3D visualization is a synonym for computer-generated imagery, 3D rendering, 3D graphics, etc. All of these terms refer to the digital process of creating some graphical content by using 3D technology.

This advanced technology has become a trend in the last few years, and businesses that use it to their advantage get a better chance to beat their competition. Modern 3D visualization has evolved into real science, and it's now the most viable option for companies that are looking to promote their digital content.

Put simply, 3D visualization allows you to create top-class digital content that modern consumers prefer when deciding on their purchases. Therefore, it plays an essential role in the realm of modern business and marketing.

Why is this important for a 3D visualizer?

Because these professionals need to have a certain set of skills to properly answer the demand and provide solutions that will make them highly competitive.

Knowing how to use software like CAD is just one of many skills a 3D visualizer needs to develop immersive 3D visualizations. They need skills that will allow them to blend both artistry and technical skill.

Let's see why 3D visualization matters today and what skills a 3D visualizer should have these days.

The importance of 3D visualization

Traditional photography was the main means of creating visual content for the sake of marketing and advertising. While photography still has a special place in the business industry, it has silently given way to its contemporary ascendant — 3D visualization.

This modern concept of art requires both technical and artistic skills. 3D visualizers use digital tools such as Cinema 4D, Maya, and Autodesk 3ds Max to create fantastic and immersive visualizations that can be used across numerous industries.

A 3D visualizer takes almost the same approach to their work as photographers. They either use the CAD files from engineers, or they make a 3D model of a product, and then they set up virtual environments, lights, and cameras to get the wanted effect and fulfill the client's requirements.

3D visualization is very similar to photography, with a couple of major differences. The most obvious one would be the level of flexibility that 3D visualizers have. One more difference would be the level of control. That aside, most marketing and advertising you see today is created with 3D visualization.

Then, there is the rise of visual content on the internet. We pretty much live in a visual world. That's simply because 3D visualization technology allows professional artists to create extremely photorealistic renderings very quickly.

Modern and advanced digital tools allow these artists to fully control every aspect of the 3D visualization. Because of that, 3D visualization is now present in pretty much every industry, ranging from fashion, pharmaceutical, medical, and architectural to automotive, consumer-product, and others.

Therefore, the first and most important thing a 3D visualizer should know includes knowledge about the essential elements of a 3D visualization:

●       Photorealism

●       Shadows and light

●       The furniture

●       Flora and fauna

●       People

Let's delve deeper into what are job requirements for a 3D visualizer.

3D visualizer job description

The main roles and responsibilities for a 3D visualizer include the ability to understand and handle CAD. They should also be able to use minimum sketches to model and supervise projects, and work with other third parties in a collaborative manner.

Depending on the company, 3D visualizers are also required to work on walk-through and rendering on visuals projects, camera animation, lighting, texturing, unwrapping, and architectural 3D modeling.

Since there's a need for utterly photorealistic images, 3D visualizers must have the ability to create immensely photorealistic animation, landscape visuals, interior, and exterior. They have to be able to use various renderers too.

Some of the essential skills include:

●       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

●       Professional integrity of the highest level

●       Ability to collaborate with other team members and be proactive on-demand

●       Organizational skills

●       Multitasking abilities and high level of responsiveness to tight deadlines

●       Ability to work on multiple projects

●       Being aware of the latest design trends

●       Creative thinking

●       Autonomous work and taking the initiative

●       Being highly flexible, productive, innovative with exceptional problem-solving skills

●       Being tech-savvy

●       Dedication to self-improvement, development, and learning

●       Exceptional attention to detail

With all this in mind, let's cover certain skills that each 3D visualizer should have in their arsenal.

1. Excellent analytical skills

Aside from the obvious education and software handling, a 3D visualizer should have exceptional analytical skills.

Why is this important?

Simply because they will be required to use the plans delivered by the client to produce images. Therefore, 3D visualizers should have great analytical skills to make sure they don't miss any details and requirements made by the client.

An artist should also make a difference between animation, modeling, rendering, 3D visualizations, effects, and graphics.

2. Knowledge about other industries

Since 3D visualization is quite needed today, a 3D visualizer should have at least basic knowledge about other industries, the ongoing trends, standards, and so on. It can help them find a job much more easily.

More importantly, the more you know and work with other industries, the better knowledge and more profound expertise you have. That's how you'll be able to present the most innovative solutions and think outside the box.

3. Lights and shadows

The better the knowledge you have about lights and shadows, the better the results you produce. The demand for the most photorealistic 3D visualizations is growing with each passing day.

If you know how to play with shadows and lights, you have far better chances of working in the industry of your choosing. According to most 3D visualization professionals, the skill to professionally manipulate these two elements is highly sought-after across numerous industries.

4. The ability to use multiple digital tools and software

There are many different software tools that 3D visualizers use. The most used ones are CAD, Blender, Photoshop, Corona, and 3ds Max. If you're just a beginner, we suggest starting with Blender. It's the most suitable tool for beginners.

On the other hand, it's also a good choice if you're a freelancer, as it's an open-source 3D software. Still, pay attention if you decide to use Blender as this program's biggest downside is very limited interoperability with CAD software.

SketchUp is also a very popular tool among 3D visualizers. More importantly, it has all the necessary assets included; it's affordable and extremely compatible.

5. Exceptional communication skills

This goes for pretty much anyone who wants to become good at what they do, but it especially goes for 3D visualizers. So much depends on good communication. Since a 3D visualizer is required to work with not only their team members but other studios and third parties as well, communication and conversational skills are a must.

We already mentioned the importance of analytical skills in terms of interpretation of the client's requirements. Since 3D visualization is used across many different industries, a 3D visualizer should be able to maintain effective communication with all personnel involved in a project.

Each person involved will have their ideas, requirements, interests, and concerns. A 3D visualizer has to be capable of communicating all of these ideas into a meaningful whole that will result in the required product.

In such a complex working environment, pretty much the entire success of a project depends on the ability to communicate. Add other soft skills such as teamwork, patience, problem-solving, and you have a winning combination.

6. Creativity and Artistic skills

3D visualizations are highly creative. 3D visualization requires an artist to be exceptionally productive and creative, as well as innovative. It's always about creating something new, something that's yet unseen.

If you can create top-class 3D visualizations, you have much better chances of becoming a state-of-the-art 3D visualizer. Therefore, you'll have to be extremely imaginative when it comes to artistic skills; a professional must be able to draw basic sketches to present their ideas.

Using technology is just one side of the coin, but being able to draw something yourself can only add to your arsenal of skills.

Conclusion

While all these skills sound like they are really hard to obtain and achieve, everything is possible if you have the right mind for it. Everything starts with basic knowledge and education. It's the practice and working on real projects that matter the most.

Your understanding, expertise, skills, and other exceptional qualities are just stepping stones on your way to finding your ideal career. Use them wisely and always aspire to learn more and develop yourself, both personally and professionally.