for creating textures optimized for real-time rendering.
Explores the potential of AR and VR to disrupt industries and transform our lives, examining the challenges and opportunities these technologies present.
This handbook compilation of resources, tips, and techniques for texture painting. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced artists.
Guide to the art of 3D computer animation and effects. It covers a wide range of topics, including normal mapping.
Provides an in-depth look at the latest developments in AR technology, covering the key concepts, technologies, and applications of AR, including WebAR, smart glasses, and enterprise AR.
This beginner-friendly guide focuses on using Photoshop for texture painting. It great starting point for artists new to the field.
Collection of lessons from some of the world's top character designers. It covers a wide range of topics, from creating believable characters to designing characters for different genres.
Comprehensive guide to character design, with everything you need to know to create memorable and engaging characters for any medium.
Provides a comprehensive guide to creating characters for comics, covering everything from concept development to inking and coloring.
Provides a practical guide to creating characters for fiction, with a focus on developing believable and relatable characters.
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