CG Department – Modelling Artist
Modelling Artists are the artists that create 3D Models to be used in compositing, design or other areas, these artists can be broken into around 3 categories, Those being:
Environment Artist – Specializing in the creation of Maps, Layouts or environments used in a 3D Setting, there are even two subsets of this role, those being Asset creation and Layout for even further specification when creating jobs. These environments could be used in film for cityscapes, Maps for video games, or even outside of the normal media industry, such as environmental design for interior design, urban planning or even use in crime labs.
Character Artist – While environment artists specify on areas or small non organic assets, character artists specify on creating characters or creatures. This role would usually be used within the media industry as opposed to non film or game related industries.
Vehicle Artist – A vehicle artist is similar to a character artist’s role, however this role is dedicated more to creating non organic vehicles like star-ships, weapons, robots or cars.
A Modelling Artist is primarily focused on specifically sculpting and modelling these 3D models, with UV’s texturing and shading, while still important, is a separate role entirely, however in some roles, a Modelling artist can also be doing texturing, Uv’s etc. However 3D modelling artists are primarily focused on the actual shape and form of what they are modelling.
A 3D Modeller’s role will usually use programs such as ZBrush, Maya and Mudbox, with artists needing a firm grasp on both the software and a Model’s real-world scope and proportions. The average salary for a modelling artist is around 30,987 Pounds a Year.
Sources: Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/computer-generated/modelling-artist/ More Role Info: https://www.yellowcat.london/vfx-modelling-artist-breakdown/ More Role Info: https://www.axisstudiosgroup.com/careers/jobs/modeling-texturing-artist-vfx/ Salary: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/uk-3d-modeling-and-texturing-artist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN2_KO3,35.htm
CG Depratment – Animator
If we were to think of the previous role in the form of creating a puppet, this role would be then making the puppet move. An Animator’s job includes using Rigs on a 3D Model to go about animating a character to make movements for integration into a visual effects shot or a character’s movement in an animated film. In some instances, motion capture is also used for films to capture an actor’s performance and tweak their appearance in the shot, such as adding a different outfit on the character in post.
An Animator must be both versed in the 3D Animating software and have a solid grasp of real movements to be order to make realistic movements for an animation. Animators usually work in Maya, Blender, 3Ds Max or Cinema4D. The average Salary For an Animator is around 35,780 Pounds a year.
Sources: Role Info: https://discover.therookies.co/2019/05/22/job-titles-in-3d-animation-visual-effects-and-what-they-actually-mean/ More Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/computer-generated/animator-visual-effects-vfx/ Salary Info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-3d-animator-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1035_KO7,18.htm
CG Department – Texture Artist
A texture Artist’s job is in essence to create a “skin” to be used on a Modelling Artist’s work a texture artist works to create the colour, transmission, reflection and all other elements to enhance a model and make it look the way that it looks. A texture artist may sometimes work from scratch to create a texture, or be given an image as reference to work off of. Think of a regular Model as a blank white wall. A Texture artist is the artist that uses the paint on the wall, gives it colour and makes the wall have its sheen and reflection. A texture artist must have both a firm understanding of modelling and UV’s, as well as doing digital compositing and digital painting, an example being photoshop compositing work and use of blending modes.
A Texture artist must be knowledgeable in UV’s and modeling, and have an understanding of basic light theory, how it refracts off of objects or passes through them, and have some fundamental understandings of anatomy, such as blood passing through ears and creating a red glow when light passes through the thinner areas. Texture artists usually use Substance Painter, Photoshop, ZBrush, Body Paint and other programs to achieve good texturing. The average salary of a texture artist is around 36,203 Pounds per year.
Sources: Role Info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/computer-generated/texture-artist/ More Role info: https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/texture-artist Even more role info: https://www.foundry.com/insights/film-tv/texture-artist-mari Salary Info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/texture-artist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
CG Department – Environment Artist
An Environment artist as described prior, is primarily an artist that works on the environment of a 3D area, this can be used in Interior Design, Exterior Design and Urban Planning, Game Design, Film and Advertisements, and any area or industry that requires the creation of an environment either for reference or for use in something. Environment artists usually work off of either photos provided from photos, concept artist sketches or line drawing sketches. Environment artists should be proficient in 3D modelling and have a sense of geography, architecture and even have a basic understanding of physics.
An environment artist may use many different software depending on the facet of the industry. However the main overall tools include Maya, ZBrush, 3D Studio Max, Mudbox, Unity and Unreal Engine. The average salary of an environment artist is around 29, 754 pounds per year.
Sources: Role info: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/computer-generated/environment-artist-visual-effects-vfx/ More role info: https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/environment-artist Salary info: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/3d-environment-artist-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm