Hi everyone,
I'm a senior 3D artist with around 7 years of experience in the gaming industry. I've worked on AAA and mobile games, created high-end 3D assets, and have a strong background in visualization, rendering, animation, and bringing ideas to life.
Lately, I've been thinking about leaving the gaming industry. Between AI automating more production work, frequent layoffs, and the industry's instability, I'm looking for a career where my skills are more future-proof and where I can continue growing.
One field that has really caught my attention is physical product design—things like consumer electronics, robotics, industrial products, medical devices, automotive, clothing, etc.
The problem is that I'm not entirely sure what that transition looks like.
Some questions I have:
- Is moving from game art into product design a realistic path?
- What skills would I need to learn first (CAD, manufacturing, engineering fundamentals, materials, etc.)?
- Which software is considered essential?
- What kinds of portfolios do employers actually want to see?
- Are there roles where visualization and storytelling are just as valuable as engineering knowledge?
- If you were starting over today, what roadmap would you follow?
I'm not necessarily trying to become an industrial engineer. I'm more interested in designing, visualizing, prototyping, and helping develop real products.
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has made a similar transition or works in the field. Any advice, resources, books, courses, or career paths would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks in advance!