Breaking the Language Barrier
A Crucial Step for 3D Artists Transitioning Industries
As a 3D artist, you've likely spent years honing your skills, mastering the tools of your trade, and becoming fluent in the jargon of your specific niche. Whether crafting immersive game environments, designing intricate CAD models, or animating characters, you’ve developed a deep expertise in your field. But what happens when you decide to step into a new industry? How do you transfer those skills while also learning to speak a new language?
The Importance of Industry Jargon
Every industry has its own jargon, and mastering it is a critical soft skill for anyone looking to change fields. When I first transitioned from animation to my role at Adobe, I quickly realized that my existing knowledge wasn’t enough. I was talking in terms o UDIMs, NURBS, and ambient occlusion—terms that were second nature to me—but my non-entertainment clients in the world of apparel were focused on entirely different concepts. They discussed tech packs, the whiskering on jeans, and other industry-specific details that I knew nothing about.
This communication gap led to a disconnect. Despite my expertise, I struggled to connect with the people I was supposed to support because we weren’t speaking the same language. It didn’t matter how much I wanted to help them; if I couldn’t speak their language, they would never see me as one of them, and I wouldn’t be able to fully integrate into their world. (For more on my early challenges in the apparel design space, you can check out this article)
But I quickly learned that I had to adapt, not just in terms of technical skills, but also in how I communicated with people from the various industries. Because it didn’t matter how much I wanted to help them. If I didn’t speak their language, they would never see me as one of them and let me in to help them with their workflows.
Adapting to New Jargon
Adapting to a new industry’s jargon isn't just about memorizing a few new terms; it's about understanding the context in which those terms are used. When I moved into my current role at Adobe, I was suddenly surrounded by terms like ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) and MAU (Monthly Active Users).
At first glance, these seemed straightforward enough, but if I had read about them without engaging with people who used these terms daily, I would have made some embarrassing mistakes. Imagine me saying “ARRRR” like a wannabe pirate or spelling out M.A.U. as if it were an acronym rather than the standard:
I also had to understand when and why they were used. This deeper comprehension only came from immersing myself in the language of the business side of things, speaking with colleagues, attending meetings, and learning how these terms fit into the broader conversation about our products and strategies.
Immersing Yourself in the New Language
So, how do you go about learning this new language? The best approach is immersion. This means more than just reading books or articles (though that’s a good start). It means engaging with people from the industry, attending industry-specific events, and absorbing the way professionals talk about their work. Just as you can't fully learn Spanish from a textbook without speaking to native speakers, you can't fully grasp industry jargon without hearing it used in its proper context.
It's not about having a passion for learning these terms; it's about meeting others where they are so you can build a connection. By speaking their language, you ensure that your ideas are heard, and you're not dismissed as an "outsider" before you even have the chance to contribute.
Conclusion
As you consider your next career move, remember that your technical skills are only part of the equation. The language you use to communicate those skills is just as important. By immersing yourself in the jargon of your target industry, you not only make yourself a more attractive candidate but also ease your transition into a new field. The ability to speak the language of your new industry fluently will open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
So, as you embark on your journey to explore new opportunities, remember to pack this crucial tool in your toolkit. It could make all the difference in how you are perceived and, ultimately, in the success of your transition. Don’t just learn the skills—learn the language. It’s the key to becoming not just a visitor in a new industry, but a true insider.
The 3D Artist Community Updates!
This week, we were thrilled to have Heather Brown joining us for an AMA! Heather is a Look Dev Lead at Weta and an accomplished Houdini workflow innovator with 20+ years in photorealistic fabric rendering. She’s an expert in optimizing workflows and bridging creative and technical priorities across animation, live-action, and post-production.
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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
Free 3D Tutorials on the Michael Tanzillo YouTube Channel
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Michael, I love your consistency in writing these articles! Also, I really enjoy seeing all of the banner images you create!