Additional Information
Many post-secondary institutions offer certificate and degree programs
in 3D rendering and design. Some 3D renderers and designers also have training
in programming or fine arts. And some are self-taught.
"Formal education comes into play when applying for more specific job titles
in 3D, like digital sculpting where a fine arts degree may be appropriate,"
says Dwayne Ellis, president of a 3D rendering and design company.
"Or if one were to become a programmer, a computer science degree would
be applicable," says Ellis. "So it really depends on which market segment
one is seeking for employment. I think getting as much education as you can
while getting practical industry experience is the best route to take."
As with other creative fields, potential employers want to see examples
of your work.
"They want to see a portfolio," says Chris Kowal, a 3D renderer and designer.
"Even if you've never worked with anybody, if your portfolio is really good,
you'll get hired. You can always learn to get faster, you can always learn
the production pipeline in the new studio, and manage all that stuff and deal
with it, but the talent, that is what has to come through in your portfolio,
that's what people want to see."
Kowal earned an undergraduate degree in fine arts before getting technical
training in 3D rendering and design. Although a four-year degree is not essential
for this career, Kowal says it can be a great asset. "I believe in a strong
educational base," says Kowal. "I think this idea of everybody being trained
technically for a year or two and then squirted out into the industry isn't
really a good thing.
"There were some humanities and some philosophy and some other things
that are very important to my thought process when I go and do work. But it's
intangible...
"When I deconstruct [take apart] an image and think about meanings, those
are intangibles, but those are very important to somebody who produces images,
and so I fully think someone should have a pretty solid education," Kowal
says.
"Four years isn't outrageous. What you need to do, what you should keep
in mind, is managing the financial burden. Don't be naive and load yourself
down with student debt."
Mary Khoun is an industrial designer with Conair Corporation. She has a
bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from the Pratt Institute, in Brooklyn,
NY. Her program differed from other schools because she was allowed to cross
over to many areas of design, such as transportation, household products,
toys, and shoes.
"It gave me an advantage to get a basic understanding of all the industries
and how to apply myself as a designer in each one," says Khoun. "Therefore,
it allowed flexibility within career choices when there is a decision to change
industries."
Some industrial design schools focus their program on one particular industry,
such as toys, transportation, or shoes. The advantage of this is it gives
the designer a full understanding of that industry when it comes to rules,
regulations, systems, and methods.
"Some industries of design are very strict and if you prefer to go into
a specialized field like shoe design as a career it is better to choose a
degree where that is the primary focus," says Khoun. "It will make you a stronger
candidate than someone who had general studies if you're applying to the same
field." Khoun
"It is almost like learning a trade," says Khoun. "You will learn to improve
in drawing, presentation, [and] model making, learn the necessary computer
programs needed, and most importantly meet professors and role models that
bring their real life experiences to share [with] you -- the next generation
designer."