What Is 3D Design? And How to Get Started

In 3D design, you can transform images or concepts into three-dimensional objects. According to Verified Market Research, the 3D mapping and modelling market was valued at over 6.17 billion USD globally in 2023, and it’s likely to reach 22.31 billion USD by 2031 [1]. This growth may stem from more industries using 3D design to address business challenges. Whether you’re interested in a 3D design career or just want to try 3D designing on your own time, you can use this article to familiarise yourself with 3D design and explore possible career paths in this growing field.

What is 3D design?

3D design refers to using software to create a digital model of a three-dimensional shape or object. Organisations and professionals across industries use 3D design to communicate ideas, create products or customer experiences, teach concepts, and more. For example, dentists can X-ray a damaged tooth and produce a 3D model of a crown to repair it, whilst the film industry uses 3D design to previsualise scenes and execute special effects. 

3D design vs 3D modelling 

In your research, you may come across the term “3D modelling”. This concept is similar to 3D design in that both involve using software to envision three-dimensional objects. Definitions of these concepts may vary, depending on the brand, software, or company using 3D design or 3D modelling.

3D design involves the creation of a 3D object from scratch. It begins with a sketch or concept and includes the entirety of the process to completion. In contrast, 3D modelling focuses on building and fine-tuning the actual visual model of the object.

Types of 3D design 

You will come across many different types of 3D design, depending on the application and other factors. The type of 3D design that designers choose has to do with the desired outcome. Some design types work better for creating prototypes, for example, whilst others are best used in 3D printing. The list below outlines a few different types of 3D design you might use and how they differ from one another:

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has recently grown in popularity. It refers to the method of using a computer to create a 3D object, one layer of material at a time. Its use cases range from creating geometrically complicated parts in the aerospace industry to printing models of pop culture characters.

• Building information modelling (BIM) enables architects, engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals to collaborate on designing a building in 3D. BIM designs can include information about parts, materials, financials, logistics, and actionable steps.

• Product design involves creating new products or enhancing existing products through 3D conceptualisation, simulation, and design finalisation before the manufacturing process. 

• Visual effects (VFX) refers to altering, creating, or enhancing media for live-action imagery, especially when capturing live footage would be dangerous, costly, or impossible. 

• Virtual reality (VR) falls under the umbrella term “extended reality” (XR) and refers to creating immersive 3D experiences so that individuals, teams, and businesses can visualise concepts, collaborate, enjoy entertainment, and more.

• Generative design is the process of finding multiple design options based on a concept. You run your design ideas, requirements, and constraints through generative design software. Then the software produces representations of various design outcomes for you to peruse. 

• CAD/CAM refers to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Innovators, inventors, and machinists use CAD/CAM software to design and manufacture prototypes whilst expediting the process using automation. 

3D design software and project ideas 

3D design offers many opportunities to explore your creative and professional potential. Learn about some popular 3D design software programmes based on individual projects:

• 3D room design refers to the use of software to produce three-dimensional representations of fully functional interior spaces, such as homes, offices, restaurants, and event spaces. 3D interior design considers a space’s internal structure and dimensions. The goal is for furniture, lighting, decor, and other design elements to work together harmoniously. You can reimagine your entire living space or a specific room using 3D home design software such as Planner5D, HomeStyler, or RoomToDo. 

• 3D landscape design involves the use of software to create 3D visualisations of outdoor landscapes, including yards, gardens, parks, and professional exterior spaces. 3D landscape designers determine how plants, trees, shrubbery, furniture, walls, stones, walkways, and other elements will fit into an overall design. Try 3D landscape design with software such as VizTerra, SketchUp, and Plan-A-Garden.

• 3D molecular design uses software to create 3D representations of chemical or biological systems, such as chemical compounds or DNA chains. 3D molecular designs can be useful in classrooms to help learners visualise scientific concepts. These can translate to physical objects that learners can touch and hold, 3D graphics for use in educational videos, and more. Discover 3D molecular design with software like ChemDoodle or ChemSketch. 

• 3D logo design refers to rendering logos so that they have a three-dimensional appearance. Depending on the brand, having a 3D logo can make a memorable impression on a target audience by presenting a modern and dynamic look. If you want to create your own 3D logo, software such as SelfCAD, Canva, or Photoshop can help.

Careers in 3D design

If you’d like to work in 3D design, you have many career paths to consider. You can find 3D design jobs across multiple industries. From animation to architecture, IT to manufacturing, explore the many careers in 3D design before choosing a path to pursue. 

*Salary data was taken from Glassdoor in September 2024. Figures are for the UK and include the annual base pay and additional reported yearly wages. Additional wages may include commissions, bonuses, and profit sharing.

3D designer

Average annual salary: £31,378 

As a 3D designer, you’ll use software to create renderings of 3D objects, including models, animations, or physical products.

Video game designer 

Average annual salary: £36,605

In this role, you will use software to create 3D video game characters and settings.

3D printing technician 

Average annual salary: £30,631 

As a 3D printing technician, you prepare files for 3D printing and maintain equipment.

Graphic designer

Average annual salary: £28,199 

As a graphic designer working in 3D design, you’ll use software to create 3D concepts such as logos, product renderings, and illustrations.

3D animator 

Average annual salary: £33,418

In this role, you’ll create 3D animations for video games, films, or other applications.

