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CARVE OUT YOUR CAREER
IN 3D MODELING!
From clay to pixels, modeling is one of humanity’s longest-
surviving crafts! Recent technologies and techniques such as
3D printing, LiDAR scanning, and procedural workows have
propelled 3D modeling forward in accuracy and scope.
With entertainment and technology veering towards augmented
and virtual reality, and an increase in streaming services, the need
for experienced 3D modelers will only rise.
This guide is to make sure you’re prepared for the many 3D
modeling opportunities that lie ahead. Learn more about this
eld, discover different jobs, get career tips from pros, and more!
Student work: Kyle Calandra
“3D modeling is a rewarding career where you
get to bring concepts and ideas to life, sculpting
personality and story into characters, objects,
and environments. Our role is vital to so many
lms and games—shaping worlds and the heroes
and villains who traverse them.”
Bryan Bentley, CG Spectrum Department Head of 3D Modeling
3 www.cgspectrum.com
CG Spectrum is a global top-ranked training provider offering specialized
programs in animation, virtual production, game development, VFX, and
digital painting since 2011.
We inspire and train creators through personalized mentorship from
industry professionals, small class sizes, and a unique online learning
model that supports different learning styles.
We’re an Unreal Authorized Training Center, Unreal Academic Partner,
Unreal Connector, SideFX Certied Training Provider, and Toon Boom
Authorized Training Center delivering programs worldwide.
ABOUT CG SPECTRUM
TRAINING THE NEXT WAVE
OF DIGITAL ARTISTS FOR
FILM AND GAMES
SOME OF THE STUDIOS THAT HAVE HIRED OUR GRADS:
WHAT IS 3D MODELING?
3D modelers digitally build, sculpt, and detail 3D
characters, props, vehicles, and sets, often referred
to as assets, using computer software and a tablet.
Along with a brief and/or concept art, 3D modelers
commonly also receive scans from the live-action
shoot or third-party sites (like MegaScans) to use as a
base for their model.
Not only must a model meet all artistic requirements,
but it must also be highly functional and able to work
with other departments and their tools. They can
be rigged, then animated by a 3D animator, placed
as a stationary object in a scene by a layout artist,
simulated or destroyed by an FX artist, and used for
shadows or holdouts by lighting artists.
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Student work: Yulia Porokhnia
CONTENTS
How Models are Used 5
Jobs in 3D Modeling 7
7 Things to Consider When Modeling 10
Get a Job in 3D Modeling 11
Demo Reel Tips 12
6 Skills 3D Modelers Need 13
Free Resources 14
Ready to Start Your Career? 15
3D Modeling Courses 16
“As a 3D artist, I believe we need to constantly
keep up with the latest tools and techniques since
they evolve and change more frequently than
previously. Accepting and learning new ways
are always challenging, but it is very important
not to stay in your comfort zone when there are
better and faster ways to create assets.”
Hong Chan Lim, Principal/Lead Character Artist at Blizzard Entertainment and
CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor
HOW MODELS ARE USED
Assets are used in almost every step of the visual effects and games pipelines and
do much more than just populate a scene.
PREVISUALIZATION
3D modelers create low-polygon models and
digital environments, working with production
(live-action, VFX, and animation) to set up
camera angles and block out complex scenes.
With the growth of virtual production, 3D
modelers are increasingly required during a
lm’s pre-production and production stages.
Above—previsualization for the series
The Mandalorian
by
previs studio The Third Floor
PROTOTYPING
3D modelers create low-polygon models
and representations of game environments,
working with game developers to set up and
block out levels of a game.
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Above—environment by CG Spectrum student Kai Moosmann
with prototype (top) and nal render (botom)
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Correctly scaled and proportioned 3D models
of characters (human or otherwise) are
required for riggers and animators to bring
them to life and are usually how players
move through a video game. The look and
functionality of a 3D model will inform how an
animator (or player) can and will animate it.
Above—fan art development of the character Alumon from
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
by CG Spectrum student Benjamin
Oman
WORLD BUILDING
In video games and trading card games,
3D modelers and environment artists are
responsible for the nal look and feel of the
world/s of a game. World building contributes
to the journey of its characters and helps
immerse players in a game’s story. In lm, 3D
environment artists digitally extend live-action
sets, assisting with realism and immersion.
Right—world building of a virtual set,
Forgotten Crypts
,
by CG Spectrum grad Marcus Colello
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REALISM
3D modelers create ‘holdout’ geometry,
which is not visible in the nal render,
used by departments such as matchmove,
lighting, and FX, to generate more seamless
integrations between CG and live-action
components. It assists with things like
shadows and reections.
