iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Tanzillo

@michaeltanzillo.bsky.social

888 followers 141 following 306 posts

Head of 3D Technical Artists at Substance 3D | Adobe. Artist on animated films for 13 years. Co-founder Creator of The 3D Artist Newsletter and Community. Academy of Animated Art. Co-Author Lighting for Animation. linktr.ee/michaeltanzillo

Posts Replies Media

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Did you know they used to use fish scales in car paint?!?! In the 1930s, the first round of metallic paint was made with fish scales!!! I cover that, along with the entire history and process of automotive design, in the latest 3D Artist Newsletter article! 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-automot...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Automotive Deep Dive 02 - From Sketch to Steel: How a Car Actually Gets Designed

Where the process breaks down, why it still works anyway, and why car paint might be the hardest problem in the industry

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The 3D Artist Newsletter kicks off a new deep-dive series: Automotive. One of 3D's earliest, most aggressive adopters from CG cars in commercials to configurators to design teams running USD and VR daily. This is just the start. 3dartist.substack.com/p/start-here...

3dartist.substack.com

Start Here: 3D Automotive Design for 3D Artists

A new deep dive series into one of the most technically advanced 3D industries

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Thinking about making the jump to 3D fashion? www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dnR...

I Want to Work in 3D Fashion: The Guide for 3D Artists Looking for a Career Change

YouTube video by Michael Tanzillo

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

AI came up in The 3D Artist Community recently and instead of hot takes, I got something refreshingly real: working 3D pros across film, games, fashion, and product viz being genuinely honest about where things stand. Wrote it all up this week. 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-artists...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Artists + AI

Where things stand today

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

More 3D Job Openings Incoming!!!! BMW has multiple roles, Fanatics is paying up to $225K, and there’s a forensic visualization gig that could get you a Law & Order character based on you 3dartist.substack.com/p/more-3d-jo...

3dartist.substack.com

More 3D Job Openings Incoming!!!!

BMW has multiple roles, Fanatics is paying up to $225K, and there’s a forensic visualization gig that could get you a Law & Order character based on you

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

New article this week! We're going back to basics. The render engine is one of the most fundamental parts of any 3D pipeline, and also one of the least explained. So I explained it. Fair warning: Christopher Columbus did not make it out unscathed. 3dartist.substack.com/p/wtf-is-a-r...

3dartist.substack.com

WTF is a Render Engine?

What it is and why it’s the hidden reason 3D artists are better at AI than everyone else

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Your portfolio site should feel unique, not like you picked the least bad template. I built mine with Claude Code, GitHub, and Vercel. No coding background required. You just have to know what you want to say about yourself, which is worth figuring out anyway. 3dartist.substack.com/p/every-3d-a...

3dartist.substack.com

Every 3D Artist Needs a Better Portfolio Site. Here's How to Build One.

A Step-by-Step Guide Using Claude Code, GitHub, and Vercel for Free

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

This week's 3D job drop is a good one! Apple. Netflix. Amazon. Arc'teryx. Alo...and more! Swipe through and see what's out there. Full listings in the newsletter. 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-ope...

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

There's a new job title creeping into the industry and I think most of us have been doing it for years without a name for it. Creative Technologist. Apple is actively hiring for it. And it describes what 3D artists actually do better than "3D Artist" does. 3dartist.substack.com/p/the-rise-o...

3dartist.substack.com

The Rise of the Creative Technologist

A new role for 3D Artists

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

New 3D job openings are up on The 3D Artist newsletter. This week's list is all over the map...Nike footwear, Ford vehicle configurators, Roblox's internal creative studio, Mattel gaming, Fanatics collectibles and more! 3dartist.substack.com/p/even-more-...

3dartist.substack.com

Even More 3D Job Openings!

From Nike to Ford vehicle configurators to luxury furniture to Tesla’s app to a Roblox studio, the range this week covers nearly every corner of the industry.

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Most 3D artists moving into product work think the goal is still stunning visuals. It's really not. The real question is can an executive bet a bajillion-unit production run on what they're seeing on screen? That's the test. 3dartist.substack.com/p/trust-is-t...

3dartist.substack.com

Trust is the Secret Sauce to Fully Unlocking New 3D Workflows

What 3D Artists Get Wrong When Moving Into Commercial Product Work

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

LEGO, Adobe Substance 3D (x2), Hyundai, Stellantis, Sony, and a remote Tech Art role paying up to $520K. 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-openings-011

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

"It really sucks being a beginner again." 3dartist.substack.com/p/it-really-...

3dartist.substack.com

It Really Sucks Being a Beginner Again

And Why You Need to Get Used to It

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

More companies hiring 3D Artists! 10 open roles this week. Automotive, defense, fashion, finance, aerospace.... Swipe through and see what's out there. 3dartist.substack.com/p/more-3d-jo...

