What would life be like working for a company as a 3D artist? Have you ever imagined it? If you really want to know, we recommend actually working in the industry by getting a 3D Artist Internship.
We have researched what kind of companies are looking for 3D artist interns and what kind of skills and qualifications are required. I will explain in detail.
What Does a 3D Artist Intern Do?
3D Artist Internship Programs vary from company to company. Please check each company’s job description for more details. Examples of work include working with other artists, designers, and producers as team members, working on development, designing characters, and participating in meetings and reviews.
Companies want to see active participation in thinking about what you can do to improve the product. Other jobs may vary in difficulty, from simple tasks such as organizing files to working on short-term projects. However, make sure to handle every job with care.
Advantages of Internships
Internships are an excellent opportunity to not only improve your technical and creative skills but also to develop your basic working and communication skills. Work hard at every job you are given. After joining the company as an intern, you will often be guided by a mentor. Mentors are there to support you in a wide range of areas, including knowledge about the company and technical training.
Internship typical duration
During the internship, you will consult with your mentor on anything you do not understand as you work. The internship period is usually 10-12 weeks. Many students spend their summer vacation doing internship activities. As for working styles, few companies force their employees to come to work, and many companies are okay with a work-from-home style.
Regardless of the type of employment, whether full-time or internship, companies welcome a positive attitude. Try to be proactive in communicating your ideas and thoughts, and make sure you are recognized.
Also Read: CG Artwork Artist Skills, Tools, Salary, and More
Do you need a degree to be a 3D Artist?
Some companies specify a degree in a related field (graphic design, technical art, game development, etc.), but many companies specify a college degree without specifying the field. In some cases, companies allow high school graduates to apply. Given these circumstances, a degree in art or design is not required, but it is still a good thing to have. It is a chance to show the company that you are serious about the job.
If you are in the process of deciding on your career path and want to become a 3D artist in the future, it is an excellent idea to pursue a career that allows you to earn a degree in art or design. However, many people give up on applying because they do not have a degree and do not meet the application requirements. You will not get a chance unless you make the first move.
If there is a company that you really want to go to, we recommend that you share your experience, thoughts, and passion. Your feelings and passion can be a major point of difference between you and many other candidates.
Can a Self-Taught 3D Artist Get an Internship Opportunity?
In conclusion, we can tell you that it is possible. Many 3D artist internship opportunities do not specify the department. If you are self-taught and have experience with 3D programs and tools such as Maya, Blender, ZBrush, 3ds Max, etc., you can apply.
It will take a tremendous amount of study and practice to become familiar with these tools on your own. It will take time, but familiarity with these software programs is essential to realizing your dream of becoming a 3D artist. Do your own research on what you don’t understand, and try out the various features and options to increase your proficiency.
Also, many companies may find it difficult to determine from your educational background the level of skill and experience you have if you are self-taught compared to someone with a professional degree in design or art. To dispel these companies’ concerns, create a portfolio or demo reel that can prove your experience and skills, and make sure to showcase them.
Also Read: CGI Software For Movies: Everything You Need to Know
What skills or experience are required for an internship?
The skills most companies looking for 3D artist interns are looking for are experience using 3D programs/tools. Many firms seek experience using Photoshop and painting/design tools and rendering techniques such as Marmoset, Unity, or Unreal.
Individual qualities sought include outstanding creativity, attention to detail, user-oriented design thinking, and the ability to work within limited time and resources. In addition, 3D artists often work together with members of other departments to promote their work. therefore, leadership and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to activate the organization as well as individual skills.
Even if you lack experience, skills, personal qualities, or the ability to energize the organization, you have ample opportunity if you can make up for it in other ways. It is the employer who makes the overall judgment. Apply to multiple companies so that you can be judged objectively, and ask them to provide you with opportunities to clearly communicate your passion, which is considered equally or more important than your skills, experience, and qualifications.
For more information on the skills and qualities required of a 3D artist, you may find our article on How to Become a 3D Artist helpful.
What are the Top Cities with Open 3D Artist Intern jobs?
In Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Vancouver, WA, and other cities that are home to many CG production and game development companies, 3D artists are in high demand, and many companies are looking for interns.
The gaming industry, in particular, has grown rapidly due in part to the Corona pandemic. These gaming-related companies can be found not only in California’s Silicon Valley but also in many British cities such as Stockholm, Vancouver, London, and Guildford.
