As per a study by Global Market Insights, the 3D rendering market is predicted to exceed 6 billion dollars by 2025, showing considerable growth from 1.5 billion in 2018. This upsurge will be propelled by elements such as the amplified use of 3D design software in product promotion, an escalating demand for personalized items, and a growing cluster of construction and real-estate firms harnessing 3D model design.
What puts this advancement at risk? The report's authors highlight a key concern - the scarcity of highly proficient 3D graphic designers. The market lacks enough of these experts, and a fraction of the available ones lack the necessary experience to take on numerous commercial projects.
In such challenging conditions, how can you recruit 3D model design professionals who truly cater to your business's unique requirements? Adhere to the 10 guidelines below to ensure you're thoroughly equipped for the recruitment process.
1. Review portfolio and past projects
When reaching out to your candidate, ask for as many examples of their work as possible. PDFs, their own websites, Behance profiles, profiles on other platforms — the more types of portfolio you have, the bigger the number of projects you can review. Try also to look for your candidate’s designs by yourself. Search their name on Google, review their LinkedIn profile. Look for projects they haven’t added to any of their official portfolios.
What to consider when reviewing past projects of 3D designers? First, your own subjective opinion on their work. Secondly, assess whether their projects are done commercially or just out of pure passion. The latter should be, of course, highly praised, but you will get the best results with experienced 3D designers who have a history of working with clients on multiple different projects.
2. Consider project fit
A portfolio of a 3D designer, alongside their CV, gives you also the opportunity to find out whether they actually have the right experience in the field relevant to your business.
3D design might sound like a specific niche, but it is actually a broad term for a process that can take different forms. For example, video game 3D modeling will be different from architectural design done with CAD tools or modeling based on motion capture. Different approaches have to be taken when building a 3D model that’s supposed to be generated on a mobile device and when building a 3D animation to be run on powerful hardware for movie industry professionals.
When you want to hire 3D designers, you should, then, focus on the project fit — pick the candidates that have previous experience in the type of 3D design you need them for.
3. Assess the hard skills
The most important hard skill for a 3D designer is the experience with 3D design tools relevant in their field. For example:
- Video game companies often work with special engines, such as Unreal or Unity, that include 3D editors.
- Autodesk’s 3ds Max is also often used by video game companies, as well as other businesses utilizing motion capture technology.
- CAD tools (including Autodesk’s leading AutoCAD) are used by various engineers and other relevant specialists (e.g. architects) to create 3D visualizations of their projects.
- FX artists often work with tools like Maya or Houdini.
Consider the tools used at your company (or the type of project you want to hire 3D designers for) and look for relevant fit among your candidates.
4. Don’t forget about soft skills
While the technological background is important, 3D designers are most importantly artists, meaning they also have to possess a set of specific soft skills. Their skillset should, therefore, include:
- Creativity
To build models and environments that are unique and make your brand stand out in the crowd.
- Researcher attitude
To strive to always learn about new approaches to 3D design.
- Attention to detail
To make sure the 3D models built have no weak spots that can be later pointed out by internet critics.
- Teamwork skills
To be able to communicate well with other people working on the project, such as developers or other 3D designers.
- Adaptability
To be always ready for unexpected challenges and special requirements of decision-makers.
5. Think of a freelance 3D designer
When considering a freelance 3D designer, there are numerous factors to bear in mind. Freelance professionals in the 3D design space can offer a unique blend of flexibility, expertise, and creativity that can be tailored to your specific project needs.
Working with freelancers can be a viable and cost-effective option, particularly for smaller businesses or short-term projects. Utilizing a 3D design online platform, freelancers can collaborate remotely, allowing you to access a global talent pool. They often specialize in using specific 3D design software, so you can select the right professional based on your project's requirements. From creating 3D product designs to rendering stunning environments for video games, freelance 3D designers can bring your vision to life.
Yet, while there are clear advantages, it's essential to note some potential challenges. For example, managing freelance talent may require additional coordination and communication compared to in-house teams. Furthermore, you may need to take extra steps to protect your intellectual property and ensure data security.
Hence, when hiring a freelance 3D designer, it's important to evaluate your needs carefully. This should include considering the complexity of your project, the level of expertise required, and your budget. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision that will help ensure the success of your project.
6. Look for certified 3D designers
If you are looking to hire 3D designers with experience in a specific technology or field, you might consider focusing on candidates with relevant certificates. Some examples of such certifications are
- Unity Certified 3D Artist - for 3D designers focused on creating models for video games and other virtual environments built with the Unity engine.
- Autodesk Certified User and Autodesk Certified Professional - official Autodesk’s certificates for professionals working with the company’s signature tools, including AutoCAD and 3ds Max
- NX Certification - for 3D designers working with the Siemens NX software.
- MakerBot Certification™ - for 3D designers working with 3D printing, especially with the MakerBot hardware.
7. Look into the education of your potential 3D graphic designer for hire
While having a university education isn't the only pathway to becoming an adept 3D designer, it does provide an avenue to acquire knowledge about the best practices for producing outstanding results. This is particularly true when working with complex 3D designing software and tackling intricate 3D model design tasks.
Professionals in the 3D design field often possess degrees in:
- Computer Graphics: This field encompasses creating visual content using computer software, a skill essential for effective 3D design.
- Computer Arts: A degree in this discipline equips the designer with an understanding of digital artistic techniques, often crucial in 3D design and animation.
- Graphic Design: While primarily 2D, the principles learned in this field can be applied in 3D graphic design software to create visually compelling designs.
- 3D Design: This specific field focuses on the creation of objects and spaces in three dimensions, often involving the use of 3D design software.
- 3D Animation: Focused on creating moving 3D models or environments, a degree in this field is highly applicable to many areas of 3D design.
- Relevant Engineering Field: Especially useful for CAD designers, degrees in mechanical or civil engineering, for instance, provide knowledge about creating functional 3D designs.
8. Remember about industry fit
To some extent, industry fit can be tightly linked to the project fit, but it’s not always the case. 3D product visualizations, for example, are done by companies in all possible industries.
To get the best results, we recommend you to hire 3D designers with previous experience in working with clients from your industry. This kind of fit means the designer most likely already has some understanding of your customer group and is able to build a 3D vision that sells.
9. Look for shared values (company culture fit)
Each company has its own values that represent their attitude to business and customers. Things like the approach to building diverse and inclusive environments, focus on the local or global market, push for innovation, and the preferred style of management are all having an impact on every member of the team. Hire 3D designers who match your vision and values to achieve the understanding that fuels great results delivered fast.
10. Ask for an opinion of another 3D designer
Before you hire 3D designers, you should have another expert look at their portfolios - especially if you are not experienced in 3D design yourself. This kind of unbiased review of your candidates’ work will broaden your perspective and allow you to understand the technical aspects of their craft.
How to connect with and hire best 3D designers in the field?
As the demand for experienced 3D designers rises, it’s getting more and more difficult to hire ones that really fit your business and the project you are developing. But we can help.
At Ideamotive, we run a network of top IT professionals looking for new career opportunities. Our network does not only include a number of great 3D designers, but also all the other people you might need for your team, including developers, project managers, data scientists, and more.
After you reach out to us, we will connect you only with the candidates that best fit your company profile, project specification, and any other requirements you might have. This way, you will be able to hire 3D designers that can deliver the exact results you anticipate fast.
Contact us today to learn more and take your project to the next level.