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Snippets from my trip to Honda North America in Torrence, CA for some Substance 3D training!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Eight weeks of deep dives on 3D motion graphics, all pulled into one ultimate guide for 3D artists thinking about making a career move. Let's do it! 3dartist.substack.com/p/the-ultima...

3dartist.substack.com

The Ultimate Guide to 3D Motion Graphics

For 3D Artists Thinking About Making a Career Move

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

More 3D Job Openings Incoming!! Here are 8 open roles worth knowing about this week. Swipe through and see if anything fits where you're trying to go. Here's the full article with links to apply! 3dartist.substack.com/p/companies-...

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Motion graphics isn't just hiring for technical skill. It's hiring for business value, and that changes everything about how you position yourself. Unlike at a game/VFX studio, your value isn't obvious. You have to demonstrate it. 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-motion-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Motion Graphics Deep Dive 06 - Breaking Into the Business

The Answers to the Question I Get Asked the Most

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

My plea to creatives to take a damn break sometimes. You will be a better artist for it.

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

More 3D jobs incoming! 3dartist.substack.com/publish/post...

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Motion graphics isn’t just creative. It’s a business. You’re not building a product. You’re solving a need. Fast. That’s why speed matters. This one was fun to write. Probably the most “real” part of the series so far. New deep dive ↓ 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-motion-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Motion Graphics Deep Dive 05: The Business of Motion Graphics

Up to this point, we’ve talked about history, tools, and workflows.

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

3D Jobs! ŌURA | Digital Sculptor (hardware + CAD) Garmin | Technical Artist (pipelines + real-time) GOLF+ | Technical Artist (Unity tools) Walmart | 3D eCommerce Artist Intangible | Content Designer (AI + 3D storytelling) Four Hands | Lighting Artist Full list 3dartist.substack.com/p/oura-garmi...

3dartist.substack.com

ŌURA, Garmin, Walmart are all hiring 3D Artists!

And more job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

If you come from film or games, motion graphics feels weird at first. In film, everything is specialized. In motion, one person might do everything. Smaller budgets = Shorter timelines = more generalists And that changes the whole game. New deep dive ↓ 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-motion-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Motion Graphics Deep Dive 04 - The Generalists

Why Motion Graphics Artists Do Everything

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Another interesting 3D job drop. Adobe | Head of 3D Business Development ($148K to $271K) GM | Technical Artist (materials, lighting, procedural worlds) Stellantis | Clay Modeler LA Clippers | Motion Graphics JP Morgan | Lead 3D Designer (eLearning) Full list 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-ope...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Job Openings at Adobe, General Motors, Stellantis, JP Morgan Chase, and more!!!

Job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

I'll be speaking at the Immerse Global Summit in San Francisco this April 14–15! Hope to see you there! luma.com/k5ypj9e9

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Most people think motion graphics = news graphics. It’s actually everywhere: Ads Social loops Tech launches Music visuals AR It’s becoming the visual language of the internet. And a huge opportunity for 3D artists. New Deep Dive: 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-motion-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Motion Graphics Deep Dive 03 - Where 3D Motion Graphics Is Actually Used

The many opportunities Motion Graphics unlocks

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

True true. But in this video, I am a 2D version of a person telling you I'm 3D.

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Another strong batch of 3D roles just dropped. Pottery Barn | CGI Art Director CLO | 3D Implementation Specialist PETA | Real-time 3D experiences (Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft) Bosch | GenAI + 3D Computer Vision HOLOGATE | Unreal Engine 3D Artist Full list 3dartist.substack.com/p/pottery-ba...

3dartist.substack.com

Pottery Barn, CLO, Peta, Bosch and More are hiring 3D Artists!

Job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Oh hai! Introducing myself to anyone new to the channel

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Another strong batch of 3D roles just dropped. Epic Games | Technical Artist Microsoft | 3D Modeler Crocs | Director of 3D ($160K to $170K) Unity | Senior Tech Artist Walmart | 3D Artist ($80K to $155K) Dior | 3D Fashion Designer Perron Studios | 3D Artist 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-ope...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Job Openings at Epic, Christine Dior Couture, Microsoft, Walmart, Crocs, and More!

Job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Let’s dive into the history of 3D motion graphics. When you animate something in Cinema 4D and send it to After Effects, it feels modern. But that workflow comes from nearly 100 years of experimentation with moving graphics. New Deep Dive: 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-motion-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Motion Graphics Deep Dive 01 - The History

A Brief History of Motion Graphics (And How 3D Took Over)

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Another big round of 3D jobs just dropped. Mattel | 3D Artist Ford | Customization Designer Roblox | Director of 3D Art ($297K to $347K) Under Armour | Sr. Digital Product Creator INDG | Senior Art Director Victorinox | 3D Artist and more! Full list 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-ope...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Job Openings at Mattel, Ford, Under Armour and more!

