3D Modeler Job Description, Salary, Skills & Software

What does a 3D modeler do?

Based on a brief and/or concept art, 3D modelers digitally build, sculpt, and add detail to 3D characters, props, vehicles, and sets, often referred to as assets. As a base, 3D modelers are often provided with a scan of a prop, character, or vehicle from the live-action shoot, or a third-party site such as MegaScans.

Assets can and are used in almost every step of the pipeline. They can be rigged then animated by a 3D animator, placed as a stationary object in a scene by a layout artist, simmed or destroyed by an FX artist, and used for shadows or holdouts by a Lighting artist.

3D modeler job description

Modelers are responsible for helping to make a film more dynamic, adding personality and emotion to its characters, and building on the overall realism of the story (even if done so stylistically).

Not only must a model look good, it must be highly functional and have the ability to work with downstream departments and their tools. This could be as simple as optimizing geo so it doesn’t make an artist’s scene heavy but can become much more complex depending on how it’s used. For example, modelers often have to work with the FX department to ensure models are made in a suitable way to be manipulated, such as building destruction where all components need to be water-tight (i.e. no holes or gaps between the modular pieces that make up the complete model).

Role & responsibilities of a 3D modeler in the film industry:

Producing high-quality organic and hard surface CG models in line with brief and/or reference material
Interpret abstract ideas into the creation of compelling photo-real or stylized 3D assets
Presenting work in a turntable style environment with acceptable lighting for progress reviews and approval (including scale reference)
Ensuring consistency of UV mapping and polygonal subdivisions
Facilitate the creation of high-quality photo-real texture maps
Create “hold out” geo, or Match-Move geo, which is not necessarily seen in the final render but are used by downstream departments, such as Lighting and FX, to be able to generate more realistic outcomes.

Skills required to become a 3D modeler for film and television

Modelers require a mix of technical, creative skills, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of anatomy, zoology, and basic rigging, and asset creation is also useful in this role.

Professional 3D Modeler, Victoria Passariello has some advice on what employers are looking for in an Asset Artist when applying for a job:

“Extremely good and clean topology, good use of chamfers and smoothing groups, great UV layouts, understanding of PBR, and good development of textures. A strong portfolio will show a good eye for proportions, silhouette and gesture, incredible attention to detail in all aspects, and presented with good enough lighting to be able to see the best of the model and textures.”

Film and TV studios may look for the following skills in a 3D modeler:

A good understanding of form, color, and texture, and know how these elements work together (demonstrated via showreel)
Ability to interpret and follow reference material to create clean, detailed, and accurate models
Strong polygonal subdivision modeling skills
Real-world understanding of proportion, depth, scale, and physical space
Highly efficient UV layout experience using a UDIM workflow is required
Knowledge of anatomy and zoology
Experience processing and working with scans (Megascans, LiDAR scans, etc.)

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Maya is a comprehensive 3D animation software used for creating detailed models, animations, and visual effects. It's popular in film, TV, and game development for its powerful tools.

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Maxon ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting

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Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set. It is used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications and virtual reality.

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Mari® is 3D painting without limits, combining the power and performance to handle even the most complex assets with artist-friendly 3D paint tools, that make the most of your creativity.

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Substance Painter: The tools you need to texture your 3D assets, from advanced brushes to Smart Materials.

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Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games, first showcased in the 1998 first-person shooter video game Unreal

A day in the life of a 3D modeler

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 workflows have propelled 3D modeling forward in accuracy and scope.

Working from concept art, real-world reference, and scans, modelers help make a film 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.

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.

How to become a 3D modeler

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.

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.

Tips to break into the industry as a 3D modeler

Additional resources to help you get started as a 3D modeler for film 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, ProductionCrate, 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
Visit the official Maya, ZBrush, and Houdini learning channels on YouTube

Demo reel tips:

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 fine, 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 finalizing
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

Industry Pathways

Bryan Bentley, 3D Modeling Curriculum Manager at CG Spectrum, shares how he broke into modeling almost by chance, from landing his first internship at the Jim Henson company to working at ILM on the Oscar-winning film Rango. Throughout, Bryan has nurtured his love for education and life-long learning. Industry Paths is our new series where you'll meet professional mentors from across the film, games, and visualization industries and hear directly from them about how they got started, what a day in their life looks like, and why they do what they do.

3D Modeler

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What does a 3D modeler do?