I graduated 10 years ago, as a Visual Artist at the NHTV (Game Design). Throughout the years I have worked at a large company (mainly in Sales), but I also helped their R&D, MarCom and Engineering departments with specific 3D questions.
I talked with an acquaintance about this a couple of days ago. She asked me what I do for work, and I tried to explain I make animations, renders, do a bit of Virtual Reality (when needed), and desktop publishing related tasks. She was surprised by the breadth of my skills. I shrugged and laughed, ‘I’m a 3D generalist.’
After switching jobs and then two months of unemployment in the beginning of 2024, I had to apply to jobs again. But for someone with my broad knowledge and skill set, it’s very difficult to find a job/company that both fits me and is willing to take a chance on me. Despite my proven ability to deliver high-quality work, traditional job descriptions limit my potential.
I suddenly had a whole range of jobs I could apply to: MarCom related jobs, Sales (Support), Technical Illustrator, R&D Engineer, or AutoCAD engineer. So many choices, but I still got turned down due to not fitting a specific box.
❌ I wasn’t a CAD engineer.
❌ I wasn’t a Marketeer.
❌ I wasn’t a Technical Illustrator.
However, I know lots of companies can profit from someone with a broad expertise like mine. I know my work can help people express complex ideas into tangible, easy to understand, visualizations. By using animations and renders, you can visually communicate and discuss design decisions for complex machines, systems or buildings.
This ultimately leads to:
✅ Less communication issues.
✅ Less meetings needed to discuss certain ideas.
✅ Less iteration time overall.
This speeds up the process so, so much, yet companies are still afraid to hire someone like me, because I don’t fit a specific box. And this can be very scary, and demotivating.
If you are in this situation, 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽. You have so many strengths! A 3D generalist can bring immense value to organizations, we just need to make them see it. So showcase that portfolio, make people aware of all the areas you can help in. Don’t be afraid of the title “(3D) generalist” or “(3D) jack of all trades”. Be proud of it, because we need more people with an adaptability and flexibility like you.
And my inbox is always open if you want to connect!
