Looking out to hire a 3D modeler for your team? Need to know how and where to find the best candidates? Here is a comprehensive guide to finding the best 3D modelers. Read on!
How to hire a 3D modeler?
Who is a 3D modeler? 3D modelers are artists who specialize in building 3D characters and environments that are based on concept art. They use a variety of computer software and tools to perform this task. They typically work in industries such as film, animation, video games, website, advertising, etc.
If you are a recruiter looking to hire a 3D modeler for your project, this article has all the important information you need to know before starting the recruitment process. Several topics such as top interview questions, hiring trends, market rates, top job boards, skills, and qualifications to look at have been covered in this article.
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Hiring market for 3D modeler
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the projected growth rate for Multimedia artists and animators is 4% for the decade 2019 – 2029. This is said to be as fast as the average for all other occupations.
The resulting growth is owed to the increase in demand for animation and visual effects in games, movies, television, etc. Many people opt for animation but very few studies further ahead to become 3D modeling artists.
Anyone who chooses this career will have great job prospects and opportunities. BLS, also states that 57% of 3D model makers are self-employed with almost 13% working in the film industry. A 3D model artist can be employed in several industries. Few of the common ones are,
- Advertising and Marketing
- Architectural design
- Gaming
- Geology and Science
- Entertainment
- Healthcare Industry
- Industrial design
3D modelers in America make an average salary of $72,900 per annum with freelance 3D modelers making $35 per hour. The 3D mapping and 3D modeling market have been valued at USD 13.49 billion based on 2020 statistics. It is also expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 20.9% for 2021 to 2026.
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Top 15 recent job titles for 3D modelers
3D Modelers can be hired for multiple roles based on the industry, skill set, and years of experience. 3D modeling freelance roles are also categorized based on their specialization in the field. 3D Modeler for hire are being recruited under the following job titles,
1. Matchmover/Tracker
The match move artist is responsible for the camera and object movement of a live-action shot in a 3D environment. They help in matching the motion of a real object with a CG object. The average annual income of a match mover is $77k per annum. An experience of 0-3 years is required to apply as a Matchmover.
2. Concept Artist
Concept artists are responsible for the look and feel of the video game. They are the first to draw characters, environment, and other objects. The average annual salary of a concept artist is $59,211 per annum. A minimum of 0-3 years is expected to apply for this job role.
3. 3D Game Artist
Game artists are crucial to the process of creating games. They create 2D and 3D modeling art for visual elements in the video game. A 3D game artist earns an average salary of $68,220 per annum. The experience required for this job role ranges from 0-3 years.
4. Senior Character Artist
A senior character artist is responsible for developing characters based on project art and technical specifications. Their job also entails working with a team of character artists and mentoring them. The average annual salary of a Senior character artist is $55,062 per annum. An experience of 3-5 years is considered.
5. Character Concept Artist
Character artist creates realistic 3D characters for video games and films. Their work involves drawing visual elements as per the directions given by the Lead character artist and Art Director. The average annual salary of a Character artist is $79,797 per annum. An experience of 0-3 years is expected.
6. Character Technical Artist
A character technical artist is responsible to develop and implement technical and artistic techniques for lighting, material, visual effects, etc. The average annual salary of a technical artist is $68,119 per annum. A character technical artist needs at least 2- 4 years of experience to apply for the role.
7. Character Rigger
A character rigger is responsible for designing skeletal frameworks and control rigs of animated characters. It is a very technical job that frequently requires programming knowledge. A character rigger earns an average annual income of $25,104 at beginner level which can go up for higher positions. Entry-level positions need an experience of 0-2 years.
8. Animator
An animator creates an actual performance of characters and behavior of CG objects. Their work involves giving the character body language, lip-sync it to match voice-over artists’ performance. Animator earns an average annual salary of $63,302 per year. An experience of 0-2 years is required for this job role.
9. Asset Artist
Asset artist job requires them to create a broad range of elements such as sound effects, music, vehicles, icons, head-up displays, etc within a virtual setting. Asset artists earn an average wage between $45,000 to $83,000 per annum. This job role requires the experience of 1-3 years.
10. Environment Artist
An environment artist is someone who is a 3D modeler with a specialization in outdoor or indoor locations for a game’s setting. They help in bringing life to the virtual world. The average annual salary of an environmental artist is $52,105 per annum. 0-2 years of experience is recommended for this job.
11. Texture Artist
A texture artist’s job is to paint surface textures and give color and other similar properties to an object. They mostly work on 2D platforms like photoshop but needs to be well versed in 3d concepts and tools. A minimum of 2-5 years of experience is expected to apply for the role. The average salary of a texture artist is $58,994 per annum.
12. 3D Modeler
A 3D Modeler creates the 3D shape that eventually takes shape of an object. They are kind of virtual sculptors who often specialize in different kinds of geometry. Modelers can earn an average of $52,496 per annum. This job role requires 1-3 years of experience to apply.
