3D modelling artists
create the models for all 3D assets within a project – characters, weapons, vehicles, furniture, trees, rocks and so on. They often start with a brief or 2D drawing from a concept artist and build their 3D models from that.
Sometimes 3D modelling artists will specialise in a certain area, depending on the individual game studio or project requirements. Because of that, they can be called environment artists, character artists or vehicle artists. In other studios, 3D modelling artists can be responsible for modelling several types of art asset or a whole level.
Environment Artist –
Being an environment artist is the craft of building CG worlds. The environment artists’ role can be divided into two: asset creation and layout – both require the artist to have a good understanding of lighting and textures. It’s become common to spit these two elements into a level design role and an environment artist role to achieve even greater job specialisation.
Character Artist –
A character artist is somebody whose primary job is making characters and creatures. The foundation for all character art is figure sculpting.Everything else, from topology, UVs, shading, etc. is secondary to solid figure sculpting. A character artist isn’t an entry-level position. While there are junior character artist positions, the people who get these jobs are usually already highly skilled artists who have been doing character work for years already.
Vehicle Artist –
As a vehicle artist, it’s likely that your portfolio will be a cross-over between cars, spaceships, weapons or robots, etc. It’s important for the artist to have a solid understanding of real-world industrial vehicle design and hard surface assets, in general, to be able to communicate this in their work.
What’s a modelling artist good at?
- Art: be able to draw, have a good understanding of form, colour and texture, and know how these elements work together
- Interpretation: be able to create a 3D model from a 2D brief, decide upon the best method to complete a 3D model quickly, while having a required level of detail and quality
- Knowledge of 3D modelling programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as Blender, Maya and ZBrush, continuously learn new ways to fix problems in your models
- Organisation: work within the production schedule, manage files and meet deadlines
- Collaboration: be able to work with other VFX artists in the pipeline, use each other’s resources and work effectively
References
Animator
Also known as: 2D animator, 2D puppet animator, 3D animator, Computer graphics (CG) animator, Stop-frame animator, Stop-motion animator
Animators create still images that are played in a rapid sequence to create the illusion of movement. They are artists, actors and storytellers. They know how characters show emotion and a have a good, technical understanding of the way things move. They make a believable world through the blend of realism and artistry.
Animators take a visual brief from a storyboard and a verbal brief from a director. From the brief, they create the drawings, models or computer images in a way that gives the illusion of movement. This ability to translate the brief into movement is at the heart of all animation.
Within that, there are different kinds of animators:
2D or traditional animators
2D assistant animators, also known as in-betweeners, clean-up artists
2D rigging animators, also known as puppet animators
Examples of productions
3D or CG Animators Examples of productions
Stop-motion animators Examples of productions
What’s an animator good at?
- Art: draw and reveal attitude, emotions and mood through a character’s movement, have spatial awareness and a feel for movement over time
- Knowledge of animation: have a good understanding of the principles and mechanics of animation
- Communication: be able to understand and share creative ideas, have productive discussions and take notes on your work
- Organisation: work within the production schedule, create your drawings and animation to meet deadlines
- Watching animations: have a passion for the medium and a love of the industry
References
https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/animation/production/animator-animation/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animator
Texture artist
3D texture artist job description
Texture Artists specialize in creating the textures of 3D animated objects. They require a biological understanding of skin in humans and animals, as well as a knowledge of textiles, geographic elements, architectural finishes, landscapes, etc.
With games now requiring more photo-realistic finishes these days the role of the Texture Artist is increasing in importance. In line with this trend, some of the work of the Texture Artist involves scanning photographs and then applying them to objects and environments created by the 3D Modelers.
Custom textures are created for fantasy environments, objects, and creatures, but they are always rooted in reality. Covering gaming worlds on a variety of surfaces prevents boredom and enhances gameplay.
Gaming Texture Artists work closely with modelers and shading/lighting technical directors to create the best possible elements for the game universe.
Texture Artists in live action films and 3D animation features create textures for the elements of the productions that require complex texturing. In live action productions, this will be more photo-realistic as it must integrate seemlessly with the footage, and sometimes replicate surfaces that exist in real life.
Responsibilities of a Texture Artist may include:
- Liaising with designers and developers regarding the design brief
- Liaising with the director, cinematographer, design department on the finishes of the texturing
- Researching reference materials for aesthetics and genre of game, film or animation
- Working with post production and visual effects teams for seamless integration with footage
- Develop and refine textures during the production process
- Collaborate with animators and modelers on the best textures for each object and character
- Create a diverse and compelling range of textures that will engage the player and enhance gameplay
- UV mapping
- Maintain a high level of design and photorealism throughout
- Curate a consistent look of all the elements of the game
References
https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/games/art/texturing-artist/
Environment artist
3D Environment Artists are 3D Modelers who specialize in creating indoor and outdoor settings for films or video games.
They are responsible for background visuals with which characters and objects will interact, such as buildings, roads, flora, furniture, drapes, etc.
For films or TV shows, environments are often built digitally when it is not possible or practical to film in real life (e.g. outer space, historical recreations, fantasy lands). Actors may be recorded against a green screen and their surroundings replaced by computer-generated environments built by 3D Environment Artists.
In video games, these virtual environments have an additional layer of complexity. They must function and react according to the laws of physics and within the rules of the game universe. So characters must not be able to walk through walls, objects must react to gravity, etc (unless these are unique features of the game universe).
Pre-requisites
- A great artistic eye
- Knowing what “makes a scene”
- A firm understanding of architectural elements, environments, and props
- The ability to take a blockout from Level Designers and turn it into a fully lit/crafted level
- The ability to work as a team
- Excellent at problem-solving
- The ability to be detail-oriented, while also seeing the bigger picture
- Strong multitasking skills
Reference
https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/what-is-an-environment-artist
https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/environment-artist