3D Artist
Model, texture and light 3D assets for games, film, product viz and AR/VR.
This UK 3d artist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £40,000 - £65,000
- Senior salary
- £70,000 - £110,000+
- Work environment
- Studio or remote, project-based
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Not required - portfolio is everything
- Category
- Design and Creative
What a 3D Artist does
Model, texture and light 3D assets for games, film, product viz and AR/VR.
- Environment Artist - Build worlds and environments for games and film.
- Character Artist - Sculpt and texture characters for games and film.
How to become a 3D Artist
- Look up 3D Artist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a 3D Artist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Blender, Maya or 3ds Max
- Texturing (Substance)
- Lighting
- Composition
- Render engines