Beyond Talent: The Unseen Habits of Highly Successful 3D Artists
From fashion to animation, here’s what the top-tier artists have in common
In my job, I’ve been lucky enough to experience something unique for a 3D artist: I visit studios in many industries, sit down with different artists, and learn what makes them tick. Most artists spend years at a single studio, immersed in one culture and workflow, working tirelessly to bring a specific project or product to life. But in my role I get to see the best of the best across all kinds of fields, from fashion to architecture to entertainment, and observe these artists’ work and the culture that surrounds them.
After years of meeting with top-tier creatives, a few distinct traits emerge that I see time and again, setting these successful artists apart. And it’s not always what you might think. These commonalities aren’t about technical skill (though they have that in abundance) or the lifestyle clichés of the “moody artist.” Instead, they’re more about character, approach, and mindset.
Unfiltered Curiosity
One of the most striking traits I’ve noticed among the top artists is an almost childlike curiosity. They have this relentless need to understand, to dig deeper, to ask “why” and “how constantly.” They’re not content with surface-level answers. They ask deeply thoughtful questions, pressing not only on the boundaries of what we presented but on the underlying reasons for those limits. They want to know why certain constraints exist—had we genuinely tested those limits, or is there potential still untapped, possibilities we hadn’t even considered yet? For these artists, every experience is a chance to absorb, to learn, to see things in new ways.
It’s this curiosity that drives them to ask questions—not just about their own field, but about the world around them. They’re the type to dissect the lighting in a scene, probe into the design choices of a product, or wonder about the smallest details that others might overlook. This curiosity keeps them engaged and allows them to draw from a wider range of influences in their work. Whether they’re asking about the physics behind a material or exploring new storytelling techniques, they approach each topic with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. It’s a relentless pursuit of knowledge that allows them to stay inspired and to innovate in unexpected ways.
The Power of Obsession
The best artists I’ve met aren’t just curious—they’re downright obsessed. Their work isn’t something they clock in and out of; it’s something they live and breathe. They focus on projects with a kind of intensity that’s rare to see, diving so deeply into every task that it almost becomes an extension of who they are. This obsessive quality is what drives them to perfect every detail, to push beyond what’s expected, and to immerse themselves fully in their craft.
Last week, I had a great example of this kind of obsession. I was visiting a studio and chatting with one of their top shading artists. Midway through our conversation, an artist zeroed in on the fabric of my shirt—an everyday piece I’d never given much thought to. But for her, this was the exact type of shirt she was looking to create for one of her characters. She saw this as an opportunity to dive into detail. She started analyzing the texture and how the light caught on it, then asked if she could feel the material and see it up close. Before I knew it, she was photographing different parts of my shirt: the seams, the cuffs, the fabric grain, all with an intense focus, like she was solving a puzzle.
In that moment, she wasn’t simply curious about the fabric—she was obsessed with understanding how it was constructed, how it reacted to light, and how its details could be used in her work. That’s what separates artists like her. They’re not just collecting information; they’re immersing themselves so deeply in every element that they find inspiration in places most would overlook. It’s a kind of fixation that doesn’t stop when they leave the studio; it’s a lens through which they see the world, and it’s that lens that helps them create work that’s truly exceptional.
They Engage Boldly, Never Sitting in the Back Row
Another thing I’ve noticed is that top artists are always fully engaged. They’re not afraid to sit in the front row, ask questions, or contribute their thoughts in meetings. They don’t sit back and wait to be told what to do. They’re proactive, involved, and, perhaps most importantly, they’re unafraid of being wrong. This is a trait that really struck me.
Many of these artists will put their thoughts out there, knowing full well they may be off the mark. They’re more interested in learning and pushing boundaries than in preserving an image of perfection. It’s a confidence that says, “I’m here to learn and grow, even if it means making mistakes.” This willingness to engage—no matter how intimidating the room—is a huge asset.
They’re “Uncool” in the Best Possible Way
This one might be surprising, but none of the top artists I’ve met are what you’d call “cool” in the stereotypical sense. They don’t fit the mold of the aloof or edgy artist who’s all about appearances. Instead, they’re often refreshingly unpretentious. They don’t put on airs or try to embody some ideal of what an artist “should” look like.
Back in art school, I remember the students who were serious about their craft versus those who seemed to enjoy the idea of “being an artist” more than actually creating art. The best artists don’t concern themselves with the lifestyle image—they’re too busy working. They’re not aiming to “look the part”; they’re focused entirely on creating the best work they can. In fact, some of the most influential designers I’ve met have shown up to work in sweatpants, embodying the idea that it’s the work, not the look, that counts.
Genuine Kindness and Generosity
Finally, something I see repeatedly in the best artists is a genuine kindness and a generosity that might surprise you. These artists are always willing to help, whether it’s a new colleague trying to find their way or a peer needing advice on a tough project. They make time for others, even when their schedules are packed. This generosity creates a collaborative environment and also gives them a stronger connection to their team and work.
I once worked with an artist who was relatively new to the field. During a project, we were asked to sit on a panel to help interview potential new hires. During one session, an applicant seemed to check every box: talented, driven, easygoing. But afterward, this colleague expressed an undefined “discomfort” about the applicant and suggested we skip hiring him. Eventually, though, I learned it was her fear of competition talking—she was worried his skills might overshadow hers. That attitude is the antithesis of what I see in successful artists. They’re not concerned with competition; they’re invested in the work itself and aren’t threatened by talent around them. They’re not just kind to others; they’re self-confident enough to lift others up rather than push them down.
An Unwavering Focus on Quality
For the best artists, it’s always about the work. They’re not after notoriety, fame, or quick recognition. They focus on creating the highest-quality work possible, and they trust that everything else will follow. They don’t spend their time calculating how many followers or likes their work might get. They’re not interested in outshining the next person—they’re too absorbed in their own projects. Their dedication to quality is unwavering, and this dedication is what eventually brings them recognition and respect.
These artists aren’t caught up in the ego game of who’s the best or who’s getting the most attention. They’re in a constant state of pushing themselves, refining their work, and staying focused on what matters. This commitment to quality is, I think, one of the clearest markers of long-term success.
In Closing
When I look back on all the studios I’ve visited and artists I’ve met, these are the common traits that stand out. They’re the elements that separate those who achieve lasting success from those who burn out or never quite reach their potential. And what’s exciting is that these traits aren’t exclusive to the super-talented or the lucky—they’re qualities anyone can cultivate. Be curious. Engage fully. Don’t worry about the image. Be kind. Focus on the work, not the praise.
If you can embody these qualities, you’re not just setting yourself up to be a better artist—you’re setting yourself up for a richer, more rewarding creative life.
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Hello! Michael Tanzillo here. I am the Head of Technical Artists with the Substance 3D Growth team at Adobe. Previously, I was a Senior Artist on animated films at Blue Sky Studios/Disney with credits including three Ice Age movies, two Rios, Peanuts, Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise, and Epic.
In addition to his work as an artist, I am the Co-Author of the book Lighting for Animation: The Visual Art of Storytelling and the Co-Founder of The Academy of Animated Art, an online school that has helped hundreds of artists around the world begin careers in Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Imaging. I also created The 3D Artist Community on Skool and this newsletter.
www.michaeltanzillo.com
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