In the realm of artistic expression, few mediums have undergone as dramatic a transformation in recent years as 3D art. This captivating form of artistic expression has evolved from simple sculptures into a multifaceted and dynamic field that bridges the gap between technology and creativity.

3D art, also known as three-dimensional art, is a creative form that gives depth and volume to visual elements, making them appear as if they occupy space in the real world. Since computer-generated 3D modeling and animation became possible, digital artists have been creating stunning virtual worlds, characters, and objects that have depth and volume.

3D art has come a long way from its humble origins in ancient sculptures to its current role as a driving force in contemporary art. Its fusion of technology and creativity has unleashed a world of possibilities, allowing artists to shape and manipulate digital space in ways previously unimaginable. As technology continues to advance, so too will the boundaries of 3D art, pushing the envelope of what is possible in the realm of artistic expression.

So, whether you're an artist, an enthusiast, or simply curious, here’s your deep dive into the mesmerizing world of 3D art, its history, techniques, and its ever-expanding role in contemporary art.

Table of content:

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What is a 3D art?
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What is the difference between 2D digital art and 3D digital art?

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What does a 3D artist do?
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What does a 3D Motion Designer do? 
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How do people make 3D digital art?
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Which software is best for 3D modeling?
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Where is 3D art used?
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*3D art: Cozy bathroom + duckies by Oana Hinceanu*

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What is a 3D art?

3D art, short for three-dimensional art, is a form of artistic expression that utilizes three-dimensional space to create sculptures, objects, or digital renderings that possess depth and volume, making them appear as if they occupy physical space. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and mediums, from traditional sculpting with materials like clay, stone, or metal, to digital 3D modeling and animation using computer software.

This art form allows artists to transcend the constraints of two-dimensional surfaces, providing a tangible sense of depth, texture, and realism, and has found applications in various fields, including fine art, design, entertainment, and virtual reality.

What is digital 3D art?

Digital 3D art is a contemporary form of artistic expression that leverages digital technology to create three-dimensional visual compositions, animations, and virtual environments. Artists use specialized computer software and tools to model, sculpt, texture, light, and animate digital objects, characters, and landscapes, enabling them to craft intricate, immersive, and often fantastical creations that can be showcased in various media such as video games, films, virtual reality experiences, and digital art exhibitions.

3D motion art: Warm currents by Tripura, sound art by Lorenzo Saini

What is the difference between 2D digital art and 3D digital art?

The primary difference between 2D digital art and 3D digital art is that 2D digital art is created on a flat, two-dimensional surface, such as a digital canvas, and usually results in static images or illustrations. On the other hand, 3D digital art involves working in a three-dimensional virtual environment to create objects, characters, or scenes with depth and spatial realism, and is often used in interactive media, animation, and virtual reality applications as well as 3D stills.

What is an example of 3 dimensional art?

All of the images you see in this post are 3D artwork. Also, for your inspiration, here’s a list of 10 brilliant digital artists who create stunning 3D art.

*3D art: dd or Vishuda by Elizabeth Ricachi*

What does a 3D artist do?

A 3D artist builds 3D models of products, characters, sculptures, environments, and more. They use their ability to create photo realistic materials, lighting, and rendered images for the sake of art, or sometimes for brand marketing and advertisements.

What does a 3D Motion Designer do?

A 3D motion designer is a creative professional who specializes in combining 3D modeling, 3D sculpting, 3D Animation, and visual effects to produce dynamic, moving visuals. These 3D visuals can be for the sake of art, or for the use in various media such as film, television, advertising, and interactive experiences. They bring three-dimensional objects, characters, and environments to life, using software tools to design and animate, adding depth, realism, and motion to their creations.

3D motion designers play a crucial role in creating compelling visual content, from crafting eye-catching commercials and special effects in movies to developing immersive virtual reality environments, enhancing storytelling and engagement across diverse multimedia platforms.

3D motion design: ANXIETY by Renderfruit

How do people make 3D digital art?

Now let’s get to the fun part — how do you make 3D visual art? 3D artists employ a variety of techniques and tools to bring their visions to life. Here are some key components of the 3D art-making process:

3D Modeling: This is the foundational step where artists create 3D objects and characters using specialized software. They manipulate vertices, edges, and faces to sculpt their creations in digital space.

Texturing: Artists apply textures to their 3D models to give them realistic surfaces. This involves mapping 2D images onto the 3D objects to simulate materials like wood, metal, or skin.

Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in 3D art, as it affects how the objects appear in the virtual space. Artists can experiment with various lighting setups to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

Rendering: Rendering involves the process of turning a 3D model into a 2D image or animation. It's the final step in the creation process and can require significant computing power for complex scenes.

Animation: Some 3D artists specialize in animation, breathing life into their creations through movement. This is widely used in the gaming and film industries, creating lifelike characters and immersive environments.

3D art: Shades of Uniqueness: The Art of Imperfection by Kate Anomalit

Which software is best for 3D modeling?

Blender! Blender is a free and open source software, meaning that it keeps getting more user friendly and improves its features as the community uses it. If you’re looking to create 3D art for free, look no further — Blender is the most popular and multifaceted 3d art maker around.

Is Blender still free?

Yes, Blender is still and always will be free!

Is SketchUp free actually free?

Yes, SketchUp Free is really free! It’s arguably the simplest free 3D modeling software on the web, though Blender has more features.

Where is 3D art used?

3D art has made a significant impact on contemporary art in the recent years — artists now combine 3D elements with painting, sculpture, and even performance art to create innovative and boundary-pushing works.

3D art: The Spring by Cymoonv

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has enabled artists to immerse viewers in their 3D creations, offering an interactive and immersive experience. This has opened up new possibilities for storytelling and expression.

The entertainment industry, namely the gaming and film industries heavily rely on 3D art for creating realistic characters and environments. Blockbuster movies and popular video games showcase the incredible potential of this medium.

Digital fashion designers use 3D modeling to design virtual garments that defy the laws of physics and add movement to their creations to create compelling looks.

Finally, digital galleries — online platforms and virtual galleries have become spaces where 3D artists can showcase their work to a global audience, democratizing art in a digital age. For example, see the speculative 3D model of LACMA’s forthcoming building Peter Zumthor designed for the virtual exhibition CATALYST.