How to Get a 3D Job That Doesn’t Exist Yet
Why 3D artists should stop waiting for job listings and start creating demand
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how 3D is finally finding its place in a generative AI world. Specifically, I talked about how companies are starting to realize the power of combining Digital Twins with Generative AI to create images and videos at the speed of business—without sacrificing consistency or accuracy.
The response to those articles was amazing. I received messages from people asking, “Okay, I’m in. What now? What jobs should I look for? Which companies are doing this?”
So let me answer that.
Not really. And that’s because most companies are still figuring this out. Their 3D workflows are either extremely early in the process or nonexistent. You might find one or two artists inside a company experimenting with it—but most of the time, companies don’t even know where to begin.
But they know they need this. They’re realizing that 3D + GenAI is the answer to scaling creative production while maintaining product truth. And they’re going to start looking. They’ll search LinkedIn. They'll browse portfolios. They’ll see a post and think, Wait a second—this is exactly what we’re trying to do.
If you want to get hired for a job that doesn’t technically exist yet—you can. You just have to flip the old job-hunting model on its head. You can’t wait around for the job listing to appear. You have to when they realize they need to evolve.
That means stepping into the mindset of a innovator. It means working ahead of the curve, not behind it. You’re not waiting for permission to start—you’re starting now and making yourself undeniable.
What Specifically Would I Recommend Someone Do?
1. Define Your Focus
Pick a product category you care about and start building those products. Pick something you enjoy and can stare at all day. And start making it and sharing your work-in-progress often.
Why? Because you don’t need permission to start doing this public outreach. If you're working on your fake brand, there's no NDA. You can share every part of the process. You're free to create a lot of content and make yourself visible.
And here's the secret: Visibility is opportunity.
The job you're aiming for doesn't have a name yet. So instead of applying for it,
Even better? Create content that inspires the job title itself. When people see your work, they should think, *We didn’t even this was possible! *
2. Build in Public
After you start building work, post about it regularly. Show the final image and the process behind it. Not in a dry, overly technical way—but in a clear, engaging way that even a non-3D person could understand.
You want to become the expert in your niche. That means being transparent, approachable, and prolific. You want someone at a company to find your work and say: “We need this. And we need this person.”
Remember:
If you show them results and show that you have a repeatable, understandable workflow—that’s when they reach out.
This is how you get hired before the job has a title.
Consistency here is key. People need to see that you're not a one-hit wonder. They need to know you can do this over and over again—and that you're only getting better at it.
Over time, your posts become a library of proof. A living, breathing portfolio that works for you while you sleep.
3. Communicate for Everyone
Don’t get bogged down in the tech. No one outside of 3D knows what a UDIM is. Don’t lead with your UVs or subsurface scattering strategy.
Instead, talk about what you made, why you made it, and what it helps achieve. Use everyday language. If your mom could scroll through your post and go, “Oh wow, that’s cool,” you’re doing it right.
Someone who nails this is Patrick Foley, aka Patrick 4D. If you haven’t seen his work, go look. He makes some of the most beautiful food renders I’ve ever seen. But more importantly, his presentation is crystal clear, fun, and engaging. He uses food metaphors, shows the process without over-explaining it, and makes the whole thing feel effortless. And that makes him memorable. Trustworthy. Hireable.
Even his website is brilliant—it’s structured like a restaurant menu. Do you want to "meet the chef"? Browse the "menu"? Place an "order"? It’s instantly relatable and completely disarming. That’s the power of communicating with clarity and charm.
Patrick 4D
And that’s exactly what Patrick Foley, aka Patrick 4D, does so well.
He’s built a personal brand around high-end 3D food renders—but more importantly, he makes his work approachable. His posts are fun. His process is transparent. His visuals are stunning. And his website? It reads like a restaurant menu: "Meet the chef," "Browse the menu," "Place an order."
He hits every step I’ve outlined:
He picked a niche (food)
He creates jaw-dropping content and shares it consistently
He shows his process in simple, engaging ways
He communicates in language anyone can understand
That’s how you get hired before the job even exists. (Side Bar - We are bringing Patrick in for an AMA in The 3D Artist Community in a few weeks. Pumped for that one!)
Let’s wrap it up:
This space—3D + Generative AI + Digital Twins—is still being defined. That means it doesn’t follow the old rules. You’re not applying for jobs that already exist. You’re creating value in public, and letting companies come to you.
That’s the flow:
Content → Audience → Trust → Opportunity
When you create consistently, demonstrate results, and communicate clearly, you’re not chasing job openings anymore—you’re building your own opportunities.
You’re not waiting for the future to arrive.
And the moment you get in the door—whether freelance or full-time—you’re positioned to build. You’ll be the one defining the pipeline. You’ll be the one building the team. You’ll be the one companies look to as a leader in this space.
Because you didn’t wait for the job to appear.
You were already doing the job before it had a name.
This is the beauty of working inside an emerging technology. Every step forward you take now compounds. It builds your authority, your momentum, and your visibility. And when the rest of the industry catches up, you won’t be scrambling to get in the room—you’ll already be sitting at the table.
Want to talk more about it? Come join the 3D Artist Community—and don’t miss the upcoming AMA with Patrick Foley. You’ll see exactly how someone is doing this, and doing it well.
The 3D Artist Community Updates
Let’s get ready for an AMA with the great Sir Wade Neistadt!!
Sir Wade is a distinguished character animator, educator, and content creator dedicated to making animation more accessible to aspiring and professional artists. As a mentor and instructor for the Unreal Animation Fellowship, he offers expertise in animation, visual effects, motion graphics, training, and video production.
Sir Wade shares educational content on his YouTube channel to demystify animation techniques and workflows. His videos cover various topics, including animation challenges, professional insights, and software tutorials.
Beyond his online presence, Sir Wade actively engages with the animation community through workshops and tutorials. Notably, he has provided tutorials on integrating Maya with Unreal Engine using the Live Link plug-in, offering practical guidance to fellow animators.
Sir Wade's multifaceted contributions have established him as a respected figure in the animation industry, inspiring and educating a global audience through his dedication and passion for the craft.
3D Merch is here and we have a new hoodie!
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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
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