SIMULATION AND
DESTRUCTION
FX artists often require 3D assets to create
their simulations and effects. These models
must be made in a certain way, specic for
FX. For example, when building a house that
FX will make collapse, all the components
need to be water-tight (i.e., no holes or gaps
between the modular pieces that make up
the complete house model).
MERCHANDISE
(PHYSICAL PRODUCTION)
Film and game character gurines and toys
often start as digital models, meaning you
may have a 3D modeler to thank for your
baby Yoda gurine.
JOBS IN 3D MODELING
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Below are some of the diverse and rewarding career paths in 3D modeling.
JUNIOR: $52,500 USD
MID-LEVEL: $75,946 USD
SENIOR: $114,000 USD
$
*Zippia
3D MODELER
(FILM & GAMES)
Working from concept art, real-world
reference, and scans, modelers help
make a lm or game more dynamic,
adding personality and emotion to its
characters, constructing the overall
realism of the story (even if done so
stylistically), and assisting with world
building.
Right—robot Cernoblog Alpha for the lm
Pacic Rim
by CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor Bryan Bentley
TEXTURE ARTIST
A texture artist recreates realistic or fantastical
textures or surfaces for 3D characters or objects
such as skin, esh, textiles, armor, fur, hair,
scales, metallic nishes, nails, claws, membranes,
etc., which are then passed on to a look
development artist.
Left—texture work on Decepticon Warrior Blitzwing by CG
Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor Chun Chun Yang for the lm
Bumblebee
LOOK DEVELOPMENT ARTIST
Look development artists put the nishing
touches on textures to align them with a
lm or game’s aesthetics. They balance the
processes of texturing, lighting, and rendering
to establish an asset’s look (wet, dry, in
daylight, at night, etc.) and match reference
images so as to be seamlessly integrated with
live-action footage.
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ENVIRONMENT ARTIST
Environment artists create and lay out (set-
dress) digital 3D environments that form
the world of a lm or video—from compiling
an entire set to scattering tiny rocks. Game
environments must function according to the
laws of physics and abide by the rules of the
game universe.
Above—an environment from the lm
Thor: Ragnarok
to
which CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor Pierre Debras
contributed to as part of the team at Framestore London
“As a junior artist, you may receive a task that
feels insignicant in relation to the “big picture”
—step back and consider the universe your
object exists within; you’ll nd unique ways to
apply those rules and external inuences.”
Carl Shedd, Co-Founder and World Director of Ruckus Games, and CG Spectrum Mentor
CHARACTER ARTIST
Character artists transform concept art or
scans/photogrammetry of live-action actors
(known as digital doubles) into 3D models
with anatomical limbs and a framework
that can be rigged. These elements must
t seamlessly into the footage to make the
nal product believable.
Right—Sombra character modeled by CG Spectrum
3D Modeling Mentor Hong Chan Lim for the
Overwatch
game franchise
LAYOUT ARTIST
A 3D layout artist helps establish the virtual
cameras for each shot—perspective and
point of view, angle, depth, scale, framing,
and movement. They may also lay out
and move around 3D sets and props and
do rough character blocking, making 3D
modelers aware of which assets are in
frame and which ones must ‘hold up’ in
resolution (if it sits close to camera).
PROCEDURAL 3D ARTIST
Using a program like Houdini, Blender, or
Bifrost for Maya, procedural 3D artists use
parameters to dictate a model or texture,
rather than manual user input, speeding up
workows. The ability to quickly generate
multiple natural elements like leaves,
feathers, scales, and hair without looking
like they’ve simply been duplicated is highly
sought after in lm and games.
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PRODUCT DESIGN
(COMMERICAL INDUSTRIES)
The manufacturing industry often requires
3D modelers for product design, aspects of
engineering, and concept rendering. This
includes the physical production of toys and
collectible gurines.
ARCHITECTURE
(COMMERICAL INDUSTRIES)
3D modelers can be used to render interiors
and exteriors of proposed buildings and
environments for the architecture industry.
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7 THINGS TO CONSIDER
WHEN MODELING
3D models are used in almost every department in lm and games, so
a modeling artist must ensure their assets move down the pipeline as
seamlessly as possible. When creating 3D models, ask these questions:
1. Is it named correctly? Most studios have specic
naming conventions.
2. Is it optimized? Heavy assets slow down
a scene and take longer to load.
3. Have you created collisions correctly?
4. Are your white masks appropriately created?
5. Can your asset be used ‘straight out of the
box’? Does it allow for hue shifts and value
adjustments so the asset slots seamlessly
within an artist’s scene?
6. Have you provided a beauty render and turntable
so artists know what your asset should actually look like?
7. For sets or larger assets—can they be broken down for easier
ingestion? If necessary, include a written breakdown of parts.
