Navigating my career path - Part 2 (3D Animation & VFX)

Part 2 - 3D Animation & VFX

I loved my first design job. It was exciting to create web experiences using colors, shapes, and fonts. There were many options to explore for every page or feature. It was fun and satisfying. Other designers on the team helped me improve my skills. They had training in fine arts and digital design. I learned to use design tools effectively and approach design artistically (like visual balance and color theory). They were my first mentors, and I'm grateful to have had them.

A three dimensional dream

A few months later, the company hired a new creative director to lead the 3D team and boost its gaming and animation efforts. He and his team achieved impressive results with 'Lightwave,' a popular 3D tool like 3D Studio Max. They were developing a new 3D game, and the characters and world they built inspired my interest in 3D modeling and animation. I joined them, learned the 3D software, and began creating simple objects and scenes.

After a few years, Indus Media was affected by the market and laid off employees. I stayed with the founders to help them since they gave me my first design job. However, due to the economic crisis, I had to leave. I then joined the founding members of the design team at Indus Media, who started a new design studio in Bangalore. I’m grateful to be part of this team that inspired and mentored me early in my career. The creative director excels in 3D work and encouraged me to learn quickly. I rapidly picked up skills in modeling, rigging, lighting, texturing, and animation. As a startup, we handled various projects, including 3D, web, and print.

My passion for 3D projects has grown as I see my ideas come to life. I've worked on ads, games, e-learning, and medical animations. These ads involved 3D character animations, visual effects, and editing. My 3D portfolio and career goals have expanded, leading me to switch from web design to 3D. I dream of joining Pixar, ILM, or Disney one day. That dream didn’t last long because I faced financial difficulties. I enjoyed working in 3D, but it didn't pay enough.

Change gears and accelerate

So I need to stick to what is evergreen and sustainable in the ever-evolving design field so I can continue to provide consistent financial support for my family and ensure their well-being. So what I thought is sustainable that time is… Web or UI design.

The term UX didn't exist back then in India. Though my 3D career ended sadly, the skills I gained still benefit me today. For example, video editing, After Effects, and principles of animation like easing in/out and secondary action. I use these principles in motion design and project prototypes, enhancing the visual storytelling in my work.

New perspective. New clarity.

Ok, now I have identified my primary focus area, which is Web and UI Design. However, without even fully realizing it, I was also thinking deeply about the importance of User Experience as a crucial aspect of my work.

UX has profoundly defined the trajectory of my career journey from the very beginning.