🎨 Beginner's Guide to Understanding CG & 3D Artist Roles

 If you are new to the digital art world, the job titles can be confusing. Whether you are applying to work on movies, commercials, or video games, here is a breakdown of common roles in the industry and what you should know before saying "yes" to a position.

Job Title	What It Means	Key Responsibilities	What You Should Know or Learn
3D Artist	A person who works only with 3D objects and scenes	- Create 3D models (props, characters, environments) - Add textures and materials - Prepare for animation or game engine	- Modeling tools (Maya, Blender, ZBrush) - UV mapping - Basic texturing and lighting
CG Artist	A person who creates computer-generated images (can be 2D or 3D)	- Create images using 3D and 2D tools - Work on lighting, rendering, and sometimes compositing - Often finish full shots for commercials or films	- 3D software (Maya, Houdini) - Rendering skills - Understanding of image composition and lighting
3D Generalist	A 3D artist who can do many tasks in the 3D pipeline	- Model, texture, light, and sometimes animate - Help teams in many stages of production - Work alone or with small teams	- Flexibility across modeling, shading, lighting - Know multiple tools - Good problem-solving
CG Generalist	A flexible artist who works in both 2D and 3D tasks	- Create and finish entire shots - Track cameras, light, render, prepare for final comp - Used often in small VFX or commercial studios	- Know both 3D and some 2D tools (like Nuke) - Be confident in delivering full shots - Understand production timelines
Lighting Artist	A person who sets up and controls light in a 3D scene	- Make sure the lighting looks natural or stylized - Match lighting to live-action shots or design mood - Work closely with look development and rendering	- Know lighting tools and renderers (Arnold, Redshift) - Understand color, shadows, and storytelling
Compositing Artist	A person who combines rendered 3D images and live footage into one final image	- Take rendered layers and make the final image - Adjust color, fix problems, add effects - Make sure the shot looks real and clean	- Learn tools like Nuke or After Effects - Understand how to work with render passes - Good eye for detail

📝 A Note Before You Start: 

Now, as of 2023, everyone is a generalist. You may have a strong skill in one area like modeling, lighting, or texturing but you will still need to brush up on everything else. Studios now expect artists to be flexible and willing to wear multiple hats. But here is the real secret: The strongest skill you can develop is communication (how you interact with your team, how you receive feedback, and how well you manage your time). These are the traits that set professionals apart. Don’t be afraid to take on more than you think you can handle. The best teams look out for each other, and you will grow fast by being open, honest, and willing to learn on the job.

🧠 Final Tips for Beginners: 

• If the role is called “Generalist”, expect to do a variety of tasks. 
•  If it is called “3D Artist”, your work will focus more on creating models and assets. 
•  If it is called “CG Artist”, you may be working on final images or complete shots, often with both 2D and 3D tasks.
•  Always ask what tools and tasks are expected before starting the job. If you're not confident in one area, practice and build small projects that show your range.