“Make sure that your base mesh is built well
and captures the idea of the concept because
everything else is built on that. If you want your
asset to look good, you need to build a good
foundation.”
Chun Chun Yang, Senior Texture Artist and CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor
Student work: Michael Brennan
GET A JOB IN
3D MODELING
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Increase your chances of getting hired with these strategies for success.
DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE
Try free 3D modeling programs like Blender,
ZBrushCoreMini, or Houdini Apprentice.
Otherwise, Autodesk Maya (industry
standard) offers a free trial.
BUILD SKILLS
Build the skills companies are listing on job
sites. For more support, enroll in a reputable
course. CG Spectrum’s courses include
mentorship from 3D modeling pros and an
industry-led curriculum.
WATCH TRENDS
Online tutorials, webinars, and events can
help keep your skills fresh. See resources
page.
NETWORK
Networking is vital. Familiarize yourself with
the industry and build your community.
Interact online and in real life with industry
pros who might offer advice, insights, or job
opportunities.
INTERN
Internships at VFX or game studios can help
you break into the industry. It’s one way
to gain hands-on experience, network, and
experience studio life.
SELL ASSETS
Create and sell assets on Unreal Engine
Marketplace or similar to gain exposure, get
feedback, demonstrate skills to potential
employers and collaborators, and make
money!
COLLABORATE
Know a rigger or animator who’d like to
bring your model to life? Collaborating with
peers is fun and can produce polished work
for your reel.
JOIN CONTESTS
Practice your skills and create assets for
your reel by participating in contests and
challenges on sites like The Rookies,
ArtStation, and 3Dtotal.
SPECIALIZE
Start building more of the assets you want
to get hired to create—hard surface, organic,
environments, creatures, characters, etc.
SHARE WORK
Social media is great for showcasing work,
building an audience, having your work
shared by others, and seen by potential
clients and collaborators. See resources
page for more.
Your demo reel should show you understand anatomy, proportion, and scale and how to
translate this into the digital 3D space. Focus on making your work polished. Here are more tips:
DEMO REEL TIPS
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Tailor your reel to
the studio and role
you’re applying for
Include scale
reference to show
your model is at the
correct scale
Where possible, show
your model moving
(e.g., via a turntable or
rigged animation)
If textured, render
your model under
different lighting
conditions
Use Vimeo for best
video quality, plus
you can update
your video
Embed your reel on a
platform (like ArtStation)
with high-res stills of
your model’s best angles
No studio experience:
keep your reel < 1 min.
1–2 years experience:
< 2 mins
Work in progress
is ne, but only
include your best
models
Ensure music
doesn’t distract
from your work
Double-check
for errors; then
check again
Get feedback from at least
3 mentors or industry pros
before nalizing
Include reference footage,
breakdowns, and credits
where relevant
Specify if your model is for
animation, VFX, or games (each
has different requirements)
Share your reel on your
website, ArtStation, LinkedIn,
and other social channels
Include any
production
experience
Outside of learning 3D modeling software and techniques, CG Spectrum’s mentors of
the 3D modeling courses suggest the following:
6 SKILLS
3D MODELERS NEED
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Master your knowledge
of proportion, anatomy,
and linear perspective
Gain a good
foundation in art
Maintain at least a
basic understanding
of animation and
animation rigs
Learn the basics
of real-world
lighting and
cinematography
Grasp the fundamentals
of composition and
photography
Recognize traditional
lm and game
production pipelines
3D MODELER &
MENTOR BRYAN
BENTLEY TALKS FILM &
THE FUTURE OF VFX
Read about Bryan’s
journey and the exciting
future of VFX
“ Let your artwork,
dedication and work
ethics do the talking.
Don’t be afraid to
make mistakes, don’t
be afraid to ask.”
Chris Flynn, Senior 3D Lead
Artist at Dekogon Studios and
CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Mentor
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FREE RESOURCES
Additional resources to help you get started as a 3D modeler for lm and games:
• Read What is 3D modeling?
• Recommended reading list for 3D artists by CG Spectrum Mentor Bryan Mentor
• Check out Altruism Digital’s YouTube channel
• Watch How to sell your assets on Unreal Marketplace
• Download free assets on sites like Unreal Engine Marketplace, RenderCrate, MegaScans,
AbientCG, Sketchfab, and TurboSquid and see how other people build their models
• Use Anatomy for Sculptors’ free 3D écorché reference tool
• Join the Autodesk community and check out all their forums
• Blender also has a bunch of great communities you can join
• Explore ArtStation’s and 3Dtotal’s free modeling tutorials
• Reference the glossary of 3D terms
• Visit the ofcial Maya, ZBrush, and Houdini learning channels on YouTube
Student work: Alejandra Roman
“A 3D modeler’s job requires an adaptive
attitude where your boundaries will be pushed.