Job openings for 3D Artists!

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Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

New Deep Dive series incoming!!! This time we’re exploring 3D Motion Graphics. Motion graphics sits between graphic design and animation, and 3D has completely transformed the space. The series starts with a “Start Here” guide. 3dartist.substack.com/p/start-here...

3dartist.substack.com

Start Here: 3D Motion Graphics for 3D Artists

It's Time for Another Deep Dive Series...Let's Get Into It!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Another solid batch of 3D roles just dropped. Hugo Boss — Digital Materials Technical Artist McLaren — Senior Visualization Artist Roblox — Senior 3D Artist Nike — Expert 3D Footwear Designer (Jordan) Fashion, CPG, automotive, and space tech. Full list → 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-job-ope...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Job Openings at Hugo Boss, McClaren, Nike, Roblox, Procter & Gamble, & More!

Job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

“If I leave film or games for product or fashion… was all that time in 3D wasted?” No. You’re not starting over. You’re stacking. Entertainment builds serious 3D problem-solving muscle. That transfers further than you think. Full article: 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-artists...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Artists Switching Industries: You’re Not Starting Over

Why transitioning from entertainment 3D to real-world products is stacking, not resetting

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Strong list of 3D Job Openings this week! Nestlé — 3D CGI Artist (LATAM) Under Armour — Digital Materials Creator RTX — Real-time 3D VF Corp — Multiple 3D footwear innovation roles Nike — 3D Designer DigiMade — Beverage product viz Full list → 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-artist-...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Artist Jobs at Nestlé, Under Armor, & Bose

Plus even more job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

“Why do digital twins take so long to build?” Because you can’t cheat physics. You can’t cheat manufacturing. And you can’t fake alignment between modeling, shading, and lighting. Reality is detailed. Full breakdown here: 3dartist.substack.com/p/why-do-3d-...

3dartist.substack.com

Why Do 3D Digital Twins Take So Long to Build?

Why building a real Digital Twin takes more time than most people expect

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Big 3D week again. NVIDIA — Senior 3D Modeler (CAD → USD pipelines) $156K–$287K Apple — 3D Art Director, App Store $134K–$245K VF — Principal 3D Footwear Innovation $138K–$172K Genesis AI — Tech Artist (robotics + digital twins) xAI — 3D Specialist $60–$100/hr 3dartist.substack.com/p/3d-jobs-op...

3dartist.substack.com

3D Jobs Openings at NVIDIA, Apple, VF Corp

And even more job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Most 3D friction in large companies isn’t a software problem. It isn’t a talent problem. It’s infrastructure. Games were built digital-first. Fashion and product were not. 3dartist.substack.com/p/the-part-i...

3dartist.substack.com

The Infrastructure Problem Behind Modern 3D Work

Why talent and software are not the bottleneck in digital transformation

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

This week’s 3D job list is up! Apple ($181K–$318K) NVIDIA ($156K–$287K) Nike (3D Footwear + AI) Roblox ($133K–$163K) Meta ($127K–$182K) Shield AI ($146K–$218K) Procedural Houdini. Footwear 3D. Wearables. Cinematic Unreal work. Full breakdown + links → 3dartist.substack.com/p/apple-nvid...

3dartist.substack.com

Apple, NVIDIA, Nike, Roblox, Meta...ALL HIRING 3D ARTISTS!

And even more job openings for 3D Artists!

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Spent the last few months researching what it actually looks like for 3D artists to work in product and fashion. One pattern kept showing up: Learning 3D ≠ succeeding inside a large company. 3dartist.substack.com/p/the-gap-be...

3dartist.substack.com

The Gap Between Learning 3D and Working in a Large Company

What Tutorials Don’t Prepare You For in Real-World 3D Jobs

Reposted by Michael Tanzillo

Gnomon School @gnomonschool.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

What an amazing night with Pixar learning about RenderMan XPU in Toy Story 5! Thank you, Dylan Sisson, for the inspiring talk and to our community who filled the stage (some in costume)! #Gnomon #LAEvents #Pixar #RenderMan #art #technology #ToyStory5 #3DArt #filmmaking

Michael Tanzillo @michaeltanzillo.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Fresh batch of 3D jobs just dropped! Aerospace Automotive Footwear CPG Marketing, AI, digital twins, and more! Senior, mid-level, and internship roles...including some genuinely rare hybrid 3D + creative leadership positions. Full list + links → 3dartist.substack.com/p/a-3d-artis...

3dartist.substack.com

A 3D Artist Job Opening at a large aerospace company!

And even more job openings for 3D Artists!

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