The 3D Artist 2024 Year End Roundup
A look back at changes in our industry and this community
The State of the 3D Industry in 2024
As we look back at 2024, it’s clear that it’s been a unique year for the 3D industry. Here are some key highlights (and lowlights) from the year:
Layoffs and Slow Hiring Continue
The industry experienced another year where layoffs and slow hiring dominated headlines. For many, 2024 felt like a continuation of 2023, with companies reeling from streaming service missteps and overhiring during the Covid content “boom.” This trend has been especially tough for seasoned professionals who found themselves navigating career transitions amidst an unpredictable job market.
Even Pixar, the most stable job in the 3D industry for decades, laid off 14% of its staff this year, leaving many extremely talented industry vets looking for work.
Yet, while the layoffs and hiring freezes in entertainment persisted, other sectors showed promising signs of growth, offering new pathways for 3D professionals.
AI Unease with Little Upheaval
To date, the number one thing AI has been able to produce is anxiety. This is one of the industry's most frustrating aspects: an overwhelming flood of hype driven by AI influencers chasing clicks to monetize their content.
This anxiety has not transformed to a massive impact of AI on the industry.
In fact, we’ve seen very few concrete examples of the significant upheavals many had feared. Instead, AI has introduced minor optimizations to specific workflows and a rare example of the integration of generative AI (GenAI) tools within existing 3D applications. Here’s is
By and large, creating 3D content at the end of 2024 feels much the same as it did at the start of the year, with artists still driving the vision and execution.
3D Dominates at the Box Office
The entertainment industry’s reliance on 3D has remained steadfast. The top films of 2024 were either entirely computer-generated or heavily reliant on visual effects. These projects showcased the unshaken reliance on 3D artistry, pushing boundaries in storytelling and world-building. Here are the top-grossing films of 2024 (according to Box Office Mojo):
Inside Out 2 - $1,698,765,616
Deadpool & Wolverine - $1,338,073,645
Despicable Me 4 - $969,126,452
Moana 2 - $820,990,553
Dune: Part Two - $714,444,358
Wicked - $586,301,620
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - $571,750,016
Kung Fu Panda 4 - $547,689,492
Venom: The Last Dance - $475,463,774
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $451,100,435
Four of them are entirely 3D and all require massive amounts of 3D work to pull off.
Growth Outside Entertainment
There has been significant growth in 3D applications outside of traditional entertainment industries. Fields like product visualization, architecture, automotive design, and fashion have continued to embrace 3D tools.
The demand for digital twins—3D replicas of physical products—has steadily risen, highlighting 3D’s value in prototyping, marketing, and consumer engagement. For 3D artists, these emerging sectors offer exciting opportunities to diversify their careers and contribute to innovative advancements.
Looking Inward - The 3D Artist
As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on what an incredible journey this year has been for both this newsletter and the launch of the 3D Artist Community in April.
A year ago, this newsletter was supported by a small but dedicated group of readers, and the 3D Artist Community was just an idea waiting to take shape.
When I started both, there wasn’t a detailed roadmap—just a clear belief: being a 3D artist extends far beyond creating for entertainment. There’s a vast, untapped world of opportunities out there. Yet, so many companies needing 3D talent struggled to find artists. So many seasoned 3D professionals were searching for work without knowing what roles to look for or how to connect with the right opportunities. It felt like ships passing in the night.
Over time, however, the mission of our both became more clear. It’s not just about introductions or keeping up with tools or following trends—it’s about supporting you as you make a career transition. Supporting you through every career stage and creating pathways to new possibilities.
That direction has been coming into focus as we move into 2025.
While there are countless resources—like Animation Mentor, AnimSchool, The Academy of Animated Art, and The Rookies—designed to guide artists as they start their careers, there’s little available for those looking to pivot or redefine their path years into their journey.
What happens when you’re a decade into your career and feel stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what comes next? Or when industry upheavals like layoffs or technological changes leave you searching for a new direction?
That’s where this community and newsletter step in—to fill the gap and provide a supportive, knowledgeable space for seasoned professionals.
Whether you’re exploring new fields like product visualization, fashion design, or architectural visualization, or simply seeking guidance on leveraging your skills in different industries, the 3D Artist Community & Newsletter can help. It’s a place to share experiences, gain insights, and connect with like-minded professionals who are navigating the same challenges.
The Numbers
I’ve always wanted anything I’ve built to be as transparent as possible. I’ve posted articles with my salary over the years and even tack my personal email onto all of these newsletters.
So when people asked about the newsletter and the community's growth, I had no choice but to oblige :)
The 3D Artist Newsletter
Total Views: 182,787 (up from 51,109 at the end of 2023)
Subscribers: 2,164 (up from 841 at the end of 2023)
Paid Subscribers: 13 (up from 3 at the end of 2023)
Thank you all so much for your support!
Global Reach: Subscribers across the US (everywhere but the Dakotas…where you at FARGO!?!?) and in over 100 countries worldwide.
The 3D Artist Community
Total Members: 76
Engagement: Over 4,000 posts, comments, and interactions
Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR): $700
All funds, including software licenses, workshops, and career coaching, support the community.
AMA Sessions: 25 with industry leaders
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close the chapter on 2024, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism for both the 3D industry and our growing community. While challenges have marked the past year, the resilience and creativity of 3D professionals have stood out. The groundwork has been laid for significant growth and transformation, not just a bounceback in entertainment but across industries hungry for our unique skills.
On a smaller scale, I look forward to seeing this newsletter continue to inspire, inform, and connect 3D artists worldwide. Our community will work to be a beacon of support, guiding artists through the crossroads of their careers. From connecting seasoned professionals with emerging opportunities to fostering conversations about the evolving 3D landscape, we’ve shown what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose and determination.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your enthusiasm, insights, and camaraderie have made what I started what it is today.
The 3D Artist Community Updates
We are thrilled to have Angela Holm as our AMA guest in the 3DAC! Angela is a versatile 3D Swimwear Designer with expertise in creating assets for design and marketing. Skilled in 3D apparel design, photography, and graphic branding, she excels in problem-solving, streamlining processes, and managing projects under pressure. She is also one of the strongest leaders of the 3D Artist Community and we are thrilled to have a chance to get to know her journey a little more deeply.
3D Merch is here and we have a new hoodie!
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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