If you’ve read this far, it needs no guessing that you don’t need persuasion. You already know the advantages of pursuing a career as a 3D rendering artist. You’re well aware of how fulfilling and enjoyable employment can be. This includes the independence that comes with shifting to freelancing. Creating your own business, and taking responsibility for the work you produce are also parts.
You also realise how much effort it will take to be excellent enough for people to start waving fists full of cash in your direction. You will not be paid any commissions that you did not earn by working longer hours than you were paid for and producing better work than you promised. You’re aware of all of this, but you’re still dead set on entering a field where you may know nothing or everything.
And whether you come from a design background or have spent the last ten years slinging mochaccinos to men in skinny jeans, you’ll never stop learning and improving. So here’s a list of eight online tools to help you become a different kind of artist: one that accepts restraint to create the finest work possible.
SkillShare 3D rendering
What better way to learn than seeing and taking notes from the best? SkillShare is an online community of people from all over the world eager to share their expertise on several topics with other members. So if there’s something you want to learn, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on SkillShare. Over 14K classes are available on the web, and over 2 million people have already joined the community to share their skills.
Although SkillShare does not explicitly target the 3D rendering and visualisation community, you will discover hundreds of targeted tutorials and walkthroughs on various visualisation topics. From software training to general theory and concept lessons, videos are available.
The 3D rendering artist must be more than a Rhino or 3DS Max extension. You could train a monkey to learn a computer programme if you had enough time (and bananas). Colour me amazed if you can train a monkey to compose scenarios and perfect light and shadow models.
Lynda
Lynda, now Linkedin Learning, like SkillShare, has an enormous library of online classes and tutorials covering virtually any subject imaginable. Their range of rendering tutorials is extensive, and they even provide structured programmes that will walk you through specific themes or critical elements of 3D rendering and visualisation. The only catch is that if you want to make full use of Lynda’s materials, you’ll have to pay for them.
While there are many free resources available (including some on this list), taking that huge step sometimes necessitates breaking a few eggs. Spending money on something that will help you further your education, on the other hand, has a significant impact on your likelihood of completing it. So put some money down and start to work!
Squarespace 3D rendering
If you want to be a successful rendering artist, you’ll need to find a place where you can show off your work. Dozens of websites will host your work (for a cost), but I recommend taking the time to create your portfolio site.
If you don’t have much expertise in building or hosting websites, Squarespace is a terrific place to start. Sifting through your work and presenting your best photographs will also help you figure out what you’re good at and what you need to improve on.
Squarespace has thousands of website templates to choose from. Plus, there are tools that are simple to use and comprehend, ensuring that your work receives the personal attention it deserves. In addition, the layouts are basic and clear, allowing your work to speak for itself.
Having your URL can help you project a professional image that will attract new clients. Learning how to navigate the inner workings of the internet may also lead to working as a web designer.
Easy Render
What better way to become a better artist than to practise what you preach? Easy Render is an online job board. It connects you with clients worldwide who are yearning for your services.
You’ll need a place to show off your new website now that you’ve finished it (see above). However, even if you only have a small portfolio of work and are just getting started in the 3D design field. Easy Render will match you with the job that matches your skill level and experience.
Easy Render also has you covered if you haven’t gone the extra mile to develop your website. Members can upload their work to their profile page. It makes it simple for potential clients to view and select the right fit for their visualisation needs. As a result, it’s never been easier to connect with an important job.
Autodesk University
It sounds like something you’d find on the last few pages of Popular Mechanics. It comes with a “free” AutoCAD licence for an hour. Despite being affiliated with what many designers regard as the visualisation software industry’s evil empire, AutoDesk University offers a lot of content that will undoubtedly help you become a more talented and educated rendering artist.
What’s the best part? Many of AU’s courses and tutorials are free to use whenever you want! If you use 3DS Max, AutoCAD, or any other AutoDesk application to create your work, you’ll find this resource quite helpful as you develop your skills. You can search by product or topic to get all the information you need without breaking the bank.
Udemy 3D rendering
You’d better be delivering some outstanding online lessons and tutorials if you have a witty brand like Udemy. So what’s the good news? A massive library of information backs up Udemy’s moniker for aspiring young (or elderly) artists. It’s also a less expensive alternative to The CG School. It works if you’re hesitant to invest so much money in a vocation you’re unsure about. Classes usually cost roughly $15 and are full of knowledge. This is to help you better understand software and visualisation principles.
