Despite the highly technological era we live in, 2D designs are still seen everywhere: sketches, drawings, websites, and magazines. It may lead creatives to the thought that studying 3D printing may be useless, but it’s far from the truth. But let’s look at it from a different point of view! Knowing how to model this technique may be helpful to broaden your professional horizons, and here you will find the precise reasons why you should do it.
3D printing requires a good device that will support all the needed programs. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, have a look at the article that covers the best and pick the one that suits your exact goals.
Studying 3D can teach you more about the shapes
If the struggle of defining the final shape while working in 2D is common for you, learning 3D may become the key to overcoming it. Especially for some complex geometry.
Getting into 3D modeling allows you to have more control over your design. You can rotate the object and check if any details like interferences or intersections between volumes need fixing. It leads to a better understanding of how geometrical shapes work in general and more precise results for the final results. It will help to get rid of all the unexpected issues that may happen when you use 2D techniques only.
Deepen your knowledge of design vocabulary
2D is a common technique for graphic designers but once you discover 3D print you’ll see how limited you were. Many design features and shape types are too hard to represent without 3D, so getting into it will help you to expand your artistic borders.
The trendy parametric design that helps craft complex geometrical shapes and patterns proves the point perfectly. However, it is an algorithm-driven process. Having 3D print skills you’ll be able to work in this field without it! Many big companies with tight deadlines choose to work with parametric design, but nothing will replace the human touch in graphic design, so you’ll be able to find the job easily.
You can get more realistic, detailed designs knowing the basics of 3D print
Being able to evaluate your design before you actually start to build the prototype is a useful skill. As it provides you with a more detailed image, the results will be more realistic.
Nowadays it may be hard to find companies that still use physical models while crafting the product. With the trend of transferring all the creative processes in digital format to save as much time and money as possible, it is important to know how to check everything on your device. This way you may know in advance if the product’s dimensions will meet all the engineering requirements.
Shows new creative opportunities
3D can be just an additional tool for your workflow! There is no need to use strictly 2D or 3D techniques in one project. On the contrary, when you mix them together that’s where their real power will bloom. It will give a boost to your graphic design works and will lead to the results you couldn’t think of using just one method.
Let’s take a brand new design sketch as an example of combining both 2D and 3D in one artwork. You can use the basics of 3D techniques for figuring out the perfect shading, perspective lines and basic dimensions. It will turn your hand-drawn sketches into realistic images.
Helps you to communicate better with other designers on your team
Communicating is the backbone of any team (especially a creative one). Of course, you need to know how to express your design ideas with sketches and drawings, but knowing 3D model techniques will bring you to another level.
If you work with CAS (Computer Aided Styling) specialists, physical modelers or engineers daily, learning the 3D techniques and being familiar with the software will help you to communicate with your colleagues better. With this skill, the productivity of your team will significantly improve. This shows that you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of communication and that taking your time to learn new things will be worth it.
Everyone can find something interesting for themselves
The numerous 3D techniques are so diverse that everyone can find something that will be interesting for them: polygonal modeling, digital sculpting, NURBS modeling, algorithm modeling, SubD modeling, feature-based solid modeling, and many others. You can also combine several of them and get really deep into studying!
Though such a huge variety provides you with choice and allows you to find something suiting to your way of working, it can also make the decision difficult. So, to be sure you picked the right path, you can try studying the basics of all the techniques. Even if you stop after that, the knowledge you got may help you one day!
Huge choice of 3D apps
Just like you can choose among many 3D techniques, you can also pick software that will be convenient for you. There are plenty of affordable apps for both beginners and experts. If you are a design student you’re even luckier as you can run into some good discounts, so use this privilege!
The most common apps the 3D designers use are Blender, Wings 3D and Bforartists. They are compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux. You can also choose browser-based software, such as Clara.io, Vectary and Tinkercad.
Easy to self-learn with many online resources available
3D printing sounds like a difficult topic to learn. Not gonna lie, it’s not easy, but the great news is it’s not as hard as it could be! With its growing popularity, more and more online courses and tutorials covering 3D techniques appear.
You can find the ones for absolute beginners, where you will learn the basics in a friendly way. But keep in mind the importance of your first lessons — the knowledge you’ll get will become the foundation of everything you’ll learn next. So, think about investing in some good trustworthy resources where the instructor helps you individually in case you have any questions.
The ability to open new opportunities
Let’s be honest — the majority of knowledge and skills we get are motivated by new job opportunities and the will to make more money. That’s totally fine, no one judges you for that! And if it’s exactly your purpose, 3D printing is a great thing to learn.
Many design studios and companies are looking for graphic designers who know how to work with 3D software. This skill will increase your chances of getting a well-paid job. You can also be more flexible as a specialist if you can work in several fields, for example, implement your 3D knowledge into your 2D works. And as a freelance designer, you can expand the scope of your projects.
The results of studying can be rewarding
It’s hard to overestimate the creative satisfaction you’ll get when you start seeing how realistic your designs will look once you apply your new knowledge to them. It is a rewarding, addictive feeling that will inspire you to conquer new artistic heights!
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