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How Do I Become a 3d Designer?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

If your goal is to become a 3D designer, which means your designs are three-dimensional, you will need to follow a few basic steps. In many cases, your best bet is to get a college degree, either from a four-year university or a vocational college. Once you know several 3D design techniques and the basics of 3D software, you can start creating a portfolio to show employers. If desired, you also can choose a specialty within the multidimensional design industry before applying for jobs.

The first step in your journey to become a 3D designer is to get the proper education, because most employers require a college degree of some sort. If you wish to get a bachelor's degree at a four-year university, then you should choose a related major that may include art, design or computers, because these often are the closest options for aspiring 3D designers. If your chosen university is among the few to offer a major in 3D design or computer art, then this probably is the best route to help you become a 3D designer. On the other hand, you may choose to attend a vocational school featuring programs that take one or two years to complete, because they mainly focus on 3D design instead of the well-rounded education that a bachelor's degree might offer.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

Once you have attained a degree of some type, you should create a portfolio of your work. Most potential employers will ask to see it before even considering your application, and it often is considered just as important as your resume. Your designs should show that you can work with a wide range of 3D tools and that your knowledge of 3D techniques is vast. You then should place your best work on either a compact disc (CD) or a website to show employers why you deserve to become a 3D designer at their company.

Before you apply for jobs in this industry, you should consider whether you want to specialize. For example, if you want your designs to show up in television or computer advertisements, then you should become a 3D designer in the advertising industry, which tends to focus on different styles and applications than the software field might. You also can choose to become part of the animation field, which means you may get a chance to see your designs become animated in a medium such as film and television. If you have no preferences when it comes to the specific industry that you will be part of, applying to all 3D design job openings that may suit you often is a good idea.

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