Many companies allow remote work, but there are restrictions, such as being authorized to work in the country where the company is located and residing within the country where the company is located, so be sure to check the job description carefully.
Also Read: What is CGI in Movies?
What Companies are Hiring for 3D Artist Intern Jobs?
Animation Industry
Well-known companies such as DreamWorks Animation, which produces movies such as Shrek and Trolls, and original TV series such as Voltron and Home, and The Walt Disney Company also have openings for 3D artist interns.
Gaming Industry
In the game industry, Riot Games, famous for games such as League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics, also has internship positions available. The work varies, but you will be involved in a wide range of game and animation production, including character and background design. All of these companies are looking for internship positions of approximately 10~12 weeks.
The creative industries are highly competitive and may require patience and persistence to obtain internship opportunities. There are many other candidates. Even if a company is not open to internship applications, consider all avenues, such as contacting them directly to see if you can apply or relying on friends, family, or school connections to apply.
Your passion for what you do will surely lead you to the future.
Also Read: How to Use Lumen in Unreal Engine 5
How to Apply for a Remote 3D Artist Internship?
Once you have found a company you would like to apply to, submit an online presentation of your work, including your personal website, along with your resume. If your online presentation has a password, please remember to tell them. If you do not have an online presentation available, we encourage you to create one.
Get your resume ready
Having your own online presentation is not only suitable for applying for internships but also for sharing your work with people around the world and expanding your chances of being found by someone. Also, be sure to include a cover letter, even if it is not required.
It is a crucial way to state why you are the best fit for the position and differentiate yourself from other candidates. The introduction to your cover letter should describe the position for which you are applying and the skills and experience you have that are applicable to the position.
In the following paragraphs, write about how your experience, accomplishments, and lessons learned can be applied to the position for which you are applying. You should also mention your passion for the company you are applying for and why you would like to work for that organization.
Don’t forget to thank them at the end.
If you pass the application screening, you will be given an opportunity for an interview. The number of interviews varies from company to company. If you pass the interview, your life as a 3D artist intern will begin!
Many companies hire interns for 10-12 weeks during summer vacation. Some firms may hire interns at other times. Some may hire part-time or full-time interns, but this will generally be done over a coherent period of time during summer vacation.
The application process begins around three months before the internship takes place. Therefore, you should begin preparing your documents at least four months before the start of the program. In addition, some employers do not pay salaries for internships.
About the payment
If you can gain skills, experience, and contacts over and above a salary for your time, there is no need to be fixated on the salary. Still, it is advisable to be clear at the outset what you are applying for an internship to gain.
While there is undoubtedly a need for 3D artists in the game and application industry, the products and services you choose to apply for must interest you. When applying for a job, be sure to convey what aspects of the company’s products and services you are interested in and how you would be able to use your unique creativity to contribute to them.
Are there any openings for 3D artist internships in Japan?
We have researched and found that there are internship opportunities for 3D artists in Japan. It seems that mainly Japanese and English are required, and there are also companies looking for applicants of any nationality if you look for them. Some internships in Japan also require students to have studied design-related fields at university or vocational school or to be able to use tools such as Maya or 3DSMax.
In the case of Japanese companies, the internship is part of the selection process before getting a job at the company. After the application screening, interview, and training, you will often join the company as a new employee. The advantage of an internship is that it gives you an idea of the atmosphere of the company, so there is no gap after you join the company, and you can be active right away.company’s atmosphere, so there is no gap after you join the company and you can be active immediately
If you live in Japan, are authorized to work in Japan, and would like to continue your career as a 3D artist in Japan afterward, you may consider applying.
Conclusion
Many companies are looking for 3D artist internships due to the increasing demand for 3D artists. Even if your skills and experience do not meet the application requirements, it is worthwhile to apply first.
Companies are also looking for more than just skills, such as a passion for the company’s products and a positive attitude. Show off your experience, commitment, and creativity as a creator.
We recommend that you actively apply to companies where you think there are opportunities for you, even if only a little. I believe internships are a very effective way to get closer to your dream of working as a 3D artist.
I hope this article will be of some help to you in realizing your own dream.
Thanks for reading!
Emi is a freelance writer from Japan. She mainly writes articles about changing jobs and finding employment in Japan.
