Tips to Manage 3D models in a team environment

Fantastic 3D modeling results are achieved when your 3D model team can work together regardless of their 3D specialty skill set specialization i.e. 3D architectural models, 3D character models, furniture 3D models, human 3d models, etc. It is important that they have a clear understanding of your client's 3d modeling needs. In order to work or collaborate across different 3D modeling disciplines, you would need to actively manage and empower your 3D model team. Every person on your 3D team has a unique personality and expertise and what works for a 3D model artist specializing in 3D character models might not work for for a 3D software engineer specializing in creating 3D modeling software programs like Maya, 3DS, OBJ, DXF, FBX to name a few.

Teams that specialize in 3D computer graphic animations, 3D architectural model visualizations, and special effects have a wide set of skills that come from team members across several departments complemented with outside expertise and 3d model computer graphics.

These teams can include 3D modelers, rigging designers, motion capture, animators, texture & scenery designers, storyboard artists, software engineers, technical designers, etc.

3D modeling studios that specialize in 3d animation, 3D special effects and 3D model architectural visualization, need multi-disciplinary 3D model teams because no one person has all the answers or all the 3D modeling skill set that are required for the different kinds of 3D models needed. 3D modeling techniques are different depending on the areas a 3D modeler focuses on. For example, 3D furniture model, 3D character model, human 3d model, 3d architectural models, all require different skill sets.

Working and managing several types of creative teams with different personalities and 3D model skill sets can be very challenging. For example, 3D model artists and animators often work with software engineers that specialize in developing applications for 3D modeling, rendering, animation, and special effects software. Their personalities and skill sets are very different.

3D animators have excellent storytelling and computer animation skills while software engineers can effectively develop, implement, test, and support the 3D model software.

The secret to managing your 3D modelers is to empower them to become a high-performing 3d model team that can work with each other to be successful. In order to do this start by empowering each individual in your team.

EMPOWER YOUR 3D MODEL TEAM

A sports coach helps each player become the best team player, so that they can develop and use their talents together as a team and win the game. A 3D manager can also empower the team to win and meet the objective. There are many ways that a 3D model manager can empower their team including fostering trust, open communication, building pride, etc.

Every individual on your team is unique and what works for a 3D model artist might not work for a 3D software engineer. You know that your have empowered your team when they are truly convinced that whatever they have set out (as a team) will work. This empowerment creates excitement and unleashes your team's creativity.

GIVE YOUR 3D MODEL TEAM THE OVERALL DIRECTION, BUT LET THEM BE THE EXPERTS

Give your team the overall direction and stay back! Take the role of a coach rather than micro-manager. Steer your 3D team in the right direction towards achieving the best results. Ask for proof or clarification of without telling your team what to do. This will allow your team will collaborate with each other across disciplines and each team member will bring their own expertise to the table.

Any sort of rebuke or criticism without a clear purpose or specific situation will not be productive for your 3D model team.

MANAGE AND EMBRACE CHANGE

Movie directors and producers actively manage the film production process which very often requires many changes along the way. They work with actors, cameramen, set designers, costume designers, 3D special effect people, and 3D film editors to produce the final cut of the movie.

Your 3D specialty team (3D architecture model ,3D furniture model, human 3D model, 3D car model, 3D character model, etc) must also be ready to embrace and adapt to changes, such as getting outside tools and expertise, such as custom 3d modeling and rendering services that can customize 3d models and save time and money.

Change is an inevitable part of the process, especially when you are part of a multi-disciplinary team. Group members with very different 3D model skill sets, such as the 3D modelers that specialize in 3D architectural models versus those that specialize in 3D character models must learn how to work and collaborate with each other and be open to moving in a different direction.

Managing creative 3D teams, such as artist that create 3D animations, 3D architectural models and visualizations, and 3D special effects, is like to managing sports and entertainment teams, everyone must get together and work with each other in order to win.