3D modelling is an in-demand skill that is gaining popularity in many industries. This, however, does not mean that 3D is going to replace 2D graphics that have dominated most design magazines, websites, and multimedia because 2D is the fastest way for designers use to explore new ideas as well as communicate visually.
There are some things that 3D modelling can do which graphic design can’t achieve and hence the need to learn 3D modelling. Briefly, we’re going to look at the reasons graphic designers need to learn 3D modelling. But before we look at that, you might be new to 3D modelling and are probably wondering, what is 3D modelling?
What is 3D Modelling?
3D modelling is the process of creating 3D digital presentations using specialized software. The 3D digital presentation is usually called a 3D model. The 3D object contains the object’s shape, size, and texture. One can create an object using existing designs or from scratch.
3D modelling is applied in various sectors. For example, it’s applied in video games, architecture, engineering, illustrations, advertising, and in many other fields. 3D modelling has played a great role in helping graphic designers and other creative minds transform their ideas from 2D to realistic and lively 3D designs. Below, we have highlighted 8 key reasons why you need to learn 3D modelling as a graphic designer.
Reasons Graphic Designers Need to Consider Learning 3D Modelling
It gives Graphic designers the capability to Handle Different Multimedia Presentations.
Most professionals like CEOs, consultants, and even employees usually prefer to present their proposals or ideas through the use of graphics instead of documents because they are visually appealing.
Having 3D modelling skills will give you the capability to design interesting visuals ranging from infographics with appealing 3D objects, animated graphics, etc. which is hard with only graphic design.
3D Modelling Helps Improve Your Creativity Workflow.
Even though there are differences between 2D and 3D modelling, both still have some commonalities. Most of the awesome designs you see are usually produced through a combination of 2D and 3D modelling. For example, a single image can be created through a combination of hand-drawn sketches and 3D rendered parts.
Also, as you dig deeper into 3D modelling, you will have an understanding of different aspects of design like balance, hierarchy, texture, branding, and many others. Knowing how to use various design techniques as well as how to apply textures will help improve your graphic design skills.
Makes it Easy to Create 3D Elements.
You can easily create realistic and lively 3D elements that you can add in your graphics. Using graphic design to create most of the 3D elements usually requires a lot of work and takes much more time when compared to 3D modelling.
Getting customized 3D elements that will specifically suit your project is sometimes a challenge and one is usually forced to design them on their own from scratch. This demands that one should have 3D modelling skills. Graphic design skills alone can’t handle certain complex designs like logo strings. So, having 3D modelling skills can be a great advantage.
3D Modelling Can help you be Competitive in the Market.
When you have both 3D modelling and graphic design skills, you are ahead of people who only know graphic design. There are other fields also that not only require one to have graphic design skill, but also 3D modelling skill, an example is product design. Sometimes one is required to create product designs that are meant to show all the sides of the product and could be printed in 3D. This will only be possible with 3D modelling.
When you apply for such jobs, you will mostly likely be hired unlike someone who only has graphic design skills. Also, you will get to be in a position to hold hire design positions because you will be more skilled.
It helps expand your Mind as a Graphic Designer
Thinking in three dimensions will help you be more creative when you are only specialized in 2D. When you start learning 3D modelling it will be like you are learning a new instrument which you need a lot of practice and dedication to completely master. Continuous learning and practice while learning and perfecting in 3D will eventually help expand your mind as a graphic designer.
Additionally, 3D modelling usually involves having a “picture” of how the final design will look like even before you start the design process and this in the long run helps expand your mind.
It Brings Motion Graphics to Life.
Graphic designers usually help in preparing visuals and graphics used in motion graphics. Combining graphic and 3D modelling will make it easier to create lively motion graphics materials that are eye-catching. When one looks at most of the motion graphics from the outside, they usually look fancy, however, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. The programs that are mostly used in creating motion graphics are Adobe Photoshop which is used mostly for creating images, adding textures, and other tasks.
3D modelling can be used to replace Adobe Photoshop where you can use it to create intricate designs using the various 3D modelling tools like sculpting brushes, basic shapes, textures, and many others.
Once you are done preparing your 3D designs, you can then export to 2.5D animation programs like After Effects that you can use to create the motion graphics.
It Helps Enhance Human Experience.
Combining graphic design and 3D modelling skills allows you to convert boring content and information into interesting images and graphics. People usually don’t have the time to go through a lot of content in written form.
Creating interesting graphics and 3D designs using 3D modelling makes the message to be easily understood as it breaks down blocks of content into easily understandable and eye-pleasing graphics. They also help give a good first impression about your business or the business of your client.
How to Get Started in 3D Modelling?
Having looked at the 7 reasons why you need to learn 3D modelling as a graphic designer, you might be wondering, how can I get started? Just like any other skill, to master 3D modelling you need to do a lot of practice.
But before that, you need to choose a tool that you will be using. There are lots of 3D modelling software available that you can use, however, most of them are complex and many beginners get frustrated even before they are able to create anything. As a beginner, I would recommend using SelfCAD software. With this program, you can easily get started even without prior experience.
SelfCAD has a simple user interface and has a host of technical and organic features. You can use it to design and render really professional models. There are also interactive tutorials that you can use to learn 3D modelling.
Final Words.
We are glad you visited this page and learned a lot about how a demanding 3d skill can help graphic designers in their careers. Visit our other pages to learn more about animation and graphics.
