Find Your Rock
And Other Feedback from 3D Artists
Last week, I shared my thoughts on goal setting as we usher in 2025. Coming into the year, I had made a bold decision to not set goals. The idea of chasing outcomes—those inevitable cyclical victories that seemed to never satisfy—felt draining after two decades in this industry. But as the new year began to unfold, I realized I had been drawn into the goal-setting game again. But this time, I wanted to shift my focus. I wanted to learn how to love the process itself, not just the results.
The outcomes of our work, whether in 3D design, art, or business, are often fleeting. We finish a project, and then another one arrives—just like the last. We build portfolios, create, develop, and then, after a moment of satisfaction, we’re left facing the same blank page, the same empty canvas, and the cycle begins again. This endless loop can be discouraging, unless we find joy in the doing.
At the end of last week's article, I asked for advice on how others approach their goals. And you delivered—thank you. Some of the conversations have been especially thought-provoking, and I wanted to share some reflections that have been swirling around in my mind.
Find Your Rock
One email response pointed me to a recent episode of the Search Engine podcast. On that episode, Ira Glass—creator of NPR’s This American Life—reflected on his decades-long journey of doing work he genuinely loves. He pointed to the myth of Sisyphus, that ancient figure condemned to roll a boulder uphill forever, as an apt metaphor for the perpetual nature of creative labor. But then he flipped the script: What if Sisyphus actually enjoyed it?
For many of us, work can feel like an endless cycle of producing, iterating, and moving on. Yet if we can learn to derive genuine fulfillment from those repetitive tasks, we’ll have found our rock—the pursuit we don’t mind pushing forward, day after day.
Rather than chasing what you think you should do, hone in on tasks you’re willing to do repeatedly. A powerful formula is:
What you can do every day,
What others don’t like doing, and
What provides value to others.
When you find that combination, you’ll sustain your career and discover genuine satisfaction along the way. Learning to love the process—repetitive as it may be—ensures you can keep going, no matter how many hills stand before you.
The Talent Fallacy
“Do what comes naturally” might sound like wisdom, but talent isn’t always just innate ability. It’s often born from obsession. If you have the drive to tinker, experiment, and refine your craft for hours on end because you want to get better, you’ll see real progress.
I knew a brilliant presenter with every skill needed for a public-facing role—except the desire to do it. Despite being “talented,” she burned out because she loathed presenting. Her experience taught me that just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you’ll love doing it. True sustainability often comes from embracing a process that inspires you to keep honing your skills, rather than merely banking on natural gifts.
Embrace Evolution
Another excellent message from a subscriber…
We’re not locked into the same interests forever.
Just because something lit you up at 25 doesn’t mean it will remain your passion at 35—or 55. You’ve changed. That doesn’t erase the value of your earlier choices; it simply means you are not the same person you were when you made that decision.
Give yourself permission to shift gears when your obsessions change. Don’t cling to a past identity out of fear or habit. Sometimes, the best growth happens when we acknowledge that we’re no longer the person we used to be—and that’s perfectly okay. The sooner we allow ourselves to evolve, the sooner we discover new passions and continue to grow and develop.
Delegate to Elevate
A freelancer friend of mine realized they were burning out by handling everything—client outreach, social media, finances. Their goal for the year was to pinpoint their weakest tasks and delegate them, freeing up energy for the projects they truly excel at.
His advice…When you feel overwhelmed, flip the question. Instead of asking, “What do I want to do?” try, “What do I not want to do?” That perspective shift can clarify which tasks are essential for you to keep—and which ones are better passed off. You don’t have to shoulder every part of a project alone, and sometimes sharing the load is exactly what you need to keep your own creativity alive.
Tangible Growth in an Intangible World
For those transitioning from “on the box” work to a leadership role, it can feel disorienting. As an artist, you can scroll through your portfolio and see concrete evidence of your progress. When you become a leader, however, results are often less visible.
That’s why journaling, blogging, (or even writing a 3D Artist Newsletter you never expected anyone to actually read) can help. If you can’t point to a sculpt or film or garment as your accomplishment, you can still chart your journey with words, stories, and reflections. This personal archive might look different from a portfolio of finished artworks, but it’s just as valuable—providing tangible markers of your growth and impact.
Conclusion
Thank you to all that provide
isn’t only about hitting benchmarks or achieving milestones. It’s about finding that sweet spot in the grind—the rock you’re willing to push day after day. Don’t be afraid to evolve, share responsibilities, or celebrate less visible wins. When you embrace the process, accept the inevitability of change, and focus on what truly moves you, you’ll find purpose and joy in the journey. Enjoy the dance.
The 3D Artist Community Updates
This week, we are thrilled to be joined by Afsha Iragorri!
Afsha is the Head of 3D Technical Design and co-founder at 3D Fashion Solutions, an end-to-end service company focused on digital product creation. Prior to 3DFS, Afsha worked on 3D and tech design teams at Coldwater Creek, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Browzwear.
https://3dfashionsolutions.com/
3D Merch is here and we have a new hoodie!
3D News of the Week
Breakdown: Color-Changing Sequins Shader Made With Substance 3D - 80.lv
Stratasys targets fashion sustainability with new Direct-to-Garment 3D printing technology - 3D Printing Industry
SuperSpat 1.13 plays back animated ‘4D Gaussian Splats’ - CG Channel
‘Sausage Party’ Director Conrad Vernon And ‘Game Of Thrones’ Creator George R.R. Martin Join Bizaar, A New Adult Animation Studio - Cartoon Brew
How ‘Wicked’ Made Its Army of Monkeys Fly Like a Convocation of Eagles - Indie Wire
3D Tutorial
3D Job Spreadsheet
Link to Google Doc With A TON of Jobs in Animation (not operated by me)
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
Thanks for reading The 3D Artist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. All views and opinions are my own!