What is an Environment Artist?

What is an Environment Artist?

An Environment Artist is an artist who will create the foundation, walls, setting,furnitureand mood for any scene required in 3D. An Environment Artist will typically build off a "white box" - a very basic layout of a level as designated by alevel designer, however, some multifaceted environment artists may be able to do this themselves. From here, it will evolve into a "grey box", a more detailed layout, with shapes offurnitureand key items outlined, as well as the structure of the walls. This will slowly grow into the full scene, with textures,furniture, and eventually basic lighting being added. However, an Environment Artist does not specifically refer to justfurnitureand rooms: landscapes, mountains, forests are all covered byEnvironment Art. Small dioramas also fit into this category or renders of entirebuildingsand stadiums. Whatever your project is, an Environment Artist will create the right setting for your vision.

Environment Artists will typically have a diverse skillset: using alpha maps, creatingmaterials, trim sheets,ZBrushmodeling, creating foliage, using game engines, and using baking processes for high polyprops.

The skills associated withEnvironment Arttend to be very adaptable: the skills involved lend themselves well toArchviz,Prop Art,Lighting, and on a very rare occasion,Character Art. Many Environment Artists will have a knowledge ofVFXandRendering, as these are often used to enhance a scene.

What is the most popular 3D software?

Software used forEnvironment Artcan vary based on the level of expertise and requirements of each project. Typically, a 3D artist will useMaya,3ds MaxorBlenderfor the3D modelingandUV Mapping, andZBrushfor some additional details, or for more organic 3D models.Substance Painterfor texturing and applying repeat materials.Adobe Photoshopis also utilised for more stylised textures, as it is known to be best for a hand-painted result, however,Substance Painterremains the most popular method. Many Environment Artists also useSubstance Designerto create their ownPBR materials, however, there is a wide range of materials currently available to all Substance subscribers, as well as a number of materials that can be found elsewhere, such as Gumroad, SubstanceShare, but if you need something more custom, then you come to the right place as we haveSubstance Designerspecialists! These materials can either be applied inSubstance Painteror inUnreal Engine. Finally, the prop will be used for set dressing for a game in an engine such asUnityorUnreal Engine, or alternativelyBlender, according to the layout designated by the level designer or concept.

How can I find an Environment Artist?

You have come to the right place! Our platform provides you with access to a plethora of environment artists that have specialties in producing a range of styles. You can get started bycreating a projectand our team can assist in finding the right artists for your project, or contact theCGHero Team.