SXSW for 3D Artists
A Recap of My First SXSW!
I have been to Austin countless times since my brother moved there over 20 years ago, but I have never once attended SXSW. Each year, I experience FOMO and vow to make it the next, but somehow, plans fall through, perpetuating this cycle.
But not this year! My incredible job on the Adobe/Substance 3D team finally enabled me to attend and gather insights I'm eager to share.
The Thought Leaders Conference
SXSW stands out from specialized conferences like GDC or Siggraph by encompassing a diverse range of topics. It delves into the future of immersive media, the creation of an inclusive metaverse, and ways to enhance workplace happiness. The breadth of discussions at SXSW attracts not just users but also pioneers and influencers in the 3D domain.
Typical statements at more focused conferences might include a software company unveiling their latest release or an artist sharing their creation process. However, SXSW broadens the scope, asking questions about the future of immersive media, the development of a more inclusive metaverse, and strategies for finding joy at work, topics I plan to explore further in an upcoming newsletter.
This broad approach draws a unique crowd, including founders and thought leaders in 3D technology. With many giving presentations or participating in panel discussions, SXSW offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and learning, as these experts spend the rest of the week mingling with attendees, facilitating meaningful connections.
Opportunities for 3D Artists Outside Entertainment
For those impacted by the VFX/Animation/Gaming layoffs, this is a great conference to be reminded about the larger opportunites out there. There is so much interest and expansion of 3D in the worlds of fashion, apparel, footwear, and other general product companies.
The problem is that the job titles are different. So you may be searching for "Material Artist" positions and completely miss an amazing opportunity as a "CMF Designer." (CMF stands for color, material, and finishing)
The great Alwyn Hunt put together this list of job titles, so I wanted to share it. Using these terms when searching might allow you to uncover some fantastic opportunities!
FASHION / LUXURY
Head of Design Visualization
3D Generalist
Digital Designer
CMF Designer
Design Director
Lead/Designer
Senior Designer
3D Lead
CGI Lead
Digital Artist
APPAREL
3D Fashion Designer/Expert
3D Virtualization & Digital Creation
3D Designer
3D Generalist
3D Technical Designer (with garment construction, pattern making and fit knowledge too!)
3D Digital Creation
FOOTWEAR
3D Footwear Designer
3D Fashion Designer
3D Virtualization & Digital Creation
3D Designer
3D Generalist
3D Digital Modeler / CAD Modeler
RETAIL / CPG
3D Artist
3D Technical Artist
3D Pipeline Engineer
3D Artistic Director
3D Generalist
3D Manager
3D Visualization Design Expert
3D Tech Lead AR/VR Product Manager
Innovation Director
Creating Immersive Experiences without Learning Unity
“I want to create an app for the Apple Vision Pro but I don’t want to learn Unity.”I heard versions of this statement many times throughout the week.
There's a demand for tools that offer a middle ground—easy to use, collaborative, with enough functionality for most needs, simplifying the creation process for those exploring this new medium. Some tools have already launched like Bezi (below) and JigSpace, but more could be on the way.
A tool that enables users to import 3D models, create an engaging spatial experience with interactive elements, and seamlessly integrate it with the Apple Vision Pro. It should feature a user-friendly interface, offering intermediate functionality capable of achieving most common tasks. Essentially, a straightforward and efficient process designed to empower creators to experiment with this emerging medium.
The Democratization of 3D
When we look at the bigger picture, the underlying message is clear: people are seeking ways to seamlessly incorporate 3D technology into their existing workflows. The emergence of straightforward 3D tools like Womp and Spline.io is just the beginning, indicating a trend towards greater simplicity. I predict this movement towards easier-to-use 3D technology will only accelerate, making it more accessible and integrated into various professional and creative processes.
Spatial Hardware is Starting to Subcategorize
The evolving landscape of spatial hardware is becoming increasingly nuanced, with each product catering to specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Discussions with seasoned professionals in these technologies reveal the distinct roles and advantages of devices like the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and Magic Leap 2, suggesting a future where diversity in hardware is a given. Here's a breakdown of their specialized uses:
Meta Quest 3: Designed as a standalone VR gaming headset, it doesn't require integration with other devices, making it ideal for immersive gaming experiences without external hardware.
Apple Vision Pro: This passthrough VR headset is geared towards professional use, enhancing work-related tasks and workflows. It operates independently but is designed to complement, not replace, your other devices in the Apple ecosystem, offering developers opportunities to create applications that extend current functionalities.
Magic Leap 2: Focused on AR, these glasses overlay digital information onto the real world. A significant advantage is their ability to continue functioning without power, avoiding the blackout risk associated with VR headsets. This feature is crucial for applications where losing visual input could pose safety risks, such as in surgery, construction, or while operating vehicles.
The Magic Leap 2
This indicates a movement and shift in my head away from seeking a universal headset solution and toward recognizing the value of specialized devices tailored to different applications and industries.
Decentralized Layout
For those familiar with GDC or Siggraph, the experience is characterized by a sprawling convention center, packed with booths and bustling with activity. Within this space, lecture halls host various presentations and discussions, but the epicenter of the event is undeniably the expansive exhibit floor. This centralized layout concentrates all the action and interaction in a single, overwhelming location.
SXSW's decentralized format, with events spread across various venues in Austin, contrasts with the centralized nature of conferences like GDC or Siggraph. This setup promotes engagement with the city and improves attendees' overall experience by providing a break from the conventional conference environment.
iPhone Bump To Share Contacts
Did you know you could share your contact info by tapping iPhones together? People were doing this and it made me feel old not knowing it!
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Conclusion
There's more to share about my SXSW experience, particularly on finding job satisfaction, which I'll delve into in my next newsletter. Stay tuned for more insights.
Join The Spatial Explores Community
Join The Spatial Explorers, a dynamic community for artists and enthusiasts passionate about immersive storytelling. We specialize in creating 3D content for headsets like Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. This is a space for collaboration, learning, and growth in the realm of augmented reality. Dive into the future of immersive storytelling with us!!
3D News of the Week
Epic details new Unreal Engine pricing plan for non-game developers - The Verge
'Zone of Interest' VFX reel - Twitter
Turn Any 2D Image Into 3D Model In One Click With This Blender Add-On - 80.lv
Nikon buys cinema camera maker RED - Tech Crunch
Live preview of a Blender scene with the Vision Pro - Twitter
3D Merch is here!
Click here to Get Your 3D Artist Swag!
3D Tutorials
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 The3DArtist.Community and this newsletter.
www.michaeltanzillo.com
Free 3D Tutorials on the Michael Tanzillo YouTube Channel
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