That’s not to say learning in a fast-paced
environment is easy and stress-free, however
learning from industry veterans is, in my opinion,
the best way to progress as a professional.”
Stephen Clark, Key Asset Artist at MPC and CG Spectrum 3D modeling grad
READY TO START
YOUR CAREER?
While there are lots of resources available to
help you learn to the tools and techniques of
3D modeling, it can often be hard to nd the
most up-to-date and useful information and
get professional feedback on your work.
Fast track your career with personalized high-
end training from industry professionals. CG
Spectrum offers specialized career training and
mentorship from 170+ entertainment industry
experts to get you job-ready sooner.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROS LIKE THESE:
15 www.cgspectrum.com
BRYAN BENTLEY
Dept. Head, 3D Modeling
The Golden Compass, Pacic
Rim, Transformers 2 & 3
HAMZA JAVED
Mentor of 3D Modeling
Spider-Man: Far From Home,
Captain Marvel, Thor: Ragnarok
PIERRE DEBRAS
Mentor of 3D Modeling
Arcane, Blade Runner 2049,
Star Trek: Discovery
IRENE MATAR
Mentor of 3D Modeling
Ralph Breaks the Internet, Moana,
Big Hero 6, Frozen
FIONA WONG
Mentor of 3D Modeling
Thor: Love and Thunder, The
Shape of Water, Fast & Furious
HONG CHAN LIM
Mentor of 3D Modeling
Overwatch 2, Godzilla: Unleashed,
Superman Returns
16 www.cgspectrum.com
Get help landing your dream job with CG Spectrum’s career-focused training and industry
mentorship. Students receive a Certicate of Completion at the end of each course.
OUR 3D MODELING
COURSES
PATHWAY 1 (BEST VALUE!)
PATHWAY 2
FOUNDATIONS OF 3D MODELING
(9 months)
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
ADVANCED 3D MODELING
(9 months)
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
INTRODUCTION
TO 3D MODELING
(3 months)
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
FOUNDATIONS
OF 3D MODELING
(6 months)
ADVANCED 3D MODELING
(9 months)
BENEFITS OF STUDYING
AT CG SPECTRUM
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INDUSTRY MENTORS
Learn directly from experts who have
worked on major lms and games.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
Plan your studies around your work
and family commitments.
JOB-READY SKILLS
Build practical and relevant job skills
that studios are hiring for.
PAYMENT PLANS
Pursue your passion and start working
sooner with exible payments.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Personalized support, portfolio and CV
reviews, and interview prep.
VIBRANT ONLINE COMMUNITY
Join our supportive community of students,
alumni and mentors from all over the world.
9
Student work: Shawn Myers
STEPHANIE S
“If you’re looking to make a jump into the
creative industry, I could not recommend
this more!
Every mentor and staff member has been
hands-on and directly involved in my learning.
Co-Directors of top box ofce movies and
supervisors of major Netix TV shows are giving
me feedback on my projects. Students also have
access to a strong community and an awesome
career development class to prepare you for your
dream job.”
PIETRO T
“One of the best learning experiences
of my life.
In less than a year, I was able to achieve
results I could never imagine!”
MICHELLE V
“I’ve just accepted an internship
role at Pixar!
I’ve learned so much over the past year and am
thrilled to have the skills now to make a career
change for my dream job. I’m excited to begin
this new phase of my journey—thanks so much,
CG Spectrum!”
STUDENT SUCCESS
18 www.cgspectrum.com
ANDI E
“I got a job offer at a major feature lm
studio before even graduating!
Studying at CG Spectrum gave me the
opportunity to network with industry artists
while I was learning, and, coupled with the
amazing course, I was able to secure a position
in the industry. Now I’m working on amazing
projects in my dream job!”
MARI O
“The CG Spectrum team supported me in
getting a job.
They reviewed my portfolio and gave me advice,
even after I nished the course. I ended up
getting a job at a very diverse company in Japan.
They told me my portfolio was different from
what they usually see from Japanese applicants!”
CHECK OUT THESE EPISODES
OF THE CG SPECTRUM
PODCAST WITH 3D MODELERS
WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY!
From lm to games with Chun
Chun Yang
Leadership and goal setting
with David Cunningham
Explore courses and apply at
cgspectrum.com
YOUR FUTURE IN
3D MODELING AWAITS!
Student work: Gareth Reid
“It is important to know what you are passionate
about and start to dene some short-term and
long-term goals for your career that truly matter
to you. Make time to work on it every day and nd
examples that help inspire you to get started.”
Fiona Wong, Lead Environment Artist at Method Studios and CG Spectrum 3D Modeling
Mentor