13. Layout Artist
A layout artist builds a virtual set and ensures that everyone down-stream in the pipeline has the required assets to complete their work properly. The average salary of a Layout Artist is $56,090 per annum. An associate’s degree along with 2-5 years of experience is expected for this job role.
14. FX Artist
An FX artist is responsible for creating visual effects in movies, TV shows, and games. Their goal is to create seamless effects to make the audience feel it is not computer-generated. The FX artist earns an average salary of $49,746 per year. An experience of 1-3 years is required to apply for the role.
15. Lighter
Lighters place virtual lights into the 3D environment and adjust the properties of the light and object to make it look real. The typical salary at Dreamworks Animation of a Lighter is $128,112 per annum. An experience of 1-3 years is required to apply for this job role.
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Qualifications to look for in 3D modeler
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a 3D modeler. The educational qualification differs based on which industry a 3D modeler wants to work in.
If a 3D modeler works in the video games and animation industry then they must acquire a degree or a certification in 3D animation courses or art and animation courses. Similarly, 3D artists who wish to work in the architecture and engineering field need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field.
On top of the degree, one must take a professional course on 3D modeling and learn different tools and software. Another example could be 3D modelers willing to work in the manufacturing industry.
They will need at least a 2-year university degree in the mechanical field. Professionals can also opt for a Master’s degree in respective fields from certain colleges. Here are the best colleges offering courses in 3D modeling,
- University of Pennsylvania
- Harvard University
- Duke University
- New York University
- Carnegie Mellon University
A good work portfolio containing the candidate’s best 3D drawing ever along with educational qualifications establishes a candidate’s expertise in the concerned area. Work Portfolio can have both personal and professional projects taken up by the candidate.
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Skills to look for in 3D modeler
Recruiters must look for the following technical and non-technical skills while searching for 3D modelers for hire,
- Creativity – 3D modeling by principle is a creative field. Hence, creativity is an important aspect of a 3D modeler to excel in his/her work.
- Time Management – Time management is essential for any professional to meet deadlines. Prioritizing work helps in handling several tasks at once.
- Teamwork – Teamworking skills are essential for a candidate to work productively and amicably with other team members.
- Computer skills – Most of the 3D modeling happens on computer using software which makes having computer skills a basic requirement.
- Artistic skills – 3D modelers are often known as 3D artists. Artistic skills to bring ideas and creativity to life is desirable.
- Photoshop – Photoshop is used by 3D modelers to make demo 3D models and composting them into photographs.
- 3D modeling program – A working knowledge of 3D modeling programs such as Maya, Unity, Blender, Modo, Substance is required.
- Sculpting program – Hands-on skills with digital sculpting applications such as Zbrush, Mudbox, MeshMixer, etc should be considered.
- Good spatial skill – Spatial skills help 3D designers to understand, reason, and remember the spatial relations among objects or spaces.
- Rendering software – Rendering software help in converting information from a 3D model into a 2D image. Maya is one of the best Rendering software.
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Certifications to look for in 3D modeler
Certification in 3D modeling is a good way to strengthen understanding of tools and techniques used in 3D modeling. Several online and in-person certifications are available based on specific niches. We have listed down some general certifications to watch out for. Here are the certifications recruiters should look out for while hiring 3D modeling artists,
- Introduction to 3D Modeling by CGspectrum – A 3 months certification course that teaches the basic skills of 3D modeling to beginners. It includes software such as Maya and Substance Painter. A monthly course fee of $1,185 is charged for the course.
- Intro to Maya by CGMA – This course builds up an understanding of Maya interface and philosophy amongst students. A 10 weeks program for beginners is priced at $998.
- 3D Modeling courses by Mold3D academy – Mold3D academy offers several 3D modeling courses based on the industry and experience level of a student. Digital sculpting courses are for beginners who wish to learn Zbrush.
- Quick Start to Modeling in 3Ds Max – This course by Pluralsight covers the basics of modeling in 3Ds max. This two-part course has Volume 1 and Volume 2 for professionals who are getting started in this field.
- Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modelling for beginners – A Beginners level course by Udemy which gives an overview of Blender, a powerful 3D modeling and animation program.
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Rate per hour of 3D modeler
Let’s see how much do 3D modelers make? A 3 D modeler in the United States can earn an average salary of $31.56 per hour. However freelance 3D modeling rates can go as high as $80 per hour for a 3D artist.
Freelance 3D modeler with niche skills like drafting mechanical assemblies earns more than $80 per hour. The rates of hiring a 3D modeler mostly depend on several factors including experience, skills, Job location, training, etc.
In Europe, a 3D model designer gets an approximate hourly wage of $31 per hour. The rates are similar to those in the United States. The average hourly wage in Germany is $22 per hour. The 3D freelance rates in Eastern Europe are comparatively less than in Western Europe. Hence countries like Ukraine and Poland offer 3D modeler freelance artists starting at $25 per hour.
