Description

3D modellers design 3D models of objects, virtual environments, layouts, characters, and 3D virtual animated agents.

Excludes people performing managerial activities.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to 3D modeller:

3D modellers
3D texturing artist
CGI modeller
computer-generated imagery modeller
3D artist
3D developer
3D specialist

Minimum qualifications

High school diploma is generally required to work as 3D modeller. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

3D modeller is a Skill level 4 occupation.

3D modeller career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to 3D modeller.

3D animator
ICT system architect
numerical tool and process control programmer
ICT intelligent systems designer
chief technology officer

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of 3D modeller. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of 3D modeller with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of 3D modeller.

3d texturing: The process of applying a type of surface to a 3D image.
3d lighting: The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of 3D modeller.

Migrate existing data: Apply migration and conversion methods for existing data, in order to transfer or convert data between formats, storage or computer systems.
Create 3d environments: Develop a computer-generated 3D representation of a setting such as simulated environment, where the users interact.
Apply 3d imaging techniques: Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.
Use polygonal modelling: Represent 3D models by using line segments to connect vertices in order to create polygonal mesh on surfaces.
Create 3d characters: Develop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools.
Confer on artwork: Introduce and discuss the nature and content of art work, achieved or to be produced with an audience, art directors, catalogue editors, journalists, and other parties of interest.
Develop creative ideas: Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Create 3d texture map: Add detail, colour or surface texture to a computer-based 3D-model or graphic.
Build business relationships: Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
Render 3d images: Use specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.
Operate 3d computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of 3D modeller. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

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Sas language: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAS language.
Agile project management: The agile project management approach is a methodology for planning, managing and overseeing of ICT resources in order to meet specific goals and using project management ICT tools.
Ruby (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Ruby.
Common lisp: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Common Lisp.
Lisp: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Lisp.
Visual studio .net: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Visual Basic.
Java (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Java.
Principles of animation: The principles of 2D and 3D animation, such as body motion, kinematics, overshoot, anticipation, squash and stretch.
Computer programming: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) and of programming languages.
3d printing process: The process of reproducing 3D objects by using 3D printing technologies.
Prolog (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Prolog.
Openedge advanced business language: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in OpenEdge Advanced Business Language.
Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Javascript: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in JavaScript.
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Emergent technologies: The recent trends, developments and innovations in modern technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Smalltalk (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Smalltalk.
Php: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in PHP.
Assembly (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Assembly.
C#: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C#.
R: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in R.
Groovy: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Groovy.
Asp.net: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ASP.NET.
Apl: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in APL.
Microsoft visual c++: The computer program Visual C++ is a suite of software development tools for writing programs, such as compiler, debugger, code editor, code highlights, packaged in a unified user interface. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.
Typescript: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in TypeScript.
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C++: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C++.
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Swift (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Swift.
Ict project management methodologies: The methodologies or models for planning, managing and overseeing of ICT resources in order to meet specific goals, such methodologies are Waterfall, Incremental, V-Model, Scrum or Agile and using project management ICT tools.
Matlab: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in MATLAB.
Python (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Python.
Scratch (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scratch.
Process-based management: The process-based management approach is a methodology for planning, managing and overseeing of ICT resources in order to meet specific goals and using project management ICT tools.
Lean project management: The lean project management approach is a methodology for planning, managing and overseeing of ICT resources in order to meet specific goals and using project management ICT tools.
Vbscript: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in VBScript.
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Cobol: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in COBOL.
Pascal (computer programming): The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Pascal.
Abap: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.
Scala: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scala.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of 3D modeller. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Perform data mining: Explore large datasets to reveal patterns using statistics, database systems or artificial intelligence and present the information in a comprehensible way.
Maintain an artistic portfolio: Maintain portfolios of artistic work to show styles, interests, abilities and realisations.
Apply social media marketing: Employ website traffic of social media such as Facebook and Twitter to generate attention and participation of existing and potential customers through discussion forums, web logs, microblogging and social communities for gaining a quick overview or insight into topics and opinions in the social web and handle inbound leads or inquiries.
Perform ict troubleshooting: Identify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.
Animate 3d organic forms: Vitalise digital 3D models of organic items, such as emotions or face movements of characters and place them in a digital 3D environment.
Select illustration styles: Select the appropriate style, medium, and techniques of illustration in line with the needs of the project and client’s requests.
Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
Create 2d painting: Produce a drawing by using a range of digital tools.
Draw design sketches: Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.

ISCO group and title

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. 3D modeller – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022