Learn about different types of 3D design, 3D design software, and project ideas to get you started personally or professionally.
Global Market Insights estimated the value of the global 3D mapping and modelling market at USD 6.1 in 2023 and projected it will grow by a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 percent to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2032 [1]. This growth may stem from more industries using 3D design to address business challenges. Whether you're interested in a 3D design career or want to try 3D designing on your own time, explore different aspects of the field to see what piques your interest.
The three-dimensional (3D) design uses software to create a digital model of a three-dimensional shape or object. Organisations and professionals across various industries use 3D design to communicate ideas, create products and customer experiences, teach concepts, and more. For example, dentists can X-ray a damaged tooth and produce a 3D crown model to repair it, while the film industry uses 3D design to envision scenes and execute special effects.
In your research, you may come across the term 3D modelling. This concept is similar to 3D design in that both involve using software to envision three-dimensional objects. However, the definitions of these concepts may vary depending on the brand, software, or company using 3D design or 3D modelling.
3D design involves creating a 3D object from scratch. It begins with a sketch or concept and includes the entire process to completion. In contrast, 3D modelling focuses on building and fine-tuning the actual visual model of the object.
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From printed parts to realistic visual effects, the 3D design comes in many forms and has applications across various industries. Discover some popular types of 3D in various industries that use it to produce 3D models of products, building blueprints, visual effects, and virtual reality.
Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A method of using a computer to create a three-dimensional object, one layer of material at a time. Its use cases range from creating geometrically complicated parts in the aerospace industry to printing models of pop culture characters.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enables architects, engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals to collaborate on designing a building in 3D. BIM designs can include information about parts, materials, financials, logistics, and actionable steps.
Product design: Refers to creating new products or enhancing existing products through 3D conceptualisation, simulation, and design finalisation before the manufacturing process.
Visual effects (VFX): Refers to altering, creating, or enhancing media for live-action imagery, especially when capturing live footage would be dangerous, costly, or impossible.
Virtual reality (VR): Falls under the umbrella term extended reality (XR) and refers to creating immersive 3D experiences so individuals, teams, and businesses can visualise concepts, collaborate, be entertained, and more.
Generative design: Finding multiple design options based on a concept. Designers or engineers input their design goals, requirements, parameters, and constraints into generative design software. The software then produces representations of different design outcomes for the designers and engineers to explore.
CAD/CAM: Refers to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Innovators, inventors, and machinists use CAD/CAM software to design and manufacture prototypes while expediting the process using automation.
3D design offers many opportunities to explore your creative and professional potential. In this section, you can explore a list of project ideas and 3D design software you can use to execute them.
3D room design: Refers to using software to produce three-dimensional representations of fully functional interior spaces, such as homes, offices, restaurants, and event spaces. The 3D interior design considers a space's internal structure and dimensions. The goal is for furniture, lighting, decor, and other design elements to work together harmoniously. You can re-imagine your entire living space or a specific room using 3D home design software like Planner5D or HomeStyler.
3D landscape design: Refers to using software to create 3D representations of outdoor landscapes, including yards, gardens, parks, and professional exterior spaces. 3D landscape designers determine how plants, trees, shrubbery, furniture, walls, stones, walkways, and other elements will fit into an overall design. Try 3D landscape design with software like SketchUp.
3D molecular design: Refers to using software to create three-dimensional representations of chemical or biological systems, such as chemical compounds or DNA chains. Education professionals can use 3D molecular designs in classrooms to help learners visualise scientific concepts. They can translate to physical objects that learners can touch and hold, 3D graphics for educational videos, and more. Discover three-dimensional molecular design with software like ChemSketch.
3D logo design: Refers to rendering logos with a three-dimensional appearance. Depending on the brand, having a 3D logo can make a memorable impression on a target audience by presenting a modern and dynamic look. If you want to create your own 3D logo, software like SelfCAD, Canva, or Photoshop can help.
If you want to pursue a job in 3D design, you have many career paths to consider. The list below offers an overview of various industries' jobs and their respective salaries.
*All salary data is from Indeed India as of September 2024.
A 3D designer uses software to create renderings of three-dimensional objects, including models, animations, or physical products. 3D designers earn an average of ₹3,09,464 per year.
A video game designer uses software to create 3D characters and settings. On average, video game designers make ₹3,93,280 annually.
A 3D printing technician prepares files for 3D printing and maintains equipment. 3D printing technicians make ₹3,09,260 per year on average.
A graphic designer who works in 3D design uses software to create three-dimensional concepts such as logos, product renderings, and illustrations. Graphic designers earn an average base salary of ₹2,67,795.
