The Insider's Guide to Applying for 3D Artist Positions on LinkedIn
Breaking down the process of applying for 3D Jobs on LinkedIn
I recently shared a Lighting Artist/Generalist job opening at NVidia on LinkedIn, which pays between $148,000/year to $276,000/year and looks rad. The response I got was fascinating, so I want to address some questions from the comments and my DMs.
Topic #1 - Is that salary real?
Yes, it's real. This is a typical salary range for 3D Artists at large US tech companies. It's often a combination of base pay, stocks, and bonuses, but it usually adds up to a six-figure income. Tech companies generally pay better than US-based production companies and significantly more than production companies outside the US.
If this sounds up your alley and you would like to target a 3D Artist job in tech…keep reading :)
Topic #2 - They say they want 8 years of experience but it’s also entry-level? How does that work?
Eh…honestly…it doesn’t.
Job postings can be put together by different people or copied from previous ones and details can get mixed up. They often contain contradictory information so don’t get tripped up by inconsistencies. Focus on the overall job description and don't get too caught up in minor details.
Topic #3 - A job requirement says I need to know V-Ray, Redshift, Omniverse, Nuke, UE4/Unity…what if I don’t know all those? Should I still apply?
Absolutely! No one meets all the criteria on a job application. Those requirements are often a wishlist from the employer, and some are essential, while others are nice-to-haves. Don't disqualify yourself; apply and see where it leads. This is especially crucial for female, non-binary, or people of color candidates, as they tend to hold back from applying when they don't meet all the requirements.
As a former boss once told me…
“If you post a job with requirements, a female candidate will look at it and say ‘Oh…I’m only qualified for 90% of those requirements. I won’t apply.’ While a white dude will be like ‘Hey…I can do 2 of these 10 things. This job is perfect for me!”
In short, don’t eliminate yourself from consideration. Apply and see where it goes.
Topic #4 - How should I apply?
Great, you've decided to apply! Instead of just sending your application and waiting, put on a disguise because you have some sleuthing to do! First, check the company's LinkedIn page to see if you have any connections there. If you do, reach out to them to inquire about the position's status, the hiring manager, or any additional information not publicly available.
If you don't have any connections at the company, dig around to find a recruiter from the company on LinkedIn. Reach out to them politely and ask if you can speak with the recruiter handling the hiring process. Once you make contact, you can inquire about the position's availability and any other questions you might have, with the aim of potentially securing an interview.
The key is to move beyond the application stage and connect with a real person. Whether it's a phone call, Zoom meeting, or an in-person interview, showing your personality and passion can make a significant difference in the hiring process. For more advice on interviews, check out my write-up on interviewing techniques.
Topic #5 - They said they went in a different direction, what should I do now?
If you've met with them and been informed that you didn't get the job, don't be discouraged; this is the second-best outcome! These kinds of positions often have fierce competition, with numerous applicants vying for a single role. However, what can set you apart in the future is maintaining a connection with the recruiter or hiring manager.
Think about it from their perspective: they know they can only choose one candidate out of many strong contenders. If you're one of the strong candidates, they still want to help you. They might know of opportunities at other companies or foresee openings on their team in the future.
It might not happen immediately; it could be months or longer but play the long game. Maintain a professional relationship with them. If you come across an article that might interest them, share it. If you discover some artwork that relates to something you discussed during your interview, send it to them.
***EDIT → The great Ilan Gabai messaged me a fantastic bit of advice after this article initially posted:
Always ask if you can get some feedback that would help make you a stronger candidate in the future! It’s a great opportunity to learn where you fell short, and also shows the recruiter that you are the kind of person that is looking to improve, not just land a job.
Keep in mind that landing your dream job at your ideal company can sometimes take years. So, nurture these relationships, and you'll be in an excellent position when the next job opportunity arises.
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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 The3DArtist.Community and this newsletter.
www.michaeltanzillo.com
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