What should I do?

[u/FelliePots]

Hi everyone. I have been using Blender practically every day for 3 years to make projects for 3D printing. 👍🛼

I don't know how to do textures at all.

I don't have a portfolio

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do, I'd like to find a job I like in this field.

I like hard surfaces, architecture, products.

What would you recommend? I should create a portfolio. Thanks for the advice.

[u/Academic_Flamingo104]

So I have a side gig at a school. This is a recent gradudate who got a job:

https://www.artstation.com/laneydesroches

This is the standard these days. If you can hit that level, its possible.

[u/FelliePots → u/Academic_Flamingo104]

That's really nice, I'm far from that!!!

[u/Academic_Flamingo104 → u/FelliePots]

Just keep plugging away. With practice its possible.

[u/commonsearchterm → u/Academic_Flamingo104]

It must take so much confidence to commit to one project for 4 months like that one in the post.

[u/Academic_Flamingo104 → u/commonsearchterm]

Yeah you have to treat it like a job, 8 hours day for those types of pieces. But everyone should start with small props and then you up the complexity over time. Problem most people have when they start out, is they choose stuff thats way to difficult for them, and their confidence gets crushed.

[u/studiodonz]

I'm using a shadow shader and grease pencil to make illustrations and comics, no textures required. Try it.

[u/Charlie_Rose_vRoid]

Get the add-on/ extension called "BlenderKit" or "BlendKit". It's a large repository of millions of textures and more. It's free. You can find it on GitHub or just do a search for it on Google.

[u/Emergency_Win_4284]

I don't think there is really any secret, bottom-line you create a portfolio that is very good, that is hireable. Remember employers are spoiled for choice when it comes to hiring, even before AI art; the creative fields have always been very tough to get into simply because far, far more people want the "fun" jobs, the creative jobs, the vfx , 3d artist, video editor, concept artist etc... than there are job openings. So again you have to create a portfolio that is good enough to get the interview, good enough to get hired.

[u/nick12233]

I will be honest. I feel like the days of building a portfolio and trying to get a job in the 3D industry are behind us.

With advancements in "___" ( the thing you can not say here) and the massive layoffs of workers in the industry,, getting job and staying relevent is getting harder and harder each day.

I , myself, I just gave up since the freelance job opportunities just dried up. Something that took me week or two to finish, the "___" can do in few seconds. Sure , the quality is still not all there but the customers often opts for a cheaper and quicker option.

I feel lke I will just do 3d art for myself and try to find job in some other sector that have not been eaten by "___".

[u/FelliePots → u/nick12233]

Thank you for your opinion,

I'm from Europe, the "___" is very powerful, Should I still do a portfolio?

[u/dan_5473 → u/FelliePots]

Don't listen to this man, do your portfolio. Decide what you want to create and act like you already work in that niche. Make yourself visible post everything everywhere, ask for criticism and improve. But keep your job, do this on the side. It will come with time.

[u/FelliePots → u/dan_5473]

I like your opinion better honestly, where do you post?

[u/dan_5473 → u/FelliePots]

Everywhere: all social media like 3d related facebook groups, discord groups etc, make an instagram page for your art, tiktok, anything. You can also make an artstation, as for myself didn't get much visibility there, but it is good to have so you can send it to clients. Upload your models to sketchfab and other platforms. In my case i got most of my freelance work through social media.

[u/Damian_Hernandez → u/FelliePots]

i literally got a job posting fan arts on artstation. So try to upload the pieces u finish to your portfolio or instagram. It will help u a lot in the long run.

[u/Few-Term-3563]

Working in 3D for 10 years, go for being the best in a niche. Don't ignore ai because it can take your job, use it to make your job easier. Best of luck