Architectural designer 

Average annual salary: £42,377 

In the role of an architectural designer, you will use software to create plans for buildings and landscapes.

Web developer 

Average annual salary: £33,456 

In the role of a web developer, you may utilise software to incorporate 3D imagery and other elements into websites.

Building technician 

Average annual salary: £30,154 

A building technician drafts construction plans and blueprints using CAD software to support the work of engineers, architects, and surveyors on construction projects.

How to get started in 3D design

To pursue a career in 3D design, set a career goal and explore the ways to achieve that goal through education, training, networking, and more. Build a portfolio and search for the ideal 3D design job based on your interests, skills, and qualifications. If you’re ready to begin 3D designing but you’re not sure where to start, review the steps below to learn how. 

1. Clarify your 3D design goals.

What do you want to accomplish in 3D design and why? Having answers to these two fundamental questions can help you focus your efforts on the most important tasks. Consider these examples of goals to draw from: 

• Use 3D design technology to create art.

• Apply 3D design skills to your current career in another field. 

• Transition from your career in another field into 3D design. 

If your goal is to change careers or enhance your current career, search job listings on sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed to get a feel for the kinds of companies currently hiring as well as the industries with a high demand for 3D design professionals.

2. Explore 3D design paths. 

For both personal and professional 3D design goals, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with software which may suit your purposes. Use this list of paid and free 3D design software options if you don’t have a specific project in mind:

• Blender: open source software for modelling, animating, rendering, and more

• AutoCAD: 3D design software for architects, engineers, and construction planners 

• TinkerCAD: 3D design, electronics, and coding 

• Inventor: professional 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation 

• ZBrush: digital sculpting and painting 

• Maya: 3D animation and visual effects 

• Adobe Substance 3D: a collection of tools for seamless 3D design across devices 

3. Subscribe to 3D design brands, blogs, and resource hubs. 

Gaining access to 3D design resources can make it easier to navigate this vast field and get the most out of your 3D design journey. Look for brands that offer tips and best practices, industry news, and research reports, as well as highlights of the latest software. Check to see if you can subscribe to brands for free via email or follow them on social media. 

4. Connect with other 3D designers. 

In addition to subscribing to brands, you may find it useful to participate in 3D design communities through courses, boot camps, social media groups and forums, conferences, and networking events to connect with other 3D designers. Talk with other designers and view their work. Doing so can spark ideas for new projects, as well as introduce you to career and educational opportunities.

5. Take a 3D design course. 

A 3D design course can be a great way to build skills in a structured, supportive environment. When looking for courses, consider factors such as: 

• How the skills you’ll learn correspond to skills needed in today’s business landscape as well as your 3D design goals and interests

• The support forums, peer review groups, live events, and access to instructors that may contribute to your learning experience 

Online courses in 3D design

Consider these options to get you started on your search for an online course in 3D design:

• The 3D Printing Revolution from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: This self-paced online course is a great fit if you want to learn about 3D printing specifically. You’ll discover how 3D printers work and gain expertise from 3D printing experts through practical exercises.

• 3D Interaction Design in Virtual Reality from the University of London: If you’d like to pursue 3D video game design, this course can be an excellent starting point. It’s intermediate level, so consider taking the first two courses in this Specialization if you’re completely new to the field.

• Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with Python/Rhinoscript from the University of Michigan: This beginner-level, self-paced course serves as an introduction to design computing through programming. You’ll explore not only the output of geometries in still and animate forms but also basic coding in Python.

6. Complete 3D design projects. 

As you build skills and become more familiar with the resources and communities available to you, you may complete 3D design projects to discover the area of 3D design that best suits your interests. You may find that the more projects you complete, the more insight you gain into your true passions. 

7. Compile a 3D design portfolio. 

Whether you are pursuing 3D design for personal projects or career purposes, compiling a portfolio of your work can offer some benefits. With a portfolio, you may: 

• Track how your skills evolve over time as you complete more projects 

• Showcase your work to others who may want to hire or collaborate with you 

• Apply for scholarships or admission into 3D design educational programmes

Guided projects for aspiring 3D designers

If you want to start building a portfolio but still need to gain experience in the field, guided projects can be exceedingly helpful. You may consider these courses, which you can complete in just hours:

• SketchUp: How to Start Modelling Simple 3D Objects: In this online course, you’ll explore how to use modelling tools on SketchUp to model your own simple 3D objects.

• 3D CAD Application: If you have three-dimensional shapes in mind but don’t know how to express them, this course is for you. 3D modelling technology with SketchUp can help you create intuitive models, from basic to advanced levels. During this course, you’ll begin learning how to turn your imaginative ideas into 3D models using SketchUp’s step-by-step guidance.

Learn 3D design with Coursera

3D design allows you to transform a multitude of ideas and concepts into three-dimensional models. If you want to learn 3D design, getting started with an online course is a great way to better understand some of the concepts, elements, and basic fundamentals of this trend. Discover the many ways to use 3D design and the different careers you can pursue in the field. Online courses not only help you learn in-demand 3D design skills; these courses also add credibility to your CV and demonstrate your knowledge of 3D design. 

If you’d like to pursue video game design, for instance, you can consider enrolling in Game Design and Development 4: 3D Platformer, offered by Michigan State University and available on Coursera. In this course, you can explore various elements of game design and create your own 3D Platformer game. Enrol today.