What's involved in being a 3D modeler?

I've always been into video games and animation, and I'm considering 3D modeling as a career path. What kind of tasks does a 3D modeler perform? Is it mostly creative work, or is there technical stuff too?

Being a 3D modeler involves a unique blend of both creative and technical skills.

On the creative side, you'll be responsible for interpreting blueprints, sketches, or concept art into functional models that could be used in films, video games, or animation. You'll need a good understanding of forms, shapes, and proportions, along with a keen eye for detail.

Now, onto the technical side. You'll typically work with 3D modeling software like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush to sculpt the objects. This process often involves creating and modifying points, or vertices, in virtual space to create a mesh, which forms the shape of the object.

You would also work on the texturing of the model, which involves overlaying 2D images onto your 3D models to provide color, texture, shininess, reflectiveness, and other properties. This is technically known as material and shader work. Once the model is textured, the next process is rigging, where a skeleton is created to enable the animation of the model.

Apart from modeling, textures, and rigging, you also need to understand the basics of lighting and rendering, to make sure your models look realistic or meet the desired style. The result is then exported in a format that's compatible with the platform where it's going to be used.

So in essence, while the initial design of a model might seem purely creative, the process includes far more specialized and technical skills than one would initially assume. It's a field that's engaging and rewarding, specifically for those who love both the artistic and technical aspects of the job.