3D Character Sculptor

Job Description:

Character artists transform 2D illustrations and concept art, or scans of live-action actors, into 3D models with a framework that can be rigged, anatomical limbs, and finished textures. This work is vital to the believability of the production as these elements need to fit seamlessly into the footage for the final product to be believable.

Salary: The average salary of a 3D character artist is between USD $32,000 and USD $98,000.

Occupational Outlook:

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 6,700 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers.

Links to Learn More About being A 3D character sculptor

Educational Requirements:

Experience in digital sculpting, modeling, UV mapping, texturing
Excellent understanding of shading, lighting, structure, texturing, and silhouette
Understanding of mesh topology and edge loops
Knowledge of anatomy - proportions, muscle, and skeletal structures
Ability to work from reference materials such as photography or concept art

eastern Kentucky University

Address: 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY, 40475

Website: https://www.eku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://catalogs.eku.edu/undergraduate/letters-arts-social-sciences/institute-creative-collaborative-arts-communication-music-design/art-design/art-design.pdf

University of Kentucky

Address: Lexington, KY

Website: https://www.uky.edu//

Information on the Major: https://www.uky.edu/academics/bachelors/college-fine-arts/digital-media-design

Savannah College of Art and Design

Address: 342 Bull St. Savannah, Georgia

Website: https://www.scad.edu/

Information on the Major:

https://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/animation

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

For starters, 3D animators need to pay close attention to detail. Bringing a subject to life in a way that is believable and relatable is not a simple process. It may also vary from project to project because each character has different traits.

It will also be helpful if you are patient, hard-working, and not afraid to make mistakes. 3D animation takes time and effort, and often you will throw out hundreds of attempts before you are satisfied.

Good communication skills are a must because you will be working with several team members to create the final product. You will need to discuss ideas and coordinate with directors and members of the special effects and lighting teams, just to name a few.