If you are looking for a cheap workforce without having to compromise with quality, consider outsourcing your requirements to South Asia. Let us explore how much does a 3D modeler makes in Asian countries? A 3D modeler in India, the Philippines, Malaysia can be hired at as low as $2 per hour.
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Top 10 job boards to find the best 3D modeler
If you are a recruiter trying to hire 3D modeler for your next project but don’t know how to start? The best way is to create a detailed and enticing job description and post it on multiple job boards to help you reach more professionals.
Several freelance websites like Upwork, PeoplePerHour, etc could be used for hiring freelance 3D modeling artists. Here is a list of top ten job boards to hire 3D modelers for your next project,
- Freelancer
- unremot.com
- Upwork
- Guru
- PeoplePerHour
- CG Trader
- Design Crowd
- Blender network
- Blender Network
- CGWorkr
Famous 3D modelers can be hired on the above job portals.
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Top 10 companies hiring 3D modeler and salaries offered
The top companies hiring 3D modeler are listed below,
- Iron Galaxy Studios – It is an American video game development studio that pays $39k – $80k per year to an entry-level technical artist.
- Matthews International – This company is a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products. And industrial technologies. It pays $54k- 92k annually to entry-level 3D artists.
- Zoic Studios – It is a visual effects company specializing in creating computer-generated VFX for commercials, film, television, etc. An entry-level 3D artist is paid $64k- 113k per annum.
- XR Games – It is an award-winning game development studio that pays $64k- 95k annually to junior 3D artists.
- Raycon Global Inc. – Raycon is a wireless audio brand that designs premium wireless audio. It pays $56k- 113k to an entry-level 3D artist.
- Rockstar Games – It is an American video game publisher based in New York. The beginner level salary ranges from $41k -82k yearly.
- Applovin – It is a mobile marketing platform founded in 2012. The entry-level 3D artists are paid an annual salary ranging from $91k to 178k yearly.
- Robert Half International – It is a global human resource consulting firm with over 345 locations worldwide. It provides salaries starting from $41k to its entry-level 3D artists.
- WebstaurantStore – WebstaurantStore is an online restaurant supply company that pays entry-level 3D artists a salary ranging from $42k to 78k per year.
- Blizzard Entertainment Inc. – It is an American video game developer and publisher. They provide beginner level, 3D artists, a salary of $67k -107k yearly.
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Top 10 interview questions for 3D modeler
The top 10 interview questions to ask while hiring a 3D modeler,
1. Describe your experience working with a complex graphic? How did you overcome the challenges?
Rationale: Helps recruiters to see candidate’s work history and assess their troubleshooting capabilities.
Sample Answer: See if the candidate is describing how they managed a complex work project and what were the challenges. What did they do to overcome them and what was the final outcome.
2. What do you think is the most essential factor in designing a realistic 3D environment?
Rationale: Recruiters can check a candidate’s creative thinking skills along with industry knowledge and experience.
Sample Answer: The answer can vary from candidate to candidate. See if the candidate is able to tell what is essential to them and provide a reason behind it.
3. Which software have you worked with in past? Which one is your favorite and why?
Rationale: This question helps to see a candidate’s work history and strengths.
Sample Answer: The answer should include all the software candidate has a working knowledge of and which one do they enjoy most working with. A technical reason which proves what makes that software special.
4. What is the most recent creative hardware you used? How did it impact your work?
Rationale: Recruiters can check a candidate’s recent industry knowledge and their ability to adapt to new technology during the design process.
Sample Answer: Candidates should tell which software they used in their latest project and what was the result of their work.
5. Do you prefer working in a team or alone as a 3D artist?
Rationale: To see if a candidate is a team player.
Sample Answer: Everyone has their individual preference when it comes to working. Teamwork helps in working together towards a common goal and overcome obstacles as a team.
6. List the skills that you think will benefit our company as an artist?
Rationale: See what skill set the candidate possesses which would be helpful to the company.
Sample Answer: Several technical and non-technical skills can be listed out by the candidate to prove why they would be an asset if hired for the role.
7. What drove you to 3D rendering? How did you learn it?
Rationale: This question helps in understanding a candidate’s enthusiasm for 3D modeling.
Sample Answer: The candidate’s answer should tell what motivates them towards 3D rendering and why did they choose this field. What are the different ways they learned the craft?
8. Have you worked on similar projects in the past?
Rationale: Recruiters can see their part work experience.
Sample Answer: If the candidate has worked on a similar project in the past then they would be the perfect fit as they already have experience with something similar.
9. What do you do to keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends?
Rationale: See if the candidate has learning capabilities.
Sample Answer: A candidate can follow a blog, read magazines, attend workshops or enroll in courses and certifications to enhance their knowledge and keep themselves updated with the latest industry trends.
10. Which project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
Rationale: Recruiters can see the best work of the candidate which displays their strengths.
Sample Answer: Candidate should show their best work from their portfolio which is a display of their knowledge and skillset.
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