A 3D animator creates 3D animations for video games, films, or other applications. On average, 3D animators make ₹3,78,744 per year.
An architectural designer uses software to create plans for buildings and landscapes. Architectural designers earn an average annual base salary of ₹3,42,709.
A web developer uses software to incorporate 3D imagery and other elements into websites. Web developers earn an average base salary of ₹2,87,267 yearly.
A VFX artist works in the film and entertainment industry to create visual effects, animations, storyboards, and other 3D graphics. As a VFX artist, you could earn ₹3,37,933 annually on average.
Before beginning, it can be helpful to understand what your goals are. That can help guide you to the proper paths to meet those objectives. For help in beginning your 3D design journey, review the following steps:
Clarify your 3D design goals.
Explore 3D design paths.
Network with other 3D designers
Take a 3D design course or earn a bachelor's degree.
Complete 3D design projects.
Compile a 3D design portfolio.
What do you want to accomplish in 3D design and why? Having answers to these two fundamental questions can help you focus your efforts on the most important tasks. Here are some examples of goals to draw from:
Use 3D design technology to create art.
Introduce 3D design skills to your current career in another field.
Transition from your career in another field into the 3D design.
If you want to change careers or enhance your current career, search job listings on sites like Naukri, Glassdoor, and Indeed to get a feel for the kinds of companies hiring and the industries with a high demand for 3D design professionals.
For both personal and professional 3D design goals, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with software that may suit your purposes. Check out a few more paid and free 3D design software options for those who don't have a specific project in mind:
Blender, open source software for modelling, animating, rendering, and more
AutoCAD, 3D design for architects, engineers, and construction professionals
Inventor, for professional 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation
Maya, for 3D animation and visual effects
Adobe Substance 3D, a collection of tools for flexible and seamless 3D design across devices
In addition to subscribing to brands, you may find it helpful to participate in 3D design communities through courses, bootcamps, social media groups and forums, conferences, and networking events. Talk with other designers and view their work. Doing so can spark ideas for new projects and introduce you to career and educational opportunities.
Earning a Bachelor of Design (BDes), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 3D design or a related field is an essential first step if you are entering the field for the first time.
If you want to build specific skills, a 3D design course can be a great way to build skills in a structured, supportive environment. When looking for courses, consider factors such as:
How the skills you’ll learn correspond to skills needed in today’s business landscape and your 3D design goals and interests
The support forums, peer review groups, live events, and access to instructors may contribute to your learning experience
The following offers a few options to get you started on your search for an online course in 3D design:
The 3D Printing Revolution, offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This self-paced online course is an excellent fit for someone interested in 3D printing. You'll learn how 3D printers work and gain expertise from 3D printing experts through hands-on exercises.
3D Interaction Design in Virtual Reality, offered by the University of London. If you're interested in 3D video game design, this course can be an excellent starting point. It's intermediate-level, so consider taking the first two courses in this specialisation if you're entirely new to the field.
Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with Python/Rhinoscript, offered by the University of Michigan. This mixed-level, self-paced course serves as an introduction to design computing through programming. By the end, you'll learn the output of geometries in still and animate forms and basic coding in Python.
As you build skills and become more familiar with the resources and communities available, complete 3D design projects to discover the area of 3D design that best suits your interests. You may find that the more projects you complete, the more insight you gain into your true passions.
Whether you are pursuing 3D design for personal projects or career purposes, compiling a portfolio of your work can offer some benefits. Advantages include:
Tracking how your skills evolve as you complete more projects
Showcasing your work to others who may want to hire or collaborate with you
Applying for scholarships, internships, or admission into 3D design educational programs
Whether you need help clarifying your 3D design goals or identifying your career path, the resources on Coursera can help. For example, consider enrolling in a beginner-friendly online programme like the Virtual Reality Specialisation from the University of London. If you're new to the subject matter and interested in working with VR, 3D graphics, and virtual worlds, the Specialisation's first few courses offer an introduction to the field. Once you grasp the fundamentals, you’ll be ready to tackle 3D Interaction Design in Virtual Reality in course three. You'll learn how to create your project or game and earn a certificate to add to your resume or share on social media.
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Creación de esquemas de página y prototipos de baja fidelidad es el tercer curso de un programa de certificación que te brindará las habilidades necesarias ...
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Global Market Insights. “3D Mapping and Modeling Market, 2024-2032 Growth Forecast, https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/3d-mapping-and-modeling-market.” Accessed 5 September 2024.
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