Leanne
Stone
Researching job roles
3D Modelling
Job Description- 3D modellers will be involved in the early stages of production, taking concept art from the 2D artists and creating 3D computer generated models of what the artists have portrayed. They could start with a brief but can also scan the concept art into a 3D software. They create a wireframe which once perfected will then be passed on to be lit and textured. They may also be given a role as a texture artist if they specialise on certain models or are applying for a smaller company.
Qualifications- To become a 3D modeller you should have a specialist VFX Uni degree.
Skills and Qualities- Good at understanding colour and art perspectives. They should be good at interpretation, finding the best way to create models closely to the brief but as quickly as possible with the required detail. They should be very skilled in the relevant 3D modelling programs(Blender, Maya etc) They should also be able to be organised and meet deadlines easily and also work with other artists in the workplace, using resources efficiently.
Salary- The average salary per hour for a 3D modeller is £27.28 in the UK.
Contracts- A mother agency contract helps to build your portfolio, teaching you what you need to know, they usually ask for a commission between 5%-10%. They can last 1-2 years or your whole career. Exclusive contracts mean you are with them for a certain amount of time and cannot sign other contracts without their permission. A one-time contract means once the project is over the contract will just end and a non-exclusive contract means you can sign other contracts whilst working with that company without their permission.
Environment Artist
Job description- Much like a 3D modeller, an environment artist works in the very early stages of development. They use concept art and scan it in to the 3D software or are given a brief and work from there. The only massive difference been an environment artists and a 3D modeller is that they focus on the backgrounds, places that are unable to actually film in front of, such as space etc.
Qualifications- To be a environment artist you should have vocational training.
Skills and Qualities- Again this is similar to a 3D modeller. For one they must have a lot of skill in blender and maya and the required 3D programs. They must also be organised to meet deadlines, have a good eye for art and colour and also be able to work as part of a collaborative team. One skill specifically for this job role would be architectural awareness to have good knowledge of cityscapes and landscapes etc
Salary- £29223 yearly is the average salary in the UK
Contracts- The contracts environment artists get seem to be the same as what 3D modellers have the option of. (A mother agency contract helps to build your portfolio, teaching you what you need to know, they usually ask for a commission between 5%-10%. They can last 1-2 years or your whole career. Exclusive contracts mean you are with them for a certain amount of time and cannot sign other contracts without their permission. A one-time contract means once the project is over the contract will just end and a non-exclusive contract means you can sign other contracts whilst working with that company without their permission.)
Animator
Job description- Animators give personality to a character, using rigs to make the figure move in believable way, that also gives the figure personality and focus. An animator will create frames and once piece together they should create a smooth shot of a character. In some films they do this and are helped by the process of motion tracking, where an actor performs what the character should be doing so movements can be replicated easier.
Qualifications- To become an animator you must have a specialist VFX university degree
Skills and Qualities- They must be good at art, being able to give spacial awareness and choose the best styles and how to portray a certain mood through the characters movements. They should definitely know the principles of animation and how to use the necessary VFX software for the job, to make animations smooth and stylized. And generally should be able to work well in a team and easily meet deadlines.
Salary- On average an animator makes £32,236 a year.
Contracts- These contracts also seem to be the same and/or similar to the other two jobs i have reviewed. (A mother agency contract helps to build your portfolio, teaching you what you need to know, they usually ask for a commission between 5%-10%. They can last 1-2 years or your whole career. Exclusive contracts mean you are with them for a certain amount of time and cannot sign other contracts without their permission. A one-time contract means once the project is over the contract will just end and a non-exclusive contract means you can sign other contracts whilst working with that company without their permission.)
